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.

‘A UM Night Before Christmas’ Video Wins Top Honors for University of Mobile

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – A video featuring University of Mobile mascot Mac the Ram alone on campus during Christmas break won first place honors in the 2022 Baptist Communicators Association awards competition. 

“A UM Night Before Christmas” received first place in Audio-Visual Communication for Video: Storytelling (less than 1 minute) in the 58th annual Wilmer C. Fields Awards Competition of the Baptist Communicators Association (BCA). 

UM Christmas story

Watch “A UM Night Before Christmas” here.

The university earned second place in Video: Promotion (1-3 minutes) for “Know Your Calling: Nursing,” a video telling the emotional story of a student in the School of Nursing as she pursues her calling to become a nurse.

Watch “Know Your Calling: Nursing” here.

BCA is a professional organization of communicators within Baptist agencies and institutions across the world.

“A UM Night Before Christmas” tells the imaginary story of the university’s mascot, Mac the Ram, alone on campus during Christmas break, with a nod to the well-known Clement Clarke Moore poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” 

“Our goal for our annual Christmas video message from the university president was to produce a fun-to-watch, engaging video for 2021 that showcased the university in a unique way,” said Lesa Moore, vice president for marketing and public relations.

The university’s marketing team completed the project in just over two weeks using in-house staff and volunteer students.

University videographer/photographer Rovy Lopez directed, filmed and edited the video. Kathy Dean, assistant vice president for university communications, wrote the script. Moore and Heath Vester, creative director, oversaw production. Assisting with video shoots were Amanda Pritchard, graphic designer; Noah Walters, project manager; Avery Wilhite, communications assistant and Cindy Bruns, administrative assistant.

Know your calling: Nursing

“Know Your Calling: Nursing” is the first in a series of videos featuring actual University of Mobile students and alumni. The videos show the journey each person takes as they study, learn and grow at the University of Mobile.

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. 

See more UM videos on the university’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/universityofmobile.

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 Math Professor Susan Ling

by Kathy Dean
Susan Ling

Susan Ling likes the clarity of mathematics – the absolute right and wrong with no gray areas. 

“To me, math makes sense in a world where there is a lot of chaos,” says the assistant professor of mathematics at the University of Mobile.

She grew up in a home where both parents were math teachers – there were always math discussions around the house. Ling did well in the subject and tutored fellow students during high school – one of her first steps toward a career as a mathematics professor.

“I was – and still am – one of those people who would rather work a math problem than write a paper or discuss politics,” she says.

Math isn’t her only passion – whether she’s running a 5k with her daughters or on a bike ride with the whole family, she likes being outdoors.

“Being outside is where I feel closest to God. A morning run is where I have my best prayer time,” Ling says. “I want each and every person to know the Lord and walk with Him.”

Read on to learn how Ling became a mathematics professor and what you can do with a mathematics degree from this Christ-centered university.

Q. Why should someone choose to study mathematics at the University of Mobile?

A. Mathematics gives us the tools to explain and communicate the design of the world that God created. There are many options for a graduate with a degree in mathematics.

You can choose to work with people teaching, go on to graduate school for further study, or work in an industry in areas such as insurance or statistics. 

Q. How did you become a mathematics professor?

A. I am originally from Bay Minette, Alabama. I attended Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, where I received my bachelor’s degree in mathematics. I then earned my master’s degree in applied mathematics from the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

I spent several years working as an actuarial analyst at Liberty National Life Insurance in Birmingham. Actuarial science is a great field for someone with a degree in mathematics since it relies heavily on probability, algebra, calculus, finance, and computer skills.

I enjoyed the challenging work of an actuary. However, family and company changes brought me back to Baldwin County in 2006. I was an assistant professor of mathematics at the university level before coming to the University of Mobile in 2021.

Q. Why do you choose to teach in the College of Arts & Sciences at UM?

A. The students at UM are the NICEST students I have ever taught. I bragged on them all during my first year to anyone who would listen. (That’s what I like the most!) I choose to teach at UM because I love the atmosphere, coworkers and students.  

Q. What is your favorite class to teach?

A. In my first year at UM I taught several algebra courses (MA102, 110, and 112) and Structure of Mathematics (MA107). Structure of Mathematics is my favorite course to teach.

The course covers several different areas of mathematics that students are often not as familiar with, such as number theory, probability and statistics. Each area contains interesting real-world applications, and some really fun problems to work!  

