涩里番

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� The Saraland City School System and the 涩里番 expanded their longstanding partnership with a new agreement broadening dual enrollment opportunities for high school students. Among other benefits, the university is creating new college scholarships for school system teachers and employees.

Saraland City Schools Superintendent Brent Harrison and UM President Charles Smith officially signed the partnership agreement on March 25 at Saraland High School.

Partners with Shared Goals

Superintendent Harrison said, 鈥淭his agreement strengthens the relationship we have built with the 涩里番, ensuring our students continue to have access to valuable educational pathways beyond high school. We are excited about the benefits this expanded partnership will bring to our students, educators and the broader community.鈥�

涩里番 President Charles Smith added, 鈥淲e at the 涩里番 could not be more excited to deepen our longstanding relationship with Saraland City Schools, Saraland High School and the community as we partner together in our shared educational goals.

鈥淎dditionally, we are thrilled to offer a wide array of new scholarship opportunities for the teachers and employees of the Saraland School System. This is a testament to our continued support of educational excellence in our community.鈥�

Expanded Dual Enrollment

Saraland High School Principal Scott Croley emphasized the direct impact the expanded partnership will have on students and their families.

鈥淭his partnership is a huge benefit to our students, giving them an opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school, which can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education. It鈥檚 a win for our students, our teachers and our community,鈥� Croley said.

The dual enrollment program allows students to earn college credits by taking college-level courses at their high school. Through dual enrollment, students may reduce their overall cost to earn a college degree and jump-start their college career.

High school instructors teaching dual enrollment courses, along with their dependents, may be eligible for significant scholarships to the university.

New Scholarships for Saraland School System Employees

The Christian university has created several new scholarships specifically for Saraland City Schools teachers and employees. Teachers interested in pursuing their master鈥檚 degrees at the 涩里番 may be eligible for these significant scholarships.

Plus, employees of the Saraland City School System who wish to pursue their first bachelor鈥檚 degree at UM also may qualify for special scholarships.

Investing in Education

These initiatives demonstrate a deep investment in the future of education within the Saraland community, said UM President Smith.

鈥淲ith Saraland City Schools recognized as one of the top school systems in Alabama, and the 涩里番鈥檚 commitment to academic and spiritual excellence, the partnership is a natural fit,鈥� Smith said. 

The expansion represents a shared investment in the success of students and educators alike, ensuring lasting benefits for years to come.

Principal Croley added, 鈥淭o have this type of partnership with an institution so highly regarded as the 涩里番 is super exciting for everyone involved 鈥� our teachers, our students, and our community.鈥�

About the 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence 鈥淔or Christ and His Kingdom.鈥� With a vision to 鈥淢ultiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World,鈥� 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鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.听Learn more at听 and connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the 涩里番 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.

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� Choosing the right college is a big decision, and the best way to know if a university is the perfect fit is to experience it in person. That鈥檚 why the 涩里番 invites high school and transfer students and families to UM Day, a special preview event designed to give students a firsthand look at life at UM.

There is still time to sign up for the last UM Day of spring semester on Friday, March 21. RSVP today at .

Get Ready for Your College Visit

Hali Givens, assistant vice president for enrollment services at UM, says a well-planned college visit can make all the difference. She offers these expert tips to help students and parents get the most out of UM Day:

1. Sign Up in Advance听鈥� Register for UM Day at听听to ensure you receive important event details and a personalized experience.
2. Plan Your Questions听鈥� Get the most from your visit by coming prepared with questions about academics, student life and financial aid.
3. Explore Faith Opportunities听鈥� Ask about worship events, campus ministries and faith-based learning experiences.
4. Meet Professors in Your Field of Study听鈥� Faculty connections can help you understand program expectations and opportunities.
5. Tour Campus听鈥� Picture yourself as part of the RamFam! Walk through classrooms and state-of-the-art labs, check out the #1 Dorms in Alabama, and experience UM鈥檚 beautiful campus.
6. Explore Scholarships听鈥� Learn how your visit could earn you a听$2,000 scholarship听when you apply and enroll.
7. Engage in Worship and Community听鈥� Experience the Christ-centered culture that makes UM unique.

鈥淎 college visit is a crucial step in the decision-making process. It allows students to truly envision themselves as part of the 涩里番 community,鈥� Givens says.

Sign Up for UM Day

Sign up for the next听UM Day听on Friday, March 21听at听umobile.edu/umday-info听or call听251-442-2222听to speak with an admissions counselor.听听

Schedule a Private Campus Visit

Can鈥檛 make it to UM Day? UM offers convenient private tours throughout the year. Learn more about UM and schedule a campus visit at .

About the 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence 鈥淔or Christ and His Kingdom.鈥� With a vision to 鈥淢ultiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World,鈥� 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鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.听Learn more at听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

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the 涩里番 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.

