University of Mobile Announces Top Faculty and Staff Awards and Promotions

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile’s highest faculty and staff honors, the Megginson Awards and Faculty Engagement Award, were announced May 5. The university also announced promotions and noted years of service during the online awards event that normally occurs at the annual faculty/staff spring luncheon on campus. University employees participated in the event via Zoom.

Following the announcement of the prestigious awards, UM President Lonnie Burnett and College of Arts and Sciences Dean Ted Mashburn emceed the lighthearted “Rammy Awards,” where employees voted for peers to receive awards ranging from the Gumby Award for the most flexible in any situation to the Baby Yoda Award for a unique individual of few words, but someone you can always count on to save the day.

The Megginson Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the university in the areas of teaching, research and service. Recipients are chosen by committees of peers from among nominations sent by students, faculty and staff. The recipients are honored for their character, ethics, accomplishments, and contributions to the university.

The Faculty Engagement Award honors a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in student engagement inside and outside the standard classroom setting and intentionally fostering community among students. Recipients of this award are nominated by faculty and selected by a committee of peers.

The 2020 William A. Megginson Teaching Award was presented to Dr. Troy Henderson, professor of mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences. “Troy teaches at every level of college-level mathematics. He approaches each class with passion and precision…always willing to try different approaches to problems if students don’t understand the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ of the material. Not only is he enthusiastic about math itself, but he also speaks openly about his faith and how Christianity relates to the structure and beauty of mathematics,” his nomination reads.

 The 2020 Mitford Ray Megginson Research Award was presented to Dr. Stephen Schuler, who was also promoted to full professor of English in the College of Arts and Sciences. Schuler’s research on Milton’s epic “Paradise Lost” was published in the prestigious journal “Milton Studies” in 2019 as “Eternal Duration: Milton on God’s Justice in Everlasting Time.” He also presented the research titled “Just in Time: Milton on God, Time, and Eternity” at the 2017 Conference on John Milton at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

  The 2020 Emma Frances Megginson Service Award was presented to Cindy Godwin, administrative assistant in the College of Arts and Sciences. “Cindy exhibits a servant’s heart, always giving to others and expecting nothing in return. When Cindy sees a need, she is always ready to help. She gives personal time to make sure the students have what they need…becoming their Mom away from home,” her nomination read.

 

The 2020 Faculty Engagement Award was presented to Julie Hughes, assistant professor of nursing and simulation coordinator in the School of Nursing, College of Health Professions. A UM alumna, Hughes was cited for being student-focused and going above and beyond expectations for impromptu clinical rounds. “Julie prays for the students before each exam. She has a calming and humble spirit. She is an asset to the nursing faculty,” her nomination read.

Faculty promotions were announced. Faculty promoted to full professor receive a university medallion that is worn at graduation and official university ceremonies. Promoted to full professor was Dr. Stephen Schuler, professor of English, College of Arts and Sciences.

Additional faculty promotions include Dr. Leslie Baggett, associate professor of biology, College of Arts and Sciences; Lourdes Baumer, assistant professor of Spanish, College of Arts and Sciences; Tammy Brown, assistant professor of nursing, School of Nursing; Dr. Karen Dennis, associate professor of education, School of Education and Rusty Roberts, associate professor of accounting, School of Business.

Faculty gaining tenure include Dr. Matthew Downs, associate professor of history and associate dean, College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Patrick Jacobs, director of opera and professor of music/voice, Alabama School of the Arts; and Dr. Stephen Schuler, professor of English, College of Arts and Sciences.

Service awards were presented to faculty and staff for years of service. Employees are honored at five-year marks.

35-Year Service Award: Vicki Burgin, Jane Byrd, Ted Mashburn.

25-Year Service Award: Marie Batson, Elaine Kyser, Linda Maloy, Kay Sellers.

20-Year Service Award: Cindy Bruns.

15-Year Service Award: Lona Brown, Lonnie Burnett, Jon Campbell, Lisa Davis, Nancy Gautier, Terri McNellage.

10-Year Service Award: Amber Campbell, Jenna Goodwin, Kenn Hughes.

5-Year Service Award: Karon Bishop, Charlotte Hester, Thomas Earl Jackson, Carla Denise Johnson, Greg Johnson, Mary-Claire Marshall, Billy Musgrove, Katherine Reeves, Michael Snow, Aimee Var.

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 Plans to Return to On-Campus Instruction in Fall

MOBILE, Ala. – Dr. Lonnie Burnett, president of the University of Mobile, announced today the private Christian university plans to resume on-ground instruction and residential housing this fall.

Faculty will report to campus Aug. 10 with classes set to begin Aug. 17. Move-in day for residential students will be Aug. 14.

