MOBILE, Ala. – Dr. Mark Foley, president emeritus of the University of Mobile, will deliver the commencement address for the UM Class of 2023 on Saturday, May 6. Approximately 330 candidates for graduation will receive associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees during the ceremony that begins at 9 a.m. on the Great Commission Lawn.
A highpoint for commencement is the Great Commission Tradition. After receiving their degrees, new graduates will touch the Great Commission Globe to mark the completion of their degree and the journey ahead as they pursue God’s calling for their lives throughout the world. The ceremony takes place on the Dr. Fred and Sue Lackey Great Commission Lawn and the Great Commission Globe was made possible through a generous gift from the estate of Doris M. Davis.
Guests are advised to arrive on campus early to allow time for parking and seating. Handicapped parking is available at Bedsole Library and Martin Hall. For more graduation information, including weather plans, please visit the university website at umobile.edu/graduation.
Dr. Mark Foley served as the third president of the University of Mobile, from 1998 to 2016. During his 18-year tenure, he led the move to intentionally integrate learning, faith and leadership in all areas of university life while raising academic standards, establishing outstanding programs such as the Center for Performing Arts, and leading the university to national rankings.
Also during that period, the university invested $44.8 million in capital projects, including the Weaver Hall Enhancement Project that gave the university’s historic first building its iconic look with a pitched roof, portico and cupola. Other additions included three residence halls, a professional recording studio and Ram Hall auditorium.
Previously, Foley served as executive vice president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas; and a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Philosophy in psychology and counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is an ordained minister, a former business owner, and has practiced as a professional counselor. His wife, Marilyn, served at his side as First Lady for the university. She holds a Bachelor of Science in education from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, and is a former classroom educator.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online associate’s, 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 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.