Author: 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.

The Alabama School of the Arts presents ‘The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940’

by Molly Grace Watkins

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile presents the comedic play “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” by John Bishop.

Performances are Feb. 16-18 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 19 at 3 p.m. at College Woods Auditorium on the University of Mobile campus. A cast of talented students from the university’s Alabama School of the Arts is directed by Stewart Hawley, assistant professor of theatre.

There are two options for tickets: a general admission ticket for the performance only, or a dinner ticket that includes dinner and the show. General admission is $10, and dinner tickets are $30. Dinner will start at 6 p.m. before the 7 p.m. show. Both ticket options are available online at umobile.edu/pas. General admission tickets will also be available at the door.

The play first opened on Broadway in 1987. The murder mystery takes the audience on a comedic journey to uncover the mysterious “Stage Door Slasher.” The journey begins with the creative team responsible for a recent Broadway flop in which three chorus girls were murdered by the mysterious “Stage Door Slasher.” 

The team has assembled for a backer’s audition of their new show. The scene is a house replete with sliding panels, secret passageways, and a German maid who is apparently four different people.

As the composer, lyricist, actors and director prepare their performance, and a blizzard cuts off any possible retreat, bodies start to drop in plain sight, knives spring out of nowhere, masked figures drag their victims behind swiveling bookcases, and accusing fingers point in all directions. 

For more information, visit umobile.edu/pas or call the Alabama School of the Arts at 251.442.2383.

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.

UM Piano Fest Features Guest Artist Marian Lee Feb. 6-8

by Molly Grace Watkins

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile welcomes Dr. Marian Lee as guest artist for the sixth annual piano festival.

Lee is a professor of music and head of the piano department at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA. She will perform a guest artist recital as well as conduct a master class and a pedagogy workshop in UM’s Moorer Auditorium in Thomas T. Martin Hall.

The pedagogy workshop, “The Five Basic Motions of Piano Technique,” is set for Feb. 6 at 4:30 p.m. The guest artist recital will be held Feb. 7 at 7 p.m., and the master class will be on Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.

Dr. Marian Lee

In her pedagogy workshop, Lee will introduce the five basic motions of piano technique that were introduced to her by her former Juilliard professor, Hungarian pianist György Sandor. After this workshop, pianists of all levels will be able to easily understand how to immediately decipher the motions needed in their playing by the visual cues in the score. 

Lee made her New York City debut at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall as winner of the Artists International Award and has appeared as soloist and with orchestra internationally.

She entered The Juilliard School as a scholarship student receiving a Bachelor of Music under the guidance of Gyorgy Sandor. 

In 2012, Lee moved to Davenport, Iowa, where she is associate professor in piano and serves as head of the keyboard area at St. Ambrose University. As an active teacher and frequent adjudicator, Lee is a member of the Music Teachers National Association, National Federation of Music Teachers, the Iowa Music Teachers Association, Quad City Music Teachers Association, and was past president of the Delaware Music Teachers Association.

She has also held master classes in Hong Kong, Delaware, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Illinois and Iowa and has the distinct honor of being the first female solo pianist to perform on Iowa Public Radio’s Steinway Café, which is available to watch on YouTube. 

Most recently, Lee was awarded the Baecke Grant for the Humanities and created two videos – one tutorial on the five basic motions of piano technique and another on a rare Pleyel double piano which is available to view on YouTube.

For more information, please visit umobile.edu/asota or call the Alabama School of the Arts at 251.442.2383.

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.

UM Presents Shane & Shane in Free UM Day Concert

by Molly Grace Watkins

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile is excited to welcome contemporary worship band Shane & Shane for a free concert open to the community and prospective students. The concert will also be the final event of UM Day on Feb. 10, where prospective students and their families are invited to experience the University of Mobile.

UM Day begins at 12:30 p.m. with a variety of events and tours. Then, prospective students and families can celebrate the day at UM with a free praise and worship concert. This concert will be held Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. on the Great Commission Lawn. The Shane & Shane concert is free and open to the public. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the concert beneath the oaks.

There is still time to RSVP for the Feb. 10 UM Day. For more information and to register to attend the visit day, go to umobile.edu/umday.

During UM Day, prospective families will see classrooms and dormitories, tour campus, meet faculty, learn about financial aid, and earn a scholarship. Every student who visits campus during UM Day, applies and later enrolls can receive a $2,000 scholarship. A $2,000 UM Day scholarship is also available for prospective students who schedule a private campus visit, apply and enroll.

Shane & Shane is a Texas-based contemporary worship music band known for acoustic praise and worship music. In 2002, the band released their first album, Psalms. The duo has continued to release albums, including their newest album, Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, Vol. 1.

In 2014, Shane & Shane launched a project, “The Worship Initiative,” a paid membership website with instructional videos and chord charts for popular worship songs.

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

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.

UM Performing Arts Series Presents ‘Love & Loss’ Opera and Musical Theatre Scenes

by Molly Grace Watkins

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile Performing Arts Series presents “Love & Loss,” a program of opera and musical theatre scenes centered on various interpretations of love and loss.

