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.

Sarah Thomas to UM Grads: ‘Prove to Yourself that You Belong’

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – University of Mobile alumna Sarah Thomas broke glass ceilings to become the first female official in the National Football League, and she shared lessons learned on that journey during her commencement address to the UM Class of 2021.

The Christian university awarded the Doctor of Humane Letters to Thomas during an outdoor ceremony held on campus May 8. Degrees were awarded to 265 graduates, including the first doctoral degrees from the new Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Musical Arts in vocal performance programs.

Dr. Thomas graduated from the University of Mobile in 1995, having earned a basketball scholarship and Academic All-American honors. She began her football officiating career in 1996 when she attended a meeting for aspiring football officials with her brother. She became the first full-time female official in NFL history in 2015, and on Feb. 7, 2021, she became the first female to officiate a Super Bowl, serving as down judge for Super Bowl LV.

“I want to share a few things that I’ve learned after leaving the University of Mobile that have truly helped me to become the first female in the National Football League. But I don’t hide behind that title, it does not identify who I am,” Thomas said.

So many people get wrapped up in titles, she said, but graduates shouldn’t go through life trying to do things for the recognition.

“Do not go out in life trying to prove people wrong. That list of people will never end. It will exhaust you. Instead, you prove to yourself that you belong,” Thomas said.

“Go out and do something because you love it. The recognition will come. People will see it in you. The people you thought you had to prove wrong, they will fall by the wayside. Or, they will get in line and start respecting you on your merit.”

As she began her address, Thomas noted that UM President Lonnie Burnett told her she would have about 15 minutes to speak, “but no one would boo me if I cut it short. I think he failed to remember that I’m an NFL official. We get booed in a split second.”

As the audience laughed, she asked football fans to raise their hands and repeat after her: “I promise…from this day forward…I will no longer…boo the officials.”

Thomas congratulated and challenged graduates.

“What you did to be able to sit in that chair today is a huge accomplishment. But what you do with that accomplishment when you get out of that chair today will matter.”

She urged graduates to not fear failure.

“You’re going to come to a fork in the road at some point, and let’s say you choose left instead of right. When you get to that roadblock on the left, don’t start letting self-doubt creep in and make you wish you had chosen right. Instead, look at that roadblock as a speed bump, and the quicker you get over the speed bump, the faster it is in your rearview mirror,” Thomas said.

“When you put that in your rearview mirror, don’t look behind you. Don’t focus on it…Your windshield is so much bigger, and there are so many opportunities in front of you.”

Failing does not mean someone is a failure.

“Your best successes will come from your greatest failures,” she said.

She encouraged graduates to succeed in the right way.

“I’m going to leave you with this: It takes all kinds of people to run this world. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be kind to each other in making it a better place. Leave here today and go leave your mark, and make this world a better place.” 

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.

Super Bowl’s First Female Official Sarah Thomas to be Awarded Doctorate at University of Mobile

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile will award the Doctor of Humane Letters to Sarah Bailey Thomas, a UM graduate who shattered glass ceilings and became the first female official to work a Super Bowl earlier this year.

Thomas will deliver the commencement address at the outdoor ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 8. Graduation will be held at the Christian university campus on the Dr. Fred and Sue Lackey Great Commission Lawn and live streamed at umobile.edu/graduation.

More than 270 degrees will be awarded, including the first doctoral degrees from the University of Mobile’s new doctoral programs: the Doctor of Musical Arts in vocal performance, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice. The new Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program begins in August.

University of Mobile President Lonnie Burnett said the university family looks forward to welcoming Thomas back to the campus where her career started in the basketball program as a Lady Ram.

“Sarah epitomizes what we want from our graduates. We tell them to go and make a difference in your chosen field. She never let obstacles keep her from pursuing her dreams,” Burnett said.

Thomas was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Mobile, where she played from 1992 to 1995 and earned Academic All-American honors. She graduated in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in communication and pursued a career in pharmaceutical sales.

