Tips to grow your faith in college

College is an important time in a young Christian’s life. With the extra free time and less supervision, students choose whether they want to keep growing their faith or not. Here are a few ways the University of Mobile has for students to dive deeper into their relationship with God and really make their faith their own.

Student-Led Community Groups | The University of Mobile encourages each student to join a student-led community group. These groups allow students to interact with others who are having the same experiences and struggles as they are. They also allow students to dive deeper into the Word of God with their community group leader.

Chapel | The University of Mobile requires each student to complete a certain number of hours of Chapel to graduate. This allows students to hear from alumni and pastors from all around the globe. Although Chapel shouldn’t replace the local church for students, it provides them a chance to step away from classes and focus solely on God during that time.

Equip Nights | Equip Nights are lecture-style events that are hosted by experts in a specific field. These nights allow students to worship together while being taught on certain topics that are significant to the Christian faith. Students can learn about upcoming Equip Nights through the The Rundown, UM’s weekly student newsletter, or by contacting the Student Life Office.

Young Christians need community with other believers who can help them grow in their relationship with God. The University of Mobile works to build relational, gospel-centered community on campus through each of these events and much more. For more information on the ways the University of Mobile encourages students to grow in their faith, visit umobile.edu/student-life.

Preparing Students to Bring Christ into their Profession

Many people go to work without ever considering the impact they could have on other people. Every day they’re surrounded by unbelievers who need to know the gospel. The workplace is a great mission field, and the University of Mobile strives to prepare students to enter their career with a missional mindset.

The University of Mobile motto, “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” rings true in the teaching at UM. The goal is to provide students the best education possible while also helping them find what God has called them to do. Each class equips students to be successful in their career path while also learning how Christ is there in whatever field of study the student chooses.

The university’s Great Commission Tradition encourages students to share their faith in their future careers. When students come to campus, they touch the Great Commission Globe during President’s Commissioning, symbolizing that they are opening their mind and heart to intellectual and spiritual development. When students graduate, they touch the globe again, symbolizing that they are being sent into the world to fulfill their professional and spiritual callings.

Mentoring from professors is also a great way for students to be prepared to enter their mission field. With the smaller class sizes of UM, professors work to build relationships with students. Professors have experience in their field of study and can help students understand what their profession will look like, and how they can share the gospel in it.

People don’t have to go on a mission trip or be a pastor to share the gospel. The workplace is a great mission field that isn’t utilized enough. The University of Mobile works to make sure students are equipped to enter their profession and ready to share the gospel with unbelievers that they are working with.

For more information on the University of Mobile mission, visit umobile.edu/mission.

Faith-Based Bucket List for College

College is a great time for you to grow in your faith and figure out what God is calling you to do with your life. You have free time that you won’t get in a typical nine-to-five job, so why not take advantage of it while you can. The University of Mobile works to make sure that each student grows their relationship with God while at UM. Here is a faith-based bucket list to complete during college so that you can grow closer to God throughout this time.

1. Find a local church

Finding a church is a very important part of your college experience. Joining a church allows you to be discipled by older church members and join small groups with other students who are going through the same experiences as you. The University of Mobile helps students get connected with local churches through events like For The Church Expo.

2. Share your faith with 4 people

Mark 16:15 says “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’” Sharing your faith with others is something God calls all of us to do. College is a great time for you to begin this practice and get past the fear of sharing your faith.

3. Read the entire Bible

The free time you have in college likely won’t be available once you have a typical job. This is a great time for you to put in the time and read the Bible cover to cover.

4. Volunteer and use your spiritual gifts

1 Peter 4:10 says “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” The University of Mobile also helps students find ways to volunteer in the community like Project Serve. Your local church is also a great place for you to start volunteering with your spiritual gifts.

5. Memorize 24 verses

Psalm 119:11 says “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Jesus quoted scripture when He was tempted in the wilderness, which set an example for us.  Memorizing scripture helps you avoid temptation and can help you share the gospel when there isn’t a Bible around.  This can easily be done by memorizing only three verses per semester and can be a great start to a lifelong habit.

6. Dedicate a summer to Christ

Having your summers free is the perfect time for you to use your gifts for Christ. There are multiple ways you can do this by going with UM on Youth Hostel Mission, going on mission trips with your local church or working at Christian camps.

7. Show Christ through your actions

Sharing your faith through actions is a great way to show the love of Christ. You can do this through volunteering at your local church, volunteering at homeless shelters, or even tutoring kids who need extra help. The University of Mobile also has shorter trips that students can attend to assist local communities.

8. Fast

Ezra 8:21 says “I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.” There are multiple reasons to fast including humility. Fasting helps us grow closer to God and depend on him for what we need.

Once you complete this bucket list, you have set yourself up for a lifetime of habits to grow your faith. The University of Mobile can encourage you in your walk with God. If you would like more information about how to get involved or how to grow you faith at the University of Mobile, visit umobile.edu/studentlife.

