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.

Never Give Up: Ayanna Whittaker

by Molly Grace Watkins

Ayanna Whittaker
Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry

“I knew from a young age that I wanted to help those who were unable to help themselves. However, I never knew the specific career path to take to achieve this plan. The environment, people and professors at the University of Mobile helped me find my calling.” 
– Ayanna Whittaker ’22

At the University of Mobile, Ayanna Whittaker learned to believe in herself. She found a support system in her professors and peers. Dr. Wanda Jones, assistant professor of chemistry, “was the first person to express the potential that she saw in me. Her belief in me helped form my decision to become a physician,” says Whittaker.

“Dr. Jones taught me more than the basics of chemistry. She helped inspire me to further my education in medicine. She was and still is my biggest cheerleader who has helped me accomplish my goals.”

Whittaker graduated from UM with a Bachelor of Science in biology and minor in chemistry. As she applies to medical school and prepares for a future in medicine, Professor Jones will be right there cheering her on.

Q. What did you gain from your UM experience?

A. The most important piece of knowledge I gained from my experience at the University of Mobile was to not limit yourself. I learned to keep going and never give up, even when it gets hard.

Q. What are your plans after graduation? 

A. I am applying to medical school in hopes of one day becoming a practicing physician in the art of medicine. The University of Mobile prepared me for this moment by teaching me the fundamentals of science through practice and research. 

Q. We use the phrase “Know and Be Known” to describe the UM experience. What does “Know and Be Known” mean to you?

A. “Know and Be Known” to me means putting your best self into the world to be able to make a difference in the lives of others.

Family Nurse Practitioner White Coat Ceremony held at University of Mobile

by Molly Grace Watkins

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile held a White Coat Ceremony for students in the Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program. With family and friends present, School of Nursing faculty presented students with white coats bearing the University of Mobile logo. 

The ceremony was held Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. in UM’s College Woods Auditorium.

This event signifies the students’ entrance into the clinical portion of their training.

White Coat recipients were:

  • Mary Margaret Endris
  • Conner Frost
  • Victoria Gibson
  • Sheree Hales
  • Stephanie Maddox
  • Grace Mason
  • Katherine Anne Oberman
  • Brieanne Ragas
  • Logan Thompson

The nine students completed their first semester in the university’s MSN-FNP program and will begin clinical rotations in the spring.

“The White Coat Ceremony, first held in 1993 at Columbia University, serves to symbolize the student commitment to integrity, excellence, collaboration and compassion, altruism, respect, resilience, empathy, and service in health care,” said Dr. Jessica Garner, graduate chair.

The online MSN-FNP program at the University of Mobile is a faith-based Family Nurse Practitioner program that prepares nurses at the master’s level as advanced practice nurses. The accelerated online program offers nurses a fast track to become Family Nurse Practitioners with a program that can be completed in just four semesters. 

A part-time track is also available, which allows students to continue working as they pursue the MSN-FNP degree. UM’s online MSN-FNP degree programs include three on-campus intensives, including orientation and one intensive each fall semester.

Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited educational institution. Visit umobile.edu/fnp for more information and to apply for admission. Apply today!

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.

Michaella Johnson Crowned Miss University of Mobile 2023

by Molly Grace Watkins

MOBILE, Ala. – Michaella Johnson, a senior musical theater major from Van Wert, Ohio, was crowned Miss University of Mobile 2023 on Oct. 20.

Johnson also received the talent award for the competition, along with Adalynn Joiner, and the People’s Choice Award.

For the next year, Johnson will represent UM at various events. She also has the option to compete in the Miss Alabama Competition this summer, which is the next step of the Miss America Competition.

“Wow! That was the word that immediately came to my mind when I heard my name called as Miss University of Mobile 2023,” says Johnson. “I was honored to be crowned and inducted into an amazing sisterhood of strong and beautiful women. All of the girls I got to bond with and compete with were talented, courageous, intelligent and confident, and I’m so lucky to have such awesome girls to now call my friends!”

