Author: Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and "playing with words" to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck: University of Mobile is ‘Standing Firm on the Truth’

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – We are commanded by God to stretch our hearts for one another, and our “slingshot hearts” can launch great things, said Emmy Award-winner Elisabeth Hasselbeck at the 16th University of Mobile Leadership Banquet.

“This evening, we get to stretch in order to launch young learners with an opportunity to be part of this incredible university,” the former co-host of The View and Fox & Friends told an audience of more than 500 University of Mobile supporters gathered for a gala evening Oct. 26 at the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center.

UM alumna and Fox10TV’s Studio 10 co-host Chelsey Saysane Sklopan emceed the annual event that raises funds for the Christ-centered university. Students in the acclaimed Voices of Mobile vocal ensemble performed a variety of songs including “Beulah Land” and the a cappella “God is Able.” Newly crowned Miss University of Mobile 2023 Michaella Johnson welcomed the audience. 

UM President Lonnie Burnett thanked guests for being a “Partner for Purpose” and supporting UM’s mission of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose.”

Hasselbeck spoke about “Contenting – a word that has been seared on my heart.” 

“Contenting – camping out in the good – is a mind set and a heart set in the good of God’s promises. Contenting is the assurance that we have a good God with a good plan, and that we have a good purpose on this earth,” she said.

It is standing firm because we stand on the truth of God’s promises, contenting in the identity that we are His, fully known and fully loved, she said.

“I’m really thankful to know there is a university such as this right here in Mobile, Alabama, that is standing firm on the truth,” Hasselbeck said. “Students right here in Mobile are contenting in the good that there is a room full of slingshot hearts here today – willing to stretch and therefore launch them into their complete potential here on earth. And then they get to be slingshots themselves for the next generation, and so on and so on.”

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher 
Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their 
future professions in an environment where they are known. To become a Partner for Purpose and support the students and programs of the university, please visit umobile.edu/give.

Hasselbeck graduated from Boston College in 1999, where she played Division I softball and majored in studio art. After graduating, she designed footwear for PUMA. In 2002, she competed in the popular television reality show, Survivor: The Australian Outback, taking fourth place.

For the next 10 years, she co-hosted the daytime talk show, The View, on ABC and became an Emmy Award recipient. In 2013, Hasselbeck joined FOX & Friends where she served as a co-host for two years.

Hasselbeck is married to former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Tim Hasselbeck, and they have three children.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Dream Job: Kei Martin

by Kathy Dean

Kei Martin, BSN, MSN-FNP
Clinical Lead Advanced Practice Provider
DispatchHealth
Bachelor of Science in Nursing ’15
Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner ’19
Currently Enrolled, Doctor of Nursing Practice

Not only is nursing a science, but it is also an art. You must know the science to be a nurse, but you also have to know the art of nursing to make an impact. -Kei Martin ’15 & ’19

I think initially I was inspired to become a nurse because I loved taking care of people but was also a thrill seeker. I became an ER nurse for several years to satiate that thrill-seeking mentality, when I was inspired by the nurse practitioners I worked with. I knew I could do more for my patients if I became one. 

Now that I’m an NP, I am inspired by the leadership I work with who are innovative and change makers. I love being a part of a medical model that shakes up what we currently know. 

Between working for a company that encourages innovation and pursuing my Doctor of Nursing Practice with the University of Mobile, I am inspired by the process of recognizing the need for change and learning the steps on HOW to make impactful changes in health care.

Q. Where has your career taken you since you graduated from the University of Mobile?

A. Since graduating from UM, I have worked in many states as a travel nurse (AL, TN, FL, CA) and made my way out to Washington state as a nurse practitioner. I have been able to assist with a home health pilot that my company now uses regularly, and am still a part of some ongoing clinical trials/pilots to improve clinical processes and outcomes for our patients. Earlier this year, I pursued a leadership opportunity with DispatchHealth as the Clinical Lead Advanced Practice Provider (APP) and was transferred to Orange County, California. By stepping into a leadership capacity, I felt led to pursue a doctorate to better serve in my current clinical lead role. I am currently enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program with UM. 

Q. What is a typical day like?

A. I work for a mobile medical company where our goal is to keep patients “Healthy at Home.” We are able to provide high acuity interventions and care to patients who otherwise would seek ER or urgent care services. My role is to ensure that quality and safe care is delivered by the providers in my market. I work closely with my company to deliver policies/procedures and ensure clinical competencies. 

