Author: Zac Douglas

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile hosted Campus Christmas celebrating the Christmas season through Alabama School of the Arts performances.

Campus Christmas was held on the Dr. Fred and Sue Lackey Great Commission Lawn on the University of Mobile campus. Faculty, staff, students and special guests gathered to enjoy popcorn, cookies, hot chocolate and cider, and pictures with Santa. Ensembles from the Alabama School of the Arts led worship by telling the Christmas story through songs.

University of Mobile President Lonnie Burnett spoke on the meaning of Christmas and how Christians should continue sharing the good news of Jesus.

“This is a very special evening, but 2,000 years ago, a night happened that was so much more special than this. Those who found Jesus that night went on to spread the good news, and that good news is the same now,” said Burnett.

Since the university’s annual Christmas Spectacular four-night extravaganza was cancelled due to COVID-19, Campus Christmas filled the void for many students.

“This night has been really good. The lights are beautiful on Weaver Hall and on the choir surrounding the lawn. We’re really glad to have something to make up for not being able to have Christmas Spec this year,” said Ashley Conrad, senior business management major.

 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.

Zac Douglas

Zac Douglas is the marketing communications specialist for the University of Mobile. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in integrated marketing and communications. As marketing communications specialist, Zac is responsible for writing and strategizing content about the university, assisting with media relations, and handling other marketing and communications projects. He is an active member at Cottage Hill Baptist Church and enjoys spending his time surfing, skating and climbing.

MOBILE, Ala. – University of Mobile alumnus and military veteran Terry Lee Chatmon returned to his alma mater on Veterans Day, back to the campus where he re-found his faith after his military service.

Chatmon was among the many alumni, students, faculty and staff, and veterans who attended the University of Mobile Veterans Day event on Nov. 11. RamCorps presented the National Anthem, and University of Mobile graduate and USN Retired Navy Admiral Endel Lee spoke.

Growing up in Louisiana, Chatmon learned about the University of Mobile, then Mobile College, during his time in Germany and Vietnam. After retiring with over 20 years of military service, he decided to move to Mobile in order to pursue a degree and find the religion that he lost while in service. He graduated in 1992 with a degree in social sciences.

“Being here has brought back such great memories. After seeing the conditions in Vietnam and all over the world, I was really doubting God and wasn’t so sure if I believed anymore. I heard about the University of Mobile while I was overseas in the service and decided to attend to get my life straight,” said Chatmon.

Chatmon recounted his time at UM and remembered all who helped him earn his degree and re-find his faith in God. He remembered that his professors cared about his physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

“All of the professors on campus really helped us veterans out. They knew us by name and made sure to make time for us. I really love and have so much respect for this institution,” Chatmon said.

The University of Mobile provides multiple opportunities for veterans who are looking to earn a degree. UM is ranked in the Best Regional Colleges in the South for Veterans by U.S. News and World Report. The University also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

During the Veterans Day event, USN Retired Navy Admiral Endel Lee delivered a message on how to be a spiritual spartan.

“Happy Veterans Day! It’s an honor to be here. I met my wife on this campus, and I’m privileged to be back,” said Lee.

He will be a visiting associate professor for the School of Christians Studies at UM starting in January.

“Our concerns should never overcome our trust with God. If you find yourself on a different path than God’s, turn around and repent. In repentance and rest you will be saved. I’ve experienced brokenness in my life, and God is a much better option,” Lee said.

Lee graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from UM in 1985. He then continued his education, earning a Master of Divinity, Master of Religious Education, and Doctor of Philosophy from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX.

He joined the Marine Corps Reserve in 1982, serving for 11 years as both an enlisted member and an officer, before being commissioned into the Navy Reserve as a chaplain in 1993. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and served for nearly a year with the Coast Guard in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He retired in September 2020 following 38 years of military service.

