Author: Molly Grace Watkins

MOBILE, Ala. – RamLegacy at the University of Mobile honored first-generation graduates through a pinning ceremony on April 20 in Frances Garner Hall. Jayda Stinnett, Martionna Salinas, Brianna Roberts and Hahnnah Brown received pins to celebrate their upcoming graduation on May 6.

“We want to make sure first-generation students here don’t just ‘attend’ UM, but also complete their academic programs and graduate with a UM degree – becoming part of the alumni legacy of UM, our RamLegacy,” says Barbara Brousseau, associate professor of French and founder of the RamLegacy program.

Along with the culture of mentoring that the University of Mobile fosters through its Student Success Center, RamLegacy offers an additional layer of support for first-generation students. 

RamLegacy was founded to help first-generation students not just survive the college journey, but to thrive, walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, and leave the University of Mobile with added tools, resources and attitudes to help them throughout their adult life.

The program helps first-generation students establish friendships, strengthen interpersonal skills, improve study skills, access networking opportunities and develop mentorships with first-generation alumni, faculty and staff.

“I was blown away by the love and intentionality of the faculty and students. I felt seen, and that I mattered,” says Jayda Stinnett, RamLegacy graduate.

First-generation May 6, 2023, graduates include:

Jayda Stinnett:

Stinnett is graduating through the Integrated 5-year MBA Program, where she will simultaneously receive a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Business Administration. Stinnett is from Guin, Alabama, and currently serves as the graduate assistant for the Grace Pilot School of Business and on the RamLegacy Leadership Team. She is a member of Delta Mu Delta Honor Society, Investment Group, and Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Steering Committee. Following graduation, Stinnett looks forward to working at a public accounting firm in Waco, Texas. 

Martionna Salinas:

Salinas is from Frisco City, Alabama, and is graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in creative writing. Throughout her time at UM, she says the different writing classes such as Screenplay, Introduction to Short Stories, and Lyric Poetry have allowed her to express herself and her thoughts. Salinas says she gained more knowledge in her career field at the university that can help her when she becomes an “official” writer and poet one day. She intends to take a gap year and work, then plans on getting her master’s degree.

Brianna Roberts:

Roberts is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in psychology. Roberts is from Mobile, Alabama. She says the University of Mobile has been the biggest blessing. At UM, she discovered lifelong friendships, her passion for helping others, and life lessons that will stay with her for the rest of her life. Roberts says she learned that life is never what it seems, and that everything happens for a reason. God places people and opportunities in your life for a reason, even if you may not know that reason for years later. Roberts has accepted a nursing position in the ICU in Waco, Texas. 

Hahnnah Brown:

Brown is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Brown is a proud Alabama resident and says she is extremely excited to be a first-generation graduate to start a new pattern in her family and set an example for her future children. After graduation, Brown plans to study for the NCLEX then work as a pediatric nurse. 

For more information about RamLegacy, please visit umobile.edu/ramlegacy.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online associate’s, 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 information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Molly Grace Watkins

Molly Grace Watkins is the Content Creator for the Office for Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Mobile. She is a full-time student in the College of Arts and Sciences, where she is pursuing a degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and Broadcasting. A published author, Molly Grace loves writing and being in front of the camera. She is an active member and volunteer at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. She also enjoys listening to music, going on long walks and driving her friends around in her blue MINI Cooper.

James Byrd 
High School Guidance Counselor
Curriculum Director
Varsity Coach
Sherwood Christian Academy
Bachelor of Arts in History ’10
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science ’10

I wanted a career where I felt I could make a difference for God’s kingdom. I was searching for what the Lord would have me do to invest in others and find meaningful Kingdom work. I began my career in education by teaching students in a Christian environment about how God orchestrated history to reveal His truths. I was given the opportunity to invest and share my passion with others and do it in a way that goes far beyond imparting academic knowledge and facts.
-James Byrd ’10

At the University of Mobile, James Byrd not only learned academically; he also grew as an individual. He attributes that growth to the fact that, at UM, his professors knew him and were invested in his future. Today, this UM graduate pursues his own passion for investing in others through his calling as an educator, guidance counselor and coach.

