University of Mobile Presidential Fellows
“For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
About the Presidential Fellows Program
Established in 2025, under the new leadership of Dr. Charles Smith and Jenna Goodwin, Chief of Staff, the Presidential Fellows Program provides select academically excellent and committed Christian student leaders with a unique opportunity for mentorship and leadership development. With opportunities to serve, learn, and lead alongside the President’s Office and senior leadership team, these student leaders are expected to maintain a posture of readiness, flexibility, and servant leadership. Through experiential learning, Presidential Fellows observe Christian leadership in action while representing the student body and developing as leaders who embody the values of the University of Mobile.
Our Mission
The Presidential Fellows Program exists to develop and empower student leaders who embody the values of the University of Mobile. This program provides select students with unique opportunities to serve, lead, and learn alongside the President’s Office and senior leadership team. The University of Mobile seeks to multiply Kingdom Leaders who make an impact for the glory of God and the good of the world.
Applicants for the Presidential Fellows Program should:
- Be a current student in good academic standing at the University of Mobile
- Demonstrate strong leadership experience on campus and/or in the community
- Exhibit high character, integrity, and spiritual maturity
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Be actively involved in a local church and able to share their faith testimony
- Show evidence of initiative, reliability, and a willingness to serve
- Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Be respected among peers, faculty, and staff
- Demonstrate professionalism and discretion when representing the President’s Office
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Be willing to commit approximately 10 hours per week August – May
- Be flexible and responsive to both planned and unexpected assignment
Applicants must submit the following by April 16, 2026
Jermaine Edwards
President, Tallahassee, FL - Worship Leadership: Music Education
jermaine.edwards@umobile.edu
Jermaine Edwards is currently a junior at the University of Mobile pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Worship Leadership (Education). During his time at UM, Jermaine has been actively involved in many areas of campus life through both musical and leadership roles. For the past two years, he has traveled with several of the university’s premier ensembles, including the Voices of Mobile, Worship Collective, and Dunamis. In addition to his musical contributions, Jermaine served as a student worker for the Alabama School of the Arts, where he supported faculty and staff, assisted with administrative tasks, and helped coordinate events that showcased the talents of the UM student body. He also worked as a music theory tutor, providing one-on-one support to classmates and helping them succeed in their coursework. Jermaine is also deeply committed to serving his local church community. These experiences have shaped his heart for ministry and leadership, both on and off campus. Jermaine is honored to serve as the President of the inaugural class of Presidential Fellows, a role that allows him to partner with the Office of the President in advancing the mission of the university and fostering a thriving campus community. As President, Jermaine hopes to create meaningful opportunities for connection between students and university leadership, ensuring that every student feels heard, valued, and supported. Outside of academics and leadership, Jermaine enjoys writing songs that connect people to God and he never turns down a game of pickleball or beach volleyball. He is grateful for the lifelong friendships and connections he has built at the University of Mobile. As he steps into a new season of leadership and growth, Jermaine says, “I’m looking forward to the year ahead and am excited to see how God will continue to move in and through UM.”
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11.
MaKala Holland
Sardis City, AL - Communication Studies
makala.holland@umobile.edu
MaKala has a passion for excellence, organization, and serving others. Her journey to UM began at 13 years old after attending a Voices of Mobile concert, one of the premier vocal ensembles that represents the Alabama School of the Arts. Their performance was so moving that she would strive to one day minister to others in a similar way. Since that day, the Lord has guided her steps, not only in preparation to be a student at UM, but to also be a member of Worship Choir, Sofree, and now the Voices of Mobile. MaKala is currently a junior pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Music. She now serves as the Coordinator of Operations and Manager of Merchandise for the Voices of Mobile as well as an inaugural member of the Presidential Fellows. She is excited to bring creativity and strategic thinking to serve the Office of the President’s goals of furthering Christ’s kingdom. Since her arrival on campus, MaKala has grown in her faith thanks to the intentionality of students, faculty, and staff. She says, “It has been an honor and privilege to be a part of the community at the University of Mobile. I’m extremely grateful for the friendships, connections, and opportunities that I have gained since obeying God’s plan for me here! I will never forget the welcome, encouragement, and peace I have received since joining the UM family.”
