涩里番

Author: 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.

涩里番鈥檚 Travis McKenzie Named Army ROTC Outstanding Cadet of the Year听

by Kathy Dean
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MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� Travis McKenzie joined the Army ROTC program for the college scholarship it offered, but what he gained was something far greater 鈥� a calling to leadership, service and excellence.

Now, the 涩里番 senior psychology major has been named the 2024 Army ROTC Outstanding Cadet of the Year by the Mobile Bay Veterans Commission. 

鈥淚 made up my mind that I wanted to be part of the one percent and be the best I can be in everything I do,鈥� McKenzie said, referring to the select group of individuals who serve in the U.S. military, representing just one percent of the nation鈥檚 population and embodying dedication, discipline and leadership.

Through his involvement in ROTC, he has developed into a leader who inspires others.

鈥淚ron sharpens iron,鈥� he said, quoting Proverbs 27:17. 鈥淢y peers and I mold each other every day to be part of that one percent. Without them, I wouldn鈥檛 be where I am.鈥�

Ranked #1 Cadet

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Travis McKenzie, left, with LTC Jared Sunsdahl at awards ceremony.

McKenzie is ranked #1 among 70 cadets in the Army ROTC program that includes students from the 涩里番 and University of South Alabama. 

His commander, LTC Jared Sunsdahl, professor of military science at the University of South Alabama, describes McKenzie as 鈥渢he epitome of a future Army Officer鈥� who will excel in the U.S. Army as a future leader.

McKenzie鈥檚 achievements include graduation from the U.S. Army Air Assault School, captaining the Ranger Challenge Team and completing the Cadet Troop Leader Training program in Hawaii. He is a student-athlete on the UM track team and is active in the UM Psychology Club and Officer Christian Fellowship Group, while also volunteering locally.

A Foundation of Faith and Academics

McKenzie credits his time at the 涩里番, a Christian university, for shaping his character and deepening his faith. 

鈥淯M offered me not just an education but an approach to spiritual growth,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y faith has become my backbone.鈥� This foundation has helped him excel both in and out of the classroom, where he maintains a 3.25 GPA.

McKenzie鈥檚 professors at UM have played a key role in his success. 

鈥淢y professors had a huge impact on my success here at UM, working with me not only in the classroom, but checking on me outside of the classroom to keep up with my college career and how I鈥檓 developing as an individual,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey pushed me to be better than I was and constantly told me how much they believed in me.鈥�

A Vision for the Future

The son of Tamika McKenzie and Travis McKenzie Sr. was born and raised in Maplesville, Alabama, and graduated from Bibb County High School. He will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in May 2025, as he graduates from the 涩里番 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

After commissioning, McKenzie plans to lead soldiers in a combat branch of the Army and hopes to join the Army鈥檚 psychological operations unit. Long-term, he dreams of joining the FBI鈥檚 Hostage Rescue Team, combining his psychology background with his leadership experience.

Reflecting on his path, Travis finds strength in Jeremiah 29:11: 鈥淔or I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.鈥� He believes that every challenge he faces prepares him for the great plans God has in store.

Learn More About UM

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.

鈥楤oar鈥檚 Head Festival鈥� Returns to 涩里番 December 6 & 7

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� The 涩里番 announces the return of a UM tradition 鈥� The Boar鈥檚 Head Festival 鈥� with two performances of the medieval-themed Christmas celebration set for Dec. 6 and 7.

Tickets are on sale now for the two-night event held at the Lonnie and Lynne Burnett Event Center on the UM campus. Reserved seats are $55 each and include dinner and a musical and theatrical performance that begins at 6 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit .

Kenneth
Dr. Kenneth Bergdolt, center, and students are pictured prior to a Boar’s Head Festival performance in the 1990s.

A Beloved Tradition Returns

The Boar鈥檚 Head Festival recreates an era of grandeur and tradition with a themed dinner and entertainment from the Alabama School of the Arts. Students dressed in medieval costumes will sing madrigal songs and present a short performance of 鈥淭he Second Shepherd鈥檚 Play鈥� as the audience enjoys dinner. 

The Boar鈥檚 Head Festival was performed annually from 1971 to 2000 under the direction of music professor Dr. Kenneth Bergdolt. Since then, alumni have gathered for Boar鈥檚 Head reunions and to remember the beloved professor who brought the celebration to UM, then called Mobile College.

A Medieval Tale

The Boar鈥檚 Head ceremony is associated with the 14th-century myth of an Oxford student who was attacked by a wild boar. The student killed the boar by choking it with a book of philosophy and took the boar鈥檚 head back to the college that evening for a feast, symbolizing the death of sin and the coming of the Christ child.