“I can’t begin to recognize and thank every professor I had that poured into me, but it was those kinds of personal investments that meant so much to me!” Byrd says.

Byrd’s professors challenged him to think for himself through a Biblical worldview. By the time he graduated with bachelor’s degrees in history and political science from the College of Arts & Sciences, Byrd says he was equipped for life. 

As a high school guidance counselor at Sherwood Christian Academy in Albany, Georgia, Byrd says the best part of his job is being able to sit down one-on-one with seniors and give them a place to share their hearts and pray through their next steps in life. He enjoys partnering with students and parents in helping them find God’s purpose for their lives.

Q. What have you been up to since leaving UM? 

A. After leaving the University of Mobile, I pursued a career as a high school history teacher and coach at Sherwood Christian Academy, a private Christian school in Albany, Georgia. I have spent the past 10 years teaching high school history courses, and I have also coached several varsity sports and various clubs while also earning a master’s degree in secondary education. I have been blessed to be the coach of six state championship teams at Sherwood Christian Academy. In my time as an AP U.S. History teacher, I averaged above an 85% pass rate on the College Board AP U.S. History Exam. I was also selected as the STAR Teacher for our school in consecutive years in 2021 and 2022. In May of 2022, I accepted the position of high school guidance counselor here at Sherwood in addition to maintaining the role of curriculum director and my current coaching responsibilities.

Q. What inspired you to be an educator and coach?

A. I have always had a great love for history. That love was certainly further fostered at the University of Mobile where I had an amazing experience with incredible professors. Dr. Lonnie Burnett, now president of UM, was my academic advisor, and I made sure to take every Dr. B class that I could register for! I knew every one of my professors and they all knew me! It was those kinds of relationships that made me want to pursue a calling that would also allow me to invest in the next generation.

Q. What are some of the most important things you gained from your UM experience? 

A. I was challenged to think for myself in a way that many don’t often do. My professors at UM immediately challenged me to take what they had presented and to synthesize my own conclusions. But where UM truly distinguishes itself from any other university is that the faculty at Mobile would teach us to frame our thinking from a biblical worldview. To find Truth and to defend it. I think it is so important for students to be equipped on the collegiate level for life – and what better place to do that than an amazing Christian university with a faculty and staff that love and support you?

Q. What advice would you give to prospective UM students?

A. There are many things that I would encourage students at UM to do, the first being to find a local church to plug in to, and once you do – be fully committed to it! Go find peers in your major/department both in your class but also ahead of you to learn from. But I would be sure to say to current and prospective students at UM: Go spend time with your professors – especially the ones in your major! 

Molly Grace Watkins

Molly Grace Watkins is the Content Creator for the Office for Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Mobile. She is a full-time student in the College of Arts and Sciences, where she is pursuing a degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and Broadcasting. A published author, Molly Grace loves writing and being in front of the camera. She is an active member and volunteer at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. She also enjoys listening to music, going on long walks and driving her friends around in her blue MINI Cooper.

MOBILE, Ala. – With great sadness, the University of Mobile announces the passing of Dr. Audrey Eubanks, retired vice president for academic affairs. She died Feb. 26, 2023, after a brief illness.

Dr. Eubanks served at the university for 38 years, including 27 years in administration. In recognition of her dedicated and effective service, in 2016 the UM Board of Trustees named her vice president for academic affairs – emeritus.  

UM President Lonnie Burnett said, “I do not have adequate words to describe what she meant to this university and to so many of us on a personal level. While our hearts are breaking over the loss of a colleague and dear friend, we can take comfort in the fact that her faith in Christ ensures that her pain is now a thing of the past and that death has not won a victory.”

Visitation will be held Friday, March 3, from 4-6 p.m. at Sigler Funeral Home in Lucedale, Mississippi. On Saturday, March 4, visitation will begin at 1 p.m. followed by the service at 2 p.m. at Rocky Creek Baptist Church in Lucedale.