My typical day is variable. Sometimes I am providing patient care in homes, and other times I am interviewing, hiring, training and chart auditing for the local clinical team, or participating in growth and marketing meetings. It’s exciting – and challenging! I love being able to provide high-level care and interventions to patients in their homes.

Q. What are some of the most important things you gained from your UM experience?

A. I would say that my University of Mobile experience has been and still is one of the most supportive learning environments. I think it is a beautiful and rare thing to enter a class where you know you’re prayed for by the instructors. The professors and staff at UM care about your success, and I think that has meant the most to me. 

I’ve always been a goal setter and, each step of the way, I’ve been encouraged and challenged to keep pursuing my goals, even through failure. When I didn’t get my “dream job” out of my undergraduate studies, I was given the advice that when a door closes on you, God opens a window. And what a wonderful window life has been! Now I think back fondly on not getting that job I pined over for months, because it would have never allowed me the opportunity to pursue things I never knew would become my “dream job!” 

Another piece of advice from UM that has been profound in my career is that not only is nursing a science, but it is also an art. You must know the science to be a nurse, but you also have to know the art of nursing to make an impact.

Q. What advice would you give to UM School of Nursing students?

A. Apart from the education, my favorite part of my experience at the University of Mobile is the friends I have made along the way. I met my lifelong friends in undergrad and in nursing school who I now consider my family. It has been the most fun doing life with the people whom I met through UM, even if we are all sprinkled in different states these days. 

The advice I would give to students at UM would be: Be yourself and you’ll find your people. We all have something to offer this world, and you make it better by educating yourself and pursuing your passions. If you let it, your time at the University of Mobile will help shape your worldview with a higher purpose. 

‘Stand Up For Your Convictions’: UM Leadership Banquet Oct. 25

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – From designing shoes to surviving “Survivor: The Australian Outback” to not surviving “The View,” Elisabeth Hasselbeck has learned more about standing up for her convictions in the public eye than she ever thought she would when she applied for a reality TV show on a whim two decades ago. 

The noted Christian speaker, Emmy-Award winning national talk show host and New York Times best-selling author will share her story at the University of Mobile Leadership Banquet on Tuesday, Oct. 25. Tickets are on sale now.

Among many other accomplishments, Hasselbeck is the author of “Point of View: A Fresh Look at Work, Faith, and Freedom” and the children’s book “Flashlight Night: An Adventure in Trusting God.”

Reserve Your Tickets Now

Tickets are still available for the university’s main fundraising event of the year. Tickets and tables may be purchased at umobile.edu/banquet, or call the Office for Advancement at 251.442.2913.

The banquet begins Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Mobile at the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center. A VIP reception with Hasselbeck will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Hasselbeck will share her failures, triumphs and lessons learned as God was at work in her life to show His point of view. Entertainment is provided by the students from the Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile.

Become a ‘Partner for Purpose’

The evening is a celebration of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose” and the many supporters who partner with the Christ-centered university located in north Mobile County.

“When you partner with the University of Mobile by becoming a sponsor or purchasing tickets to the Leadership Banquet, your support helps students fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. You become a ‘Partner for Purpose,’” said Brian Boyle, vice president for advancement and a graduate of the university.

The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 as Mobile College with the purposing of honoring God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 75 academic programs and has one of the largest athletic programs in the NAIA.

More About Elisabeth Hasselbeck

Elisabeth Hasselbeck graduated from Boston College in 1999, where she played Division I softball and majored in studio art. After graduating, she designed footwear for PUMA. In 2002, she competed in the popular television reality show, Survivor: The Australian Outback, taking fourth place.

For the next 10 years, she co-hosted the daytime talk show, The View, on ABC and became an Emmy Award recipient. In 2013, Hasselbeck joined FOX & Friends where she served as a co-host for two years.

Hasselbeck is married to former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Tim Hasselbeck, and they have three children.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

An Honorary Fellow: H. Austill Pharr

by Kathy Dean

By all accounts, H. Austill Pharr Sr. was a likeable, friendly fellow.

“Austill was easy to know. He had a warm, outgoing, engaging personality and attracted friendships. I doubt that any person in the history of Mobile ever had more friends than he,” said J. Finley McRae, chairman of the board of Merchants National Bank in Mobile at the dedication ceremony for then-Mobile College’s new H. Austill Pharr Gymnasium, held Nov. 17, 1968.

