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 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.

University of Mobile Dean Named to Translation Committee for New Tyndale Version Bible

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – University of Mobile professor Dr. Douglas Wilson will serve on the Old Testament translation committee for the “New Tyndale Version”, named for the earliest printed translation of the Bible into English.

The dean of UM’s Center for Christian Calling will translate three books and serve as a sectional editor for a portion of the Old Testament during the multi-year project. The Tyndale Bible is named for William Tyndale, who was martyred in 1536 after being charged with heresy for translating the Bible into English, an action that was punishable by death at that time.

Wilson said the new translation matters because “we are going back to the beginning.”

“The purpose is to preserve the legacy of the original Tyndale Bible, the first translation of the Bible printed in English in 1526, and the first English Bible translation from the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. Our new translation will honor that legacy,”

The professor said the new translation bridges the past with the present.

“We honor Tyndale’s legacy, while utilizing documents which were unknown 500 years ago,” Wilson said. “These discoveries include texts from Codex Sinaiticus (1844), Codex Leningradensis (1863), the Cairo Geniza (1896) and the Dead Sea Scrolls (1947), among others.”

Wilson studied Old Testament languages and literature, including several Ancient Near East languages, with long-time NIV Bible translator Dr. Larry Walker. For the past 25 years, Wilson has taught biblical languages, biblical studies and intercultural coursework.

He brings his experiences as a Bible translator into the classroom, giving University of Mobile students a behind-the-scenes look at the process of translating the Bible from its original languages into modern ones.

“It is my desire that God will call University of Mobile students to translate the Bible into languages that have never had a Bible. That is a continual prayer of mine,” Wilson said.

Learning from experts who are doing the work students aspire to is key to the Center for Christian Calling’s focus on practical ministry experience. Leading pastors in Alabama Baptist churches and across the Southern Baptist Convention serve as visiting professors or adjunct instructors for university courses and conferences. Students gain hands-on ministry experience through ministry teams and internships, and international and domestic missions and service opportunities.

“In the Center for Christian Calling, pastors train students for pastoral ministry, former cross-cultural workers train students in intercultural studies, pastor-theologians train students to teach Bible and theology, and a Bible translator trains them in Hebrew and Aramaic,” Wilson said.

To learn more about the Center for Christian Calling at the University of Mobile, go to umobile.edu/christiancalling or call 251.442.2222 or 800.WIN.RAMS.

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.

University of Mobile Give Day is April 6!

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – University of Mobile Give Day 2021 is April 6, and the Christian university is calling on UM family and friends to support “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose” with a donation to the Annual Fund.

UM Give Day is a 36-hour online event that begins Tuesday, April 6 and will be celebrated across University of Mobile social media platforms. UM alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends of the university can make a tax-deductible gift in a variety of ways: online, by text, phone or mail.

Updates, videos and news about UM Give Day will be posted throughout the day on the university’s social media channels. Those who give and support the university are encouraged to invite others through their own social media to be part of the event.

Gifts received during the UM Give Day campaign will go toward the Annual Fund to support the areas of greatest need. Gifts can be made before April 6 and still count toward the total raised for Give Day.

Gifts may be made in the following ways:

  • Online at umobile.edu/giveday
  • Text umgiveday to 243725
  • Call the Advancement Office at 251.442.2585
  • Mail a check to University of Mobile Advancement Office, 5735 College Pkwy., Mobile, AL 36613.

“Every gift, big or small, can make a substantial difference in the lives of students and empower the next generation of leaders to fulfill their Great Commission calling,” said Dr. Bruce Earnest, vice president for advancement.

UM Give Day 2021 kicks off as the University of Mobile is celebrating its 60th Diamond Anniversary throughout the year. Founded by Alabama Baptists, the Christian university has been named the #1 Best Small College in Alabama with the #1 Best College Dorms in Alabama by the ranking site Niche.com.

U.S. News and World Report lists UM among the Best Value Regional Colleges in the South, Best Regional Colleges in the South, and Best Regional Colleges in the South for Veterans.

And, the University of Mobile is one of America’s Best Christian Colleges and America’s 100 Best College Buys.

The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit umobile.edu. 

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 Doug Wilson, UM Center for Christian Calling

by Kathy Dean

The University of Mobile’s mission as a Christ-centered academic community is to prepare graduates to fulfill their professional calling with a Great Commission mindset. The School of Christian Studies is the academic training ground for students called to vocational ministry, and The Center for Christian Calling (CCC) is key to accomplishing that mission. As executive director of the CCC, Dr. Doug Wilson follows his calling to mentor the next generation of ministry leaders so they will be known for impacting the world for Jesus Christ.