After his military service, Lee has been a senior pastor, associate pastor, interim pastor, seminary professor, director of Pastoral Care and
Counseling in a hospital setting and National Coordinator of Disaster Spiritual Care for the Southern Baptist Convention. Currently, he leads initiatives for planting churches near military installations to support the spiritual needs of military communities.

After the ceremony, all veterans in attendance were given a gift for their service and thanked for their sacrifices.

Zac Douglas

Zac Douglas is the marketing communications specialist for the University of Mobile. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in integrated marketing and communications. As marketing communications specialist, Zac is responsible for writing and strategizing content about the university, assisting with media relations, and handling other marketing and communications projects. He is an active member at Cottage Hill Baptist Church and enjoys spending his time surfing, skating and climbing.

MOBILE, Ala. – Chaplain Endel Lee, RDML (Ret), USN and University of Mobile alumnus will speak at the University of Mobile Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at the Bedsole Commons Patio on the University of Mobile Campus.

The local community is invited to the ceremony. RamCorps will be performing. 

University of Mobile graduates have gone on to serve in each of the four branches of the United States military. The Veterans Day ceremony will honor UM graduates who have and are currently serving. 

In accordance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, State of Alabama and University of Mobile mandates, face masks or face shields will be required. For more information, please visit umobile.edu/coronavirus.  

Lee graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from UM in 1985. He then continued his education earning a Master of Divinity, Master of Religious Education, and Doctor of Philosophy from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. 

In 1993, Lee was commissioned as a chaplain in the United State Naval Reserve where he went on to serve multiple tours. 

After his military service, Lee has been a senior pastor, associate pastor, interim pastor, seminary professor, director of Pastoral Care and Counseling in a hospital setting and National Coordinator of Disaster Spiritual Care for his denomination. Currently, he leads initiatives for planting churches near military installations to support the spiritual needs of military communities.

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.

Zac Douglas

Zac Douglas is the marketing communications specialist for the University of Mobile. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in integrated marketing and communications. As marketing communications specialist, Zac is responsible for writing and strategizing content about the university, assisting with media relations, and handling other marketing and communications projects. He is an active member at Cottage Hill Baptist Church and enjoys spending his time surfing, skating and climbing.

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile will digitally release Absence Makes the Heart Grow Weirder Opera and Musical Theatre Scenes Program Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m.

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Weirder is the first fully digital release of this year’s Alabama School of the Arts Performing Arts Series. The digital release will happen on the Alabama School of the Arts Facebook page, and the performance can be live streamed from YouTube.

For more information on Absence Makes the Heart Grow Weirder Opera and Musical Theatre Scenes Program and other Alabama School of the Arts Performing Arts Series events, please visit umobile.edu/pas.

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.

Zac Douglas

Zac Douglas is the marketing communications specialist for the University of Mobile. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in integrated marketing and communications. As marketing communications specialist, Zac is responsible for writing and strategizing content about the university, assisting with media relations, and handling other marketing and communications projects. He is an active member at Cottage Hill Baptist Church and enjoys spending his time surfing, skating and climbing.

MOBILE, Ala. – University of Mobile alumna Abbie George Maggio and the director of the university’s 8Eighty Records, Chris Springer, helped lead worship for a national prayer event at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 26.

“The Return” was a national call to prayer and repentance started by prominent Christian figures in the United States. The event attracted thousands of people from all over the world who worshiped together and prayed for guidance for the country.

Springer was music director for the event. He was tasked with building a team that would lead worship. The team consisted of worship leaders from churches across the country, and all together they learned 35 songs for the two-day event.

“The Return was probably one of the most significant things I have ever been a part of. To be in the seat of government and have a sea of people praying and worshiping for our nation was amazing. You could tell that the peace of God reigned over the National Mall that day,” said Springer.

Maggio was recruited by Springer to lead worship. She graduated from the University of Mobile in 2018, with a double major in worship leadership and psychology, and is now worship arts minister at Redemption Baptist Church in Saraland, Alabama. Maggio was also a student in Springer’s class while at the University of Mobile.