The program will be presented at UM’s Moorer Auditorium in Martin Hall on Jan. 26-27 at 7 p.m. General admission is $10. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at umobile.edu/pas.

“The audience will be immersed in the music of some of our greatest composers in operatic history, including Mozart, Bizet, Delibes and Donizetti, while also experiencing moments in musical theater that have captivated the hearts of New York audiences, spanning from decades past to very recent seasons,” said Hendrick, associate professor of music in the Alabama School of the Arts.

Dr. Michael Hendrick
Alexandra Trosper

Michael Hendrick and Alexandra Trosper, visiting professor of music, direct the production that features a cast of talented UM students on stage and behind the scenes. The professors joined the faculty of the Alabama School of the Arts in fall 2022.

“Many people can relate to both central themes of love and loss. I think the most beautiful aspect of our theme is the undeniable fact – unless you have experienced loss, you can never fully appreciate love, and vice versa,” said Trosper.

Hendrick said audiences are in for a treat.

“In a world of seemingly endless entertainment options today, there’s nothing better than live performances of glorious music, sung by enthusiastic and committed singers at the University of Mobile! Come, sit back, and enjoy!” said Hendrick.

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.

No More Excuses: Samuel Richardson

by Molly Grace Watkins

MOBILE, Ala. – “I stopped making excuses for why I was not in college and started asking myself why I was not in college,” says Samuel Richardson, a December 2022 graduate of the University of Mobile.

From pipe welder to a P.E. teacher, Samuel Richardson is no ordinary individual.

He recalls a time when he did not feel smart enough to succeed, a time where he felt inadequate. However, through the inspiration of his family, Richardson decided to go back to college and pursue his calling to be a teacher. He did this while working full-time as a pipe welder at Austal USA, a global ship builder and defense prime contractor headquartered in Mobile, Alabama, just 10 minutes from the UM campus.

Richardson graduated from the Christ-centered university in December 2022, earning a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with physical education teacher certification. He plans on using his degree to become a full-time P.E. teacher at a local school system.

“It is not an easy task. I had to really push myself, especially through the exhaustion,” Richardson says. 

It was difficult at times to maintain his rigorous schedule. As a full-time student and a full-time employee, he was on the go for up to 20 hours a day. During his final semester, Richardson would begin his day by student teaching, then head to work the night shift at Austal. Most days he would not get home until 1:30 in the morning.

However, for Richardson, the journey was just as great as the destination. He believes that if you are willing to make sacrifices, you will see the change that you are pursuing. 

When asked specifically about his time at UM, Richardson could not stop smiling. He feels like he is part of the family here and that, no matter what, his professors in the School of Health and Sports Science and the School of Education would always be there for him. 

“Being at the University of Mobile gave me more confidence than I know what to do with. My professors would not let me slack off; they were always there to cheer me on and celebrate with me when I succeeded,” he says.

Not only did Richardson succeed, but he went above and beyond. He graduated a semester early and, during multiple semesters at UM, he made the dean’s list. Also, he recently passed his edTPA exam and received certification to be a teacher. 

“Receiving my degree is the best 40th birthday present that I could ever ask for. I cannot wait to pour into the kids that I will teach and instill in them the confidence that they, too, can accomplish anything when they set their mind to it,” says Richardson. 

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.

University of Mobile Senior Competes in International Softball Tournament

by Molly Grace Watkins

MOBILE, Ala. – Eila Infante, a senior at the University of Mobile, represented her home country of Venezuela in an International Softball Tournament Nov. 14-18.

“This experience was greater than I ever imagined. To be able to represent my country is one of the highest honors as an athlete, and I feel so grateful. I am thankful that I got the opportunity to meet new people and had the chance to compete,” says Infante. 

University of Mobile Senior Competes in International Softball Tournament

Infante and her teammates competed in multiple games in order to qualify for the 2023 Pan American Games, Central American Games, and the World Cup for softball. 

In the game against Peru, the Venezuelan team won 3-2 and is now eligible to compete in the 2023 Pan American Games.

The 2023 Pan American Games is a forthcoming international multi-sport event governed by the Pan Am Sports Organization, scheduled to be held in Santiago, Chile, from Oct. 20 to Nov. 5, 2023.

Infante has been a part of the National Venezuelan Team since she was 15 years old. During her career, she has received 6 Golden Gloves and a national title, among other achievements. 

In reflecting on her time competing in the qualifying games, Infante says, “I learned a lot about myself and teamwork. If I was not at my best, my team would come in and help me. We were there for each other. It does not matter how you do personally, what matters is how you do as a team.”

University of Mobile Senior Competes in International Softball Tournament

Infante plans to graduate from UM in December 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology. She is a previous member of the University of Mobile softball team.

Infante says, “I am grateful to my coaches here at the University of Mobile who have continued to allow me to train with the team and be able to get ready to compete in these games. My coaches have always supported me and been there for me.”

