Author: Kathy Dean

 MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile is pleased to announce the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the post-graduate Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Certificate programs are now fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Board of Commissioners.

The CCNE Board of Commissioners granted accreditation during the May 5-8, 2020, meeting after determining the University of Mobile programs met all four accreditation standards in the areas of institutional resources, proper mission governance, quality curriculum and teaching practices, and program effectiveness.

“Earning such a prestigious accreditation just one year after enrolling our first DNP and certificate students speaks volumes to the comprehensive and progressive curriculum that has been developed by our School of Nursing faculty,” said Dr. Sarah Witherspoon, dean of the School of Nursing.

The university’s first class of DNP students will graduate in spring 2021. The DNP is offered as an online program with three on-campus intensives. Options for completion of the degree include the Post-Master’s to DNP track, and the BSN to DNP track.

The first APRN students will graduate in fall 2020. The Post-Master’s APRN Certificate is for nurses who already hold a master’s degree in nursing. It provides an educational route to specialization in an area other than that obtained in their master’s or doctoral programs.

Both programs are accepting applications through July 24 for classes beginning fall semester 2020. Apply at umobile.apply.

CCNE accreditation was a collaborative effort requiring a personal investment from university faculty and staff, said Dr. Curtis Mathis, graduate chair in the School of Nursing. Leading contributors included Witherspoon, Mathis and Dr. Jessica Garner, clinical coordinator and graduate faculty member.

“I am honored to work with a resourceful faculty who contributed to this process with the same level of dedication and excellence to which they deliver educational experiences to students,” Mathis said.

Dr. Todd Greer, vice president for academic affairs, said accreditation is a recognition that the School of Nursing continues to strive toward excellence in both intellectual and spiritual development.

“Our commitment to developing excellent programs that serve the needs of our community only continues to grow,” Greer said.

The accreditation is effective as of Oct. 9, 2019 and extends to June 30, 2025. The next on-site accreditation visit is planned for the fall of 2024.

For more information about graduate degrees in the University of Mobile School of Nursing, visit umobile.edu/schoolofnursing or contact Mathis at cmathis@umobile.edu.

 

Featured Image: University of Mobile School of Nursing students are pictured at a white coat ceremony signifying their entrance into the medical profession.

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.

Kaylee Pullin knows excellence. As second baseman on the University of Mobile softball team, she also knows the value of hard work. And, she knows how important it is to let the people in your life know they are important to you.

So, she wrote an email to University of Mobile President Lonnie Burnett.

“Hello Dr. Burnett. I know this has been a crazy time, but I just wanted to share with you about the people you have on your staff…” Kaylee wrote.

While the University of Mobile is known for faculty who mentor and build relationships with students, many of which last well beyond graduation, few students actually email the university president to share what that really means in their lives.

We wanted to know why Kaylee did.

1. You sent an email to Dr. Lonnie Burnett, president of the University of Mobile, about three of your professors in particular and how they have been so supportive of you as a student-athlete. Before we get to that, tell us why you chose to enroll at UM.

I was blessed to receive a scholarship from the University of Mobile to further my academic and softball career. Mobile has felt like home since the first time I walked onto campus. The small environment is very welcoming and comfortable to me. I have always wanted to be away from home and experience new places, and Mobile turned into my second home. The university has always emphasized how safe it is, which allows for students to walk around campus at night or ENO in the trees by the softball field without any threat. The university has always had a successful softball team, and I wanted to take part in keeping the tradition alive.

The biggest thing that had me hooked on UM was Taylor Lee Ledbetter (head strength and conditioning coach) and her weight training program. I knew TL would push me to become a better person and athlete, and she has definitely lived up to that. I don’t always enjoy her workouts, but she pushes to give it our all, and that’s why I respect her.

2. It’s been said that student-athletes are some of the hardest-working students on a college campus. In your email, you mentioned that student-athletes have special challenges, which is why it is important to have professors who understand that. What do you love about being a student-athlete, and what are some of the challenges?

My freshman year, Coach (Alison) Cook sat us down in the locker room and told us she wanted us to have a 3.5 GPA or higher. Coach has always emphasized that school comes first. Some of the biggest challenges as a student-athlete are time management and working around schedules. With 20-plus girls on a team and different class schedules, it’s especially hard trying to manage class schedules and practice schedules. Many of the sports on campus have workouts with TL; this last year the softball team worked out at 6 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and conditioned at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Both TL and Coach Cook have always worked with us to ensure we were able to prioritize school first and fit in practice afterwards. As far as my professors, they understand that classes will be missed because of games, and they have always worked to ensure we have enough time to complete the assignments. They have always made sure we understand the material missed and encouraged us to come into their office whenever we need help.