Johnson’s platform as Miss UM is “The Best of Both Worlds Initiative,” a program to fight racial prejudice with kindness, celebrate the beauty of biracialism and highlight diversity.

“The Lord really humbled me, and I am so honored to carry this title in his name. I am excited not only for the learning opportunity, but to be able to represent the university that has poured so much into me and made me into who I am today,” says Johnson.

Also earning honors at the Miss University of Mobile competition were:

  • Caidyn Crowder, first runner-up from Ellisville, Mississippi, $3,000 scholarship.
  • Anna Katherine Bell, second runner-up from Columbia, Mississippi, $2,000 scholarship.
  • Adalynn Joiner, third runner-up from Pensacola, Florida. Joiner also tied with Johnson as winners of the talent portion of the competition. Joiner received a $1,350 scholarship.
  • Clara Rebekah Hicks, fourth runner-up from Franklin, Alabama, $350 scholarship.
  • Allegra Fuller, from Mobile, Alabama, received Miss Congeniality, $350 scholarship.

Miss UM 2022, Ashlyn Nichols, gave a special thank you to first her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as well as her family, friends, sponsors, director, the university and many more. Nichols performed “I See Red,” her original spoken word talent during the competition held at UM’s College Woods Auditorium.

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 5 Ranking in Alabama for Psychology

by Molly Grace Watkins

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile received a Top 5 ranking in Alabama for psychology, according to Niche.com, the well-known ranking and review site.

The University of Mobile was ranked #4 out of 17 in the 2023 Best Colleges for Psychology in Alabama ranking by Niche. 

Niche includes data for 4,136 colleges nationwide. Niche ranked colleges throughout the United States in more than 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.

Whether it be a business major or an education major, there is something interesting in psychology for everyone. 

Dr. Kelley Wilson, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Mobile, says, “Psychology is such a broad field. While most individuals typically think of the counseling professions when they think of psychology, we really do so much more.” 

At the University of Mobile, the central theme in the psychology courses is understanding the human mind and behavior, which can really be applied to a wide variety of fields. Many UM graduates enter graduate programs in counseling-related fields, while others go on to pursue careers in non-profit organizations, religious organizations, or even human resources.

To learn more about the University of Mobile and a psychology degree, 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.

Elite88 Piano Ensemble ‘Goes To The Opera’

by Molly Grace Watkins

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile announces an upcoming concert by its piano ensemble, Elite88. 

ASOTA invites everyone to “Elite88 Goes to the Opera,” a historic musical journey with iconic tunes from the most famous operas. This event is under the direction of Greg Wiggins, instructor of music and director of Elite88.

The concert will be held in UM’s Moorer Auditorium on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit umobile.edu/pas. 

Elite88 is an auditioned piano ensemble consisting of undergraduate and graduate students, alumni and piano faculty. 

This concert is a part of The Alabama School of the Arts Piano Festival, a year-long series of master classes and workshops, recitals by guest artists and faculty, and special performances by university students. 

The ASOTA Piano Festival was started by UM’s Steinway Artist and Director of Piano Studies Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva.

“The annual Piano Festival combines educational and performance variety, not just for pianists, but also for other instrumentalists and vocalists. Our students who study composition have performances of their original works. This year, we have workshops and master classes with international artists and educators from Kazakhstan, Belgium, Costa Rica and other countries,” said Onalbayeva.

Some upcoming events include:

Nov. 9, 3 p.m. – Lecture/recital with Steinway Artist Dr. Natsuki Fukasawa, Orfeo Music Festival and Talis Festival & Academy, artist and faculty at American River College, Sacramento, California.

Feb. 4, 9 a.m. – Gulf Coast Steinway Society Music Competition VIII 

Feb. 6, 4 p.m. – “The Five Basic Motions of Piano Technique” pedagogy workshop with Dr. Marian Lee, associate professor of music and head of piano department at St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa.