“But you, O LORD, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.” Psalm 3:3
Amy Claire Lankford
Satsuma, AL - Business Management
amy.lankford@umobile.edu
Amy Claire is the daughter of Dewayne and Valenda Lankford, and she is a proud member of Calvary Temple Assembly of God. She is currently a junior at the University of Mobile, pursuing a five-year integrated Master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Business Management. During her sophomore year at UM, Amy Claire served as a University Ambassador and was a member of the Business Advisory Council, where she gained a deeper understanding of both the university and its student body. As a commuter student, she takes intentional steps to stay involved on campus, striving to bridge the gap between commuter and residential students. She plans to use her leadership position as an inaugural member of the Presidential Fellows to shape the university’s community for the betterment of all students. One of the things Amy Claire has loved most about the University of Mobile is the faculty and staff. Every professor goes above and beyond to help students succeed. In the classroom, they know each student by name, are approachable, and genuinely enjoy teaching the next generation. Amy Claire is deeply grateful for the professors who have left a lasting impact on her life during her time as a Ram. In addition to her academic and leadership commitments, she has worked part-time in the Event Coordination department at Austal USA and currently serves as a Crewmate aboard the USS Alabama Battleship. “Psalm 32:8 is a verse that has helped guide and comfort me throughout my college and life experiences.” She says, “Knowing that God has His loving eye on me and has created a plan for my life gives me peace about my current positions and future endeavors.”
“The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8
Courtney Sides
Eclectic, AL - Nursing, Minor in Psychology)
courtney.sides@umobile.edu
Courtney’s journey at UM began long before walking onto campus as a freshman. In the 8th grade, she attended a FUGE camp hosted by the University of Mobile where she rededicated her life to Christ. When she returned to tour the campus as a high school senior, having not recognized the campus at first, something caught her eye. The globe, a symbolic centerpiece of the university, marked the very spot where she rededicated her life to Christ 4 years prior. The Lord had very clearly opened the door to UM and her life has been changed entirely since. Courntey has grown closer to Lord through the intentionality of students, professors, and staff. Her classes at UM are equipping her to become an exceptional nurse—one who not only tends to physical needs but also ministers to patients spiritually, with compassion and grace. Since her freshman year, Courtney has been deeply involved in campus life, allowing her to build a loving community while actively serving her peers. She has served as a University Ambassador, College of Health Professions Representative for SGA, Ministries Team Member, Bible study leader for Abide Women’s Ministry, one-on-one discipleship leader, and now, an inaugural member of the Presidential Fellows. Courtney whole heartedly exemplifies the mission of UM: to do all things for Christ and His Kingdom. “It has been a privilege to study in a Christ-centered environment” she says, “and I look forward to seeing how the Lord will continue to work throughout my time at UM and beyond it as I carry the gospel and my knowledge of healthcare into the world.”
“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
Thomas Turner
Bay Minette, AL, Music Education
thomas.turner@umobile.edu
Thomas’s journey to the University of Mobile began at Baldwin County High School, where he first felt the Lord’s call to become a band director. His passion is not just to teach music, but to serve as a positive role model for students, creating a place of peace and encouragement within the school setting. With faith as his foundation, he desires to share the love of Christ through music, merit, and mentorship. In high school, his Sunday school teachers and close friends, Avery Wilhite and Bailey Bergdolt, would often ask him a question that stayed with him: “When are you going to be a Ram?” Over time, that question became a source of encouragement and ultimately guided his decision to apply to the University of Mobile. Once accepted, he joined RamCorps and Jazz Band, two musical ensembles that have opened the door for countless performance opportunities both nationally and internationally. Since arriving on campus, he has grown both musically and spiritually through the intentional investment of professors, mentors, and peers. Thomas is known by his classmates for his kindness; he is a friend to all. He looks forward to carrying both his faith and his passion for music into classrooms, where he will inspire future generations. Reflecting on his time at UM, Thomas confidently states, “I am convinced that there is no place quite like the University of Mobile. Here, I have been poured into and invested in more than I ever thought possible, and it has made such a profound impact on my life.”
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9”
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