With all these challenges, there are many things to love about being an athlete for the university. Playing for the university is probably one of the best decisions I have ever made. These girls and this program have developed me into the person I am today. The fire and passion we have for the game can be felt on and off the field. I love wearing “Mobile” across my chest because we know and believe that we don’t play for ourselves – we play for the team. When the fans come to a softball game, they know they are in for a show. From the beats and cheers in the dugout, to the ESPN moments (all trips and falls included), and comeback moments, there is always something interesting going on. The student body has always been supportive of all sports. Many of our students watched us during both trips to the national tournament, and many have travelled to our away games just to show support. There have been times where I have looked up into the crowd and seen staff of the university watching our games. One professor in particular, Dr. (Robert) Olsen (assistant professor of Christian Studies), will always figure out which softball players he has in his class and make it a point to come to every game that he can. It is the passion and intensity that Coach Cook shares for the game that truly makes me love the sport. As a team, we all believe and know how great our program is and how much we can achieve. That is why I love being a part of the University of Mobile softball team.

3. The professors you praised are Drs. Julie Biskner, associate professor of political science, and assistant professors of psychology Aimee Var and Kelley Wilson. How have they lived out the “Know and Be Known” motto of UM in your life?

These professors have done a tremendous job throughout my years here helping students become successful. They constantly push students outside of their comfort zone and to try new things. Dr. B is my advisor, and she helped me explore my options for internships, and constantly tells me and my classmates about new opportunities. Dr. Wilson pushed me outside of my comfort zone for a research paper that I actually enjoyed designing and writing about – eventually. Dr. Var always had my attention during her abnormal psychology class by making me question people’s everyday behavior and trying to decide on what is actually normal.

These teachers have always done an exceptional job responding to my emails and questions when I truly just need help. They have listened to my problems and shown me solutions that I wouldn’t find on my own. When we switched to online classes because of Covid-19, they made the transition as easy as possible. They posted video lectures explaining the lessons and even extended deadlines when I just needed more time for assignments.  They were available for feedback on my assignments and let their students know they were there to talk during the stressful times.

They helped me find my passion and purpose for my future. These teachers have allowed me to develop in the classroom and push myself to become a better person.

4. At UM, we talk about following your calling. Why did you decide to major in Criminology and minor in Psychology, and what is your calling?

Growing up, I have always seen my dad in a law enforcement uniform of some kind. My father rose through the ranks of the Alabama State Troopers and became the chief of highway patrol and subsequently was appointed as assistant director by then-Gov. Bentley. This has instilled in me a passion to serve my community through a law enforcement agency. I knew by majoring in criminology and minoring in psychology I would be able to understand the “why” behind a criminal’s actions.

This past fall semester, I was able to intern with Commander Levy of the Mobile Police Department’s Cyber-Division and Sergeant Pat McKean and his staff at the Mobile Police Department K-9 unit. This was one of the best opportunities I have ever been a part of. Commander Levy also teaches at UM, and his unit was able to show me the internal cyber portion of investigations. Sergeant McKean showed me what it really takes to handle a K-9 and how much work you must put into those animals. This instilled my passion to serve even deeper.

When I graduate, I plan on enrolling in a police academy and eventually becoming a K-9 officer or crime scene technician. Overall, I want to help serve and protect my community in the best way possible while forming relationships and impacting the lives around me.

5. Anything else you’d like to mention?

 This university has become a part of my life that I will forever cherish. The level of support each team shows for one another truly instills a family feeling. The staff at the university has always shown love and support for their student-athletes and, if it wasn’t for them, we would not be as successful of a program. There are many administrators and staff who know the softball team by name and that, to me, is truly what matters most. Many parents worry about sending their children off to college, but at the University of Mobile, students are “adopted” into this family environment. I am blessed to have met my best friends at this school and many more people who feel like family. I will forever be grateful for what the University of Mobile has given me.

Reeda Taylor earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Mobile in 2010 with a specific purpose in mind: to do medical missions when her husband retired.

When Dr. Cecil Taylor retired as dean of the University of Mobile School of Christian Studies in 2013, the couple moved to Marshall, Texas, to be near family and discover new ways of serving God. Since then, Cecil has been interim pastor for five area churches and taught as a full-time professor and also adjunct at Wiley College, an historically black college. He is also working on a book about the Lord’s Prayer.

