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.

Q&A with UM Accounting Professor Dr. Rusty Roberts

by Kathy Dean

If you think accountants sit behind a desk all day crunching numbers, University of Mobile Associate Professor of Accounting and Dean of Students Dr. Rusty Roberts says you’re in for a surprise.

“This couldn’t be further from the truth,” Roberts says. “There are so many avenues that open up to someone with an accounting degree. In fact, the FBI’s top recruits are those with accounting degrees. Why? Because they are used in the investigation and uncovering of white-collar crime and fraud.”

The possibilities are endless with an accounting degree, he adds. Accountants can work in public accounting doing tax preparation for both individuals and corporations, engaging in audits, work for governments at all levels, or run a business.

“Seriously, accounting is one of the best programs to study. Accounting is the language of business, therefore every business, and even government, must account for every transaction. So, accountants are needed!”

We talked with Roberts about teaching in the Grace Pilot School of Business at the University of Mobile, and how UM’s 2019 Faculty Engagement Award recipient and baseball team chaplain intentionally fosters community among students and invests in their lives.

Q: You have taught at UM for 19 years. What is your background?

 A: I am an alumnus of the University of Mobile, holding a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. I also have a master’s in accounting from the University of South Alabama and am currently finishing my Doctor of Business Administration in accounting from Anderson University (Indiana). Prior to teaching at UM, I was a staff accountant and copyright accountant for Integrity Music Inc.

 Q: What courses do you typically teach?

A: I teach Principles of Accounting 1 & 2, Intermediate Accounting 1 & 2, Governmental/Not-for-Profit Accounting, Auditing, & Advanced Auditing. I would say my favorite class is probably the Principles of Accounting classes because it’s where all business students are introduced to accounting concepts. It’s there that some students change their major to accounting because they begin to like it. I love when I see the “light bulb” come on and students begin to understand what’s going on and fall in love with accounting.

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

A: This means that my job is to do more than just prepare a student to be a great accountant who will go into the business world and be successful. Every day I spend with students in the classroom transcends that. My job is to also show students who I have influence over for any length of time that they are studying accounting for a higher purpose – and that purpose is to go into the business world with the Great Commission of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

God created every one of us for the purpose of making His name great in the world. And if we claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, then our goal in life is not primarily to make as much money as possible or be as successful in our careers as possible. It is to make the name of Jesus great in a dark world.

But one may ask, “How do I do that if I’m not a pastor or missionary? I’m just an accountant.”

You do that by being the best at what you do. Being excellent at your trade. And through that, you point people to an excellent, great God.

So, as I prepare accounting students to be the best in their trade one day, I do that so they will have a platform to reflect back to how great God is, which exalts His Son Jesus Christ, who when lifted up draws all men to Himself.

 Q: We say UM is a place students can “Know and Be Known.” How does that play out for you?

A: Well, the first word that comes to mind is “family.” UM is one big family. It’s a place where no matter your background or what part of the world you come from, once you step on campus as a student, you are a Ram for life. You join one big family that loves and fights for each other no matter what.

I love the fact that we have small class sizes at UM. It allows me to truly get to know my students one-on-one. Because I spend so much time with them in class each day, many of them become friends. When they graduate, get jobs and begin making an impact in the world, it is always encouraging to receive emails or phone calls with life updates.

 Q: What makes the University of Mobile special to you?

A: This is hard to narrow down to one thing, so I am going to say two things.

First, I like that we integrate the Gospel into everything that we do. From the time a student arrives on campus to the day they leave as a graduate, all aspects of campus life are saturated with a focus on Jesus Christ. No one leaves UM having not been introduced to the Gospel.

Second, I like that I know my students. I get to live life alongside them for four years as they are not only shaped academically but spiritually. I love that they come into my office, sit on the couch and talk about life with me, as they share their good times and bad times. I love the family that we have at UM!

Q: What are some of your interests or hobbies?

 A: Right now, my main interest is finishing a dissertation, so I have little time for other things. When I am not teaching or working on the dissertation, I do like to play tennis. It’s a great way to stay somewhat active amid my busy life.

Q: What are you passionate about?

 A: Outside of teaching accounting, I also serve as a pastor to college students at Mars Hill Church in Mobile. I’m passionate about discipling college students as they begin to not only figure out what they will do the rest of their lives or whom they will marry, but how they will be shaped spiritually. The college years usually bring a time in students’ lives where they may begin to question and solidify what they believe and why. I love coming alongside them as they ask those questions and search for truth!

Q&A with UM Intercultural Studies Director Bob Olsen

by Kathy Dean

“At the University of Mobile, we believe that every job is a calling from God and needs to be utilized to bring Him glory,” says Dr. Robert Olsen, associate professor of historical theology in the new Center for Christian Calling at the University of Mobile.

The Center for Christian Calling has four departments: Theology, Intercultural Studies, Christian Ministry and Graduate Studies. As program director for Intercultural Studies, Olsen’s goal is to prepare students to be able to understand the different cultures around the world and across the United States for the sake of helping to create bridges to share the gospel.

We sat down with Dr. Olsen to learn more – including about his hobby of building model tanks and why he likes WWE wrestling!

 

Q: What is your background?

A: I have a Ph.D. in church history from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. After graduating, my family moved to Guatemala for a year and a half to live and teach at a children’s home. I have taught at the University of Mobile for 13 years. I really enjoy getting to know the students and the freedom to be a witness for Christ.

Q: What courses do you typically teach?

A: I primarily teach the courses that pertain to Christian history – History of Christian Thought, Intercultural Expansion (the history of missions), Baptist History, and Church History.

