涩里番

涩里番 Announces President鈥檚 List for Fall 2024

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥 The 涩里番 is proud to announce the President鈥檚 List for Fall Semester 2024. The President鈥檚 List consists of students who earned a 4.0 GPA with at least 15 credit hours. The students who received this honor are listed below.

Cristian Acosta, Savanna Adams, Mary Katherine Alums, Sebastian Arze, Claire Atkins

Mia Bailey, Elizabeth Barber, Madison Barnes, Hanna Barnett, Tatum Beech, Laura Belk, Thomas Bell, Skylar Bennett, Kathleen Bowden, Kennedy Bradford, Amanda Bream, Olivia Brentlinger, Harrison Bridges, Bailey Bronner, Ashlyn Broussard, Grace Bryant, Grace Burchell

Nina Carpenter, Hunter Chapuis, Autumn Chestang, Meredith Cole, Kimberlyn Colyer, Christopher Conger, Madison Cooley, Breyton Cornelius, Jamie Criswell, Natalie Criswell

Bryline Dailey, MacKenzie Danzey, Allana Davis, Bethany Dean, Dazsha Dean, Lilie Dickerson, Emily Dietz, Claire Dodson, Daniel Doherty, Louis Dolcini, Alanna Donaldson, Sophie Dorris, James Driver, Rachel Dunaway, Rebecca Duncan

Abigail Eddins, Camille Edgar, Anna Elliott, Kayden Ellis, Ebba Elweroth, Mattie Evans, Gracelon Fell, Leonardo Fiorotti Da Silva, Honor Fluker, Michael Ford, Leonardo Fuentes, Fisher Fuller

Peter Gardner, Joshua Giles, Alexis Gillette, William Givens, Michael Gould, Madison Grace, Luke Graham, Taylor Greene, Nicole Griswold

Abdullah Hamid, Emma Hampton, Brea Harris, Taylor Harris, Regan Hickman, Rebecca Hii, Madison Hill, Goodwin Holley, Andrea Hughes

Jake Jaye, Landon Jessee, Allie Kelley, Maggie Kenyon, Bethany Kilgore, Sierra Knight, Kaden Kugler, Elisabeth Langley, Raegan Latiolais, Logan Lipke, Madison Lipke, Katelyn Lippold

Amanda Majors, Katelyn Maten, Megan McCartney, Braylee McMath, Bai-Lee McNair, Marina Mellado Baron, Elyssa Messick, William Mims, Alexcia Min, Stephen Mixon, Marlee Montalvo, Andrew Moore, Lacee Moore, Esmeralda Morataya, Katie Murphree, Kelly Murphree, Lexi Myers

Lydia Nicholson, Blakeley Norris, Joao Okano, Anna Olsen, Peter Olsen, Johan Ong, Emily Otts, Erin Parker, Jocelyn Phillips, Sarah Polk, Lott Putnam, Santiago Reina Mendivelso, Victoria Richardson, Zoe Richardson, Jillian Robinson, Brooklyn Rowell

Taylor Sasser, Brooke Schachle, Greta Schneider, Hayden Seale, Courtney Sides, Merrin Simmons, Jacylin Smith, Guido Solaro, Nicholas Spears, Lillian Steiner. Kylee Stewart, Bryna Stokes, Lyla Kae Stokes, Bryant Story, Faith Taylor, Dallas Trehern, Sabrina Turner, Sarah Tyler

Melissa Umanzor, Layne Vidich, William Wayne, Samuel Werry, Macayla Wiggins, Luana Wild, Lora Williams, Zorey Williams, Joy Wilson, Carlee Wyatt


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.

涩里番 Gospel Ensemble 鈥楧unamis鈥 Presents Powerful Night of Worship on Feb. 25

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥 The 涩里番鈥檚 new gospel ensemble, Dunamis, welcomes the community to an unforgettable night of worship and praise with 鈥淟ift Every Voice and Sing: The Journey Continues.鈥 

students

The free event begins at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at, 2531 Berkely Avenue in Mobile.

This dynamic celebration of gospel music will feature a mass choir and surprise performances from some of the region鈥檚 most gifted gospel vocalists. Dunamis and guests will present powerful classics by legendary artists such as the Mississippi Mass Choir, Thompson Community Choir, Kurt Carr & the Kurt Carr Singers, Richard Smallwood and Donald Lawrence. 