Thomas also had a passion for sports. In following her calling, she has made history and shattered glass ceilings. She began her football officiating career in 1996 when she attended a meeting for aspiring football officials with her brother. She officiated at as many high school, junior varsity, middle school and pee-wee games as possible. Her hard work paid off, and in 2007 she was hired by Conference USA to become the first female to officiate for the NCAA’s Major College Football Bowl Division.

In 2015, she became the first full-time female official in NFL history. Her history-making game happened on Sept. 13, 2015, between Kansas City and Houston. Her hat, whistle and flag from that game are now on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

On Feb. 7, 2021, she became the first female to officiate a Super Bowl, serving as down judge for Super Bowl LV.

Off the field, Thomas is a marketing specialist for Mid-South Rehab Inc., a national speaker for Keppler Speakers Bureau, and a skin care consultant for Rodan & Fields. She has been a national spokesperson for Activia yogurt; appeared on the Today Show, CBS Morning show and Good Morning America; been featured in Good Housekeeping and the New York Times; and was named ABC’s World News Tonight’s Person of the Week in April 2015.

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.

Former President Dr. Michael A. Magnoli Remembered

by Kathy Dean

University of Mobile flags have been lowered to half staff in honor of the university’s second president, Dr. Michael A. Magnoli, who died May 1, 2021.

Dr. Magnoli served as president of his alma mater from 1984 to 1997.

He was a member of the then-Mobile College charter class of 1967 where he served as editor of The Rampage yearbook and was a campus leader, helping establish many of the university’s traditions that continue today.

He joined the Mobile College administration and served in development, becoming president upon the retirement of founding president Dr. William K. Weaver Jr.

He led a change in organizational structure that resulted in Mobile College becoming the University of Mobile on July 1, 1993. Under his leadership, the college expanded athletic facilities and started an intercollegiate athletic program that is now one of the largest in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The university won its first NAIA national championships in men’s and women’s tennis, men’s golf and women’s soccer during his tenure. The first master’s degree programs were started in education, business administration, nursing and religion. Residential and academic facilities were constructed. The university opened a branch campus in Nicaragua, graduating over 250 students until the campus was sold in 2000.

Several of the university’s signature landmarks were established during Dr. Magnoli’s presidency, including the Sentinel 18 Fountain sculpture. Lyon Chapel, originally built in 1883 as St. Stephens Baptist Church in St. Stephens, Alabama, was moved to campus and restored in 1988.

A Memorial and Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, May 7, at 2 p.m. at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church in Mobile, Alabama.

Q&A with UM School of Nursing Dean Barnes-Witherspoon

by Kathy Dean

Caring for people who are sick and afraid requires more than the ability to give an injection or set up an IV. As a student in the School of Nursing at the University of Mobile, you learn from a team of professors with more than 100 years of combined clinical experience, plus you have the advantage of the state-of-the-art Center for Excellence in Healthcare Practice. We asked Dr. Sarah Barnes-Witherspoon, dean of the School of Nursing in the College of Health Professions, for an inside look at what it’s like to teach and learn in this Christ-centered academic community.

Q: What is your background?

A: My career in health care began in 1973 as a mental health worker, License Practical Nurse (Southwest State Technical Institute), Registered Nurse (Bishop State), BSN and MSN (Mobile College/University of Mobile). I learned how to balance family, church, work and school. Failure was never an option. I had over 27 years of employment at Searcy Hospital (never a dull moment!). During those years, I was certified as a psychiatric-mental health nurse and worked with the State of Alabama as a legal nurse consultant. My professional first love is psychiatric-mental health nursing.

Q: You said God called you to teach at UM. Tell us your UM story.

A: My employment at the University of Mobile happened unexpectedly. One Sunday evening, a former colleague called and asked if I was interested in teaching psychiatric-mental health nursing. Later that day, Dr. Rosemary Adams, dean of the School of Nursing, called and asked me to come in for an interview on Monday morning. I had a job offer mid-week, and I didn’t know what to do.