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� Dr. Kevin Blackwell, the newly named executive director of missions for the Mobile Baptist Association, also joins the 涩里番 as special assistant to the president for institutional relations and assistant professor of disciple making in the School of Christian Studies.

UM President Charles Smith welcomed Blackwell to the Mobile area, noting that his partnership with the 涩里番 reinforces UM鈥檚 longstanding commitment to equipping the next generation of ministry leaders.

鈥淲e are thrilled to see Dr. Blackwell joining the Mobile Baptist Association in our Great Commission work of making disciples of Jesus Christ. All of us here at the 涩里番 share in this high calling and look forward to partnering with Dr. Blackwell not only as our associational leader, but also in his new roles here at the university. He has served our friends at Samford University so well, and I have no doubt he will make a similar impact through the 涩里番.鈥�

涩里番 Executive Director of the Center for Christian Calling, Dr. Doug Wilson, added, 鈥淲e are truly blessed to have Dr. Kevin Blackwell join the School of Christian Studies faculty. With his ministry institute experience, he is uniquely qualified to equip UM students in practical ministry. As the new DOM for the Mobile Baptist Association, his connection with local congregations will be beneficial for students to gain valuable experience with ministry teams and ministry internships.”

鈥楾hrilled to Join the Faculty鈥�

Blackwell said, 鈥淚t is a great honor to have the opportunity to serve the 110 churches of the Mobile Baptist Association to make disciples for Christ in Mobile County. The local church is the greatest hope for gospel propagation in our world, and Christ-centered schools like the 涩里番 are working to support its work. 

鈥淚 am thrilled to join the faculty of UM’s School of Christian Studies to equip students to prepare to serve in ministry and missions for the glory of God. I am grateful to my friend Dr. Charles Smith for the invitation to join his team as Special Assistant to the President as we strive to nurture meaningful connections with Alabama Baptists and other Southern Baptists across the nation. 

鈥淭he Mobile Baptist Association was integral to the university’s founding in 1961, so it makes sense that UM and the MBA should work cooperatively for the work of Christ. For over six decades, the 涩里番 has provided quality higher education for a higher purpose, and it is truly one of the greatest honors of my life to contribute to the future of UM. Go Rams!”

Mobile Baptist Association Leader

Blackwell was elected executive director of missions for the Mobile Baptist Association on March 6.

Dr. Mack Morris, chair of the Association鈥檚 search committee, said Blackwell鈥檚 election followed a year-long nationwide search as they sought 鈥渟omeone who would be a leader among leaders.鈥�

鈥淚n the Alabama Baptist State Convention there are several names who have instant name recognition. When we talked to people who knew Dr. Kevin Blackwell, we heard these descriptions: 鈥淰isionary, level-headed, bridge-builder, impactful, difference maker, creative, contagious, Kingdom strategist, powerful preacher, pastor鈥檚 heart, strong business traits, family man, authentic, humble, wise, rooted in the Bible, integrity, disciple maker鈥�connected between generations.

Pastor, Author, Disciple Maker

Blackwell has served in church ministry for 31 years and was senior pastor of Valley Creek Baptist Church in Hueytown, Alabama, prior to joining Samford University in 2014, where he served as assistant to the president for church relations and executive director of the Ministry Training Institute. 

He was president of the Alabama Baptist Convention Pastor鈥檚 Conference and received the Troy L. Morrison Award for pastoral excellence through the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions. Blackwell is the author of 鈥淩epairing the Missional Breach: Why the Church Isn鈥檛 Making Disciples and What We Can Do About It,鈥� co-author of 鈥淐ultivate Disciplemaking: Growing Disciples Who Make Disciples鈥� and a member of the evangelical Missiological Society.

Blackwell holds a Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Theology, both from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; a Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity, both from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; and a Bachelor of General Studies from Samford University.

He and his wife, Lorrie, have four children: Maggie LeeAnn, Andie Grace, Averie Hope and Brodie James.

Read more in The Alabama Baptist at

About the 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university with a vision of 鈥淗igher听Education for a Higher Purpose,鈥� founded to honor God by equipping students for their听future professions in an environment where they are known.听Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The 涩里番 was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

For information about the 涩里番, areas of study, admissions and more, visit听,听connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the 涩里番 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.

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� High school and transfer students and their families have a chance to experience college life up close at UM Day on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the 涩里番.

Whether you鈥檙e exploring your college options or ready to make your decision, UM Day is your behind-the-scenes look at what makes a Christ-centered higher education at UM different. RSVP now at听听or call 251.442.2222.

Why RSVP Now?

• FREE UM Day T-shirt听for students who apply for admission!
• FREE UM sweatshirt听for students who make their enrollment down payment!
• $2,000 scholarship听for new traditional undergraduate students who visit, apply and enroll!