We asked Wilson to tell us more about the Center for Christian Calling.

Q: The Center for Christian Calling connects students with ministry partners to provide hands-on experience in church & community ministries, as well as cross-cultural missions. What is your role in making that happen?

A: We interact with Christian Studies alumni whom we have taught during the last 20 years, and who serve in ministry locally, regionally and domestically. We’ve also built relationships over the years with graduates who have gone on to serve internationally as short-term and career intercultural specialists. We look for ways to partner with alumni, as well as other evangelical Christians, to develop ministry team experiences, internships, and residencies that prepare our students for vocational ministry.

Q: What is your favorite course to teach?

A: Currently, I would say Biblical Hebrew. I love seeing eyes light up as students begin reading the Old Testament in the original languages, and watching them learn from surveying our Torah Scroll. In the classroom, I’m passionate about teaching students to build bridges across cultural barriers and to learn the content of the Bible. In particular, I want students to grow to love the Old Testament. Through the years, my favorite classes to teach have been Old Testament, Biblical Hebrew and intercultural courses. The dynamics of the students in the classroom often make the difference. I see these disciplines as being interconnected (like puzzle pieces), so it’s hard to choose only one.

Q: What do you want your students to learn through your classes?

A: I begin each semester by telling my students that my goals for them are to complete my course with a deeper love for God, a deeper love for His Word, a deeper commitment to the Great Commission and the Great Commandments. “Study to show yourself approved unto God.” Those are my goals for our students.

Q: You have taught at UM for 20 years and served as dean [for 10 years]. What is your background?

A: I have a Bachelor of Science in church music from Toccoa Falls College, a Master of Divinity from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, and PhD in Old Testament Languages & Literature. I was married in 1982, licensed to preach in 1983, ordained into ministry in 1984, and I’m the father of six children and “Granddaddy” to a growing number. I have served in pastoral ministry, theological education and denominational leadership. I’ve taken UM students on 15 international mission trips, taught for two years in Nicaragua, and have overseen UM’s semester abroad program. Currently, I serve as an Old Testament Bible translator for the New Tyndale Version and as teaching pastor at Moffett Road Baptist Church.

 Q: What do you enjoy outside of class?

A: Every once in a while, I’ll perform in an Alabama School of the Arts production — Merry Widow, Magic Flute, and The Consul. My favorite role was the Bishop in Les Miserables. I would love for my acts of Christian compassion to impact lives the way Bishop Bienvenu’s impacted Jean Valjean.

Another thing I enjoy is to travel with my wife, Kim, and children when possible. I walk for health and for stress relief. I relax by putting jigsaw puzzles together with Kim during vacation breaks. That hobby is sort of my metaphor for life. God doesn’t show us everything at once, and we often don’t know where a single piece fits into the big picture until we get closer to the end.

Q&A with UM Economics Professor Shannon Brown

by Kathy Dean

If you want to understand the world around you, study economics. Economics is the language of the decisions we make, why we make them, and the consequences of those decisions, both intended and unintended, says Shannon Brown, assistant professor of economics and finance in the University of Mobile’s School of Business. We talked with Brown about the study of economics and personal finance, her goals for students, and how she came to know Christ on the University of Mobile campus.

Q:  Why should someone choose to study Economics?

A: Most people believe economics is about money, but it’s really about the choices governments, companies and individuals make. The study of economics will make you a better citizen, a savvy consumer and an astute professional. Economics is one of the tracks in our Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, along with finance and supply chain management.

Q:  What is your favorite course to teach?  

A: I love to teach Personal Finance. I am on a mission to teach every student I can to be a good steward of their finances. My goal is to equip them to be wise with their money, avoid the pitfalls of too much debt, and encourage them to save early and consistently, so they are free to live generously and productively, making the most of their God-given talents.

Q:  You say UM is “home.” What do you mean?

A: I was blessed to grow up here; my church held services on campus when I was a young girl. I attended Sunday school in Weaver Hall and gave my life to Christ in the fall of 1980 in Weaver Auditorium (now Dorsett Auditorium). Every time I turn up the drive and see Weaver Hall, it feels like coming home. I can’t imagine teaching anywhere else.

Q:  What does “Know and Be Known” mean to you?

A: For every student I teach, I have two goals: Do the best job I can to teach you all I can, and learn all I can about you – your goals and ambitions, your struggles and your fears, that thing that makes you uniquely you.

Often, the best part of the day is the few minutes before or after class when students stop to share a bit about what is going on in their lives. That’s the good stuff!

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