Q. We say UM is a place where students can “Know and Be Known.” What does that mean to you?

A. It may take me a few weeks, but I will learn each student’s name, and usually where they are from and what they are interested in. The students will learn mathematics, but they will also learn that their professor cares about them as a person. 

Q. What are some of your other interests?

A. Whether it’s running a 5k with my daughters, or a bike ride or hike with the whole family, I enjoy being outside and active. I also lift weights, and take Pilates and Yoga classes.

My brain is constantly moving, and exercising clears my mind and keeps me sane. My first priority and passion are teaching my own three children.  

UM Prof Earns ‘Editor’s Choice’ Honors for Band Composition 

by Kathy Dean

Steve Dunn, associate professor of music and director of instrumental studies in the Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile, is a composer/arranger/orchestrator with approximately 300 works in catalogs of numerous publishing houses. J.W. Pepper, the largest distributor of sheet music in the world, just named his composition, “A New Horizon,” an “Editor’s Choice” selection as one of the year’s best new band compositions from all publishers. We asked Dunn to tell us more:

Mr. Steve Dunn

“We host the University of Mobile High School Honor Band on our campus every February. Starting with the 2014 Honor Band, I began an annual tradition of composing a piece for that group to premiere as part of their experience with us. The 2021 Honor Band was particularly challenging, occurring during the heart of the pandemic – the event was held under a half-open tent on our lawn, it was unusually cold and wet, but we DID manage to pull it off and were one of the only universities across several states to do so. It turned out to be a real success for us that bled over into record-high participation in this year’s Honor Band as well.” 

“Because of the circumstances, I wanted to compose something that would be upbeat, joyful and hopeful. I titled the piece ‘A New Horizon’ and it was well-received by the students. Carl Fischer, a well-regarded publisher of educational and professional music, accepted the piece and it was released in May of this year. I have had choral works over the years selected as a J.W. Pepper ‘Editor’s Choice,’ but this is my first work for band to be so named.”

The University of Mobile Honor Band will be held February 9-11, 2023. To learn more about UM Honor Band for students in grades 9-12, visit umobile.edu/honorband or email Steve Dunn at sdunn@umobile.edu. For more information about the Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile, go to umobile.edu/asota or call 251.442.2222.

Q&A with UM Physics Professor Salomon Itza

by Kathy Dean

Dr. Itza HeadshotOn a clear night, when the sky is bright with stars, you’re likely to find Salomon Itza setting up telescopes on the University of Mobile’s Great Commission Lawn.

The physics professor will be surrounded by students and local community members gathered for “Stargazing with Dr. Itza.” It’s a popular event held each semester when Itza shares his passion for astronomy – and helps others see the beauty of God’s creation in the night sky.

Itza’s own passion for physics started when he saw beauty in the practical application of mathematics.

“I started as a math major, but soon after college graduation I realized I would like to apply mathematics to situations, rather than only work on abstract mathematics,” said Itza, professor of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Mobile.

When the opportunity came to continue his studies, “I chose physics because it allowed me to continue enjoying mathematics, but also relate equations to physical situations; like observing that by applying a force on an object, the object may move at increasing steps, or simply F=ma,” he said.

We talked with the professor about physics and why he loves teaching at this Christian university.

Q. You have taught at UM since 2016. What is your background?

A. My background is theoretical atomic physics. This means I spent about six years on a desk with books, physics journals and computers, then I earned a PhD in physics at Tulane University in New Orleans.

Prior to that I had earned a Master of Science in particle physics and, before that, a Bachelor of Science in mathematics, both from schools in Merida, Mexico. After Tulane, I served two years at Kansas State University in the Physics Education Research Group. Thus, my passion for serving as a professor of physics.

Q. What is your particular area of interest?

A. My doctoral dissertation was to calculate how two electrons interact, specifically in the negative hydrogen ion and the helium atom. One of the books most cited on these topics is “Electron Correlation Dynamics in Atomic Collisions,” by J.H. McGuire, who was my doctoral advisor.

Q. What courses do you typically teach in UM’s College of Arts and Sciences?

A. I am responsible for teaching physics, physical science and astronomy courses. Some of these courses are designed for non-science majors, but others are for students who chose a career in the sciences, like pre-health biology, or mathematic majors.