It was a ceremony Pharr wouldn’t live to see. He died at age 76, exactly one year to the day before members of the Association of Honorary Fellows – an organization he helped create – gathered to dedicate Pharr Gym.

Mobile College President William K. Weaver Jr. described the First Baptist Church of Mobile deacon, Mason and Kiwannian by quoting from Rudyard Kipling’s “If –.” 

“I believe that Mr. Pharr knew truly how to ‘walk with kings, nor lose the common touch.’ The development of Mobile College is made possible by the vision and dedication of its founders, among whom Mr. Pharr stood very, very tall,” said Weaver.

A bronze plaque in the gym bears the inscription: “Dedicated in Memory of H. Austill Pharr, Christian Gentleman, Civic and Business Leader, Friend and Trustee of Mobile College.”

Today, the H. Austill Pharr Endowed Scholarship provides scholarships for deserving students who show “promise of future leadership.”

Who was H. Austill Pharr?
An Honorary Fellow: H. Austill Pharr

Pharr was born in Buena Vista, Alabama, an unincorporated community in Monroe County. He graduated in 1910 from Marion Military Institute and started his career in banking as a runner at the Bank of Mobile. He worked his way up the ladder, becoming chairman of the board of First National Bank of Mobile. A city leader in industrial development, city planning and education, in 1958 Pharr was named “Mobilian of the Year” in honor of his many civic, cultural and charitable activities.

In 1961 he became a founding trustee of Mobile College and served as chairman of the finance committee. As this friendly, successful, civic-minded business leader took an interest in the new college that Alabama Baptists were creating, so did his extended circle of friends and business associates. 

At the suggestion of college president William K. Weaver Jr. and A. Garrett Hill, the college’s first chemistry professor, Pharr invited a group of like-minded male business leaders of Mobile to a luncheon meeting in the First National Bank board room. On Dec. 7, 1966, the Association of Honorary Fellows of Mobile College was born. 

The Honorary Fellows

For a young college that had yet to graduate its first class of alumni and therefore lacked the support an alumni base generally provides a school, the Honorary Fellows filled the gap. Their prime objective was not so much to raise money as it was to raise community awareness of the new Mobile College. 

Like the Mobile College Auxiliary, the women’s group of supporters started a few years earlier by the college’s First Lady, Annie Boyd Parker “B” Weaver, the Honorary Fellows developed a variety of ways to support the school. Among their early initiatives was the custom of inviting male members of the graduating class for a luncheon at the International Trade Club. (In later years, the Honorary Fellows would expand its membership to include women. Throughout the years of its existence, the organization’s goal remained the same – to advance the well-being of the University of Mobile.)

When Pharr passed away in 1967, the Honorary Fellows launched a campaign to raise $200,000 to build a gym at the new college. Another $175,000 of capital funds was provided by The Alabama Baptist State Convention. 

Original Faculty and Staff
An Honorary Fellow: H. Austill Pharr
Boar’s Head Festival
Boar’s Head and Beyond

When the first students enrolled in 1963, one building housed everything the new college would need for the first few years. The three floors of what is now William K. Weaver Hall included classrooms, offices, library, cafeteria, auditorium and – on the top floor – the college’s gym.

The construction of Pharr Gym gave the young college room to grow.

Just as Weaver Hall served multiple purposes in those early years, so did Pharr Gym. In addition to housing intramural and, later, intercollegiate athletic programs, the gym was the first home of the college’s Boar’s Head Festival. The musical celebration of a medieval Christmas feast was started in 1971 by beloved music professor Dr. Kenneth Bergdolt and continued for almost 30 years.

It was also home to one of the more unusual faculty stories in the school’s history.

The Acrobatic Professor

An old black-and-white photo taken in front of the administration building in 1963 pictures the first faculty, staff and administrators of Mobile College. On the first row, 3rd from the left, is Dr. Gene Perkins. 

Acrobat Professor

For most of the 48 years he taught health and physical education at UM, Perkins had an office in Pharr Gym. By the time he retired in 2011 as the last remaining charter faculty member, Perkins left behind some of the most unusual stories of any UM professor and a life that illustrated the benefits of physical fitness.

The professor had walked up three flights of stairs on his hands to get to class. Before a crowd of students, he balanced upside down on one finger jammed into a Coca-Cola bottle. The day before his 80th birthday, he challenged students to a physical stamina test – and won. A photo in his Pharr Gym office pictured one of his most amazing feats – balancing upside down by one finger on a block of wood.