Power and Strength

Dunamis is an auditioned ensemble from UM鈥檚 Alabama School of the Arts (ASOTA) consisting of talented student vocalists and six mentor vocalists who serve as faculty, staff or leaders. The name, derived from the Greek word for 鈥減ower鈥 or 鈥渟trength,鈥 reflects the group鈥檚 mission to share the message of Acts 1:8 鈥 receiving power through the Holy Spirit to impact lives through gospel music. 

students

The ensemble is under the direction of Kenneth Brandon, UM worship leadership major and minister of music at Mt. Hebron Church Ministries, and Cory Anderson, UM alumnus and ASOTA coordinator of academic services.

The upcoming concert is a continuation of the powerful journey that began with Dunamis鈥 inaugural concert in February 2024, 鈥淔rom Dorsey to Dillard: An Evolutionary Journey through Gospel Music.鈥 That event, which traced the rich history and evolution of gospel music, was the spark that led to the official formation of Dunamis. 

A Clear Mission

Since its debut, Dunamis has quickly become a force in the Mobile gospel music community, captivating audiences with artistry, passion and commitment to honoring gospel鈥檚 deep cultural and spiritual roots. In just this first year, Dunamis has shared the stage with some of gospel music鈥檚 most influential artists, from singing background for gospel artist Maurette Brown-Clarke to opening for gospel legend John P. Kee.

Kenneth

Ensemble director Brandon says, 鈥淭his year鈥檚 concert represents a full-circle moment for us. What started as a single event last year has now grown into a dedicated ensemble with a clear mission 鈥 to celebrate Christ鈥檚 nature through a powerful demonstration of culture. This is just the beginning, and we can鈥檛 wait to share this next chapter with you.鈥

Learn more about Dunamis and the Alabama School of the Arts at the 涩里番 at .


About the 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university with a vision of 鈥淗igher聽Education for a Higher Purpose,鈥 founded to honor God by equipping students for their聽future professions in an environment where they are known.聽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聽,聽connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

涩里番 Starts New Year with Key Updates to Senior Leadership Team

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥 The 涩里番 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鈥檚 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.

鈥淭ogether, these leaders are poised to accomplish historic things for the 涩里番,鈥 said President Smith.

Lynn Smith

Lynn Smith, Vice President for Business Affairs, Chief Financial Officer

UM鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 涩里番, Smith will oversee the university鈥檚 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

Brian Boyle, Special Assistant to the President & Executive Director for Estates, Grants and Government Relations

A 涩里番 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.

Nathan

Dr. Nathan Harris, vice president for institutional relations

Harris assumes the new title of vice president for institutional relations after joining the 涩里番 in June 2024 as vice president for strategic initiatives. In addition to directing the university鈥檚 fundraising and strategic initiatives, Harris will oversee the areas of alumni relations, donor engagements and career development.

Harris is the author of the book 鈥淕ospel Generosity: Giving as an Act of Grace.鈥 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 涩里番 at . Plan a campus visit or register for a UM Day at or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.


About the 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university with a vision of 鈥淗igher聽Education for a Higher Purpose,鈥 founded to honor God by equipping students for their聽future professions in an environment where they are known.聽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聽,聽connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

涩里番 Integrates AI, 3D Tech and Global Collaboration into Dance Education

headshot

MOBILE, Ala.鈥 Students in the Alabama School of the Arts at the 涩里番 will experience a revolutionary approach to dance education spring semester, made possible through the international collaboration of Barbara Haines, adjunct dance instructor at the 涩里番.

Haines participated in project development for higher education in dance as part of 鈥淒ance and Method鈥 by the Hungarian Academy of Arts, Research Institute of Art Theory and Methodology. The focus was on benefits of virtual reality in art and pilot preparations research for 3D dance curriculum.

Drawing from her recent presentation at the AI Transformation & Innovation Summit in Budapest, Hungary, Haines is bringing 3D dance educational material that integrates artificial intelligence (AI), Benesh Movement Notation (BMN), and motion capture technology into the classroom. 

