MOBILE, Ala. – The Saraland City School System and the University of Mobile expanded their longstanding partnership with a new agreement broadening dual enrollment opportunities for high school students. Among other benefits, the university is creating new college scholarships for school system teachers and employees.
Saraland City Schools Superintendent Brent Harrison and UM President Charles Smith officially signed the partnership agreement on March 25 at Saraland High School.
Partners with Shared Goals
Superintendent Harrison said, “This agreement strengthens the relationship we have built with the University of Mobile, ensuring our students continue to have access to valuable educational pathways beyond high school. We are excited about the benefits this expanded partnership will bring to our students, educators and the broader community.”
University of Mobile President Charles Smith added, “We at the University of Mobile could not be more excited to deepen our longstanding relationship with Saraland City Schools, Saraland High School and the community as we partner together in our shared educational goals.
“Additionally, we are thrilled to offer a wide array of new scholarship opportunities for the teachers and employees of the Saraland School System. This is a testament to our continued support of educational excellence in our community.”
Expanded Dual Enrollment
Saraland High School Principal Scott Croley emphasized the direct impact the expanded partnership will have on students and their families.
“This partnership is a huge benefit to our students, giving them an opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school, which can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education. It’s a win for our students, our teachers and our community,” Croley said.
The dual enrollment program allows students to earn college credits by taking college-level courses at their high school. Through dual enrollment, students may reduce their overall cost to earn a college degree and jump-start their college career.
High school instructors teaching dual enrollment courses, along with their dependents, may be eligible for significant scholarships to the university.
New Scholarships for Saraland School System Employees
The Christian university has created several new scholarships specifically for Saraland City Schools teachers and employees. Teachers interested in pursuing their master’s degrees at the University of Mobile may be eligible for these significant scholarships.
Plus, employees of the Saraland City School System who wish to pursue their first bachelor’s degree at UM also may qualify for special scholarships.
Investing in Education
These initiatives demonstrate a deep investment in the future of education within the Saraland community, said UM President Smith.
“With Saraland City Schools recognized as one of the top school systems in Alabama, and the University of Mobile’s commitment to academic and spiritual excellence, the partnership is a natural fit,” Smith said.
The expansion represents a shared investment in the success of students and educators alike, ensuring lasting benefits for years to come.
Principal Croley added, “To have this type of partnership with an institution so highly regarded as the University of Mobile is super exciting for everyone involved – our teachers, our students, and our community.”
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For Christ and His Kingdom.” With a vision to “Multiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World,” the university honors God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.
The university was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, UM offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at umobile.edu/um-info and 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.