What to Expect at UM Day:

• Campus Tour听鈥� Walk our beautiful campus and picture yourself here.
• Meet Your Future Professors & Friends听鈥� Connect with caring faculty and current students.
• Financial Aid & Scholarship Info听鈥� Discover how affordable UM can be.
• Apply for FREE听鈥� Take the next step toward your future!

Don鈥檛 miss this opportunity to experience a Christ-centered education and find out why students choose UM.

WHAT:听UM Day

WHO:听High School and Transfer Students and families

WHEN: Friday, March 21, 2025 鈥� check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. in Ram Hall

WHERE: 涩里番, 5735 College Parkway, Mobile, AL 36613

Can鈥檛 Make it to UM Day?

No problem! Schedule a private tour and you can still receive a $2,000 scholarship when you visit, apply and enroll! Learn more at or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

RSVP today and get ready to experience the difference at the 涩里番!

About the 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university with a vision of 鈥淗igher听Education for a Higher Purpose,鈥� founded to honor God by equipping students for their听future professions in an environment where they are known.听Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The 涩里番 was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

For information about the 涩里番, areas of study, admissions and more, visit听,听connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the 涩里番 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.

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� The 涩里番 is proud to announce the Deans鈥� List for Fall Semester 2024. The Dean鈥檚 List consists of students who earned a 3.50 GPA or higher with at least 12 credit hours. The students who received this honor are listed below.

Alex Abernathy, Rachel Allen, Isabelle Allred, Salman Almandeel, Miguel-Abdiel Alonzo, Rayan Amison, Bryson Anderson, Camryn Anderson, Natalie Armour, Jacob Arnold, Luke Arnold, Mallory Atchison

Bethany Baldwin, Jaileb Ballard, Ella Barber, Trinity Barden, Skyler Barnes, Cleveland Bass, Anna Katherine Bell, Gianmarco Bertolini, Bailee Best, Connor Bishop, Jonah Blackwell, Ian Blair, Jesse Blow, Gabriel Boone, Renee Born, Carleigh Bowden, Cameron Brock, Abby Brooks, Madison Bruner, Gabriel Bryars, Blake Burris, Natalie Burt, Benjamin Buxton, Reilli Byrd, Adam Byzdra

Isabella Cameron, Ashtyn  Cammon, Claire Campbell, Branden Canas, Brayen Canas, Jahi Cannon, Kathryn Cantey, Brianna Carmichael, Camila Castro, Savannah Catrett, Camryn Cellon, Emma Champagne, Elijah Cherolis, Alyssa Cherry, Mattie Chestang, Roman Chiosa, Grace Chisholm, Alejandro Chumacero Navarro, Evan Clymer, Laiken Coaker, Samuel Colbert, Windell Comer, Lillie Conner, Ryan Cooke, Anna Coon, Erin Cooper, Jennifer Cope, Molena Copeland, Matthew Cornelius, Christopher Cosper, Micah Coxwell, Antonio Crews, Jaxson Crisler, Cameron Crumpton

Gabrielle Davis, Alison Dearmon, Brayden听Deaton, Kadence Dedeaux, Landon Dedeaux, Wyatt Dickson, Samuel Dippel, James Doherty, , Camryn Dorilma, Ella Downing, Jaci Drinnon, Connor Duckett, Tristan Durflinger, Hannah Edge, MacKensey Edmond, Illyes El Yansli, Makenzie Ellison, Linda Ethridge

Loralee Faulkner, Madelynn听Fleming, Leah Foster, Kendel Lee Frazer, Peyton Frazer, Caroline Frederick, Tionna Frieson, Carlie听听听听Funchess, Joao Gago, Luke Galey, Lauren Garcia, Karsen Gates, Anna听听听听听听听听听听听听Geter, Collin Gibbons, Isabella Gibbons, Hayleigh Gideons, Gracie Giles, Thiago Giri Rodrigues Mello, Katherine Glass, Alexandria听听Godwin, Nolin Godwin, Kelsey Goler, Abigail Gorum, Jake Graves, Kiersten Gray, Cody Green, Bryleigh Greene, Hunter Griffin, Tyler Grondin, Surely Gutierrez

Caleb   Hadley, Madison Hager, Yonan Hanna, Will Harris, Dawson Harrison, Shelby Harvison, Jayden Hayes, Emalyn Heathershaw, Noah Henderson, Brianna Hendricks, Andrew Henley, Jake Henley, Clara Hicks, Dyamond Hicks, James Higdon Nathan Higginson, Quinn Hipple, Victoria Holewka, MaKala Holland, Kaylea Holmes, Hayleigh Hopper, Madeline Houk, Micaela Howze, Jaxson Hughes, Lameshia Hunt, Makenzie Ingram, Taylor Ingram