Haines presented 鈥淢apping Motion: 3D Dance & Method with Benesh in Action鈥 at the summit, exploring how AI can be used to enhance dance literacy, a foundational skill in dance education. Working with experts, Haines contributed to a prototype that combines 3D animations by Rhonda Ryman-Kane, FIChor, professor emerita, University of Waterloo, Canada, and  technical support by Sang May, Credo Interactive, Vancouver, Canada, along with Haines鈥檚 in-depth knowledge of Benesh Movement Notation to help students understand movement, choreography and spatial relationships in dance.

What UM Students Will Learn

As part of this innovative program, Ballet II courses in the Alabama School of the Arts will test the preparatory 3D pilot material in a scientific and experimental setting. Students will use the applied BMN scores to interpret folk dance variations recorded with PhaseSpace Impulse X2 motion capture technology at the CYENS, Center of Excellence, University of Cyprus, and compare them with animated sequences created with DanceForms software. This method will allow students to enhance their cognitive understanding of body positions, timing, and stage presence.

鈥淪tudents will be immersed in a unique blend of traditional dance training and cutting-edge technology,鈥 said Haines. 鈥淭hey鈥檒l be able to interact with and analyze movement in ways that have never been possible before.鈥

In addition to the 3D technology, students will explore original dance variations notated in BMN from the Vaganova Choreographic School of Leningrad and the Mariinsky Theatre, offering them the opportunity to study unpublished dance excerpts preserved in the prestigious dance archives of the Royal Academy of Dance, London, UK and The Conservatoire de Paris, Paris, France.

The Future of Dance Education

Haines鈥 work at the AI Transformation & Innovation Summit also involved developing a new model for integrating AI into dance education. Her presentation highlighted the growing importance of dance literacy, which enables students to read and understand, and apply dance notation both to traditional and contemporary choreography.

鈥淎I is transforming the way we think about dance education, and we鈥檙e at the forefront of that change,鈥 said Haines. 鈥淭his is a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn in an environment that embraces both the art and the science of dance.鈥

Students at the 涩里番 are set to gain valuable skills that bridge the gap between dance tradition and technological advancement. The collaboration between dance notators, animators and AI experts holds great promise for the future of higher education in the arts.

Learn more about the 涩里番 at . 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 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university with a vision of 鈥淗igher聽Education for a Higher Purpose,鈥 founded to honor God by equipping students for their聽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聽,聽connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva Honors Composer Lawrence K. Moss with New Album Recorded at 涩里番

headshot

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥 The 涩里番鈥檚 Fisher-Brewer Recording Studio played a central role in the creation of 鈥淯nseen Paths: A Tribute to Lawrence K. Moss,鈥 with the majority of the album recorded on campus. 

Featuring Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, an internationally renowned pianist and professor of music at the 涩里番, the collection celebrates the legacy of the celebrated American composer.

Released by , Unseen Paths includes 鈥淎 Life (Variations on an Elusive Theme), a series of 12 evocative piano pieces Moss dedicated to Onalbayeva. The album reflects Moss鈥檚 boundless creativity, blending vibrant textures, spiritual themes and adventurous tonal landscapes.聽

Fisher-Brewer Recording Studio

The majority of the recordings were produced in July 2021 at the Fisher-Brewer Recording Studio in UM鈥檚 Alabama School of the Arts under the direction of Alabama School of the Arts adjunct faculty member and session engineer Chris Springer of iNov8, Inc. The studio provides students professional-level experience collaborating with musicians and producers in the state-of-the-art recording studio.

A Long-Standing Collaboration

Onalbayeva鈥檚 long-standing collaboration with Moss began in 2018 with her performance of his work 鈥淟igeti Light鈥 at Carnegie Hall, later recorded at the University of Maryland. Their partnership deepened through the development of 鈥淯nseen Paths,鈥 a project that Moss devoted the last years of his life to completing.

Gramophone Magazine Review

Gramophone magazine, in its August 2024 issue, praised Onalbayeva鈥檚 contributions, stating:

鈥溾橝 Life鈥 finds an intrepid pianist (the vibrant Kadisha Onalbayeva) traversing 12 movements of haunting and colourful substance, complete with subtle percussion effects. It is a prime example of a curious composer keen to explore as many musical paths as possible.鈥 鈥 Donald Rosenberg

An Extraordinary Experience

Onalbayeva expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to bring Moss鈥檚 vision to life.

