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 Announces Center for Christian Calling

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile is preparing students for ministry with an emphasis on practical skills through the new Center for Christian Calling, formerly the School of Christian Studies.

The new name is part of an initiative to expand the university’s solid foundation of biblical, theological and historical studies with an increased focus on practical, hands-on skills.

Dr. Douglas Wilson, dean of the Center for Christian Calling, said experienced leading pastors in Alabama Baptist churches and across the Southern Baptist Convention, including University of Mobile and Christian Studies alumni, will serve as visiting faculty members or adjunct instructors for university courses and conferences.

The name change includes a change in structure. Beginning in July 2021 when the changes go into effect, the Center for Christian Calling will be composed of four programs:

  • Theology – For students called to a teaching ministry. Program director is Dr. Jay Robertson, associate professor of Christian Studies and pastor of Crawford Baptist Church in Mobile.
  • Intercultural Studies – For students called to domestic and international cross-cultural ministry. Program director is Dr. Robert Olsen, associate professor of Christian Studies.
  • Christian Ministry – For students called to pastoral and staff-related church ministry. Program director is Dr. Blake Newsom, senior pastor of Dauphin Way Baptist Church in Mobile.
  • Graduate Studies – For students pursuing master’s and advanced degrees and training in the areas of biblical studies, theological studies and worship leadership (in collaboration with UM’s Alabama School of the Arts). In addition to serving as dean, Wilson is program director for graduate studies.

Visiting assistant professor Dr. Benjamin Stubblefield, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Jackson, continues his role as New Testament and Greek specialist. Other current visiting faculty and adjuncts may also continue to serve.

The growing list of adjunct instructors pulls from a variety of areas of Baptist life, with currently over a dozen pastors, missionaries, association directors and various ministry leaders. They will teach topics ranging from student ministry and church planting to women’s ministry and ministry teaching English as a Second Language.

Degrees offered include Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry, Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Biblical & Theological Studies, and Master of Arts in Worship Leadership & Theology.

For more information about the University of Mobile Center for Christian Calling, go to umobile.edu/christiancalling or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Q&A with UM Graphic Arts Professor Megan Cary

by Kathy Dean

Megan Cary believes in the power of art and design. The associate professor of graphic arts empowers University of Mobile students to use their God-given talents to visually influence our culture through art and design. She’s also interested in science fiction – you might get bonus points for answering a Star Trek-related question on a quiz. We asked Cary to tell us about the graphic arts program in UM’s Alabama School of the Arts, how she prepares students to impact the world through their art, and what it means to “be known.”

Q: Why should someone choose to study graphic design at the University of Mobile?

A: I believe that UM’s graphic design program prepares students for future careers in a way that many traditional design programs do not. My curriculum emphasizes new and emerging design methods, user experience, multiple internship opportunities and portfolio building. It’s resulted in a higher-than-average employment rate for our graduates.

Q: What courses do you typically teach?

 A: I teach a wide variety of courses included print, user experience, web and portfolio design. I enjoy classes where we get to do hands-on activities, whether it is paper prototyping app designs, building out books or restaurant packaging by hand, or illustrating/painting.

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

 A: We are a community that cares about one another. I know all of my students and care deeply about them. This doesn’t stop after graduation – I’ve attended their weddings, met up for coffee check-ins and mentored them about their career transitions.

Q: What is your background?

 A: I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of South Alabama with concentrations in graphic design and painting. I earned my Master of Fine Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2013. I’ve served in senior-level corporate design positions, run my own design and marketing business, and have been teaching design and studio art courses at UM for the past seven years.

 Q: Your dissertation focused on interactive design. What drew your interest to that area of study?

A: I’ve always been interested in interaction design and how user experiences play a significant role in our lives. My graduate research examined how internet culture has created a cognitive shift in the way we interact and learn. While many educational institutions, like universities, have adapted to this change, many have not. Museums have particularly suffered from a lack of attendance and inability to deliver interactive design exhibits that stimulate and engage an audience. My thesis revolved around how we could utilize interaction design principles and methods to increase their attendance and engagement.

Q: What are some of your interests or hobbies?