“Chris Springer was one of my mentors while at UM and when he was asked to be music director for The Return, he reached out to me. It was a whole weekend of humbling ourselves before the Lord and asking God to heal our land. It was such a humbling experience, and I’ll have a memory for forever of singing “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” looking at the Washington Monument, and leading thousands in worship,” said Maggio.

The Return took place on the same day as the National Prayer Walk, an event led by Franklin Graham to pray for the country. The combination of the two events brought an estimated 55,000 people together in prayer.

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.

Zac Douglas

Zac Douglas is the marketing communications specialist for the University of Mobile. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in integrated marketing and communications. As marketing communications specialist, Zac is responsible for writing and strategizing content about the university, assisting with media relations, and handling other marketing and communications projects. He is an active member at Cottage Hill Baptist Church and enjoys spending his time surfing, skating and climbing.

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile announces the fourth annual Alabama School of the Arts Piano Festival, a yearlong series of special events spotlighting ASOTA’s undergraduate and graduate programs in piano performance.

The series includes master classes and seminars, student and faculty recitals, and special performances by Elite 88, UM’s piano ensemble.

All events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited; for reservations and information on streaming of performances, visit umobile.edu/pas or call 251.442.2285. In accordance with Centers for Disease Control guidelines, State of Alabama and University of Mobile mandates, face masks or face shields will be required for all presentations. For COVID-19 guidelines, visit umobile.edu/coronavirus.

The full ASOTA Piano Festival schedule can be viewed at umobile.edu/pas. Information on the ASOTA Performing Arts Series, featuring musical theatre productions, plays, opera and classical performances, also is at umobile.edu/pas.

Most ASOTA Piano Festival events will be held in Moorer Auditorium, located in Martin Hall on the University of Mobile campus, 5735 College Pkwy, Mobile, Alabama 36613.

Weekly master classes are open to the public and UM students. They will be held each Wednesday from 3-4 p.m. They will feature instruction and performances by Steinway Artist Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, director of piano studies and professor of music. Occasionally, extended master classes will be led by special guests.

The Alabama School of the Arts Piano Festival includes:

 Master Class, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 3 p.m. – Presentation: “The Orchestra, Soloist Collaboration” by Dr. Claire Fox Hillard, music director of Albany Symphony Orchestra, vice president of International Conductors Guild, and conductor of Gulf Coast Steinway Society Competition Orchestra.

Elite 88 Piano Ensemble “Out of This World,” Tuesday, Nov. 10, 7 p.m.

Master Class, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 3 p.m. – Dr. Natsuki Fukasawa, Steinway Artist, Orfeo Music Festival and Talis Festival & Academy, artist and faculty at American River College in Sacramento, California.

Junior Recital – Conrad Erskine, Friday, Nov. 20, 6 p.m.

Annual Gulf Coast Steinway Society Music Competition VI, Saturday, Jan. 23, 9 a.m.

Junior Recital – Lexie Smith, Thursday, Feb. 11, 6 p.m.

Master Class, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 3 p.m. – Dr. Robin Williams, professor of music, University of New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Piano Duet Recital, Thursday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m. – Dr. Robin Williams, professor of music, University of New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, Steinway Artist, director of piano studies and professor of music, Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile.

All-Steinway School Anniversary Concert, Thursday, March 4, 6:30 p.m. – Location: George & Pat Dorsett Auditorium, Weaver Hall, University of Mobile.

Master Class, Wednesday, March 17, 3 p.m. – Dr. Marian Y. Lee, associate professor, head of keyboard area, director of SAU piano camp, at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa.

Elite 88 Piano Ensemble “Showtunes and the 88s,” Tuesday, March 23, 7 p.m.

 Junior Recital – Rebecca Reed, Thursday, March 25, 6 p.m.

 Piano Faculty Recital, Tuesday, March 30, 7 p.m. – Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, Steinway Artist, director of piano studies and professor of music, Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile, and Greg Wiggins.

