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.

University of Mobile Earns Top Rankings in Niche’s 2022 Best Colleges

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The popular ranking and review site Niche.com gave the University of Mobile top marks across a variety of categories in its 2022 Best Colleges rankings of public and private universities in Alabama. Among the rankings are #1 Best College Dorms in Alabama, #1 Best College in Mobile and Top 10 universities in Alabama.

The site includes data for 4,136 colleges nationwide. Niche ranked colleges throughout the United States in more 50 categories, then broke those rankings down by state and city.

The Best Colleges ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni, according to Niche.

National rankings for the University of Mobile include:

#19 Best College Dorms in America https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-college-dorms/

#22 Best College Campuses in America https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-college-campuses/

Top 10 Alabama rankings for the University of Mobile include:

#1 Best College Dorms in Alabama https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-college-dorms/s/alabama/

#1 Best College in the Mobile Area https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges/m/mobile-area/

#2 Best Small Colleges in Alabama https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-small-colleges/s/alabama/

#2 Safest College Campuses in Alabama https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/safest-colleges/s/alabama/

#2 Best College Campuses in Alabama https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-college-campuses/s/alabama/

#3 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-christian-colleges/s/alabama/

#4 Colleges with the Best Student Life in Alabama https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-student-life/s/alabama/

#4 Best College Food in Alabama https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-college-food/s/alabama/

#5 Best Colleges for Psychology in Alabama https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-psychology/s/alabama/

#5 Best Colleges for History in Alabama https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-history/s/alabama/

#6 Best Colleges in Education for Alabama https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-education/s/alabama/

#7 Best Colleges in Alabama https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges/s/alabama/

#8 Best Colleges for Business in Alabama https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-business/s/alabama/

#9 Best Value Colleges in Alabama https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-value-colleges/s/alabama/

#9 Best Colleges for Nursing in Alabama https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-nursing/s/alabama/

#10 Colleges with the Best Academics in Alabama https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-college-academics/s/alabama/

#10 Most Diverse Colleges in Alabama https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/most-diverse-colleges/s/alabama/

Complete Niche rankings for the University of Mobile are at https://www.niche.com/colleges/university-of-mobile/rankings/.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers 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 Art Professor Philip Counselman

by Kathy Dean

As a college freshman at the University of Mobile, Philip Counselman knew he wanted to work with his hands. Majoring in art offered him a way to create, to express ideas visually, to impact others.

Today, Counselman continues to create, express ideas and impact others – particularly students at the University of Mobile. He teaches art at his alma mater and is chair of the Department of Visual Arts in the Alabama School of the Arts.

We talked with him about creativity, teaching art, and his newest project – boatbuilding.

Q: What is your background?

A: This is my 14th year at the University of Mobile, and I am an alumnus of the college. I have a Bachelor of Arts in art from UM, a Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of South Alabama and a Master of Fine Art from the University of North Carolina. My main concentrations in college were painting, sculpture and printmaking.

I knew when I started college I wanted to work with my hands, so art seemed like a natural fit for me. Initially, I was interested in painting landscapes and works that were more conceptual or abstract, but over the years my works have evolved to include a lot of different mediums such as wood, ceramics and printmaking. I believe young artists should experiment with different mediums; this not only increases your skill set but gives you more freedom to express your ideas.

Q: How did your understanding of art grow during your college years?

 A: I believe all artists are trying to make sense of the world in their own way – this is a visual interpretation. It is something that is constant, essentially creating your own world that is imbued with your own unique perspective. During graduate school, my artwork became more 3-dimensional, allowing me to more easily express some of the ideas I had during that time period. My graduate thesis was based on the hurdles and obstructions in the life of a young artist; my own challenging experiences. Basically, it was a microcosm composed of wooden sculptures that resembled an obstacle course.

Q: What is your favorite class to teach?

A: I teach drawing and ceramics. Ceramics is my favorite course. I love seeing students get excited about creating something they can use on a daily basis that is functional but also an original work of art.

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

A: The University of Mobile is a place to learn new skills and seek God’s will in your life. That is a very powerful call, and you can see this take shape in students’ works and, ultimately, in their career path. Our faculty and staff know you personally and want to help you achieve your goals.

In our program, we focus on giving students individual attention with a faculty who really care about your creative works and your future as a professional artist. Degree options include a Bachelor of Arts in art, Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art or graphic design, and a graphic design certificate for students enrolled in degree areas other than art.

 Q: What are some of your interests outside the classroom?