A: My husband would say my hobby is work, and he’s not wrong! I’m always working on classes, curriculum, design projects and the design non-profit I am on the board of. I enjoy anything art-related like drawing, printmaking and sewing. But primarily, I’m a big nerd and enjoy science fiction and playing Dungeons and Dragons. If you have taken one of my classes, you’ve probably seen a Star Trek-related bonus question on a test!

Advice for Christians on Choosing a College

by Kathy Dean

The decision on which college to attend is important, and the first step that Christian students and parents should take is the most important.

“As a Christian, the decision on colleges should be like any other big life choice we make, namely that we pray for guidance throughout the process,” said Faith Baker. It’s what she did before choosing to enroll at the University of Mobile, a Christian college in Alabama where she now serves as assistant director of admissions.

She said every family is different and the things they are looking for in higher education vary dramatically. With over 5,300 higher education institutions in the United States, the possibilities can be overwhelming.

“The thing to remember when choosing a school is the next four-plus years of development are very intense ones. A lot of the time, college is the place spouses are found, some of the most influential friendships are formed, and values and beliefs are solidified.

“Because of the significance in this stage of life, finding a school that feels like home and encourages positive growth is an extremely important decision. Ask the questions that matter to you and your family the most.

“Whichever way the decision is made, one thing is certain, the chosen school will send ripple effects through the rest of the student’s life,” Baker said.

With so much depending on making the best decision for you, choosing a college can be scary. Having a personal enrollment counselor dedicated to helping each family and working with their individual situation can help alleviate that fear. At the University of Mobile, enrollment counselors serve as advocates for families, helping them navigate the decision-making process and personalize a financial aid package.

“These counselors will help navigate the confusion of the application process and truly work to help each student determine if UM is the place they are being called. We do everything we can to assist families through that process, and their final decision, no matter the decision, is one we celebrate with the families,” she said.

Baker said the perception is that private Christian higher education is expensive, but families should question that perception.

“The interesting thing from our perspective is that, generally, we can get the cost comparable to a lot of the public secular schools’ out-of-pocket. Because we are a smaller school, we are able to thoroughly review each student and try to find options to make it financially possible for them all,” Baker said.

One of the best ways to determine if a college is the right fit is to visit campus, take a tour, and meet faculty and students. The University of Mobile is hosting in-person campus visit day events (UM Days) and private campus tours, as high school students across the nation are making their college decision.

Prospective students and families can have a college visit experience that follows CDC guidelines and still allows students to set foot on campus for an in-person visit, instead of limiting students to virtual campus tours. RSVP for a campus visit at umobile.edu/visit.

“We have been able to provide the full array of campus tours,” said Baker. “While some adjustments have been made to comply with state requirements and to give alternate options for our guests, this past year we have hosted families in all formats. Private individual family tours, traditional UM Days, and virtual campus visits have all been options.”

University of Mobile Plans Normal Fall Semester Schedule, Enrolling Now

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile is preparing for a return to normal for fall semester 2021, with face-to-face, in-person classes and a full schedule of student activities, said UM President Lonnie Burnett.

“We will continue to follow CDC guidelines, and we are confident in our ability to make the necessary adjustments if safety concerns arise during fall semester,” Burnett said.

The university has continued holding in-person, face-to-face classes during the pandemic, with some limitations. The greatest impact in a return to normal will be the ability to offer a wide range of full capacity student activities, including athletic events and Ram Rush student orientation week, Burnett said.

During fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters, the university capped classroom size to follow CDC distancing guidelines, with students alternating between Zoom/synchronous learning and on-ground classes.

“Because of our small size and ability to adjust quickly, the University of Mobile has been able to continue holding in-person classes this past fall semester and during the current spring semester. Our fall semester graduation was held in-person on campus in December, and we are planning for an in-person outdoor graduation ceremony on May 8,” Burnett said.

The number of COVID-19 cases has been on the decline since peaking at 21 positive cases in the third week of October. Currently, there are no cases on campus, with only three commuter students and one faculty member in isolation or quarantine.