The Importance of University of Mobile Traditions

Traditions are a vital part of the University of Mobile. They help students feel connected with the university and give a sense of ownership to alumni. Some traditions have changed throughout the years at the University of Mobile, but one thing will always stay the same: the feeling that we have looking back at these great times.

Covers started in 2002 and has been a hit ever since. Covers allows student to battle it out on the stage performing their favorite songs in front of their peers. Each semester, the audience gets to vote on their favorite performances to choose who wins the coveted belt.

Goodwill Gala has been a hit for over a decade. Each year during Ram Rush, students take shopping trips to Goodwill to come up with outfits to fit that year’s theme. From there, students gather together to skate, dance and build friendships with new students.

Up All Night has been helping students prepare for finals for over 12 years. Up All Night is a finals week all-night study session put on by faculty for students. It helps students prepare for finals with study groups, great food and tutoring.

The Great Commission Tradition is one of the newest and most significant traditions at UM. Each year, incoming students touch the Great Commission Globe to begin their college career, and touch it again at graduation. The first touch symbolizes the student’s commitment to open his or her mind and heart to the intellectual development and spiritual transformation that lies ahead, and the final touch symbolizes the commitment of University of Mobile alumni to answer God’s call as they leave the university and go out into the world.

This is just a small list of traditions at the University of Mobile.  Traditions give students a chance to appreciate those who have come before, and those who will enjoy them for years to come.  They give students a chance to create lasting memories of their times at UM and build lasting friendships with their peers.

University of Mobile Breaks Ground for New Strength and Conditioning Complex

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile broke ground for the new J.L. Bedsole Strength and Conditioning Complex on Sept. 10. The 4,000-square-foot facility will be used by student athletes and students in the university’s School of Health and Sports Sciences, as well as for community outreach.

The J.L. Bedsole Foundation awarded a substantial grant to the University of Mobile for a campus weight training and athletic facility. The new J.L. Bedsole Strength and Conditioning Complex will provide space for weight and cardiovascular training, and offices.

“From day one the J.L. Bedsole Foundation has been a major part of our campus. This would not be possible without the help of Chris Lee,” said Dr. Lonnie Burnett, president of the University of Mobile.

Christopher Lee, executive director of the J.L. Bedsole Foundation, said, “I know that Mr. Bedsole would be very proud of the University of Mobile today and the presence you have not only in our community, but in the region and the country. You have created a culture of excellence, empathy and understanding.”

Dr. Bruce Earnest, vice president for advancement at the University of Mobile thanked all the donors that contributed to this project and said the university is seeking additional partners. Donations may be made at umobile.edu/giving.

“We are looking at the future of many amazing things. As we give thanks for this building, we give thanks for all things God has provided us,” said Earnest.

The late J.L. Bedsole was the first chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Baptist-affiliated university. He was also the first to receive an honorary doctorate in 1968. During the groundbreaking ceremony, Burnett presented the original honorary doctorate to Lee.

The facility will support the university’s NAIA athletic programs that have outgrown the 35-year-old weight room and training facility in Pharr Gymnasium.

Students in the university’s School of Health and Sports Science will use the facility to gain practical experience and earn professional credentials in the areas of kinesiology, exercise science, athletic training and sports administration.

The complex will also be the site for a partnership with local schools to host community workshops, camps and college preparation initiatives to assist underserved student athletes.

For more information or to donate to the project, please contact advancement@umobile.edu or call 251.442.2587.

Featured Image (L to R): Dr. Bruce Earnest, Dr. Lonnie Burnett, Mr. Vince Boothe, Mr. Fred Wilson, Dr. Mel Sansom, Mr. Christopher Lee


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.

Why You Should Tour UM

The University of Mobile tour experience is unlike any other university. UM goes out of its way to make sure prospective students know what it’s like to come to school here and have all the knowledge they need to make their college decision. (Not to mention you get a $2,000 scholarship just for visiting when you enroll!)

Unlike many other universities, UM dedicates a specific admissions counselor for your visit. These admissions counselors are UM graduates and are passionate about the school. This offers prospective students a personalized and private tour giving insight into what UM stands for and how it’s different from other universities.

Your admissions counselor is also here to show you what student life is like at UM. They’re able to let you sit in on a class and meet a professor in the field of study you’re interested in.

“Helping you understand what your college experience will be like here at UM is my favorite part of the job,” says Billy Musgrove, an admissions counselor at UM. “I give each student that I tour my personal cell phone number, and I like building relationships with them. If you want to know what it’s like to be a student, I’m happy to get tickets for a baseball game for you. I also enjoy getting to connect potential students with current students and letting them stay a weekend in the dorms to really get what it’s like to be a UM student.”

Touring the University of Mobile also allows you to save some money. During your tour you’re able to fill out a free application, and each student gets a $2,000 scholarship. If you’re unable to make it to campus, UM also offers one-on-one virtual tours through Zoom.