My favorite course is calculus-based physics, the sequence PH-311 and PH-312, because of the use of calculus to derive fundamental physics equations. After all, physics is about problem-solving processes and not “plug-and chug.”

Q. Why do you choose to teach at the University of Mobile?

A. I like that at UM we are encouraged to share our faith with our students, in the classroom or out of it. We are encouraged to be servants, and our leadership demonstrates that by example.

I choose to teach at UM because I can share my passion for physics (and astronomy) along with sharing what I have learned from the Word of the Lord. Very often my students give me different perspectives, and thus I keep on learning, a never-ending process.

The University of Mobile Store Announces The U Crew for 2022-2023

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. –The University of Mobile Store announces the members of The U Crew for 2022-2023. The U Crew is an advisory student group for The University of Mobile Store, also known as “The U,” the official spirit store for the University of Mobile.

The U Crew members give feedback on potential new merchandise, have input on styles and designs, and have opportunities to model merchandise for university promotions. The U Crew members also post on social media about their favorite items and review merchandise. Students apply and go through an interview process to be selected for The U Crew, and members represent various majors and interests.

“The U is not just the official UM spirit store, but it was also created to serve the UM family and remind, inspire and reflect the values of the University of Mobile. Student representatives on The U Crew do that as well,” said Lesa Moore, vice president for marketing and public relations.

Karlie Welch, a freshman majoring in communication, said being on The U Crew lets her use her creativity and attention to detail.

“I’ve always had an eye for marketing and designing, which is why I changed my major to it,” Welch said.

Josh Naqvi, a freshman majoring in English, said being on The U Crew is “a fun and practical way to get involved at UM. I enjoy seeing the products at The U and would love to write about them. As an English major, writing is second nature to me.”

The U Crew for the 2022-2023 academic year includes:

Adi Argent of Clanton, Alabama, is a junior majoring in nursing in the School of Nursing/College of Health Professions. She is a UM Ambassador, intramural team Student Life leader, and a student-athlete on the women’s golf team.

Nathan Blake of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a junior majoring in music education in the Alabama School of the Arts.

Emily Creamer of Brewton, Alabama, is a sophomore majoring in business administration in the Grace Pilot School of Business. She is a member of Sofree, a female vocal ensemble in the Alabama School of the Arts.

Natoniya Ford of Birmingham, Alabama, is a freshman majoring in pre-health biology in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Allegra Fuller of Mobile, Alabama, is a sophomore majoring in vocal performance. She is involved in a variety of ensembles in the Alabama School of the Arts including the Alabama Repertory Company, the opera program and the University Singers.

Kaylee Hall of Dadeville, Alabama, is a junior majoring in philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is a small group leader at the university.

Maggie Leatherwood of Silverhill, Alabama, is a junior majoring in nursing in the School of Nursing/College of Health Professions. She is a member of the UM Spirit Squad.

Travis McKenzie of Maplesville, Alabama, is a sophomore majoring in psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences. He is a student-athlete on the men’s indoor/outdoor track and field teams and serves in the Army ROTC.

Joshua Naqvi of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a sophomore majoring in English in the College of Arts and Sciences. He is involved in the university’s Honors Program.

Payton Nelson of Deatsville, Alabama, is a sophomore majoring in music. She is a member of the Sofree female vocal ensemble and University Singers in the Alabama School of the Arts.

Emily Otts of Hartford, Alabama, is a sophomore majoring in worship leadership and art. She is a member of the Sofree female vocal ensemble in the Alabama School of the Arts and is in the university’s Honors Program.

Zoey Powell of Mobile, Alabama, is a sophomore majoring in pre-health biology in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Kallee Rowe of West Blocton, Alabama, is a senior majoring in biology in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is a member of Beta Chi.

Samantha Stewart of Perdido, Alabama, is a senior majoring in nursing in the School of Nursing/College of Health Professions.

Rose Wallace of Prattville, Alabama, is a junior majoring in applied mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is involved with the Campus Activities Board and is a member of the Spirit Squad.

Carlie Watkins of Deatsville, Alabama, is a senior majoring in intercultural studies in the Center for Christian Calling. She is involved in University Ministries, community groups, the UM Spirit Squad, Theta Alpha Kappa and will be a Ram Rush leader for incoming freshmen.

Molly Grace Watkins of Birmingham, Alabama, is a sophomore majoring in communication in the College of Arts and Sciences. She served as an intern in the university’s marketing and public relations office where she will be the communications assistant in the fall.