Registration for fall semester is underway, and the university continues to host in-person campus visits, including the upcoming March 19 UM Day. Schedule a campus visit or RSVP for UM Day at umobile.edu/visit.

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.

UM Alumna Dr. Tracey Henry Named 2021 Boykin Award Honoree

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – Dr. Tracey Henry, a physician and professor with Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, was awarded the 2021 Samuel Boykin Medal of Excellence by her alma mater, the University of Mobile.

“We are so proud that you are a graduate of the University of Mobile,” said UM President Lonnie Burnett, announcing the honor in a virtual ceremony on Feb. 26 that can be viewed at https://youtu.be/LtN1NimUKK8.

“On behalf of all of us at the University of Mobile, I would like to thank you, Dr. Henry, for your sacrificial and tireless service to others, for being an advocate for students and patients, and for living out your Christian faith on a daily basis,” Burnett said.

The Samuel Boykin Medal of Excellence was established in 2019 to honor the life of the late Samuel M. Boykin, the first African American graduate of the University of Mobile. The award recognizes outstanding African American graduates of the Christian university who reflect the ideals of virtuosity, faith and charity that Boykin exemplified throughout his career, family and community.

Dr. Henry is a 2002 graduate of the University of Mobile with a degree in psychology. She attended medical school at Georgetown University and earned her Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. Now a practicing physician and professor with Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, in 2017 she was chosen as one of 60 U.S. Presidential Leadership Scholars.

Long an advocate for relieving the burden of student loan debt on the medical profession, Henry has testified before the U.S. Congress about the average student loan debt that hampers students in healthcare fields.

A profile in the university’s Fall 2020 TorchLight alumni magazine said Henry enjoys helping people achieve wellness, and part of that wellness is spiritual wellness. In addition to her medical expertise, she is eager and willing to share scripture and the Gospel with those around her.

Henry is the first recipient of the award, which was established in 2019. Due to the pandemic, the award was not presented in 2020.

Samuel Boykin, second from right

UM Board of Trustees Chairman Fred Wilson presented the first medallion to Boykin’s widow, Ellen Hardiman Boykin, during a Chapel service Feb. 27, 2019, on the university campus. Mrs. Boykin traveled from California for the ceremony that honored her late husband, as family, friends and hundreds of university students looked on. Boykin died Dec. 11, 2018.

In a 2011 interview for the university’s TorchLight alumni magazine, Boykin said he took pride in graduating from Mobile College, and in being the first African American to do so.

He was a graduate of Mattie T. Blount High School in the Mobile County Public School System and earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1969 from Mobile College, now University of Mobile. He served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army, moved to California, graduated with a Master of Business Administration from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, and worked in accounting and administration.

“He grew up to become a good, hard-working man,” reads his obituary.

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 Announces Alabama’s First Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile is accepting applications for a new Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program, the first and only DNAP program in a four-state region including Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Georgia.

The 36-month doctoral degree program is designed for students on a path to becoming Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. The curriculum is offered in a blended format, combining on-site and online learning. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and more than one full year of critical care nursing experience.

Students earning the DNAP are eligible to take the National Certification Examination required to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

The new doctoral program provides more career options for healthcare professionals, and is a response to the increasing demand nationwide for nurse anesthetist practitioners. The specialty is expected to grow by more than 30 percent in the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

University of Mobile President Lonnie Burnett said the Christian university is uniquely positioned to meet that need.

“The University of Mobile has a solid reputation for graduating highly-trained, compassionate healthcare professionals who are providing exceptional care in our community and beyond,” Burnett said.

“Students in our new Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program will benefit from the university’s longstanding relationships with all of the major hospitals in our area, and our state-of-the-art Center for Excellence in Healthcare Practice,” he said.

The university’s culture of caring, with faculty who are focused on building mentoring relationships with students, is also an advantage, Burnett said.

The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice in UM’s new School of Nurse Anesthesia will begin in August 2021, pending initial accreditation and approval by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs this summer. Applications may be accepted now, but students may not enroll until initial accreditation is granted.