鈥淚 am deeply honored that Lawrence K. Moss entrusted me with 鈥楢 Life,鈥 Collaborating with him on this project has been an extraordinary journey and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

鈥淗is music, filled with vibrant colors, profound emotion, and innovative ideas, continues to inspire me. I am grateful for the privilege of preserving his remarkable legacy through this recording,鈥 said Onalbayeva, Steinway artist and director of piano studies at the 涩里番, an All-Steinway School

About Lawrence Moss

Lawrence K. Moss (1927鈥2022) was a trailblazer in contemporary classical music, known for his compositions that spanned genres and pushed boundaries. His illustrious career included faculty positions at Mills College, Yale University and the University of Maryland, as well as numerous accolades, including two Guggenheim Fellowships and a Fulbright Scholarship.

UM Commitment to Excellence

鈥淯nseen Paths鈥 not only celebrates Moss鈥檚 prolific career but also highlights the 涩里番鈥檚 commitment to excellence in the arts. By supporting projects of this caliber, the university reinforces its role as a hub for innovation, creativity, and the preservation of artistic legacies.

“Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, known around our halls as 鈥楧r. O,鈥 embodies a deep commitment to excellence, innovation and Christian higher education as she leads our piano department as our resident Steinway Artist and director of piano studies,鈥 said Dr. Andrew Goodwin, dean of the Alabama School of the Arts.

鈥淗er passion for cultivating the next generation of Christian musicians, combined with her inspiring leadership, continues to elevate our entire music department. She is a beloved professor, and I am profoundly grateful for her dedication to our students and the mission of the Alabama School of the Arts.”

鈥楿nseen Paths鈥 Available Now

鈥淯nseen Paths: A Tribute to Lawrence K. Moss鈥 is available now on digital platforms through Navona Records.

For more information about Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva and the 涩里番鈥檚 Fisher-Brewer Recording Studio in the Alabama School of the Arts, visit .

Learn more about the 涩里番 at . Plan a campus visit or register for a UM Day at or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.


About the 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university with a vision of 鈥淗igher聽Education for a Higher Purpose,鈥 founded to honor God by equipping students for their聽future professions in an environment where they are known.聽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聽,聽connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

涩里番 Spring 2025 Chapel Speakers Include Seminary Presidents, Leading Authors, Prominent Pastors and Missions Leaders

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥 From seminary presidents and leaders in Southern Baptist life to prominent pastors, leading authors and global missions innovators, the 涩里番鈥檚 Spring 2025 Chapel speaker lineup promises to inspire and challenge students in their faith journey.

The weekly Chapel program is part of the Christian university鈥檚 emphasis on faith development and spiritual growth. Along with an active campus ministries program designed to supplement students鈥 involvement in their local church, the university鈥檚 academic program integrates faith and learning across all areas of study.

鈥淎t the 涩里番, our Chapel program reflects our mission to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world,鈥 said UM President Charles Smith.

鈥淭his semester鈥檚 lineup of speakers brings a wealth of wisdom and experience that will inspire our students to embrace their calling with purpose, in whatever field of study they are pursuing. Each speaker embodies the heart of servant leadership, equipping and challenging our campus community to grow in faith and boldly impact the world for Christ,鈥 Smith said.

Spring 2025 Chapel Speakers are:

January 15 鈥 Mat Alexander, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Gadsden, Alabama. Alexander has served as pastor of FBC Gadsden since 2012.He is an alumnus of the 涩里番, having graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Humanities. He holds a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he currently is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Expository Preaching. 


January 22 鈥 Paul Davis, President of ABWE (Association of Baptists for World Evangelism). Davis leads a global missions organization that partners with about 400 churches and thousands of supporting groups to fulfill the Great Commission. Its core mission is to help missionaries go and empower the local church to send missionaries to more than 84 countries, serving in teams committed to evangelism, discipleship, church planting and national leadership development among the lost and unreached.