 A: Really, my profession is my hobby, and I feel very privileged to be able to teach art and be around creative people. Outside of the different mediums I work with at UM, I also enjoy wooden boatbuilding. Currently, I am working on a 20-foot dory. Boatbuilding is a long process that can take years to complete. I like to think this is a testament to my patience as an artist (but freely admit I am not always patient). Boatbuilding is also a great way to connect with people in the community, something I also feel is important and enjoyable.

University of Mobile Named ‘Best Value’ by U.S. News & World Report

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile again earned top honors from U.S. News & World Report in the 2022 Best Colleges rankings released Sept. 13, 2021. The annual Best Colleges report assess academic quality among regionally accredited colleges and universities throughout the United States.

The University of Mobile was the highest ranked regional college in Alabama for veterans, named #9 Best Regional College in the South for Veterans. Overall, UM was named #15 Best Regional College in the South.

The University of Mobile was named a “Best Value School” among regional colleges in the South. Best Value Schools are chosen based on academic quality and net cost of attendance. Best Value Schools are considered to offer the best value for students, according to U.S. News & World Report. UM ranked #30.

The University of Mobile also ranked in the top 50 regional colleges in the South as a Top Performer on Social Mobility, at #37. The category recognizes colleges that are successful at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating economically disadvantaged students who receive federal Pell Grants, which are awarded to students whose adjusted gross family incomes are under $50,000.

School rankings are based on academic reputation and academic quality, including factors such as graduation rates, faculty information, admissions data and peer assessment, according to U.S. News & World Report. Colleges are grouped in categories to compare schools with similar missions.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in 77 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 more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

University of Mobile Ranks #1 Best College in Mobile, Top 10 in Alabama

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile is the #1 Best College in the Mobile Area and one of the Top 10 universities in Alabama, according to the popular ranking and review site Niche.

The University of Mobile was the highest-ranking university in the Mobile area and ranked #7 overall in Alabama.

The new 2022 Best Colleges rankings also praised the Christian university’s residence halls that are ranked #1 in Alabama, plus UM’s academics, safety, value, food, college campus and student life. Rankings are posted at Niche.com.

The site includes data for 4,136 colleges nationwide. Niche compared more than 1,000 top colleges and universities throughout the United States in more 50 categories, then broke those rankings down by state and city.

The Best Colleges ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni, according to Niche. Specifically, Niche considered a school’s academics, value, quality of professors, student-to-faculty ratio, quality of campus, diversity, student life, campus safety, safety and amenities in the local area, plus student surveys on their overall college experience,

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a culture of mentoring and a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose.” UM offers over 75 academic programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Programs are offered through the Alabama School of the Arts, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, Center for Christian Calling, School of Education, School of Health and Sports Science, School of Nursing and School of Nurse Anesthesia.

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.

Complete Niche rankings for the University of Mobile are at https://www.niche.com/colleges/university-of-mobile/rankings/.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers 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 Master in Athletic Training Prof Dr. Megan Harper

by Kathy Dean

Experience is a great teacher, and that’s certainly true for college students preparing for a career in athletic training. As coordinator of clinical education for the Master of Athletic Training Program at the University of Mobile, Megan Harper said providing students with a variety of experiences not only benefits the student – it also benefits the community.

“The exercise science program and Master of Athletic Training program both offer a variety of clinical education sites as well as internship sites. We are able to utilize wonderful clinics and facilities all throughout Mobile. This has truly allowed us to really showcase our students to people in the community,” said the assistant professor of kinesiology.

In addition to being a UM professor, Harper also is a UM alumna. She graduated from UM in 2009 and worked as an athletic trainer for 10 years before coming back to her alma mater to be part of the new Master of Athletic Training Program in the School of Health and Sports Science, part of UM’s College of Health Professions.

As both a University of Mobile graduate and a professor, Harper has a unique perspective on what makes this Christian university special. Here’s what she said:

Q: What do you like most about UM?

A: The thing I love about the University of Mobile is the same thing I loved when I was a student here, which is the sense of family and community. Here at UM, the professors and students are able to get to know one another and truly make connections. I had professors who invested their time and energy into me because they believed in me as a student. I am so thankful and blessed to have been given the opportunity to pay it forward to my students.

Q: What does “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose” mean to you?

A: What “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose” means to me is preparing and equipping young adults with the knowledge and the tools to leave UM and make a positive and impactful difference in their communities. As professors, we have been put into positions to help our students find their calling, understand it, and prepare them to do God’s work once they leave the University of Mobile.

Q&A with UM History Professor Michael Robinson

by Kathy Dean

Dr. Michael Robinson knows what it’s like to step into a job right out of college and realize, from the very first day, that it’s not your calling. He also knows what it’s like to take a step back, regroup, and pursue a different career path that you truly love.

