The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences university integrating faith and learning with a vision of
Higher Education for a Higher Purpose.
We equip students to follow God’s calling for their lives in an academic community where they are known.
34
States
1989
Total Enrollment
23
Countries
21
NAIA Sports
75+
Academic Programs
880+
Acres of Campus
Our Mission
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered academic community providing liberal arts and professional programs to renew minds through intellectual and spiritual development for the fulfilling of one’s professional calling.
Our Vision
The University of Mobile is committed to being a premier Christ-centered academic community providing comprehensive liberal arts and professional programs to distinctively transform the world.
Christ-Centered
The gospel of Jesus Christ is at the core of everything we do at the University of Mobile. The gospel moves through every aspect of our lives, our campus, and our intentions. Our hope is to send out leaders who understand the call of God on their lives and work to build His Kingdom.
Academically-Focused
With over 75 academic programs, the University of Mobile believes strong academics are vital in a changing world. Faculty of the highest caliber train and educate students to be the best in their field of study.
Student-Devoted
The University of Mobile intentionally creates experiences to build community throughout student and academic life. With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, our small class size means you get the attention and mentoring you deserve to step into your full potential.
Distinctively-Driven
The University of Mobile is committed to being a premier Christ-centered academic community providing comprehensive liberal arts and professional programs to distinctively transform the world.
Our History
The story of the university began in 1952, when the Mobile Baptist Association appointed a committee to study the feasibility of starting a Baptist-affiliated college in Mobile. In 1959, the Alabama Baptist State Convention agreed to build and operate a college if the Mobile community would raise $1.5 million within two years. Only one year later, area churches, businesses, and industries pledged more than $2 million to the effort.
Key Moments in Our College's History
Dr. William K. Weaver, Jr., was appointed president of Mobile College on April 1, 1961, a position he would hold until his retirement in 1984. When Alabama Governor John Patterson signed the college’s charter on December 12, 1961, Mobile College became the first senior college to be chartered in the state in 57 years. Reflecting the institution’s Christian foundation, the college seal includes the phrase from Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
The second President, Dr. Michael A. Magnoli, was inaugurated in 1984. He was a member of the university’s first graduating class of 1967. During his tenure as President, Dr. Magnoli initiated a campus expansion that added acreage, athletic facilities and classroom buildings. Academic programs were added, including the graduate program offering master’s degrees in education, business administration, nursing and theology. In 1985, the intercollegiate athletic program started with two sports, men’s tennis and golf, and quickly expanded.
On July 1, 1993, the institution celebrated its growth by adopting a new name that reflected its continuing development: University of Mobile.
On February 13, 1998, the University of Mobile Board of Trustees unanimously elected Dr. Mark R. Foley as the third president. Under Dr. Foley’s leadership, University of Mobile entered the new millennium with the express purpose of preparing students academically, socially, and spiritually to impact the world. Renovation of Weaver Hall, including a hipped roof with cupola and portico, provided a new focal point for the campus.
Samford Hall, a 101-bed residence hall, was completed in 2004. In 2006, the 151-bed Karlene Farmer Faulkner Hall opened. In 2009, Ram Hall expanded the cafeteria and provided a state-of-the-art auditorium for student events and concerts. The Timbers, a 96-bed apartment-style residence, was added in 2012. In 2013 the university completed an extensive $7 million campus-wide enhancement project. The university’s Center for Performing Arts was established, a professional recording studio built, and online academic programs were launched. Dr. Foley retired in 2016 after more than 18 years as president.
On April 11, 2016, Dr. Timothy L. Smith was named president. The university significantly expanded academic programs and established its first two doctoral programs. Over 34 academic programs were added, nearly doubling offerings to 76 programs. New labs such as the Center for Excellence in Healthcare Practice emphasized practical learning experiences. The university implemented a four-day academic/work week with “Focus Fridays.” Dr. Smith resigned on February 27, 2019.
On November 22, 2019, University of Mobile alumnus Dr. Lonnie Burnett was selected by the Board of Trustees to serve as the institution’s fifth president. A 1979 graduate of the University of Mobile, then Mobile College, Dr. Burnett joined the faculty in 2005 teaching history and rose through the ranks. During his tenure as president, the university overcame the challenges of a global pandemic, renovated and added facilities such as the J.L. Bedsole Sports Performance Complex, established the Lonnie & Lynne Burnett Event Center as a new performance and conference venue, and launched the Experience the Difference marketing campaign.
Dr. Charles W. Smith Jr. was named the sixth president of the University of Mobile on March 21, 2024. Today, the University of Mobile is a thriving Christ-centered university with over 75 academic programs offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
Throughout the decades, the University of Mobile has maintained a highly dedicated faculty providing quality Christian higher education with a devotion to the intellectual and spiritual development of students: Higher Education for a Higher Purpose.
Our Traditions
THE RAMS
The first freshman class at the University of Mobile, then Mobile College, was responsible for choosing the school’s mascot in 1963. They considered pioneers, bucks, elephants, falcons, saints and knights before agreeing on a ram – a powerful animal mentioned frequently in the Bible. Four rams, each named Ramses, served as live mascots from 1963 to the late 1970s. When the intercollegiate athletics program started in 1985, the first costumed mascot appeared. MC Ram became Mac the Ram by 1995, when the school changed its name to the University of Mobile. Mac’s girlfriend, Molly, made her debut in 2005. Today, Mac and Molly proudly represent the University of Mobile both on and off campus, and “Go Rams!” is a familiar cheer.
Boar’s Head Festival & Christmas Spectacular
The Christmas season brings to mind different memories to generations of alumni, but the common theme is an over-the-top professional musical extravaganza the community looks forward to each year. From 1971 to 2000 it was The Boar’s Head Festival, a medieval-era celebration that included a banquet for the audience. In 2003, the university launched Christmas Spectacular, a multi-night performance attended by nearly 10,000, with highlights broadcast internationally.
RAM RUSH
When new students and their families step onto the University of Mobile campus for the first time, there is an infectious excitement in the air. Returning students and staff members warmly greet families with open hands, assisting with moving in belongings. It’s the start of Ram Rush, a week-long welcome to college life that includes activities, athletic events, concerts, giveaways, games and massive amounts of free food. Started in 1994, Ram Rush has grown from a week of new student orientation to an experience that involves the entire campus community. Through the years, the first night of Ram Rush has featured fire-breathers, a carnival, a petting zoo, aerial artists, concerts and even a life giraffe in Ram Hall. By the time Ram Rush ends, new students are fully immersed in campus life with new friends who will become lifelong friends.
Covers, Goodwill Gala, Up All Night
Student life at the University of Mobile is filled with traditions. Covers allows students to battle it out on stage performing their favorite songs in front of their peers. Goodwill Gala starts with a trip to thrift stores. Up All Night has been helping students prepare for finals for over 12 years, with an all-night study session put on by faculty for students.
Great Commission Tradition
A new tradition that has deep meaning for University of Mobile students is the Great Commission Tradition. It includes two ceremonies: President’s Commissioning that marks the beginning of a new student’s college experience, and Commencement that signals the beginning of a new graduate’s impact on the world. Its centerpiece is the Great Commission Globe, located at the heart of campus on the Dr. Fred and Sue Lackey Great Commission Lawn. New students touch the globe as they start their college journey, and again during graduation as they receive their degree and start on a new journey. The Great Commission Globe was made possible through a generous gift from the estate of Doris M. Davis.
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