Dr. Audrey Eubanks was a friend and mentor to many university faculty, staff, students and alumni. She started at the university in 1982 as assistant professor of education after teaching elementary education for 10 years in the George County (Mississippi) Public School system. She received tenure in 1988 and was named professor in 1991. Later, she served as dean of the School of Education, director of graduate programs, vice president for administration and, from 2002 to 2016, as vice president for academic affairs and chief academic officer. Prior to her retirement in 2020, she continued providing leadership in consulting roles, as accreditation liaison and professor of education.

Dr. Eubanks served in the administrations of five university presidents and guided the growth and development of the academic program, including moving the Baptist-affiliated institution from college status to university status in 1993. She served as the university’s first accreditation liaison for SACSCOC and continued overseeing successful accreditation reviews throughout her tenure, while also serving SACSCOC as a member and chair for numerous committees.

She oversaw the integration of technology throughout the university, including launching the university’s first online major. In 1989, she reestablished the university’s Christmas tradition of The Remembrance Tree featuring ornaments donated by faculty and staff throughout the years.

Among her many honors were the university’s Megginson Service Award, Gayfer’s Outstanding Career Woman, Who’s Who in American Education, Outstanding Young Educator and Outstanding Young Woman.

Reflecting on her career prior to retirement, Eubanks said, “I have enjoyed my work at the University of Mobile and would not trade my experiences here for anywhere else. I am and will always be a member of the UM family. It has been a place for growth, for thriving, and for maturing into the person I am today. For this, I am grateful.”

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering 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 information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Molly Grace Watkins

Molly Grace Watkins is the Content Creator for the Office for Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Mobile. She is a full-time student in the College of Arts and Sciences, where she is pursuing a degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and Broadcasting. A published author, Molly Grace loves writing and being in front of the camera. She is an active member and volunteer at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. She also enjoys listening to music, going on long walks and driving her friends around in her blue MINI Cooper.

MOBILE, Ala. – When you meet someone and instantly become best friends, why not write a children’s book together? That is exactly what Moira Buck and Karly Weaver did during their time at the University of Mobile.

As a senior graphic design major, Buck was required to create a children’s book. She had to write an original story or reimagine a classic story, illustrate, and hand-bind a children’s book as her final project for her Graphic Design Print Production Class.

This project enthused Buck, and she couldn’t wait to get started. Immediately she called her best friend and previous roommate, Karly Weaver. Weaver was also intrigued by the project and offered to collaborate on the assignment. During a 3 A.M. FaceTime call, “I Just Want A Stinkin’ Friend” was born.

During that FaceTime call, Buck and Weaver, a UM 2022 alumna, brainstormed and eventually came up with the entire story. Weaver, an English major, wrote the story, and Buck illustrated and produced the prototype copy.

Buck’s professor suggested that she self-publish it on Amazon using Kindle Direct Publishing. Within three days, over 50 copies of the children’s book were sold.

“I Just Want A Stinkin’ Friend” takes you on a journey with Alex the alligator to find a best friend. As he twists and turns through the Alphabet Jungle, will Alex find his best pal? Read the children’s book to find out!

“Being able to do this project with my best friend was one of the greatest things that I have had the opportunity to do at the University of Mobile. It was a challenge, but one that I am so thankful to have experienced,” says Buck.

At the University of Mobile, students receive hands-on learning experience. In the graphic design program specifically, students are prepared for the future with the stellar curriculum and supervision of Megan Cary, program coordinator and associate professor of graphic design.

“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,” says Cary.

Buck and Weaver can leave the University of Mobile with not only knowledge, but also the practical aspect of being able to apply the knowledge and skills they have gained.

From the experimental learning and attentiveness of the professors at UM, a promising future awaits all that leave this campus.

For more information about a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design in the College of Arts and Sciences, or to learn about any of the more than 75 academic programs at the University of Mobile, call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222 or visit umobile.edu.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering 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 information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Molly Grace Watkins

Molly Grace Watkins is the Content Creator for the Office for Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Mobile. She is a full-time student in the College of Arts and Sciences, where she is pursuing a degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and Broadcasting. A published author, Molly Grace loves writing and being in front of the camera. She is an active member and volunteer at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. She also enjoys listening to music, going on long walks and driving her friends around in her blue MINI Cooper.