Now, as associate professor of history in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Mobile, Robinson mentors UM students and helps them discover their own professional calling.

We talked with Robinson about discovering and pursuing your calling, his passion for studying and teaching history, and how a degree in history opens doors to a variety of careers.

Q: You have taught at UM for seven years. What is your background?

A: My path to the University of Mobile was a circuitous one. I received my Bachelor of Science from North Carolina State University, my Master of Arts from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, and my PhD from Louisiana State University. After graduating from NC State with a business degree, I worked in the world of finance for about a year. My first day on the job, I knew that I had not found my calling. Thankfully, with the encouragement of my family, I pursued a career path I truly love: teaching, researching and writing about history. I completed my PhD in American history at LSU in May 2013 and started work here at the University of Mobile in August of that year.

Q: Your dissertation was about the secession crisis in the Border South. What drew your interest to that area of study?

A: I have always been fascinated by the American Civil War and sought to study its root causes in my dissertation, which examined the four slaveholding states that did not secede from the Union in 1860-61. I was always puzzled why Kentucky, a state that seemed so similar to the 11 states that made up the Confederacy, did not secede. As I examined the Bluegrass State, I was drawn to the other Border South states of Delaware, Maryland and Missouri. I found that these states were as equally committed to slavery as the 11 states of the Confederacy, but the political leaders in the Border South felt as though the Union would best protect their interests, leading them to spurn secession.

Q: Why should someone choose to study history?

A: Knowledge of our past is essential to leading us forward as Christians, Americans and world citizens! We also offer numerous career options through the study of history. We prepare our students for secondary teaching, for work in museums or public history settings, for graduate school and for law school.

Q: What courses do you typically teach?

A: I normally teach U.S. History from 1500 to 1877, Western Civilization from 1500 to the present, and a variety of upper-level courses like the Civil War & Reconstruction, the Old South, Jacksonian America, and Slavery and Abolition in the United States. I especially enjoy teaching the upper-level classes, where we get to focus on pivotal events in our nation’s great past.

Q: What do you like most about UM?

A: We’ve got great students here at the University of Mobile. I’m always amazed by their dedication and love for Christ, which is on display inside and outside of the classroom.

Q: What are some of your interests or hobbies?

A: I love to read, and when taking a break from American history you can often find me reading some of the great works of William Faulkner or Mark Twain. I’m also a big LSU sports fan, which can present some problems here in Alabama. Nevertheless, Geaux Tigers!

Q&A with UM School of Business Dean Kathy Dunning

by Kathy Dean

It’s not enough to be a good person in the world of business – God calls you to be more, says Dr. Kathy Dunning, dean of the School of Business at the University of Mobile.

“That is why our students and faculty use their business skills to help low-income citizens prepare tax returns, organize a community clothes closet, and help non-profits through our student-led Good Work Agency,” Dunning says. “Our School of Business faculty mentor and prepare students to be good citizens, making ethical business decisions through the lens of a Christian worldview.”

We asked the dean about teaching at UM and where you’ll find her when she’s not in the classroom.

Q: A strength of the UM School of Business is the combination of practical experience and academic learning. How has that played out in your career?

A: It’s obvious I love the University of Mobile since I am beginning my 28th year at UM this fall. After earning my Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, I worked for two international, publicly-traded corporations. I worked in tax compliance and planning for both prior to moving into academics. I am a Certified Managerial Accountant, Certified in Financial Management, Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis and have earned my doctorate with a specialization in Accounting. You could definitely say I am a life-long learner!

Q: How does the School of Business prepare students for the business world?

A: The University of Mobile School of Business offers a perfect combination of theory and practice. We work with students to become grounded in foundational business knowledge while also ensuring they leave UM as good communicators, capable critical-thinkers and problem-solvers, ready to pursue their career calling.

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

A: To me, that phrase can be a student stopping by my office to talk about career goals; a student letting me know they’ve passed that first or final section of the CPA exam; or keeping up with a student even 25 years after graduation. Connections are made and maintained here at UM.

Q: What are some of your interests outside of teaching?

A: I really enjoy hiking in the mountains, golf, kayaking and paddle boarding, primarily because all of these activities typically take place in some pretty spectacular spots. I feel closest to God in nature and stand in awe of His creations. And I do love to read on the rainy days!

 

J.L. Bedsole Sports Performance Center Opens at University of Mobile

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The new J.L. Bedsole Sports Performance Center on the University of Mobile campus is more than a state-of-the-art strength and conditioning facility for student athletes.