A graduate of Murphy High School in Mobile, Perkins had served as a physical training instructor in the U.S. Navy, performed acrobatic stunts at USO show and in circus stage acts, and coached gymnastics at Baylor before joining the Mobile College faculty. 

Pharr Gym Today

Today, the University of Mobile has one of the largest NAIA programs in the nation with 21 competitive sports, seven NAIA national championships, and over 350 student-athletes. Pharr Gym has undergone many updates throughout the years – recent additions include new bleachers, sound system, locker rooms and more. The men’s and women’s basketball programs and women’s volleyball program call Pharr Gym “home” as UM cheerleaders and Spirit Squad lead the crowd in shouts of “Go Rams!”

1971
Pharr Gym Today
2022
Pharr Trivia Question

One question remains about H. Austill Pharr – what does the “H” stand for?

A deep dive into the university’s archives reveals the answer. H. Austill Pharr’s first name was a family name, handed down through generations: “Hurieosco.” 

UM Legacy: People of the Halls

The UM Legacy story collection celebrates the rich history of the University of Mobile by sharing the stories of people past and present who helped make UM what it is today. This story is part of the “People of the Halls” series spotlighting the people behind the names of the buildings and sports facilities at the University of Mobile. Read more UM Legacy stories at umobile.edu/umlegacy.

McGill-Toolen, Bayside Academy Earn Honors at UM Brain Battle

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile campus was the site of an epic intellectual battle on Sept. 15 when students from Mobile and Baldwin counties competed in the third UM Brain Battle Tournament. At the end of the day, McGill-Toolen students held the coveted trophy, along with the title of UM Brain Battle Champions. 

Bayside Academy earned second place honors at the event. More than 70 students from eight high schools gathered on the UM campus to compete on 12 teams for the scholars bowl tournament. The UM Brain Battle is a qualifier for NAQT’s High School National Championship Tournament.

Participating schools also included Barton Academy, UMS-Wright, Cottage Hill Christian Academy, Satsuma High School, Alma Bryant High School and Gulf Shores High School.

Tournament coordinator Amy Burdette said the University of Mobile Brain Battle brings together some of the best and brightest students from the community for a day of mind-stretching fun.

“At the University of Mobile, we believe we can make a difference in our community, and we are dedicated to serving our city and its young scholars,” said the English instructor in UM’s College of Arts & Sciences.

University faculty served as moderators for the event. 

“No tournament is successful without amazing moderators,” Burdette said. “Our faculty brought energy, excitement pizazz, poise and incredible enunciation skills to the table!”

UM students volunteered to serve as scorekeepers and timekeepers.

“All the student volunteers were invaluable to this tournament’s success. Our UM students truly embody service in Christ and in our community,” Burdette said.

Burdette said Chick-fil-A joined the tournament as a corporate sponsor.

“They generously provided 150 chicken biscuits to our competing scholars, coaches and volunteers,” Burdette said. “We are so blessed that our tournament is becoming more successful every semester.”

For more information about the University of Mobile Brain Battle, visit umobile.edu/brainbattle.

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

New College Woods Center Opens for Events at University of Mobile

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile announces the opening of College Woods Center, a new event space for the university that is also available to the Mobile area community.

The first public event at College Woods Center is the university’s Alabama School of the Arts production of one of the most beloved musicals of all time, “The Sound of Music.” Performances begin at 7 p.m. Sept. 29-30 and Oct. 1, and at 3 p.m. on Oct. 2. Tickets are available at umobile.edu/pas.

College Woods Center is located adjacent to the university campus on College Woods Parkway, off I-65 at Exit 13. The facility features College Woods Auditorium and meeting rooms providing flexible spaces that can be arranged to offer a variety of seating options.

In addition to serving as a venue for theatre and music performances, the space offers the Mobile area community a new site to book for corporate meetings and conferences, as well as church and community banquets and events.

UM President Lonnie Burnett said the university initially purchased the former College Park Baptist Church facility with 13 acres in 2012, then leased the 28,400-square-foot building. In May 2022, the university began major renovations to create an on-campus performance space, additional classrooms and offices for faculty and staff. 

The creation of College Woods Center also expands options for event spaces in the Mobile area that are available for rent. Catering services are available through MMI Dining, the university’s food service provider.

