MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Nathan Harris as Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, effective June 10.
Harris joins the University of Mobile from Grace College & Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he served as vice president of advancement and led all development, annual giving and stewardship initiatives.
Previously, he served at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio, as associate professor of biblical studies and senior director of annual giving and stewardship. At Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) in Kansas City, Missouri, he served as director of institutional relations initiatives and worked under the leadership of Dr. Charles Smith, who became the sixth president of the University of Mobile on March 21, 2024.
Amplify UM’s Mission & Ministry
UM President Charles Smith said, “I am thrilled to have Dr. Harris joining us as Vice President for Strategic Initiatives here at the University of Mobile.
“During our time together at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Harris helped create and manage numerous strategic initiatives in enrollment management, advertising, fundraising, student life and even events. Since leaving MBTS, Dr. Harris has continued to distinguish himself as a strategic leader with a keen mind and a kind heart.
“Those gifts will serve us well here at UM as he works with the President’s Office to serve our staff and amplify our mission and ministry. These are exciting times at the University of Mobile,” Smith said.
An Honor to Serve
Harris said he and his wife, Kelsey, are excited to become part of the University of Mobile family.
“As we prayerfully considered the opportunity to serve at UM, we knew without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord was calling us here,” Harris said.
“I consider it an honor to be a part of such a wonderful institution, to serve alongside a gifted and proven leadership team, and to equip students to serve the Lord Jesus Christ in whatever vocations He has given them. I look forward to seeing how the Lord uses the University of Mobile in years to come, as we endeavor to be a premier Christ-centered community training students to transform the world,” Harris said.
Harris has over a decade of experience in Christian higher education and local church ministry.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in youth ministry from Malone University. He earned a Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Theology (ThM) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in biblical studies, each from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has taught courses on the New Testament, hermeneutics and theology.
He and Kelsey have two sons, Noah and Jude.
About the University of Mobile
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. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
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
Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.