So I began to pray to God for direction. I was working at a job that I loved, and a new opportunity was mine as well. After about a week, God spoke to me and said, “I gave this to you.” My response was, thank you, Lord! August 2021 is my 20th anniversary at UM. In 2016, I received my terminal degree (Ph.D.) at William Carey University. While at UM, I advanced from instructor through all of the various ranks. Now, I serve as the dean of nursing. I have not regretted one moment. I challenge whoever is reading my statement to do your part, and the Lord will elevate you in due season.

Q: Why should someone choose to study nursing at UM?

A: The University of Mobile School of Nursing program is personable. The nursing faculty members maintain an open-door policy and know each student by name. They have worked at the bedside and have many years of experience and expertise to share. The faculty expects professionalism, honesty, integrity and compassion from our student nurses.

Q: What is your favorite class to teach and why?

A: My favorite class is Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing because I can reminisce about my Searcy years and provide many real-life experiences. Then I have the opportunity to role-play some of the psych-disorders. Many people fear the idea of working with individuals who are diagnosed with a psych disorder. Working in a psychiatric facility is disturbing when a person is experiencing a psychotic episode. But, I’m delighted when the medications begin to work, and the individual can return home.

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

A: We all have a purpose-driven life. In health care, “it’s not about you.” Nurses serve individuals when they are in their most vulnerable states. Education is the foundation that prepares nurses for a higher purpose. As a nurse, a touch, smile, greeting, or conversation may be the only kindness a patient receives.

 

University of Mobile ASOTA Students Receive Outstanding Musical Awards

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile is pleased to announce the students who received musical awards during spring semester competitions. Students earned honors at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competition in Alabama and Gulf Coast Steinway piano competition for the Gulf Coast Region.

Receiving NATS Awards were:

Nathan Blake, from the studio of Dr. Patrick Jacobs; 3rd Place College Tenor, Baritone, Bass Classical. Blake is a 1st year music education major from Tuscaloosa, AL.

Grace Dunn, from the studio of Dr. Kathryn Hedlund; 1st Place College Treble Musical Theatre. Dunn is a 2nd year musical theater major from Spanish Fort, AL.

Mackenzie Hornak, from the studio of Dr. Lori Guy; 2nd place Musical Theater. Hornak is a 2nd year vocal performance major from Grand Haven, MI.

Taylor Inmon, from the studio of Dr. Lori Guy; 1st Place Musical Theater, 2nd Place Classical. Inmon is a 1st year vocal performance major from Ocala, FL.

Nathan Irvin, from the studio of Molly Adams; 1st Place College Tenor, Baritone, Bass  Musical Theater. Irvin is a 1st year musical theater major from Opelika, AL.

Erica West, from the studio of Dr. Kathryn Hedlund; 3rd place College Treble Musical Theatre. West is a 2nd year worship leadership major from Dover, FL.

Receiving the Steinway Winner Award was:

Conrad Erskine, from the studio of Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva; 3rd Place, Gulf Coast Steinway Society Solo Piano Upper College Division. Erskine is a 3rd year piano performance major from Havana, FL.

Receiving Mobile Music Teachers Association Awards were:

Rebecca Reed, from the studio of Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva; 1st Place Mobile Music Teachers Association Sonata Contest College Level. Reed is a 2nd year piano performance major from Chickasaw, AL.

Lily Caswell, from the studio of Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva; Honorable Mention Mobile Music Teachers Association Sonata Contest College Level. Caswell is a 1st year piano performance and public history major from Baker, FL.

For more information on the Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile, please visit umobile.edu/asota or call 251.442.2222.

Pictured from left: Erica West, Nathan Irvin, Conrad Erskine, Grace Dunn, Nathan Blake and Taylor Inmon. Not pictured are Mackenzie Hornak, Rebecca Reed, and Lily Caswell.

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.

Football Legend Archie Manning to Speak at University of Mobile Scholarship Banquet Oct. 26, Tickets Available

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – Football legend Archie Manning will be the keynote speaker for the 15th annual University of Mobile Scholarship Banquet on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021. Tickets are on sale now at umobile.edu/banquet.