If you would like more information on how to tour the University of Mobile, please visit umobile.edu/visit or call 251.442.2222.

University of Mobile Graduates Nominated for Multiple Dove Awards

MOBILE, Ala. – University of Mobile graduates have received multiple nominations for the 2020 Dove Awards for outstanding achievement in the Christian music industry.

This year’s nominees from the University of Mobile for the prestigious Gospel Music Association awards are worship leader Anna Sailors Pinkham, producer Steven V. Taylor, and classical crossover vocal group Veritas.

Anna Sailors Pinkham has been nominated for four Dove Awards, song of the year, worship recorded song of the year, Spanish language album of the year and worship album of the year, with her group Elevation Worship.

Elevation Worship is part of Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. They previously have been nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album and reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Christian AC Songs Chart with the songs “O Come to the Altar,” and “Do It Again.”

Pinkam graduated from the University of Mobile in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in worship leadership. During her time at UM, she was a member of Voices of Mobile, a vocal ensemble that has performed at locations like Carnegie Hall, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the White House.

Steven V. Taylor has been nominated for producer of the year. Taylor co-produced the album “Peace” by Bethel Music with Grammy-nominated producer Ed Cash.

The album reached No. 2 on Billboard’s US Christian Albums Chart and reached No. 3 in OCC UK Christian and Gospel Albums Chart. The album includes the song “Raise a Hallelujah” which peaked at No. 2 in Billboards Top 200.

Taylor graduated from the University of Mobile in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in music education. Taylor now lives in Nashville, Tennesse, and has helped produce over 10 Voices of Mobile recordings in Nashville.

Veritas is a classical crossover vocal group that has been nominated in the Instrumental Album of the Year category. The album “Tune My Heart…Songs of Rest & Reflection” included Veritas’s acapella arrangement of “Be Still My Soul.” The album was No. 1 on the Parable Christian Stores National Retail Chart and was among the top five releases on iTune’s Christian and Gospel Top Albums Chart.

Veritas is comprised of UM graduates Andrew Goodwin ‘10, James Berrian ‘10, Jordan Johnson ‘11, Scott Lawrence’10, as well as Jeff Anderson.  Veritas was on the Sandi Patty Farewell Tour performing with the five-time Grammy award winning artist.

Each nominee has been a part of the Alabama School of the Arts (ASOTA) at the University of Mobile. The Alabama School of the Arts is an “All Steinway School,” where students practice and perform on the best-of-the-best Steinway pianos. ASOTA also has its own recording label, “8Eighty Records,” and the Fisher-Brewer Recording Studio.

ASOTA provides student with the opportunity to earn degrees in music education, worship leadership, performance and more. The academic program provides students with a classical music foundation combined with 21st century training, so students graduate with the experience they need to succeed.

The University of Mobile also works with other former Dove Nominees. Roger Breland is founder of the Roger Breland Center for Performing Arts at UM. He also is founder of the band Truth, which was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2001. Big Daddy Weave is a contemporary Christian music group, founded by University of Mobile graduates, with multiple Top 10 Christian hits.

For more information on the University of Mobile and the Alabama School of the Arts, please visit umobile.edu/asota or call 251.442.2222.


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.

University of Mobile Classic Golf Tournament Rescheduled

Mobile, Ala. – The 23rd annual University of Mobile Classic has been rescheduled for Oct. 23, 2020. Registrations and sponsorships can be purchased at umobile.edu/mobileclassic.

The tournament will take place at the Heron Lakes Country Club and begin with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. A burger bar lunch with prizes will follow the event. Registration will stay open until the morning of the tournament.

For more information, please contact the Office for Advancement at 251.442.2587 or advancement@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.

When You’re at College and Missing Home

Missing home during college is a very normal thing for students. It can make students feel disconnected and struggle with their college experience. Luckily, the University of Mobile offers multiple ways for students to feel at home while at college.

Calling your parents is a great way for you to feel connected when you’re missing home. Sometimes hearing a parent’s voice can be just enough to make that homesickness go away. The more you stay in touch with your parents and friends, the more you will enjoy your time in college.

Decorating your dorm room can be a great way to make you feel at home. Being surrounded with sentimental items can make students feel connected in a new place. Pictures from their room at home help students feel a personal relationship with the dorms and enjoy their new location.

Getting involved in campus life helps students build friendships with other students. When students have friends surrounding them, they begin to associate their university with their home. If you would like more information on student activities and events at the University of Mobile, please visit umobile.edu/student-life.

Finding a local church is another great way to combat the feeling of homesickness. The University of Mobile offers multiple ways for students to find a church when they come to college. The local church helps students get connected and build relationships with older members who can mentor them. Local churches also offer college groups so students can build friendships with members who are the same age and going through the same struggles.

The University of Mobile has multiple ways for students to feel connected to home when they’re in college. UM helps students grow in their faith and grow closer to their Heavenly Father while they’re away. If you would like more information on how to get involved on campus or find a church, please visit umobile.edu/student-life.

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