“College Woods Center provides opportunities for the University of Mobile to partner with the community by providing flexible spaces at a reasonable cost for businesses, community groups, churches and more,” Burnett said.

College Woods Center includes:

  • College Woods Auditorium – A 400-seat auditorium with stage featuring state-of-the-art lighting and sound. The auditorium may also be arranged to accommodate banquet seating for over 200.
  • Central Meeting Room – A large meeting room offers seating for up to 150, or banquet seating for 120.
  • Breakout Rooms – Smaller rooms provide space for break-out sessions or small group meeting spaces.
  • Catering Services Available – Catering is available through the university’s food service provider, MMI Dining.

The university continues to renovate additional areas to provide more classroom and office space, plus create new spaces that can be booked for community use.

For more information on the College Woods Center, visit umobile.edu/cwc. To book a space, call 251.442.2201.

For more information about 2022-2023 Performing Arts Series presented by the Alabama School of the Arts, visit umobile.edu/pas. 

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

University of Mobile Freshman to Compete in XII South American Games in Paraguay

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – University of Mobile freshman Fedra Florentin didn’t throw a shot put until high school, when all students were required to try every sport one time. Her first throw went two meters further than anyone else’s – and changed the direction of her life.

On Sept. 27 – Oct. 15, she will represent her home country of Paraguay in the shot put competition at the XII South American Games.

It will be the largest multi-sport event in the history of Paraguayan sport. Florentin is “a key athlete for us in our competition plan,” the Paraguayan Olympic Committee wrote to UM, requesting the student-athlete’s attendance. 

The 21-year-old holds the national record in Paraguay for the shot put in the under-23 category, at 14.22 meters. This will be her sixth time competing on the Paraguay National Team in the South American Games – she started competing at age 16 – but it’s the first time the games will be held in her home country. 

“To compete for my country is an honor for me, and at the same time it’s a responsibility. I want to put my country in a good position. It’s not just me – I represent my whole country,” Florentin said.

She is also a standout on the University of Mobile’s outdoor track and field team. Her personal best at UM for shot put is 13.77 meters. Last spring, she qualified for the national championship tournament for the NAIA and was named Field Freshman of the Year for the SSAC.

“We have a reputation at the University of Mobile of having a very successful program in the NAIA,” said Andy Canegitta, head men’s and women’s cross country/track & field coach. Having an elite athlete such as Florentin on the Rams team “solidifies the message that this is a program that will be competitive each year. We bring in the top athletes from everywhere and develop them to be successful in the sport and academically.”

A friend on UM’s track & field team told her about the Christ-centered university in Alabama, and Florentin was offered a scholarship.

“I like it a lot. People here are nice. They are helpful. It’s easier to be so far from home because the people here, they are kind,” she said.

Florentin’s goal is constant improvement. When spring semester and UM’s track and field season ended in May, her season started in Paraguay. This summer she threw her best mark, a national record – again.

Dr. Lori DeLong, dean of the School of Health and Sports Science where Florentin majors in exercise science, described her “a very focused and determined student-athlete. She began her career at UM last spring setting athletic records, and she brings that same passion to her academic career.”

Coach Canegitta said Florentin is not only a top athlete, she is “a very funny person. She’s a joy to be around, and she’s a friend to everyone. And she’s strong – really strong.”

To prepare for the South American Games, Florentin practices throwing one hour a day, then lift weights at the university’s new J.L. Bedsole Sports Performance Center.

“I enjoy training on the weights, to be better and better every day. It’s a healthy way to live,” she said.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Q&A with UM English Instructor Amy Burdette

by Kathy Dean

There are a lot of misconceptions about majoring in English – that it simply consists of writing too many papers and reading very old pieces of boring literature.

“The English Department at the University of Mobile is here to shatter those misconceptions,” says Amy Burdette, instructor of English in UM’s College of Arts & Sciences.

Studying English at UM is fun – and it is relevant, she says.

“We make it fun – and busy – for our English majors. You can truly find your people, here, and have the best experience. There are opportunities for travel, scholarship, creative writing, fun events (Bad Poetry Night), and university-wide exposure (our annual read-a-thons).”

Burdette says studying English nurtures your curiosity and gives you the critical reading and writing skills to apply and use throughout your life. Also, considering the flexibility of an English degree in the professional world, it opens the door for a plethora of job opportunities — editing, teaching, communication or public relations roles, law school, technical writing, grant proposals and much more.