To learn more or apply for admission to classes beginning August 2021, visit umobile.edu/dnap. For more information, call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

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 Alumna Sarah Thomas, Super Bowl’s First Female Official, to Speak at May Graduation

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – University of Mobile graduate Sarah Thomas, who shattered glass ceilings in the world of sports and became the first female official to work a Super Bowl, will deliver the commencement address at her alma mater on May 8.

“We are extremely proud of all that Sarah Thomas has accomplished, and we look forward to welcoming her back to the campus where her career started as a Lady Ram,” said UM President Lonnie Burnett.

A 1995 graduate, Thomas played basketball at the University of Mobile from 1992 to 1995. During that time, the Rams won 61 games, including two seasons with a 13-3 record in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference action. Thomas helped guide the 1992-93 team to a District 30 Championship and a berth in the NAIA National Championship.

She was a two-time GCAC All-Academic selection and a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete in 1995. For her career, she totaled 779 points, 411 rebounds, 108 assists and 192 steals, currently sitting at fifth all-time in steals

She decided to become an official in the 1990s after attending a coaching meeting with her brother. Then, in 1996, she became the first female to officiate a Division 1-A high school football game in Mississippi. In 2007, she became the first female to officiate college football games, and in 2009, she became the first female to officiate a bowl game.

In 2015, she became the NFL’s first full-time female game official. On Feb. 7, 2021, she served as a down judge for Super Bowl 55.

Commencement will begin at 10 a.m. on the Dr. Fred and Sue Lackey Great Commission Lawn in front of Weaver Hall on the University of Mobile campus.

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.

UM Offers In-Person Campus Visits for Prospective Students

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile is hosting in-person campus visit day events and private campus tours this spring, as high school students across the nation are making their college decision.

Prospective students and families can have a college visit experience that follows CDC guidelines and still allows students to set foot on campus for an in-person visit, instead of limiting students to virtual campus tours.

“We have been able to provide the full array of campus tours,” said Faith Baker, assistant director of admissions. “While some adjustments have been made to comply with state requirements and to give alternate options for our guests, this past year we have hosted families in all formats. Private individual family tours, traditional UM Days, and virtual campus visits have all been options.”

Private tours are available Mondays through Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. In-person UM Days are set for Feb. 5 and March 19. Upcoming virtual UM Days are Feb. 10 and March 25. Students who attend a UM Day or campus tour, apply and enroll may earn a $2,000 visit scholarship.

RSVP for private tours, UM Days and virtual UM Days at umobile.edu/visit. For more information or to speak with an admissions counselor, call 251.442.2222.

Hali Givens, assistant vice president for enrollment, said students attending a UM Day will hear from UM President Lonnie Burnett and a panel of current students during an opening session, then tour campus in small groups led by UM Ambassadors. They will meet with their academic area of interest and meet faculty.

Givens said there are some differences in current campus visits compared to pre-pandemic visits. The opening session is set up to accommodate social distancing guidelines. UM has reduced the number of guests who can attend UM Days. Masks are required, and all guests are symptom checked and temperature checked. Instead of seeing dorm rooms of current students, visitors tour dorm show rooms.

Spring is a traditional time for high school juniors and seniors to visit college campuses, which can be a deciding factor as students consider where to spend their college years, according to Baker.

“The thing to remember when choosing a school is the next four-plus years of development are very intense ones. A lot of times, college is the place spouses are found, some of the most influential friendships are formed, and values and beliefs are solidified,” Baker said.

“Because of the significance in this stage of life, finding a school that feels like home and encourages positive growth is an extremely important decision. Ask the questions that matter to you and your family the most. Whichever way the decision is made, one thing is certain, the chosen school will send ripple effects through the rest of the student’s life.”

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Q&A with UM Ballet Master Barbara Haines

by Kathy Dean
Barbara Haines

The Alabama School of the Arts offers University of Mobile students a world-class education taught by the best in their field. UM Ballet Master Barbara Haines is a prime example. She has taught ballet throughout the world, with students including the Hungarian Olympic Rhythmic Sport Gymnastic Team.

This internationally experienced ballerina and ballet master has performed as principal dancer for productions in The National Opera House of Hungary, the Hungarian Festival Ballet, Richard – Wagner Festspielhaus, Germany and in the Phantom of the Opera, an Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production touring through Denmark, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Austria, and Switzerland.