My favorite class to teach is Church History as it helps modern Christians learn from their spiritual ancestors. It helps us learn from their successes and avoid their mistakes.

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: Orthodoxy. I want modern Christians to understand what they believe, why they believe it, and why bad theology is dangerous and leads to a distortion of the gospel message.

Q: What is something people might be surprised to know about you?

A: I like NHL hockey, building 1/35 scale model tanks, and WWE wrestling – the storylines are so absurd and comical they make me laugh!

Q: Any final thoughts?

A: In the Center for Christian Calling and throughout the University of Mobile, we want every student to understand that each job is a sacred calling from God and that He is to be glorified in our work!

Couple Uses ‘God’s Money’ to Spread Gospel Through University of Mobile Students

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – Butch and Sharon Emmons love the theatre. When they attended their first theatre production at the University of Mobile nearly 20 years ago, they expected to see a good show.

They saw something even better – a way to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through students at the Baptist-affiliated university. 

“We saw what these kids were doing and how they were promoting the gospel – not only in the United States, but all over the world as they travel,” said Butch Emmons. 

It’s a mission and message the couple believes is so important that they established the Eileen J. and Sharon B. Emmons Performance Scholarship in 2019 for students in the performing arts. They also included the University of Mobile in their estate planning, bequeathing their house and property upon their deaths.

Now, the Emmons continue that legacy with a gift of $100,000, adding to their endowed scholarship and supporting additional scholarships through the University of Mobile Scholarship Banquet.

As lead sponsor for the upcoming University of Mobile Scholarship Banquet, the Emmons are inviting the community to enjoy an evening featuring guest speaker and football legend Archie Manning while raising funds for scholarships. A limited number of tickets are still available at umobile.edu/banquet for the Oct. 26 event at Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center in Mobile.

The couple said their decision to invest financial resources they have spent a lifetime earning into students at the University of Mobile was easy – after all, it’s not their money.

“Our money is not our money – it’s God’s money. We have only been given the opportunity to use it to further the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sure, we could have ‘built bigger barns,’ etc., but we realized this was God’s money. When we saw how the students were being used by God, we decided this was where we wanted to invest,” said Butch.

“We wanted to make an impact and leave a legacy for all to come,” he added. “These students may have a desire to come here, but not be able to afford it – but through scholarships, it is possible. Then they have the opportunity to leave and go out and spread the gospel of Christ.”

Sharon said, “We realized as we look at the world that Christianity and its influence is declining. And we thought, if we don’t step in and take the few things that we have and help the university and the students that want to come here, Christianity would die.”

The Emmons have been members of Spring Hill Baptist Church in Mobile for over 30 years. 

“We firmly believe that Christianity is the way to live,” Sharon said, and they want to encourage others whom God has blessed to help the younger generation spread the gospel message.

“We want young people who have that fire and that passion to be able to live out their dreams and promote the Word of God through their life and their example. If someone doesn’t help them and support them, they aren’t going to get that opportunity. That’s why we feel it is so important for the Christian community to support students at the University of Mobile,” Sharon said.

Butch said he wants more young men and women to have access to the Christ-centered environment at UM as they pursue college degrees and prepare for life beyond college.

“There are some kids who come here who probably aren’t Christian. Just being in the environment here, they see other students who are inspired and have a passion for the Word of God, and I believe some of them will catch that,” said Butch. 

Dr. Lonnie Burnett, president of the University of Mobile, said the impact the couple is making in the lives of students is immeasurable. 

“Mr. and Mrs. Emmons have been a blessing to many of our students through their generosity. I admire the fact that, when they see a need, they are quick to respond,” Burnett said.

The Emmons said years of hard work have given them the opportunity to give back.

Butch Emmons invested his career in higher education, starting as a student taking inventory in the bookstore at Mississippi College. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam. During training in Pensacola at the Naval Air Station’s Corry Field, he would drive through Mobile on the way home to Clinton, Mississippi – an experience that helped him in later years make the decision to move to Mobile and join the University of South Alabama administration.

After the service, he returned to Mississippi College, earned a Master of Business Administration and worked as assistant bookstore manager. That led to a position as bookstore manager at Western Carolina University before he moved on to University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he rose from bookstore manager to executive director of auxiliary enterprises.

He then joined the University of South Alabama, where he served nearly 30 years before retiring as assistant vice president of auxiliary services. During his career, he was instrumental in managing the construction of The Mitchell Center, among other major facilities.

Sharon Emmons has dedicated her life to healing the sick, with nearly 30 years at the University of South Alabama Medical Center, now University Hospital. She served as a critical care dietitian in the intensive care unit, including 19 years working exclusively with burn patients. 

“It became my passion. I had found my niche, and I loved every minute of it,” she said. “You made a difference there and I like to make a difference, hence the scholarship here at the University of Mobile.”

 Sharon was selected Media Representative for the State of Alabama through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for several years during her career and made presentations locally and nationally. She also had her own consulting business with nursing homes and residential childcare centers in the Mobile Area.

 Now in retirement, “I have gone to the dogs,” she says, and raises and shows Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Dr. Bruce Earnest, vice president for advancement, said gifts such as the Emmons’ are vital to the Christian university’s mission of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose.” 

“In addition to providing scholarships that change lives and enable students to follow the Lord’s calling for their lives, donors play a transformative role in the future of the university,” Earnest said. A recent example is the J.L. Bedsole Sports Performance Center, a training facility that was funded through a major grant from the J.L. Bedsole Foundation and individual donors.

For more information on opportunities to support Christian higher education at the University of Mobile, call the Office for Advancement at 251.442.2406, email advancement@umobile.edu or visit umobile.edu/giving.

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.

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!

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