January 29 鈥 Dr. Andrew Walker, Associate Dean of the School of Theology and Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Public Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. A prolific author whose work has been published in outlets including National Review, The Gospel Coalition and Newsweek, Walker writes about the intersection of Christian ethics, public theology and the common good. He serves as managing editor of WORLD Opinions and is director of the Carl. F.H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement. 


February 5 鈥 Dr. Ted Traylor, Head Pastor at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida. Traylor is passionate about mentoring and training young ministers. He is a leader in Southern Baptist life, having served as president of the Florida Baptist Convention, president of the Southern Baptist Convention Pastors鈥 Conference, and first vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention.


February 12 鈥 Dr. Jamie Dew, President of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Professor of Christian Philosophy. Dew holds two PhDs: a Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy from the University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. He has published extensively and served as a senior pastor and in a variety of church ministry positions.


February 19 鈥 Mark Bethea, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Montgomery, Alabama. Bethea holds a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He was named head pastor at First Baptist Montgomery in 2020, after serving the church as associate pastor for outreach and evangelism. He served as a student intern at FBC for two summers, during which time he was called to the ministry.


February 26 鈥 Dr. Danny Akin, President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Akin has served as SBTS president since 2004. He is known as an advocate for international missions and expository preaching and is the author of several books on theology as well as 鈥淩aising Kids with a Heart for Mission鈥 and co-author of 鈥40 Questions About the Great Commission.鈥


March 12 鈥 Craig Carlisle, President of the Alabama Baptist State Convention. Carlisle is serving his second term as Alabama鈥檚 state convention leader and is the first director of missions/associational mission strategist to serve in this role. He has served the Etowah Baptist Association since 2017. Carlisle was instrumental in the launch of a new emphasis in bi-vocational ministry: Calling Out the Called Alabama. 


March 19 鈥 Jeff Medders, Director of Theology and Content for Send Network. Medders is an author, preacher and podcaster, and general editor for New Churches. He is pursuing doctorate in biblical spirituality at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he is studying Charles Spurgeon and the Song of Songs. 


March 26 鈥 Dr. Patrick Schreiner, Associate Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Schreiner is director of the residency PhD program and holds the Gene and Jo Downing Endowed Chair of Biblical Studies. He is the author of numerous books including a textbook on the Gospels titled 鈥淭he Four Gospels: Jesus, the Hope of the World.鈥 He writes for academic journals as well as popular publications such as Christianity Today and The Gospel Coalition.


April 2 鈥 H.B. Charles Jr., Pastor-Teacher of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church of Jacksonville and Orange Park, Florida. Charles started pastoring at age 17 as a senior in high school, succeeding his father at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church of Los Angeles. He has served at Shiloh since 2008. Charles is the author/contributing author of  several books and is host of The On Preaching Podcast dedicating to helping pastors preach faithfully, clearly and better. 

Learn more about the 涩里番 at . 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 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university with a vision of 鈥淗igher聽Education for a Higher Purpose,鈥 founded to honor God by equipping students for their聽future professions in an environment where they are known.聽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聽,聽connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Enjoy 涩里番鈥檚 Christmas Spectacular on FOX10 Christmas Day

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥 This Christmas Day, viewers will have the chance to experience the magic of the 涩里番’s annual Christmas Spectacular from the comfort of their homes, as WALA FOX10 teams up with the university to air special hour-long highlights. 

The broadcast will air at 7 a.m. and again at 4 p.m. on Christmas Day, bringing the joy and artistry of one of the region鈥檚 most beloved holiday performances to a wider audience.

Features UM鈥檚 Talented Students

Christmas Spectacular is a musical extravaganza that tells the story of Christmas through performances by students in the Alabama School of the Arts at the 涩里番. The popular event features a variety of vocal and instrumental ensembles, orchestra and the University Singers performing a combination of classical and contemporary Christmas music. The university鈥檚 production technologies students handled lights, sound, recording and editing as part of their hands-on learning experiences.

The Christian university has presented Christmas Spectacular each November since 2003, kicking off the Christmas season along the Gulf Coast. The show is performed over four days and attracts capacity crowds of more than 8,000, with additional audiences streaming the presentation and watching satellite broadcasts.

The hour-long special being aired this year on FOX10 will include highlights of the 2023 Christmas Spectacular performance at Cottage Hill Baptist Church.