“We are excited about bringing Archie Manning to Mobile and hearing from a man who, in addition to compiling an outstanding football legacy, has an inspiring legacy as a father and humanitarian. We anticipate that tickets will go quickly,” said Brian Boyle, executive director for the University of Mobile Foundation.

General admission tickets are $150 and may be purchased now at umobile.edu/banquet, or contact the Office for Advancement at 251.442.2587 or advancement@umobile.edu.

Sponsorships start at $1,500. Higher-level sponsorships include an opportunity to meet Archie Manning during a VIP reception prior to the banquet, with priority seating at the event.

The banquet will be held Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, at the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center in downtown Mobile.

Manning was born in Drew, Mississippi, and was an All-American Quarterback at Ole Miss. In 1971 the New Orleans Saints made Manning their No. 1 draft choice. During his 14-year NFL career, he set most Saints passing records, played in two Pro Bowls, and was the NFC’s most valuable player in 1978. He is a member of several halls of fame, including the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, and the Mississippi and Louisiana Halls of Fame. He was honored by the American Football Coaches Association and was just recently named to the “Top 150 All-Time College Players,” coming in at #50.

As a player, Manning won numerous humanitarian awards and was named one of 10 outstanding Americans by the U.S. Jaycees. He was named Father of the Year by the National Father’s Day Council and received one of the highest honors in football, the Gold Medal Award, presented by the National Football Foundation.

He currently serves in a public relations and consulting capacity for several local, regional and national companies. He serves on countless charity and civic boards, primarily in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Manning and his wife, Olivia, live in New Orleans and have three sons, Cooper, Peyton and Eli, and nine grandchildren. Cooper is a managing partner with AJ Capital, a hotel management firm. Cooper’s son, Arch, was named the National High School Football Freshman of the Year by MaxPreps.

Peyton is a former All-American at Tennessee and recently retired after 18 years in the NFL. He was a five-time MVP and led the Indianapolis Colts to the Super Bowl 41 championship and the Denver Broncos to the Super Bowl 50 championship. In 2013 he led the Denver Broncos to an AFC Championship and set an NFL record with 55 touchdown passes. In 2014, Peyton became the NFL all-time leader in touchdown passes. In 2017 he received the Lincoln Award from the White House. He was named to the “Top 150 All-Time College Players,” coming in at #21, and to the “Top 100 All-Time NFL Players,” one of 10 quarterbacks selected.

Eli was an All-American at Ole Miss and received the Maxwell Trophy as the Outstanding Player in College Football. He has been selected to four Pro Bowls and led the Giants to the world championship in Super Bowl 42 and 46 and was named MVP of both games. Eli is the 2020 winner of the Bart Starr Character and Leadership Award. He recently retired from the NFL after 16 seasons.

The Mannings were the subject of an ESPN documentary, “The Book of Manning.” They were named the second-most inspiring family in America by Town & Country magazine.

The UM Scholarship Banquet brings speakers of national prominence to the Mobile area while raising scholarships for UM students. Previous UM Scholarship Banquet speakers included Hobby Lobby founder David Green, Clemson University head football coach Dabo Swinney, New York Times best-selling author and leadership expert John Maxwell, Fox News Channel’s chief political anchor Bret Baier, neurosurgeon and presidential candidate Ben Carson, President George W. Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, Col. Oliver North, presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, presidential candidate and Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich, Georgia Gov. and U.S. Sen. Zell Miller, and New York Times best-selling author Andy Andrews.

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.

8 Tips to Make Your College Decision Easier

by Kathy Dean

If you’re a high school junior or senior, you’ve probably heard the question a thousand times: Where are you going to college? If you don’t have the answer yet, you’re not alone.

Choosing the best college for you can be overwhelming. There are over 5,300 to choose from in the United States alone, and so many of them look like they could be the one for you. It’s a major life decision, a lot of money and time is at stake, and the whole process can be overwhelming. Even with a vast amount of information available, you may not know where to start.