Abigayle Jackson, Erica Jackson, Lyndsey Jackson, Amy Jernigan, Jonathan Jesse, Jenna Jiles, Caroline听听听听听听听听听听Johnson, Jordan Johnson, Haley Jones, Zoe Jones, Katelynn Kempton, Ninah Kerr, Macey Kidder, Anna King, Michael Kitchen, Heather Knowles, Jeremy Knox, Kylie Koster, Adele听听听Kuhn, Sophia听听Kuhn, Avery Kyzar, Brooklyn听听Kyzar, Kensley Lambert, Samantha Landaiche, Zachary Landrum, Caitlin Lanham, Amy Lankford, Lindsey Lantis, Alyssa Lavelle, Lucca Leal, Addison Lentz, Reagan Lentz, Celestine Lett, Claire Lewis, Madalyn Lewis, Shellie听Littlefield, Kamirra Logan, Caleb Logerwell, Judah Lokey, Alexandria Lopez, Porsha Lynch, Jada Lynd, Jennah Lyons

Sam MacDonald, William Manwaring, Marc Marquis, Aubrey Martin, Gracyn Martin, Jocelyn Martin, Rylee Martin, Chloe听听Martinez, Malorie Martinez, Sean Mason, Lais Tammy Masuda, Kristyn Maten, Dalton Mathis, Alexander May, Evelyn May, Gabriel May, Janae McCall, Sarah McGonegal, Travis McKenzie, Lane McLaughlin, Lauren McLean, Joseph McMahon, Rachel McMullan, Emma McPherson, Henrique Mendes, Kristi Merritt, Lindsey Meza, Jaylee Miracle, Logan Mitchell, Grace Morgan, Matthew Morgan, Jalecia Morrissette, Robert Moulthrop, Trenton Moye, Karolina Mrowiecova, Sophie Mulkey, Samuel Mutiri, Annsley Myers

Joshua听Naman, Christian Nelson, Campbell Newell, April Nicholson, Joshua Norris, Brady Northam, Caraline Olson, Emily Osborne, Kinsey Otzenberger, Emma Owen, Luke Owers, Latifha Pascall , Emma Kate听听听听听Patterson, Liam Patterson, Matthew Patterson, Haley Pauley, Latonya Payne, Meredith Peacock, Tyler Peters, Abby Peterson, Destiny Pettway, Elizabeth Posey, Claire Powell, Ellie Powell, Eve Powell, McCory Powell, Taylor Prestridge, Alexandria Price Emma Price

Jhanya Quinones, Olivia Quiroz, Allison Ramey, Rebekah Ramirez, Elizabeth Ranew, Kirsha Rankin, Enrico Recchia Racheal Reeves, Jacob Rehbine, Joevonie Reid, Jessica Ricchiuti, Waelyn Richardson, Joaquin Rivera, Alexis Rodr脙颅guez Ruiz, William Roley, Sergio Ruiz Ramiro, Clayton Russell, Cassie Ryals

Carla Saborido, Adrian Salas, Katlyn Sampson, Steven Sandlin, Jeb Scarbrough, Allie Schachle, Lorelei Seas, Davide Sedini, Avery Seitz, Gabrielle Sheffield, Madilyn Sheffield, Macon Sherer, Emilee Shuler, Benjamin Sims, Kaitlyn Skrove, Cecil Smith, Cohen Smith, Lillian Smith, Rodney Smith, Fatoumata Sonko, Emily Spann, Leiyah Spears, Ryleigh Stanford, Joseph Stevens, Jonathan Stewart, Isabella Stracener, Brooklyn Strevel, McKenna Stringfellow, Alison Strunk, Claire Suter, Jailyn Swink

Austin  Taylor, Lauren Taylor, Mateo Tempon, Kendall Thomas, Emily Thullesen, Grace Tillman, Emma Todd, Joshua Trimble, Anna Trinh, Jaycie   Tungett, Ian Turner, Marleigh Turner, Presleigh Turner, Thomas Turner, Tyler Turner

Alex Valenzuela, Gabriella Vasko, Juliana Vasko, Diana Vazquez, Angela Viator, Keon Walker, Peyton Walker, Rachel Walker, Hannah Victoria Walters, Jordan Ward, Arthur Watson, Karlie Welch, Erika              West, MacKenzie White, Kaylee Whitson, Alaina Whitten, Adalyn Wiggins, Kylie Wilkerson, Emma Wilkins, Madison Williams, Chloe Wilson, Kristen Wright, Giavana Zarella

About the 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university with a vision of 鈥淗igher Education for a Higher Purpose,鈥� 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鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. The 涩里番 was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

For information about the 涩里番, areas of study, admissions and more, visit , connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the 涩里番 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.