Reeda’s nursing degree and experience opened doors for her to serve in medical missions, on travel assignments, and in rehab settings for surgical and stroke patients. The couple has been on mission to Brazil, Peru and Honduras, and Reeda ventured to Tanzania, as well.

So when the call went out for healthcare professionals to care for people in the pandemic hot spot of New York City, Reeda answered. She partnered with Samaritan’s Purse to serve three weeks with a team assembled from across the nation. We asked her to tell us about her experience.

1. Why did you decide to volunteer in one of the nation’s hot spots?

I was reading an email from Samaritan’s Purse, which I get frequently, and saw the story about the Samaritan’s Purse COVID-19 response. I read further and found that medical personnel were needed. My thought was, “I am medical personnel – I could do this!” I was tremendously excited that I could be a small part of something so huge, really making a difference medically and spiritually in the lives of others. I completed the application and the interviews that followed, and within a couple of weeks, I was on my way to New York City! I know the Lord gave me a heart for missions when I was 12. He led me to this opportunity with Samaritan’s Purse.

2. What was a typical day like?

I worked the night shift, so every evening at 6 p.m. the bus would pick up the night crew and take us to Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital. Samaritan’s Purse staffed two floors at this hospital. We would meet in our break rooms, where dinner was waiting. The meals were generously donated by local restaurants and delis in NYC. We even had a local group donate Chick-fil-A one evening! We would then have a devotion and prayer. After that, we went through the meticulous process of getting ready to enter the “hot zone” where the patients were. There was a 20+ step process for going in the hot zone and for coming out of the hot zone – including many layers of personal protective wear as we provided critical care to COVID-19 victims. When we got off at 7 a.m., we would have breakfast in the break room, and the bus would take us back to the hotel. We would usually run across the street to CVS for miscellaneous items, then shower, sleep, and get up to do it all over again.

3. Can you tell us about an experience that stands out to you, where you really felt that God had brought you to this place for a particular purpose?

The doctors and nurse practitioners would make rounds on the floor and see the patients. I was rounding with the nurse practitioner assigned to one of my very first patients. After we talked with the patient and completed an assessment, we were able to encourage the patient and she wanted prayer, so we prayed for her. I was later able to give her a Bible. She said she had not had one since she was a child. I hope and pray that the witness we were able to share was a planted seed that someone else will water, and soon, another will reap that harvest.

Something else of great significance that added to the overall experience was the teamwork exhibited by the registered nurses, the care technicians, and the doctors/nurse practitioners. Their response when one of us asked for help with a task was phenomenal. All who could, came running!

We all came from different medical backgrounds and specialties – ER, OR, family practice, pediatrics, med surge, etc. What one team member lacked experience in was “right up someone else’s alley.” We all excelled in something.

4. How did your University of Mobile experience prepare you for serving in New York City, as well as in other locations throughout the world?

 Going back to school and earning my BSN was one of the hardest things I have ever accomplished. I had grandchildren, for heaven’s sake! I was the oldest student in the classes, and I was older than many of the professors. But I am so glad I hung in there and did not quit. Working in healthcare has been very rewarding and afforded me many opportunities. I keep telling myself that the Lord has prepared me “for such a time as this.”

And, of course, I must talk about my mission trips with University Missions. I had been on several trips with Cecil (aka Dr. T) when I started work on my BSN. I remember going to Nova Fribourgo, Brazil, right after beginning the nursing program. Alice Younce and Kimberly Quiett happened to be on this particular trip, and they worked with me on taking manual blood pressures. Brazil is where I learned to take a manual blood pressure!

5. Anything else you’d like to add?

It was an honor to care for the residents of NYC who were battling the coronavirus! Our patients came in all shapes, sizes, colors, with different backgrounds, value systems, beliefs and languages. We loved them all and cared for them with genuine concern and professionalism. We Zoomed families so they could visit, prayed with them when we were asked, administered medication, assisted them in walking, and helped with personal needs. I will always treasure this experience.

I must say that Samaritan’s Purse is a well-oiled machine! I know this was not their first rodeo, but every detail and contingency had been thought through. Each staff member loves Jesus and has a heart for what they do. If I have my way, I will definitely work with them again.

 

Featured Image: Reeda Taylor pictured back row, second from left.

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.

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.

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.