To learn more about the University of Mobile athletic programs, prospective families are invited to attend a UM Day or schedule a campus visit at umobile.edu/visit, or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. 

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.

UM Hosts 8th Annual Gulf Coast Steinway Society Music Competition

by Molly Grace Watkins

MOBILE, Ala. – Talented solo pianists and instrumentalists are invited to compete in the 8th Annual Gulf Coast Steinway Music Competition to be held at the University of Mobile on Feb. 4, 2023. Winners will receive a $200 cash prize and be invited to perform at Carnegie Hall on June 13, 2023.

Applicants must be residents of the state of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi, or be studying with a teacher who is a resident of these states. Competition participants will be students from elementary, middle school, high school and undergraduates from colleges and universities in the five-state region.

The deadline to apply for the competition is Monday, Dec. 12. Applications are online gulfcoaststeinwaysociety.org. This competition will be held on Feb. 4 at 9 a.m. at University of Mobile’s Martin Hall. This event is free and open to the public.

Steinway Society Music Competition

Participants will perform two memorized pieces of contrasting styles. Award winners will be selected on the basis of their performance. 

The Gulf Coast Steinway Society is a non-profit organization formed by the director of piano studies and professor of music in the Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile and Steinway Artist, Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, and others. The Gulf Coast Steinway Society is devoted to promoting fine music through education and performance along the Gulf Coast region. The Society collaborates with The Alabama State Council on the Arts and the Steinway Piano Gallery in Spanish Fort. 

To learn more about the University of Mobile and performing arts degrees in the Alabama School of the Arts, visit umobile.edu. Prospective students and families are invited to attend a UM Day or schedule a campus visit at umobile.edu/visit, or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

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.

UM Receives Top Ranking in Alabama for Religious Studies

by Molly Grace Watkins

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile is the top-ranked school in Alabama in a national listing of Best Colleges for Religious Studies in America, according to Niche.com, the well-known ranking and review site.

Niche.com includes data for 4,136 colleges nationwide. Niche ranked colleges throughout the United States in more 50 categories, then broke those rankings down by state and city. 

The Best Colleges ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni, according to Niche.

At UM’s Center for Christian Calling, students are equipped for answering their service calling by cultivating a heart for God, a head for Gospel-integrated knowledge, and hands for serving others.

Dr. Doug Wilson, dean of the Center for Christian Calling and professor of Biblical studies at the University of Mobile, says, “I begin each semester by telling my students that my goals for them are to complete my course with a deeper love for God, a deeper love for His Word, a deeper commitment to the Great Commission and the Great Commandments. ‘Study to show yourself approved unto God.’ Those are my goals for our students.”

A call to ministry is a call to preparation. The University of Mobile’s mission as a Christ-centered academic community is to prepare graduates to fulfill their professional calling with a Great Commission mindset. The Center for Christian Calling is key to accomplishing that mission.

To learn more about the University of Mobile and the Center for Christian Calling, prospective families are invited to attend a UM Day or schedule a campus visit at umobile.edu/visit, or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

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.

Tickets Going Fast for UM’s Christmas Spectacular!

by Molly Grace Watkins

MOBILE, Ala. – Tickets are going fast for the 20th Christmas Spectacular, the University of Mobile’s annual Christmas extravaganza. This musical celebration of the Christmas season is seen each year in person by more than 10,000 people who travel to Mobile from across the U.S., and it is televised throughout the Christmas season to millions across the globe.

Christmas Spectacular will be presented at Cottage Hill Baptist Church on Nov. 17-19 at 7 p.m., Nov. 19 at 2 p.m., and Nov. 20 at 4 p.m. 

Tickets are selling quickly. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit umobile.edu/christmas. 

Christmas Spectacular is a musical event that tells the story of Christmas through performances by the Alabama School of the Arts. The popular event consists of over 17 ensembles, a 50-piece orchestra and the University Singers performing a combination of classical and contemporary Christmas music. 

Since its inception 20 years ago, Christmas Spectacular has become the largest Christmas concert along the Alabama, Mississippi and Florida panhandle Gulf Coast region. In 2021, more than 10,000 people attended concerts during four nightly performances – including the dress rehearsal. 

This year, the 20th anniversary will be more “spectacular” than ever. The Alabama School of the Arts is proud to welcome back alumni alongside students to make this an unforgettable experience. 

“We are most excited to see several alumni return to perform some of the classics and most loved songs from the last two decades. Many of our current students chose to attend the University of Mobile because of Christmas Spectacular and remember watching these former musicians perform and worship,” said Jenna Goodwin, director of production in the Alabama School of the Arts.

Dr. Roger Breland, dean emeritus of the Alabama School of the Arts and executive director of the Roger Breland Center for Performing Arts, said, “One of the joys of my journey at the University of Mobile has been Christmas Spectacular. We could not have imagined how it has grown in 20 years. I constantly thank God for all that he has blessed us with, and may we always seek to give back what we have as an offering to Him.”

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.

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