A Christmas Present for the Community

This collaboration between UM and FOX10 marks a momentous opportunity to share the festive celebration with the community and beyond.

鈥淲e are proud to partner with the 涩里番 to share the Christmas Spectacular with our viewers,” said Tad Frank, FOX10 director of creative services. “Local community involvement is at the heart of our serving our viewers and residents. This show brings a beloved heartwarming holiday spirit to families all around the Gulf Coast. We are excited to be part of this festive tradition.”

Dr. Andrew Goodwin, dean of the Alabama School of the Arts, expressed his excitement for the collaboration, noting the significance of sharing the talents of the students with a larger audience.

鈥淐hristmas Spectacular is a highlight of the year for our students and faculty, and we are so grateful to FOX10 for helping us bring this performance to even more people this holiday season,” said Goodwin. “It鈥檚 a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas while showcasing the hard work and dedication of our students.”

Learn more about the 涩里番 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 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 umobile.edu/um-info, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

About WALA FOX10

FOX10 is the Gulf Coast鈥檚 news leader serving the Mobile/Pensacola market with more local news and weather than any other local station on more platforms including on-air, the FOX10 Gulf Stream (available on TV streaming devices including Roku, FireTV, Android, Apple and YouTube), online at , and social media including Facebook, Instagram, X and Tik Tok. As part of Gray Media Group, FOX10 strives to engage and inform our community through innovative programming and partnerships.

Award-Winning UM Professor Shares Gift of Music at Christmas

dunn

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥 Ready to add a unique touch to your Christmas music playlist this year? 

涩里番 Associate Professor of Music Steve Dunn has a special gift for music lovers. His website,聽, features nearly an hour of original compositions and arrangements of Christmas music, free to enjoy. To listen, visit his website and click on the music player at the bottom of any page.

鈥淢y tradition for many years has been to move all of my available Christmas recordings on my website to the site-wide audio player,鈥 said Dunn, chair of the Department of Music and director of instrumental music at the聽.

鈥淢ost of these are recordings of pieces available in print for orchestra, choir, string quartet and small, mixed ensemble. Some of the pieces are not available for purchase, but everything is available for listening,鈥 he said.

鈥淚 do hope you enjoy it, and I hope you鈥檒l share it with others. Merry Christmas!鈥 

In addition to new arrangements of familiar titles like 鈥淛oy To the World鈥 and 鈥淪leigh Ride鈥 are original compositions like 鈥淗ush-A-Bye鈥 and new music for the much-loved text 鈥淥 Come, O Come, Emmanuel.鈥

Over 300 Published Works

More than 300 of Dunn鈥檚 published works 鈥 which represent only a fraction of all he has written 鈥 are found in the catalogs of numerous publishing houses. He is in demand as a choral and instrumental guest conductor and has contributed as an author on the subject of church instrumental music for various print and online periodicals.

At UM鈥檚 Alabama School of the Arts, Dunn directs several instrumental ensembles including Symphonic Winds and Welsh Revival, while continuing to write music and teach students to create music.

New Students Invited to Apply

The 涩里番 is now accepting applications for new students interested in pursuing bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degree programs in the Alabama School of the Arts.

To learn more about ASOTA and any of the more than 75 academic programs at the Christian university, visit . 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 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university with a vision of 鈥淗igher聽Education for a Higher Purpose,鈥 founded to honor God by equipping students for their聽future professions in an environment where they are known.聽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聽,聽connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Annual All-Steinway Concert on Dec. 3 Showcases 涩里番 Piano Students

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥 As an All-Steinway School, the 涩里番 provides its talented students the opportunity to learn and perform on pianos widely considered to be among the best in the world. Those talents will be on display Tuesday, Dec. 3, when UM鈥檚 Alabama School of the Arts presents its annual All-Steinway School Celebration Concert. 

Undergraduate and graduate students will perform original compositions along with works by Claude Debussy, Thelonious Monk, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Franz Liszt and more. 

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at Moorer Auditorium in Thomas T. Martin Hall on campus. Tickets are $11 at the door or in advance at . Admission is free for 涩里番 students.