As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent state guidelines, the university transitioned to a fully online format for the second half of the spring semester.

“Although our faculty and students did an amazing job of completing the current semester through remote learning, our students want the benefit of our uniquely personal on-campus experience,” Burnett said.

University leaders are currently formulating plans to comply with any government regulations which may be in place when the fall semester begins. Options include limiting class sizes, increasing the available dining hall space, and offering courses in a flexible model where students might have the option of coming to the physical classroom or joining remotely via video platforms.

“The great advantage we have with our university is that we already offer small classes and we can focus on the needs of the individual student. Our employees can be nimble in addressing any need that may arise in the fall,” Burnett said.

Currently, private campus tours are available by reservation for prospective students and their families. Reservations may be made at umobile.edu/visit or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222. The university is accepting applications for fall enrollment at umobile.edu/apply.

University officials will continue to monitor the situation and work with state and local officials to ensure the health and safety of all students and employees. Any modifications to current plans will be promptly communicated.

 

 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 Expands Opportunities for Student Internships and Job Search

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile has partnered with Handshake, a career management platform that expands opportunities for students through internships, jobs, student networking, and virtual career activities and events.

“The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has not only hurt businesses, it has also affected college students who are relying on these businesses for internships in their field, or in launching their career after graduation. Many have had to start their internship or job search over completely, because their previous plans have been postponed or halted altogether,” said Lawrencine Mason, career services director in the university’s Student Success Center.

“Our partnership with Handshake gives our students a powerful tool to use in discovering the right opportunity during this unprecedented time,” Mason said.

Employers use Handshake to recruit students who can create a profile on the platform and explore job roles based on their major and interests. Students receive personalized job recommendations based on their profile.

UM students also have support for their job search through the university’s Student Success Center, which offers personalized advice on resumes, career fields, interviewing skills and more.

For information about career services at the University of Mobile, contact Mason at lmason@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.

Known for Creativity

University of Mobile alumni are known for finding creative ways to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bradford H. Forehand is using his musical theatre degree and a successful career in children’s theatre to take children ages 4 to 6 on a virtual adventure using theatre.

Bradford, a 2009 UM graduate, is director of education at Red Mountain Theatre Company in Birmingham, Alabama. RMTC is a non-profit theatre that fosters artists, inspires youth and engages audiences through quality theatre and education programming.

That’s exactly what Bradford is doing at 11:30 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through “Play Making Live with Bradford” on Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Facebook Live and YouTube.

A recent episode opens with Bradford reading a story, then leading children on an imaginary adventure using elements of the story. In this episode, he helped children pretend to be an elephant playing chess, racing a tortoise, sitting quietly with a penguin and riding a bus.

He took a few moments to talk about what he does, why he does it, and how his UM experience influenced his own life so he can impact others.

1. How did the idea of Play Making Live with Bradford come about, and what do you hope to accomplish through it?

Red Mountain Theatre Company is always looking to deepen our engagement with families and the arts. As schools closed and our community moved to working from home, we knew that meant a big change for parents and young people alike. We saw a specific need with pre-school aged children who, unlike their older counterparts who are better able to find ways to engage themselves, needed something to do.  Many of the activities that we do in our Play Making camps, such as reading and acting out a story or singing silly songs, could easily translate from in-person to virtual, so we decided to start there.  Our goal was to, as our mission states, engage our community and meet them where they were – which in this case is right in their own homes.  We hope that these videos give young people a chance to express their creativity and have fun while they are staying home.  Plus, because they are on YouTube, we hope that families can experience these adventures over and over again.

2. How has your University of Mobile experience influenced what you do today, both professionally and personally?

Because of the small size of the department, I got to do everything – build sets, pull costumes, choreograph, direct – even wait tables (it was a dinner theatre, after all). The level of responsibility I got to experience at UM was amazing. That experience was invaluable, especially the choreographing and directing. I think it really set me up to succeed in what I’m doing now, where those are major aspects of my job.

It also, somewhat coincidentally, prepared me for serving in my local church. With my church music classes, I learned a lot about public reading of scripture, and that is a way that I can serve here in Birmingham.

In addition to the artistic preparation, my time at UM influenced who I am. I learned a lot about myself, my faith, what I wanted and what I felt the Lord wanted for my life. My faith became my own – not my parents or my friends or my culture, but mine. My path changed a few times (as did my major), and continued to change after I left, but I knew that I had professors I could call upon, even after graduation. I knew I had friends who I could work along side, and I still talk with those people now, over 10 years later.

