MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile starts the new year with three key updates to its senior leadership team. UM President Charles Smith announced the hiring of Lynn Smith as vice president for business affairs, the appointment of Brian Boyle to the newly created role of special assistant to the president, and the appointment of Dr. Nathan Harris as vice president for institutional relations.
Additional members of UM’s senior leadership team include Dr. Pamela Buchanan Miller, vice president for academic affairs; Lesa Moore, vice president for marketing and public relations; and Charity Wittner, vice president for student affairs.
“Together, these leaders are poised to accomplish historic things for the University of Mobile,” said President Smith.
Lynn Smith, Vice President for Business Affairs, Chief Financial Officer
UM’s new chief financial officer and vice president for business affairs is Lynn Smith, formerly director of fiscal planning and analysis at The University of Southern Mississippi. Over Smith’s 18 years at Southern Miss, he also served as director of budget and tax compliance, senior budget analyst and adjunct instructor in the School of Accounting. He was president of the Covington County School Board and has over seven years of experience as a high school economics and government teacher while also coaching baseball, softball and football.
At the University of Mobile, Smith will oversee the university’s annual budget and endowments, provide fiscal analysis and strategic direction, and manage a variety of departments including business affairs, human resources, information technology, plant operations and food services.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration in accounting from The University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Business Administration from William Carey University, and a Master of Arts in theology and biblical studies from Belhaven University.
Brian Boyle, Special Assistant to the President & Executive Director for Estates, Grants and Government Relations
A University of Mobile alumnus, Brian Boyle has served his alma mater in a variety of leadership roles for more than 25 years, most recently as vice president for advancement. President Smith cited Boyle’s unique passion, experience and training as vital to the development of the new position of special assistant to the president and executive director for estates, grants and government relations.
Boyle will lead a comprehensive planned-giving program, manage and grow legacy giving, oversee government relations and work closely with the president and vice president for institutional relations to engage government officials, policymakers and other key stakeholders to advocate for the university.
In addition, Boyle teaches in UM’s School of Christian Studies. Previously, he enjoyed a successful career in retail and commercial banking. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration and a Master of Arts in theology, both from UM.
Dr. Nathan Harris, vice president for institutional relations
Harris assumes the new title of vice president for institutional relations after joining the University of Mobile in June 2024 as vice president for strategic initiatives. In addition to directing the university’s fundraising and strategic initiatives, Harris will oversee the areas of alumni relations, donor engagements and career development.
Harris is the author of the book “Gospel Generosity: Giving as an Act of Grace.” Previously, he served as vice president of advancement at Grace College & Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana. He has taught courses on the New Testament, hermeneutics and theology.
Harris holds a Bachelor of Arts in youth ministry from Malone University. He earned a Master of Theology, Master of Divinity Doctor of Philosophy in biblical studies, each from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
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 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/um-info, 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.