Excellence in Music Education

鈥淥ur All-Steinway Concert is a tribute to our talented students and a heartfelt thank you to the donors whose generosity has enabled the 涩里番 to achieve the prestigious All-Steinway School designation,鈥 said Steinway Artist Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, director of piano studies and professor of music. 鈥淭heir support enriches our students鈥 educational experiences and upholds our commitment to excellence in music education.鈥

The 涩里番 earned the All-Steinway designation in 2016 after the 鈥淎ll Steinway, All Together鈥 campaign raised funds to update the university鈥檚 inventory of pianos.

Embracing the Challenge

The All-Steinway School designation was a factor in Alison Strunk鈥檚 decision to enroll in the Alabama School of the Arts at the 涩里番. The senior is double majoring in Piano Performance and English.

鈥淏eing an All-Steinway School means that the student body is blessed with the most brilliant, captivating and receptive instruments. This factor alone drew my intrigue because it meant that the university desired to give its students the best chance possible for nurturing their art,鈥 Strunk said.

She hopes the audience will take this message away from the upcoming concert: Never stop achieving your dreams.

鈥淧assion takes discipline for turning a dream into reality,鈥 Strunk said. 鈥淭he young artists on stage representing the 涩里番 for the All-Steinway School Celebration Concert have fully embraced the challenge of dedication, discipline and dream achieving. I hope our impact will influence others to do the same.鈥

Zarina Akeyeva, an international graduate student from Kazakhstan, said she is learning not only how to improve her piano skills, but also how to master performing on stage.

鈥淢y favorite composer, Sergei Rachmaninoff said, 鈥楳usic should come from the heart and reach other鈥檚 heart鈥︹ I think it is the main idea of music, to give feelings to listeners. Music should touch people鈥檚 souls and immerse listeners in an absolutely beautiful world,鈥 Akeyeva said. 鈥淚 am happy to be a part of this amazing musical world and bring joy to my listeners!鈥

Featured Composers

Students performing their original compositions, hometowns, year, major and title of piece are:

Marabella Wilmoth of Theodore, AL, freshman, Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, original composition titled 鈥淓udaemonia.鈥

Benjamin Naman of Mobile, AL, junior, Bachelor of Arts in Composition, original composition titled 鈥渒arul eid almilad – Carrol of Christmas.鈥

Trenton McGuff of Mobile, AL, sophomore, Bachelor of Arts in Composition, original composition titled 鈥淐ycle de la Maree.鈥

Logan Lipke of Orange Beach, AL, senior, Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition with Studio Production minor, original composition titled 鈥淩end the Kingdom.鈥

Featured Pianists

Anna Elliot of Gadsden, AL, freshman, Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, 鈥淏allade No. 1鈥 by Claude Debussy.

Christopher Conger of Daphne, AL, junior, Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, 鈥淓l Puerto鈥 by Isaac Albeniz.

Luke Graham of Ocean Springs, MS, junior, Business Management major with Piano minor, 鈥淎sk me now鈥 by Thelonious Monk, arrangement by Jullian Pollack.

Marc Marquis of Mobile, AL, senior, Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, 鈥淓tude-Tableau Op.36 No.5 in Eb minor鈥 by Sergei Rachmaninoff.

Alison Strunk of Panama City, FL, senior, English major with Piano Performance minor, 鈥淧aganini Etude No. 6 in A Minor鈥 by Franz Liszt.

Eli Whitehead of Seminary, MS, Master of Music in Piano Performance, 鈥淭res Piezas, No. 3 Criola鈥 by Alberto Ginastera.

Rebecca M. Reed of Chickasaw, AL, Master of Music in Piano Performance, 鈥淪oiree dans Grenade, No. 2 of Estampes鈥 by Claude Debussy.

Nicholas Lewis of Troy, AL, Master of Music in Piano Performance, 鈥淭wo Poemes, Op. 32, No. 1 and 2鈥 by Alexander Scriabin.

Zarina Akayeva of Astana, Kazakhstan, Master of Music in Piano Performance, 鈥淢omentes Musicaux Op. 16, No. IV Presto鈥 by Sergei Rachmaninoff.


About the 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university with a vision of 鈥淗igher聽Education for a Higher Purpose,鈥 founded to honor God by equipping students for their聽future professions in an environment where they are known.聽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聽, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Request Information

weaver hall building