Fortunately, enrollment counselors at the University of Mobile have a lot of experience helping high school students and their families navigate the college decision process. They offer these 8 tips to help make your college decision easier.

1. Identify what you’re looking for. Make a list of things you want from a college. Having an idea of what you really want and what you expect to have accomplished four years down the road makes the search a little easier.  If you have selected your field of study, see which colleges excel in those areas.  If you are unsure of your major, don’t worry – one national survey says 80 percent of college students change their major at least once.

Look at other factors that would make your college experience enjoyable, such as location, size and student-to-faculty ratio. Students at the University of Mobile say they chose UM because of its strong academic program and 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, focus on mentoring and experiential learning, Christ-centered culture, 4-day academic week and short distance to the Gulf Coast beaches. What are you looking for in a college?

2. Check for accreditation.  Make sure the college you’re interested in is accredited by a reputable agency such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools that accredits the University of Mobile.

3. Find out the student-to-faculty ratio.  Ask an enrollment counselor about the student-to-faculty ratio and average class size. These numbers indicate the likelihood of having one-on-one personal attention from your professor. UM’s student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. Faculty choose to teach at UM because they want to build relationships and mentor students, so you can expect to be known by your professors.

Also, determine who will be teaching you. In many larger universities a graduate student will actually be the one teaching the class, and you may never see the professor. At the University of Mobile, classes are taught by faculty, not graduate students.

4. Investigate campus life. There is more to college life than classes. You also learn and grow through campus activities. At the University of Mobile, there are championship athletic teams to cheer on to victory, as well as a variety of academic, social and spiritual life events. A culture of service is important at UM. Project Serve is an annual university-wide day of service at nearly 60 locations across two counties. Chapel and worship events on campus help you grow in your faith.

5. Listen to friends.  Listen to what others are saying about their college choice. However, take their recommendations with a grain of salt. Realize their experiences may not be an indication of what you can expect. Their experiences, however, may spark some questions you can ask on your campus visit.

6. Go online.  The COVID-19 pandemic has changed some things about the college search process, since most high schools are not hosting college fairs. But you still have plenty of resources to make your best decision.

A university’s website is a great way to preview the school before you actually visit it. Look for information about admissions, financial aid, selected areas of study and campus life. You can take a virtual one-on-one tour, and get an overview of campus with a drone tour.  UM’s social media can give you an inside look at student life and the university experience.

The University of Mobile’s website at umobile.edu has information on over 75 academic programs, scholarships and financial aid. You can sign up to visit campus at a UM Day, or schedule a private visit.

7. Contact the Admissions Office. The admissions office can help you with any information you need about the school and can also field many questions or concerns you may have. Enrollment counselors are there to help you in making this decision; they welcome your call. At UM, you will be assigned an enrollment counselor who will work one-on-one with you to help you apply for admission, financial aid and scholarships. They can answer your questions and arrange for you to talk with a professor in your field of study. To talk with a UM admissions counselor, call 251.442.2222 or 1.800.WIN.RAMS, or go to the admissions tab at umobile.edu.

8. Visit campus. The best way to find out if a college is right for you is to visit. Most colleges have special days set aside for high school students to visit. The University of Mobile hosts several UM Days each semester.

The University of Mobile is following CDC guidelines while hosting private campus visits and UM Days. In addition to experiencing the college campus in person, at UM, you can earn a $2,000 scholarship just for visiting, when you apply and enroll.

UM Assistant Director of Admissions Faith Baker says other good times to visit are during your high school breaks. Teacher work days, school holidays, spring break and, if you live nearby, after school are all good times to visit the college campus.

Something UM enrollment counselors hear over and over from students is that they knew the moment they stepped on campus that UM would be their college home. The campus visit can be the deciding factor for choosing the best college for you, so go ahead and schedule a campus visit today!