It is a testament to the faithfulness of the Lord and the generosity of the Christian university’s first Board of Trustees Chairman, J.L. Bedsole, said UM’s current Board of Trustees Chairman Fred Wilson at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 9. The facility was funded by gifts and grants, including a major gift from the J.L. Bedsole Foundation.

As student athletes, coaches, donors, faculty and staff gathered to dedicate the center, Board Chairman Wilson prayed, saying the Lord “blessed Mr. J.L. Bedsole with a keen sense of business and blessed him with success. May we all take his example to heart of giving back to not just one generation, but to future generations.”

Nearly 450 student athletes will use the 4,000-square-foot sports performance center which includes iPads with TeamBuildr online strength and conditioning software. TeamBuildr allows athletes and coaches to program workouts and track progress.

Maddie Bergeron, a senior volleyball player from Mandeville, Louisiana, demonstrated a medicine ball side toss as visitors toured the facility.

“I love that our school cares enough about student athletes to provide this incredible facility, so we can work out together and build team chemistry,” Bergeron said. Teammate Melea Meadows, a senior from Jacksonville, Florida, added, “They are helping us in achieving our goals of championships.”

University of Mobile President Lonnie Burnett noted the impact Bedsole had on the university during his lifetime and, after his death, through the foundation established to carry on his lifelong emphasis on education and economic development. The Bedsole name is on buildings across campus, and Bedsole scholarships support students as they pursue God’s calling for their lives.

“We are so grateful for that partnership,” Burnett said.

J.L. Bedsole Foundation Chairman Bestor Ward said he was a child when he accompanied his great uncle on a visit in 1965 to the new Christian college campus in north Mobile County. He recalled the new college founded in 1961 was “mostly a field” at that time. Today, the campus encompasses over 880 acres and offers over 75 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs.

“I know he was especially proud to be a benefactor to this school,” Ward said. “We’ve been watching the university grow, and I know that my great uncle is in heaven looking down and is very proud of what he was able to accomplish.”

Strength and Conditioning Coach Taylor Lee Ledbetter said the center provides enough space for athletes to work out as a team, with an area over three times larger than the original weight training room in Pharr Gym.

“This is a classroom and a place for athletes to train, prevent injury and increase athleticism. We are super thankful to the J.L. Bedsole Foundation and donors,” Ledbetter said.

Vice President for Advancement Bruce Earnest said, “We are grateful for the support of our donors and the J.L. Bedsole Foundation for their continued support of the University of Mobile.”

For information on ways to support students at the Christian university, visit umobile.edu/giving or call the Office for Advancement at 251.442.2585.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers 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 more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Q&A with UM Theology Professor Jay Robertson

by Kathy Dean

Theology matters, says Dr. Jay Robertson. The University of Mobile associate professor of systematic theology is director of the theology program in the university’s new Center for Christian Calling.

The Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies provides a rigorous academic program based on a bold commitment to the trustworthiness of the Bible that aims to produce first-rate scholars. This program is designed for Christians called to teaching ministry and provides a solid foundation for students who plan to pursue graduate degrees.

Robertson brings a deep understanding of theology and a pastor’s heart to the classroom – and to the congregation of Crawford Baptist Church in Mobile, where he serves as pastor for preaching and vision.

We asked Robertson how the theology program prepares graduates to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Q: What is your background?

A: I have taught at the University of Mobile for 18 years. I earned a Master of Divinity and PhD from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Cordova, Tennessee. My PhD is in systematic theology with minors in church history and preaching. I also have served as a pastor for 30 years.

Q: What courses do you teach?

A: I teach Introduction to Christian Worldview, The Mission and Message of Jesus, Biblical Interpretation, Systematic Theology, Christian Apologetics, and Global Disciple-making. My favorite courses to teach are Systematic Theology 1 & 2. We must be biblically accurate when it comes to God, His Word, creation, man, sin, the person and work of Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, and eschatology.  The doctrines of theology properly believed lead to Christlikeness.

Q: The Center for Christian Calling has four programs: Theology, Intercultural Studies, Christian Ministry and Graduate Studies. As program director for the Theology Department, what are you preparing students for after graduation?

A: This area within the Center for Christian Calling will prepare students to know what they believe, why they believe it, and be able to explain it to others through preaching, teaching, counseling and conversation. Theology matters. As A. W. Tozer has written: “The most important thing about you is what comes into your mind when you think about God.”

Q: How do you approach teaching?

A: I am PASSIONATE about disciple-making in every course I teach. I aim for students to grow in their relationship with Christ, their comprehension of biblical truth, and in their desire to proclaim the gospel of Christ.

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