 Master of Musical Arts Solo Recital – Rebekah Lipscombe, Saturday, April 17, 2 p.m.

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.

Zac Douglas

Zac Douglas is the marketing communications specialist for the University of Mobile. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in integrated marketing and communications. As marketing communications specialist, Zac is responsible for writing and strategizing content about the university, assisting with media relations, and handling other marketing and communications projects. He is an active member at Cottage Hill Baptist Church and enjoys spending his time surfing, skating and climbing.

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile invited the local community to campus on Sunday, Oct. 18, to worship alongside students, faculty and staff for Campus and Community Night.

Locals and students enjoyed food trucks, great weather, performances from the Alabama School of the Arts and a message from Dauphin Way Baptist Church Senior Pastor, Dr. Blake Newsom. Social distancing and local mask ordnances were followed, as well as University of Mobile COVID-19 guidelines. For more information please visit umobile.edu/coronavirus.

This was the first time that ensembles from the Alabama School of the Arts have been able to perform together since the start of COVID-19.

“We’re so glad to be gathered together and be able to perform again,” said Jenna Goodwin, emcee for the event and chief director of production and administration at the University of Mobile.

Campus and Community Night was held on the Great Commission Lawn in front of Weaver Hall. Locals and students brought blankets and lawn chairs to gather on the lawn and enjoy time together.

“Seeing all the groups and hearing the great songs has been so fun. The weather is fantastic, and it’s been such a great family atmosphere. I love getting to see the kids running around and playing while we get to worship,” said April Burleson, a member of the Mobile community.

Dr. Newsom delivered a message followed by Ignite Worship to end the night.

For more information on the University of Mobile and to learn about future events, please visit 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.

Zac Douglas

Zac Douglas is the marketing communications specialist for the University of Mobile. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in integrated marketing and communications. As marketing communications specialist, Zac is responsible for writing and strategizing content about the university, assisting with media relations, and handling other marketing and communications projects. He is an active member at Cottage Hill Baptist Church and enjoys spending his time surfing, skating and climbing.

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile is holding a hybrid Campus Career Week from Oct. 26 – 29 to provide students with essential tips on how to find a job after graduation.

Professionals from a variety of careers will speak to students in their Senior Seminar classes during the week. These professionals will be sharing their expertise and providing students with needed help on their job search.

Due to COVID-19 guidelines, the University of Mobile has adapted parts of Campus Career Week to an online format. The university has partnered with Handshake, an app that connects students with professional openings, in order to help students find careers and internships. From Handshake, students can register for the virtual seminary fair and virtual career fair sessions.

A virtual seminary fair will be held on Monday, Oct. 26 from 3 to 6 p.m. Asbury Theological Seminary, Midwestern Theological Seminary, and Southwestern Theological Seminary will hold individual and group sessions for interested students. Students can register for sessions and each seminary’s schedule will be available on Handshake.

A virtual career fair will be held from Tuesday, Oct. 27 to Thursday, Oct. 29 from 3 to 6 p.m. Employers such as Amazon, Fostering Together Gulf Coast, Internal Revenue Service, and more will hold individual and group sessions for interested students. Students can register for sessions and each employer’s schedule will be available on Handshake.

The University of Mobile has also added classes throughout October to prepare students for Campus Career Week. Students can learn essential skills such as “Internship Prep” on Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. and “Salary Negotiation” on Oct. 21 at 3 p.m.

For more information, please visit umobile.edu/careerweek or contact Lawrencine Mason, University of Mobile Career Services coordinator, at 251.442.2292 or 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.

Zac Douglas

Zac Douglas is the marketing communications specialist for the University of Mobile. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in integrated marketing and communications. As marketing communications specialist, Zac is responsible for writing and strategizing content about the university, assisting with media relations, and handling other marketing and communications projects. He is an active member at Cottage Hill Baptist Church and enjoys spending his time surfing, skating and climbing.