MOBILE, Ala. – Local high school teachers are invited to a free event, “A Literary Talk with Teachers,” hosted by the University of Mobile College of Arts and Sciences and sponsored by The Alabama Humanities Alliance. The event will be held Thursday, Oct. 17, at 6:30 p.m. in Moorer Auditorium on the University of Mobile campus.
The evening will include a main lecture titled “Honor, Glory, and Kingship in the Life of Henry V” presented by Dr. Robert Schaefer, professor of political science at the University of West Georgia. His lecture will be followed by a response from Aaron McLeod, J.D., and a discussion with local high school teachers.
The first 25 teachers who RSVP to attend will receive a complimentary copy of the Signet edition of Henry V and a study guide to prepare for the discussion following the talk. RSVP at umobile.edu/literarytalk.
Introducing New Master of Arts Programs for Teachers
Dr. Katherine Abernathy, chair of the Department of Humanities at the Christian university, said A Literary Talk with Teachers “aims to rekindle your love of reading and thought-provoking discussion while exploring how great works of literature may still shape our communities today.”
It also offers an opportunity to introduce local educators to the university’s new Master of Arts degrees in English and History, two graduate programs that are specifically designed for teachers.
Both the Master of Arts in English and Master of Arts in History have a concentration in education (non-certification).
“These degrees are designed for teachers wishing to expand their career options while experiencing the love of literature or passion for history that first drew them to teaching,” Abernathy said. Classes are offered in a blended format, both in person and online, at times convenient for working teachers.
“The program is designed to allow educators the flexibility to continue their teaching career while earning their master’s degree. Graduates will be qualified to teach both adjunct classes at the college level and dual enrollment courses at the high school level,” she said. Learn more and apply at umobile.edu/apply.
New Master of Arts in Creative Practice Starts Fall 2025
The new Master of Arts in Creative Practice will start Fall 2025 in the Department of Visual Arts in the College of Arts and Sciences. Courses are already being offered that lead to the master’s degree, through the university’s Graduate Certificate in Creative Practice. The creative practice certificate and master’s degree program are designed to nurture the creative talents of aspiring artists, designers and professionals seeking to enhance their creative skills and expand their career opportunities.
“The graduate certificate provides professional development opportunities to art educators, working artists and adult learners who are looking to pivot into visual arts or design-based careers,” said Megan Cary, associate professor of graphic arts. “Many of our students currently enrolled in the graduate certificate program are planning to pursue the Master of Arts in Creative Practice starting Fall 2025.” Learn more and apply at umobile.edu/apply.
Meet the Guest Speakers
“A Literary Talk with Teachers” promises to be “an invigorating and inspiring evening that will refresh your literary spirit,” Abernathy said.
Dr. Robert Schaefer teaches classes on American government, ancient political theory, American political parties, and state and local politics. His areas of interest also include state constitutions and Shakespeare.
Aaron McLeod is an alumnus of the University of Mobile. A lawyer who focuses his practice on appellate litigation and dispositive-motion briefing, McLeod has represented multiple clients in appeals before the Alabama Supreme Court, Eleventh Circuit and Fifth Circuit Courts of Appeal, the Texas trial and appellate courts, and the United States Supreme Court.
While practicing law full-time, McLeod maintains a deep interest in the study of humanities. He regularly visits the university to speak on the importance of studying the humanities.
Note: This project is supported by the Alabama Humanities Alliance, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the Alabama Humanities Alliance or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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.