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.

Free College Application Week at UM

by Molly Grace Watkins

MOBILE, Ala. – Prospective high school students can apply for free to the University of Mobile during Alabama’s Free College Application Week set for Oct. 17-21.

To apply for free, fill out the application at umobile.edu/apply and enter the code: ALCAC2022.

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. 

The University of Mobile offers over 75 academic programs taught by faculty who are eager to know and mentor their students. Experiential learning gives students hands-on practice for their future profession. Upon graduation, students will have a deeper understanding of who they are and how they can make an impact in the world. 

“We walk with students through their degree program and equip them with the skills and tools necessary to be competitive in their field. We want our students to understand their calling and know how to function in their career. We want them to know who they are before God, and how that impacts the world,” says Dr. Lonnie Burnett, president of the University of Mobile.

Alabama College Application Week began nine years ago to increase the overall number of students in Alabama applying to, and ultimately enrolling in, colleges.

According to Eric Mackey, Alabama state superintendent of education, “The goal of this campaign is to increase the number of first-generation and low-income students who pursue postsecondary education by assisting high school seniors with the college admissions process and ensuring that each participating student submits at least on admissions application.”

To learn more about the University of Mobile, 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.

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 Received Top Ranking for Alabama School of the Arts

by Molly Grace Watkins

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile received the top ranking in Alabama for its school of music, the Alabama School of the Arts, according to Niche.com.

The University of Mobile ranked first in Alabama and 63rd out of 276 colleges nationwide in the 2023 Best Colleges for Music in America ranking by Niche.com.

Niche 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.

The Alabama School of the Arts is equipped to provide students with valuable, versatile, and creative professional training through a 21st-century course of study. ASOTA offers professional-level experience in performing arts, while intentionally cross-training in various styles, allowing students limitless possibilities upon graduation.

Alabama School of the Arts students who audition and enroll will receive scholarships. ASOTA scholarships also stack with academic scholarships prospective students may be eligible to receive. Students do not have to major in music to receive an audition scholarship.

Audition dates for 2022-2023 are Oct. 28, Nov. 18, Feb. 10, March 24 and April 14.

The Alabama School of the Arts invites prospective students to the 20th anniversary of Christmas Spectacular to see all that ASOTA has to offer. For more information as well as where to purchase tickets, please visit umobile.edu/christmas.

To learn more about the University of Mobile and Alabama School of the Arts, 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.

The Alabama School of the Arts presents Shakespeare’s Macbeth

by Molly Grace Watkins

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile presents Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

A story of malice, matrimony and murder, Macbeth tells the tale of one couple’s obsession with power—and their guilt after doing the unthinkable. This thrilling production captures the passion and ferocity of Shakespeare’s most haunting work just in time for the spooky season.

This production, under the direction of Stewart Hawley, assistant professor of theatre, will be presented at UM’s College Woods Auditorium.

Macbeth will be performed Oct. 27-29 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. General admission is $20 and student tickets are $10. 

For more information, as well as where to purchase tickets, visit umobile.edu/pas. 

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.

Life is Better at the University of Mobile

by Molly Grace Watkins

MOBILE, Ala. – Life is better at the University of Mobile, according to the latest rankings by Niche.com. The popular ranking site gave the Christian university A’s all around for various campus life categories in its 2023 Best Colleges review. 

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

UM earned an A in the following categories: Dorms, Campus, Student Life, Campus Food, Safety and Diversity.

Not only did UM receive an A, but University of Mobile residence halls are the highest nationally ranked dorms in Alabama. Plus, they are named #17 Best College Dorms in America for 2023, out of 1,371 colleges ranked by Niche.

UM ranks #2 in Alabama for Safest College Campuses, Best College Campuses, Top Private Universities and Best Christian Colleges. 

The University of Mobile was named #4 for Best Student Life and for Best College Food in the state.

To learn more about the University of Mobile, 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.