Karlie Welch of Monroeville, Alabama, is a sophomore majoring in communication in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is a member of the Symphonic Winds in the Alabama School of the Arts.

Sable Williams of Theodore, Alabama, is a senior majoring in software development in the Grace Pilot School of Business.

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.

The U Crew for 2022-2023, pictured front row from left, are: Emily Otts, Sable Williams, Allegra Fuller, Samantha Stewart, Zoey Powell, Natoniya Ford, Kaylee Hall and Payton Nelson. Back row: Nathan Blake, Adi Argent, Rose Wallace, Joshua Naqvi, Carli Watkins, Karlie Welch and Emily Creamer. Not pictured: Travis McKenzie, Maggie Leatherwood and Molly Grace Watkins.

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.

Dr. Pamela Buchanan Miller Named VP for Academic Affairs at University of Mobile

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – University of Mobile President Lonnie Burnett announced the promotion of Dr. Pamela Buchanan Miller to vice president for academic affairs.

Buchanan Miller served as assistant vice president for academic administration prior to being named interim vice president in February. She has more than 25 years of experience in higher education administration at the University of Mobile.

Dr. Pamela Buchanan Miller

“I have worked with Dr. Buchanan Miller for more than 20 years in many different areas of the university,” Burnett said. “She has always been a tireless worker with an amazing attention to detail. I am excited that she is moving into this important role.”

Buchanan Miller serves as the university’s institutional liaison to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. In the past, she has served as dean of UM’s Center for Adult Programs and UM Global, directed the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan titled “Writing Intensive Networks,” played a key role in the launch of UM’s online offerings, and taught English courses.

She has been the recipient of two of UM’s most prestigious faculty awards, the Mitford Ray Megginson Research Award and the Emma Frances Megginson Service Award. She serves annually as Scholastic Judge for Distinguished Young Women of Clarke County, Alabama.

Buchanan Miller holds a PhD in instructional design and development from the University of South Alabama where she was awarded the Dr. Chandru Hiremath Memorial Award for student doctoral achievement, and a Master of Arts in English and Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.

She is married to Bill. They are members of Dauphin Way United Methodist Church in Mobile.

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

Daughters Break Softball Win-Streak Record Set by Moms in 1997 at University of Mobile

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – When the undefeated University of Mobile Rams softball team beat Talladega College 8-0 in the first game of a conference double-header in March, outfielders Katie Head and Carleigh Bowden weren’t thinking about breaking records.

But their mothers were.

Lesley Head and Jennifer Bowden sat in the stands watching their daughters and teammates break a 28-win-streak all-time program record the moms had helped set as outfielders on the 1997 Rams softball team. Members of the 1997 team were also on hand to watch their 25-year record fall and cheer on the next generation of Rams softball standouts.

It was a proud moment for the mothers who had passed on to their daughters a love of the game – and a love for their alma mater.

“In 1997 when we set the win streak, I knew it would be very hard to break. Little did I know that my daughter would be a part of the team that would eventually tie, and then shatter, that record,” said Jennifer. “It was a very emotional day for me when I watched Carleigh and her teammates walk off the field that day with a new record. It brought back so many awesome memories of my years as a Ram.”

Lesley said it was “an awesome feeling and honorable moment for my very own daughter, and my best friend’s daughter who is like my own, to be on the team that broke the record. There’s not many, if any at all, mothers and daughters who can actually tell and share this type of story, but the four of us can and that’s something that can never be taken away.”

The 2022 team goes to the regional championship tournament Monday in Gulf Shores, Alabama as the No. 1 overall seed in the National Association of Intercollege Athletics (NAIA) world series – with an impressive 46-2 season and a new all-time program record of 34 consecutive wins.

SSAC Coach of the Year Alison Sellers-Cook said the 2022 team has a special chemistry that brings them together to win – and to love, support and encourage one another.

“They truly want each other to do well. I can’t tell you how many times my starters have come and said ‘put that kid in for me.’ The thing about college athletics – the bond you make in that college experience is something that lasts a lifetime,” Sellers-Cook said.

Carleigh said following in her mother’s footsteps hasn’t always been easy – Jennifer’s name is listed on the dugout “wall of awards” as All-Conference in 1997 and 1999. That’s where Carleigh wants to see her name, as well. Both Carleigh and Katie were named to the 2022 SSAC Softball Second Team All-Conference, and Carleigh was named to the All-Freshman team.