We talked with Haines about her professional dance career, research in alternative physical therapy, and passion for teaching UM students.

 

 

Q. The Beginning and Advanced Ballet courses you teach in the Alabama School of the Arts (ASOTA) are part of the theatre and musical theatre majors, and students majoring in other areas can take them as electives. What do students learn in your courses? 

A. Beginning and Advanced Ballet courses are both very complex courses with hands-on, practical learning experiences. Students learn classical ballet methodology that they translate immediately in a special practical setting with the assistance of PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique) and Gyrokinesis foundation (alternative movement technique). Past years’ experience shows that by implementing PBT and Gyrokinesis, students have faster progress to master classical ballet skills. Beginning Ballet class breaks down in their weekly settings for Methodology, PBT & Gyrokinesis, and Classical Ballet practice at the barre, center stage and allegro exercises. The Advanced Ballet classes include dance history, modern ballet technique practice (Graham Technique) and choreography practice. At the end of our dance history journey, students create a short dance theatre choreography that unifies their work in voice, music, and movement.

Q. You have vast international experience that you bring to your teaching. What are some highlights of your background? 

 A. I have performed as a principle and chorus dancer in classical, neo-classical and contemporary ballet productions that were produced by prominent, world renowned choreographers and ballet masters, such as Ivan Markó and Maurice Béjart. That experience has influenced my 20-plus years in teaching and broadened my developmental research on alternative therapy, which I successfully applied at various ballet institutions. In addition to numerous certifications, I have a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and pedagogy from the Eotvos Lorand Academy of Science in Budapest, Hungary, and a Master of Arts in classical ballet pedagogy and cultural arts from the Hungarian Dance Conservatory in Budapest. Furthermore, I am currently pursuing my M.A./Professional Award Diploma in Choreology (dance notation) at the Royal Academy of Dance, London.

Q. You mentioned an interest in movement research. 

 A. I have spent the last 15 years focusing on an extensive practice to identify and rehabilitate chronic dysfunctional movement in dancers and athletes. I introduced an alternative physical therapy method of Gyrokinesis to dancers from the Washington D.C. Ballet and students at the University of Mobile. Gyrokinesis exercises simultaneously stretch and strengthen muscle groups in a way that is identical to the range of motion needed in dance class, increasing flexibility in a usable way. In addition, I have had the opportunity to work alongside rehabilitation cases which required an orthopedic approach for full recovery.

Q. Recently, you were invited by the Hungarian Academy of Arts, Institute of Art Theory and Methodology to participate in an international conference. 

A. The topic of discussion was “How the Vaslay Nijinsky Tradition has reflected on the history of Classical Ballet.” I joined to this conference my felt art pieces that reflect Nijinsky’s most iconic figurines in his ballets. Why felt? Our modern world is based on global network information exchange, in particular using graphic forms or written communication. There are three main type of communication: spoken, gestural and graphic. Graphic communication is the only type of communication that is capable of transmitting, translating and preserving a message. Studying ancient rock arts, dance notation, tribal dance cultures, and archaic folk tale figurines through the art of felt provided an essential connection to understand Nijinsky’s primitive yet modern choreography. This dramaturgy gave me the answer to the long-awaited OPEN question regarding Nijinsky’s ballet. Where did his grotesque steps come from? I am constantly seeking inherited forms through contemporary rhythm – rhythm of the materials that helps students contrasting vertical and horizontal movements to extend their inner emotions via organic body movements. Felting is part of my ongoing dance anthropology research, and one of my pieces, “Movement and Metaphor” – Nijinsky’s Jeux has received a finalist award in an international juried art exhibition.

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

A. I chose to teach at the University of Mobile to be able to provide an environment of the highest caliber in both practice and preparing students to enter musical theatre as a profession. Our current ballet curriculum supports development of diverse skills in classical and contemporary dance techniques, dance science, historical perspectives, musical inquiry, as well as technical and artistic integration of dance-specific projects with other departments within the Alabama School of the Arts.

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