Read on to learn more about majoring in English at the University of Mobile.

Q. What do you love about your field of study?

A. I love that the human condition has never changed, and we can still equate our own human experiences today with literature that is literally thousands of years old. It’s awesome to make those connections with my students, which allows me to get to know them on a deeper level. I hope to spread my passion for literature and writing by making it interesting, fun and lively in the classroom. That is why I have students who stick with me from EN 101 all the way into their upper-level literatures.

Q. What is your favorite literary work?

A. My absolute, all-time favorite piece of literature is anything by Tennessee Williams, especially A Streetcar Named Desire. I even teach it in EN 102, and my students love it!

Q. Why do you choose to teach at UM?

A. We are a small-knit community and know our students on a more personal level. This, in turn with smaller class sizes, allows us to work closely with our students to ensure their success in any one of our specialized programs.

I honestly love the camaraderie I have with my fellow colleagues. Some of them have turned out to be my closest friends. Our children are even close. This couldn’t be a better work environment as far as people go. The inclusiveness and approachability of faculty and staff make this a truly special place to work.

Q. UM offers “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose.” What does that mean to you?

A. My favorite scripture is Numbers 6:24-26 – “We all have different gifts, each of which came because of the grace God gave us. The person who has the gift of prophecy should use that gift in agreement with the faith. Anyone who has the gift of serving should serve. Anyone who has the gift of teaching should teach” (Romans 12:6-7).

Look, I know they say, “Those who can’t, teach.” Yet, my outlook on this is far different. I can do which is why I teach. I can give my students the belief that literature is, in fact, relevant, especially regarding the human condition and universal experiences. I can help my students become comfortable in open classroom conversation. I can ensure they walk away having learned at least one thing, even if it’s that “Orgon (from Moliere’s Tartuffe) has drunk the Kool-Aid” or “Who names their kid Hamlet?”

The point is, Higher Education at the University of Mobile becomes inspirational for our students and allows them the confidence to feel accomplished in their lives not only academically and professionally, but spiritually as well. They remember their professors and will hopefully look back with a humble graciousness to serve the Lord and their communities.

Q. What is your academic background?

A. I received my Bachelor of Arts in theatre from the University of South Alabama where I also minored in English. After graduating cum laude, I earned a Master of Liberal Arts from Spring Hill College with a 3.94 GPA in under two years.

Q. What are some of your interests?

A. I enjoy spending time with my family and watching a good documentary. I also love to work out and go for long runs. It is such a great stress reliever for me ,and I hope to demonstrate a healthy lifestyle for my babies. I thrive on family time and travel. I have been married to my husband, Evan, for over 10 years and we have three beautiful children to show for it.

University of Mobile Leadership Banquet set for Oct. 25 with Elisabeth Hasselbeck

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – Emmy Award winner and former Fox & Friends co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck will be in Mobile Oct. 25 as the featured speaker for the 16th University of Mobile Leadership Banquet.

Tickets are available now for the university’s main fundraising event of the year set in downtown Mobile at the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center. Students from the university’s Alabama School of the Arts will perform as supporters gather to celebrate the university founded in 1961 as Mobile College.

The UM Leadership Banquet begins with a VIP reception at 5:30 p.m. The banquet starts at 6:30 p.m.  Individual tickets are $150 and sponsorships start at $1,500. Higher-level sponsorships include an opportunity to meet Hasselbeck during a VIP reception prior to the banquet, with priority seating at the event. 

Tickets and sponsorships are available at umobile.edu/banquet, or contact the Office for Advancement at 251.442.2587.

‘Partner for Purpose’

The evening is a celebration of the Christ-centered university founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. 

“When you partner with the University of Mobile by becoming a sponsor or purchasing tickets to the Leadership Banquet, your support helps students fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. You become a ‘Partner for Purpose,’” said Brian Boyle, vice president for advancement and a graduate of the university.

Survivor: The Australian Outback

Hasselbeck graduated from Boston College in 1999, where she played Division I softball and majored in studio art. After graduating, she designed footwear for PUMA. In 2002, she competed in the popular television reality show, Survivor: The Australian Outback, taking fourth place.

For the next 10 years, she co-hosted the daytime talk show, The View, on ABC and became an Emmy Award recipient. In 2013, Hasselbeck joined FOX & Friends where she served as a co-host for two years.

Hasselbeck is married to former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Tim Hasselbeck, and they have three children.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

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