3. What other experiences have you had after graduating from UM that led you to Red Mountain Theatre Company?

After I graduated from UM, I wanted to pursue the business side of the arts. I got an internship with the managing director of Lexington Children’s Theatre. This phenomenal company was where I saw my love of young people and high quality come together – that children’s theatre didn’t have to be primary colors and bad acting. It became my artistic home. My mentors there pointed me to grad school. I completed a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre for Youth at Arizona State University. During my time in Tempe, I also worked as a freelance actor, director and teaching artist, mostly for Childsplay. I also had the opportunity to work for The Coterie Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri. Upon graduation in 2014, I decided to move back home and applied for a teaching artist position at RMTC. One thing led to another and I was hired full time as the education manager. As our department grew, I was promoted to director of education in 2015; we’re still growing and hoping to offer more and more programs to the people of Birmingham in the coming years!

4. Do you have a favorite memory of your time at UM that you’d like to share?

Oh so many! Most are centered around the friends I made and the shows we did at UM. I’ll never forget – we were doing “Arsenic and Old Lace.” I was cast as Mortimer, and there’s a particularly tricky scene midway through the first act where Mortimer has to scare a little old man so that he doesn’t drink the poison, and then Mortimer has to shoe him away from the house. Well, one night, they poured a little too much juice in the cup, and I gave a particularly frightful scream and the juice went EVERYWHERE. So as I was chasing the other actor off stage, I slipped and fell flat on my face. It was a very Donald O’Conner slapstick sort of moment. The show must go on, so I popped back up and continued with the scene. Fortunately, I wasn’t really hurt, and I was about to have about 15 minutes off stage. When I got off stage, the crew told me that during the fall I had ripped the back of my pants. I had no idea and couldn’t believe it. Fortunately, we had the time to get them fixed before I had to go back on stage, and all went well the rest of the show.  Definitely a moment I’ll never forget.

5. As a UM graduate, what is your advice to students who will be graduating from UM in a few weeks?

I say to all my students that it’s about the next step. Your path may change – the Lord may put something in front of you that you never expected, and that’s okay. Your decision to take a job or pursue more education or whatever doesn’t have to be final. It’s just the next step. Trust that all will work out, and in some way or another, it does. Maybe not as we had planned (hard for us Type A planners), but it does. As one of my grad school professors always said, “Ski the slope, not the mountain.”

6. Anything else you’d like to add?

One more piece of advice. As you move into your next step, find your way to jump in and meet people. My mother always says that life is who you know. It’s different for everyone, but it’s a valuable skill. So find your way to make connections.

 

Featured Image: Photo courtesy Red Mountain Theatre Company

University of Mobile Online Master of Arts in Education Named Among Best in Nation

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile’s online Master of Arts in Education has been named among the best in the nation by Online Schools Report.

The M.A. in education offers graduate programs leading to Class A certification in early childhood education and/or elementary education. Students may choose to combine the early childhood and elementary education programs for dual certification.

The program is offered online and students may begin any semester. Applications are being accepted at umobile.edu/apply.

For information about degrees in the University of Mobile School of Education, go to umobile.edu/schoolofeducation or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

Online Schools Report synthesizes data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the Bureau of Labor Statics, Payscale, and the College Scorecard. Ultimately, colleges are scored based on their commitment to online education, admission rates, student satisfaction, alumni debt, and speciality in the program in question.

 

 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 Spring Commencement Moved to Dec. 12

MOBILE, Ala. – Due to the continued uncertainty concerning the COVID-19 outbreak, the Spring 2020 University of Mobile Commencement Service will be moved to Saturday, Dec 12, 2020.  This service will honor all 2020 graduates from both the spring and fall semesters.

The event will begin at 10 a.m. and will be held on the university lawn.

Spring graduates will receive their diplomas via certified U.S. mail upon the completion of all graduation requirements.

Information on graduation is at umobile.edu/graduation.

 

 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 Student ‘Shout Outs’ Show Strength of Campus Community

MOBILE, Ala. – A survey of University of Mobile students evaluating the online delivery of classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic reveals more than whether the technology worked or faculty successfully revamped their courses for the new format.

It shows the importance students place on their personal connections with faculty and staff at the Christian university.

“Honestly, I’m just thankful for the kindness of all the faculty and staff. In the midst of all this chaos, they have been so loving and encouraging,” a student wrote in the anonymous survey.

Given space to offer a “shout out” for anything they thought worked particularly well, students overwhelmingly cited the ways faculty and staff checked on them, prayed for them, and were available to support them through personal challenges as well as with coursework.

The shout outs reveal a Christ-centered culture where community and connections are important.