Q&A with UM Health and Sports Science Dean Lori DeLong

by Kathy Dean

Dr. Lori DeLong loves athletics – the associate professor of kinesiology at the University of Mobile is a certified athletic trainer and has been a collegiate cross-country coach and assistant women’s basketball coach. She’s even served as an athletic trainer in the 2004 Olympics! Now, as dean of the School of Health and Sports Science in the College of Health Professions, she leads a program that prepares graduates to be known in a variety of movement-related fields, from healthcare and education to sports marketing and athletic administration.

We asked DeLong for an inside look at the School of Health and Sports Science and the variety of opportunities the field of study provides for students.

Q: Why should someone choose to study Kinesiology?

A: Kinesiology is the study of movement where there are so many professional choices for careers. For those who want to be healthcare providers, it is a great foundation to physical therapy, occupational therapy and athletic training, to name a few. For those who want to be educators, it provides health and physical education certifications to teach young children and adolescents. Exercise Science provides opportunities to work in fitness (exercise specialist, strength and conditioning coach or fitness instructor) or healthcare professions (cardiac rehabilitation or exercise testing). Sport Administration rounds out our undergraduate programs for those who are interested in athletics as their career choice, whether it be in sports marketing, sports media, sports agent, athletic administration or coaching. Our new Master of Athletic Training program prepares students to successfully pass the Board of Certification exam and enter the field of athletic training.

Q: You have taught at UM for 6 years. What is your background?

A: I am a lifelong learner in kinesiology. I began my study in adapted health and physical education teacher certification for my bachelor’s degree. I completed my master’s degree in exercise science while I was a collegiate assistant women’s basketball coach and cross-country coach. My love of athletics led me to completing my athletic training certification while coaching. I then completed my doctorate in pedagogy (the study of teaching) while teaching full time in an athletic training education program and covering multiple athletic teams as a certified athletic trainer. I was blessed to be able to participate in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece, as an athletic trainer. Relocation to Mobile opened more doors for me, and I was able to be an athletic trainer in a D1 athletic program before returning to teaching full-time in kinesiology at UM.

Q: What do you like most about the University of Mobile?

A: The University of Mobile is a family university. People genuinely care and invest in each other’s lives. We want all of our graduates to be prepared for their professions as well as be prepared to be ambassadors for Christ.

UM Online Enrolling Now for 3 Fully Online Degrees

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – University of Mobile Online Programs is accepting applications for students interested in flexible online programs leading to bachelor’s degrees in business administration, psychology or organizational leadership.

“With University of Mobile Online Programs, students have the same ‘Higher Education for a Higher Purpose’ that on-campus students receive. The difference is that courses are taught fully online in 8-week sessions, making this an extremely flexible program for college students of any age,” said Dr. Todd Greer, vice president for academic affairs at the Christian university.

UM Online replaces the university’s adult degree programs that were limited to adult students over a certain age. Now, UM Online offers fully online degree programs to college students of all ages. The expanded online degree program gives more options for all students to choose online or on-campus programs that offer the best fit for their schedules.

Greer said the impact of the pandemic on education in general, and higher education in particular, showed the need to diversify the ways students receive academic instruction.

“During the pandemic, we learned that universities such as the University of Mobile that could quickly adapt to a rapidly changing environment had an advantage, and our students had an advantage. That need to respond to systemic changes and adapt to new ways of providing higher education to students will continue, even as the pandemic recedes. UM Online is one way in which we are leaning into this new reality,” Greer said.

He said the university will add more fully online degree programs in the near future.

Detailed program and application information can be found at umobile.edu/online, or call University of Mobile Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

The online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration provides a course of study that prepares student to succeed in business with knowledge of business management, critical thinking skills, effective communication skills, application of appropriate technology, and application of Christian values and ethics in business decision-making.

The online Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Psychology prepares students for graduate school or careers in multiple arenas, including psychology, social work and counseling. The program provides a broad overview of the field of psychology, including an understanding of terminology, principles, and theories of individual behavior and mental processes.

The online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership is designed to build skills necessary for positions in human resources, management, counseling and other service-oriented positions. It includes studies in philosophy, world politics, religion and ethics. The degree emphasizes communication, critical thinking and interpersonal relations skills.

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.

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