MOBILE, Ala. – A week of celebration at the University of Mobile began with a significant Board of Trustees meeting and culminated in the inauguration of the university’s sixth president, Dr. Charles Smith, followed by the outdoor Spring Spectacular concert with fireworks.
With a clear sense of unity and a mission “For Christ & His Kingdom,” board members gathered on campus April 30 to review progress and map out the next steps in the university’s journey to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world.
Support for Vision & Direction
During the meeting, trustees voiced support for the university’s vision and direction, commending the leadership team for its steady progress over the past year. The board specifically reviewed and affirmed the university’s Vision Statement and 2024-2025 Strategic Playbook, noting how they reflect both bold aspirations and practical steps for continued growth. The meeting marked the completion of Smith’s first year as president.
“These are great days at the University of Mobile,” said Smith. “We are profoundly grateful to serve this community, and even more, for God’s continued blessing on this institution.”
Encouraging Enrollment & Fundraising Reports
The board received encouraging enrollment updates, including news of record Fall deposits and a recent record-setting Ram Ready new student orientation. Though the tracking cycle is early and higher education remains unpredictable, the board celebrated these numbers and encouraged UM’s enrollment management staff to continue inviting people to join the UM family.
The board also heard a report on UM’s new fundraising initiative, The Great Commission Fund. Since the fund was announced on April 9, 2025, the university has increased year-to-date giving to provide scholarships, expand spiritual formation opportunities and equip Christ-centered leaders. Dr. Nathan Harris, vice president for Institutional Relations underscored the missional significance of the Great Commission Fund.
“As a Christ-centered university, we are called to do everything we can to disciple our students and prepare them for a Great Commission lifestyle. This new fund helps us do just that,” Harris said.
In other action, the board approved the 2025-2026 operating budget and enhancements to the university’s retirement plan. The board also approved several minor program and degree revisions intended to sharpen and strengthen academic offerings.
“UM is home to hundreds of gifted and godly leaders,” President Smith said. “The encouraging reports we were able to share this week are the direct result of their ingenuity and effort.”
Administrative Updates
The board also received updates on several administrative changes designed to better support and advance the university’s mission.
- Vice President for Student Development and College Athletics Tim Adams joins the Senior Leadership Team with the charge to strengthen the role of Student Life in shaping culture, spiritual formation and retention.
- Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success Charity Wittner has been promoted to this new role that reflects enrollment management’s growing complexity while continuing to expand recruitment, financial aid and retention strategies.
- Associate Vice President for Institutional Relations Adam Tait joins the Senior Leadership Team to strengthen fundraising efforts and oversee the new Great Commission Fund, annual Mobile Classic Golf Tournament and regional donor engagement efforts.
- A Provost Search is underway to provide strategic academic leadership, support deans and faculty, and lead the university’s pursuit of academic excellence. This new position will complement the role of Dr. Pamela Buchanan Miller who serves as Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Learn more about the University of Mobile at umobile.edu/um-info. Plan a campus visit or register for a UM Day at umobile.edu/um-info or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For Christ & 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.