“Carleigh is a little fireball. She’s just gritty. She makes things happen. She does what she’s supposed to do and does it well,” said Sellers-Cook. “Katie is an absolute goofball. She keeps us entertained and keeps everything light.

“Both of them want to win. Both are a lot like their moms. They know what it takes to win; they know the drive and the heart and desire it takes to do it.”

Katie said she had always been told her mom was a pretty good ball player and outfielder and “naturally, I always felt that I had to be better, because we’re both so competitive.” When she learned her team had broken her mom’s 1997 team record, “my first thought about it was, ‘Oh cool, y’all aren’t the cool ones anymore; we are!’”

Both Lesley and Jennifer said they were thankful for their own experience as student-athletes at the University of Mobile and were overjoyed when their daughters chose UM.

Katie Head, Coach Alison Sellers-Cook, Carleigh Bowden

“It’s a pretty awesome feeling as a mom to have her daughter, who has worked so hard for so long, live out her dreams of being a college softball player – and see it all come to fruition at the same college that I went to,” Lesley said.

Katie agreed. “I love being able to say that I’m going to the same school that my mom went to, play on the same field she played on, and go to school playing the sport I love, like she did. There aren’t very many people that can say that, and I feel blessed to even be able to say those things.”

Katie is a junior majoring in kinesiology and plans to pursue a career in speech pathology or speech therapy. Carleigh is a freshman majoring in kinesiology with a pre-physical therapy concentration.

Carleigh said she chose UM because “when I went on a tour, it felt like home. The atmosphere and the people are amazing. Your professors get to know you on a personal level, which can come in handy if you are struggling with something in the classroom.”

Although she has just completed her freshman year, Carleigh said she has already built friendships that will last a lifetime.

“The girls on this team will always be there to help you when you need it. No matter what you’re going through, there will always be someone there beside you picking you up and cheering you on,” Carleigh said.

Carleigh’s mother said she treasures the friendships she made as a UM student, and she values the education she received as well.

“Having the experience to play at the University of Mobile had a huge impact on my life. I now use my physical education degree to teach and make an impact on the lives of students every day,” said Jennifer, who is a physical education teacher and softball coach at Saraland Middle School.

Meanwhile, the competitive spirit lives on.

When their daughters’ team broke the record, “I did make the comment that I thought our ’97 team could probably beat them,” said Jennifer. “They all, of course laughed. I really do think it would be a great game between two amazing teams.”

 

Watch an interview with the record-breaking moms and daughters here.

Banner picture from left: Jennifer and Carleigh Bowden, Katie and Lesley Head

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 Welcomes 3 Alumni to Board of Trustees

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. –  The University of Mobile welcomed three alumni to its Board of Trustees during its spring meeting.

New trustees include former Alabama Baptist State Convention President Tim Cox, pastor of Liberty Baptist Church in Chelsea, Alabama; Alabama Power Co. Project Manager Ron Moore; and Paul Carter, president and owner of The Paul Carter Agency Inc. of Mobile.

Tim Cox

Former Alabama Baptist State Convention President Tim Cox is a 1988 graduate of UM with a Bachelor of Arts in religion. In 2019 he was awarded the Doctor of Humane Letters from the university in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in service to Alabama Baptists.

Cox hold both a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served in ministry in Alabama since 1986 and has been senior pastor of Liberty Baptist Church in Chelsea, Alabama, since August of 1998. He and his wife, Dawn, live in Chelsea.

Ron Moore

Moore serves as project manager, existing industry economic & community development for Alabama Power Co. He graduated from the University of Mobile in 2003 with a Master of Business Administration. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Talladega College.

A member of Dauphin Way Baptist Church in Mobile, Moore and his wife, Shay, live in Theodore, Alabama.

Paul Carter is a 1982 UM graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. His daughter, Jami Carter Brannon, followed in his footsteps, graduating with the same degree in 2012.

 Paul Carter

Carter founded The Paul Carter Agency, a full-service insurance and real estate company in Mobile. He and wife, Missy, are members of Cottage Hill Baptist Church.

The University of Mobile Board of Trustees includes 18 members and one Life Trustee. Members are recommended by the university and appointed by the Alabama Baptist State Convention. 