“Charlotte Hester is my Foundation of Music Theory professor and she prays for us every time we meet for class. It really means a lot that she will stop in the middle of a sentence and say, ‘Hey guys, let’s pray,'” a student wrote.

The associate professor of music education in the university’s Alabama School of the Arts said she prays with students “because our hearts need the presence of a mighty God in a chaotic world.”

“If I stop in the middle of a sentence and say, ‘Hey guys, let’s pray,’ it’s probably because there is something on the faces and demeanor of my students that says ‘need,’ whether it is need to focus, need to sleep, need to be less anxious, or need to understand. Prayer should be the place we take our need and our concerns to lay at the feet of Jesus,” Hester said.

University of Mobile President Lonnie Burnett said the university’s “Know and Be Known” motto highlights the strength of a small campus with an enrollment just under 2,000, where students are known by their professors and where professors know their calling goes beyond teaching subject matter in a particular discipline.

“The great advantage of a university of our size is that the faculty and staff can communicate effectively with all our students. This has never been more evident or necessary than during the last few weeks. Likewise, our Christ-centered focus makes it natural to want to minister to students,” Burnett said.

Student comments illustrate how that culture of Christ-centered community makes a big impact. Here is a small sampling of the many “shout outs” that University of Mobile students shared on the survey:

“Mrs. Counselman, my English professor, texted me to make sure I was doing okay, and that she was praying for me. It was very thoughtful!”

“Mrs. Carithers also says her cell phone is always open for us to call her if we have any questions.”

“Dr. Walter did a Zoom call with our class just to check on us, and he asked us individually how we were doing. I really appreciated that!”

“My music theory professor, Mr. Dunn, emailed me to check on me. I needed that.”

“Dr. Jones has done a wonderful job keeping us updated and has been very understanding with peoples’ personal issues during this time of uncertainty.”

“I am so thankful to have teachers that truly care for us and do everything in their power and work with us to help us be successful in this very hard and unexpected time!! So thankful for all staff! You guys ROCK.”

One student pointed out that this was an uncertain time for faculty and staff, as well as for students.

“It’s hard for all of us, not just students,” the student wrote. “We were all affected by it, and the fact that they continue to work and to make sure we’re okay is amazing!

“So SHOUT-OUT to all my professors for being able to do this and continue through this rough journey. God has called them into this area, and I’m glad to see them still striving to make sure all of the students are taken care of!”

 

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.

New Master of Science in Leadership and Communication at University of Mobile

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile is now accepting applications for graduate students in a newly developed online Master of Science in Leadership and Communication.

The master’s degree in leadership and communication is designed to give business and non-profit professionals the practical knowledge and skills they need to help their organization succeed, said Dr. Kathy Dunning, dean of the School of Business.

The online program in the School of Business can be completed in either one or two years, making it flexible for working adults.

Dunning said the program benefits current business or non-profit leaders as well as those preparing for managerial roles in a variety of organizations. In addition, graduates will have the academic credentials to teach at the college level.

“This master’s program equips current professionals for the primary roles of leading and communicating within their organization. It also opens doors for those looking to enter into a managerial position, since NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) survey results indicate leadership and communication skills are sought-after skills by employers,” Dunning said.

Constructed as a project-based, practitioner-focused program, courses are structured in three 5-week segments with projects, dialogues and quizzes being spread throughout the semester.

Upon completion, graduates will have 18 hours of leadership/management courses and 18 hours of communication courses at the graduate level, making them eligible to teach undergraduate courses in either discipline at regionally accredited higher education institutions.

Applications are being accepted now at umobile.edu/apply. Applicants may hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited institution of higher education.

For more information about the Master of Science in Leadership and Communication or other degrees at the University of Mobile, go to umobile.edu/academics or call 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 Master’s in Theology Ranked Among Most Affordable in Nation

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile’s online Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies has been ranked as one of the nation’s “Most Affordable Theology Master’s Degrees.”

The master’s program in the School of Christian Studies was ranked #9 nationally for affordability by OnlineU, a ranking site aimed at helping students make educated decisions when choosing an online degree.

The University of Mobile master’s degree is a fully online program with faculty members dedicated to training students to rightly interpret the Word of God and understand theological truth in order to strengthen the church and her mission.

Dr. Douglas Wilson, dean of the School of Christian Studies, said, “Our program offers non-thesis and thesis tracks as graduate students consider further seminary and post-graduate studies.

“Alumni from our graduate program are serving in local churches and international contexts. Graduates from the School of Christian Studies are currently serving as pastors, teachers, Christian school administrators, adjunct university instructors, and international workers in Asia, South America, and Europe.”

For information about the Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies or other degree programs in the School of Christian Studies, visit umobile.edu/christianstudies 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.

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