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 Announces Top Faculty and Staff Awards and Promotions

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile’s highest faculty and staff honors, the Megginson Awards and Faculty Engagement Award, were announced May 3. The university also announced promotions and noted years of service during the awards event at the annual faculty and staff spring luncheon on campus.

Following the announcement of the prestigious awards for 2022, UM President Lonnie Burnett and College of Arts and Sciences Associate Dean Ted Mashburn emceed the lighthearted “Rammy Awards” where employees voted for peers to receive awards ranging from the Chaos Corraller Award, for the person who routinely turns everyone’s craziest ideas into workable plans, to the Air Fryer Award for the person who gets good work accomplished faster than most others.

The Megginson Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the university in the areas of teaching, research and service. Recipients are chosen by committees of peers from among nominations sent by students, faculty and staff. The recipients are honored for their character, ethics, accomplishments and contributions to the university.

The Faculty Engagement Award honors a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in student engagement inside and outside the standard classroom setting and intentionally fosters community among students. Recipients of this award are nominated by faculty and selected by a committee of peers.

The 2022 William A. Megginson Teaching Award was presented to Tammy Brown, assistant professor of nursing and chair of the undergraduate program in the School of Nursing, College of Health Professions.

The nomination cited Brown’s excitement and enthusiasm about teaching. A student wrote, “She adequately prepares us for our nursing role and explains the material in ways that we can understand. Mrs. Brown is compassionate, helpful and pushes you to do your best. She is always encouraging and full of motivation. Her classes helped fuel me for the rest of the nursing program.”

The 2022 Mitford Ray Megginson Research Award was presented to Dr. Gyro Newman, associate professor of communication in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Newman collaborated with research partners from colleges in Connecticut and Massachusetts to investigate the relationship between the use of social media and narcissistic personality traits. The research was published last year in “The Pennsylvania Communication Annual” under the title “An Exploration of the Effects of Media Use throughout Development and Adulthood on Narcissism.”

The 2021 Emma Frances Megginson Service Award was presented to Jeremy Harford, director of media and production, director of the Production Technologies program, and instructor in the Alabama School of the Arts.

“He cares about the needs and concerns of his students and fellow employees – constantly advocating for, mentoring and serving them. He is dedicated to growing students in the things that will help them in their careers but, more importantly, to growing them as people and followers of Christ,” his nomination read.

The 2022 Faculty Engagement Award was presented to Dr. Lori DeLong, dean of the School of Health and Sports Science in the College of Health Professions.

The associate professor of kinesiology was cited for dynamic teaching and work with the university’s Kinesiology Club. She leads the department in organizing an annual health fair that is open to the public. Her nomination praised her for speaking of her faith, adding that, “Most important is her testimony in the classroom, and she often speaks of integrity in her discipline. You can see students coming to talk to her and she is aware of the special situations of her students.”

Promotions and faculty receiving tenure were announced.

  • Pam Buchanan-Miller was promoted to vice president for academic affairs.
  • Glenn Hollingsworth was promoted to associate professor of marriage and family counseling in the College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Cassidy Cooper, associate professor of sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences, received tenure.
  • Sarah Barnes-Witherspoon, dean of the School of Nursing in the College of Health Professions, received tenure.
  • Larkisha Winbush was promoted to Chief Information Officer.

Service awards were presented to faculty and staff for years of service. Employees are honored at five-year marks.

30-Year Service Award: Barbara Greene, Uwe Tittl

25-Year Service Award: Dr. Katherine Abernathy, Debra Adams, Freda Jemison

20-Year Service Award: Eileen Gardner, Cindy Godwin, Lesa Moore, Brian Person, Dr. Jay Robertson, Kristie Sanders

15-Year Service Award: Phillip Counselman, Dr. Troy Henderson, Sally Shouppe, Darlene Smith, Dr. Amy Taylor

10-Year Service Award: Dana Allen, Dr. Matthew Downs, Steve Dunn, Jeremy Harford, Dr. Kathryn Hedlund, Paige Hill, Dr. Gyro Newman

5-Year Service Award: Dr. Steven Bowersox, Tammy Brown, Collin Clardy, Andrew Goodwin, Abbie Henderlight, Aprle James, Dr. Curtis Mathis, Michael Rands, Alison Sellers-Cook, JaRaven Todd, Heath Vester, Alison Wilks

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.

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