鈥淭he Boar鈥檚 Head Festival was such a beloved tradition here for so many years; we are thrilled to be bringing it back for a one-year celebration,鈥� said Jenna Goodwin, artistic director and executive director of administration and production for the Alabama School of the Arts. 鈥淲hat a joy to be looking back on programs from the 1980s and 1990s as we build and craft this year鈥檚 festival to mimic tradition and offer a fresh approach to the evening.鈥�

鈥淭he Alabama School of the Arts continues to grow and flourish because of the many musicians who paved the way many years ago under Dr. Kenneth Bergdolt, followed by Dr. Roger Breland and Dr. Al Miller鈥檚 leadership,鈥� she added.

Coming Soon

Learn more about upcoming performances by the Alabama School of the Arts and purchase tickets at .听

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.

涩里番 Welcomes Lifeway CEO to Final Chapel of Fall Semester

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� Both religious and non-religious people can have a calling 鈥� but there鈥檚 a difference in discovering you have talent and giving that talent to God, said Dr. Ben Mandrell, president and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources at the final chapel program for fall semester at the 涩里番.

鈥淔ar more important than your talent, your skill or your degree is the purity of your heart before God. If you have talent and heart, God can do incredible things through you,鈥� he said at the Nov. 6 chapel program in Ram Hall.

Mandrell urged students to take time apart from the busyness of college life to tend to their heart and soul.

鈥淐ollege is one of the most difficult periods of life, because there鈥檚 so much work and fun,鈥� he said. 鈥淭ake time for yourself; keep your relationship with Jesus alive. Take time to be filled with the Holy Spirit.鈥�

He encouraged students: 鈥淭ake care of your heart and make sure it鈥檚 right before God.鈥� 

At UM鈥檚 first chapel of the semester, about 500 students received new Christian Standard Bibles, thanks to a generous gift from Lifeway Christian Resources. UM President Charles Smith, opened the Fall Semester chapel series in August with a message on Psalm 23. 

Weekly chapel services are a central part of the 涩里番鈥檚 culture of discipleship and leadership development. The hour-long chapel services feature sermons, lectures or panel discussions on pressing issues. Each chapel begins with prayer and a time of praise and worship led by UM鈥檚 Worship Collective student ensemble.

Speakers throughout the semester included pastors and ministry leaders from across Southern Baptist life, including Dr. Charles Smith, president of the 涩里番, Shane Pruitt, national director of next-gen evangelism with the North American Mission Board and Dr. Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.

Learn more about the 涩里番 and what makes it an award-winning, Christ-centered institution 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.

涩里番 Family Nurse Practitioner Students Celebrate Success with White Coat Ceremony

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� Nineteen aspiring Family Nurse Practitioners in the 涩里番 School of Nursing recently donned their white coats, marking a pivotal step in their journey toward advanced practice. In a powerful moment unique to the Christian university, each student took a pledge that set them apart, affirming their commitment not only to excellence in patient care but also to a calling shaped by faith and compassion.

鈥淚 will endeavor to be a good steward of my knowledge and skills and of all those resources granted to me by God, understanding that my call to this vocation is for the glory of His Kingdom,鈥� they pledged.

As they recited the Advanced Practice Nurse Pledge, these future practitioners affirmed a commitment to lifelong learning, community leadership and person-centered health care.

A Calling that Honors God

Dr. Jessica Garner, graduate dean of the School of Nursing in the university鈥檚 Celia Wallace College of Health Professions, said the original pledge was written two years ago by faculty.

鈥淥ur goal in creating this pledge was to instill a sense of purpose and responsibility that goes beyond clinical skill,鈥� Garner said. 鈥淲e want our students to see their role as advanced practice nurses as a calling 鈥� one rooted in compassion, integrity and a commitment to serve others with humility.

鈥淭his pledge reflects the values we hold dear at UM, encouraging our students to approach each patient with empathy and to view their vocation as a way to honor God鈥檚 work through them.鈥�

White Coat Recipients for 2024

The White Coat Ceremony, held Oct. 25 at the Lonnie and Lynne Burnett Event Center, marks the students鈥� transition to the next portion of their training, which will include clinical rotations. Students will complete more than 600 clinical hours and receive additional course training necessary to assume the Family Nurse Practitioner role.

The ceremony featured remarks from UM President Charles Smith and Campus Pastor Jared Baria, with a musical presentation from the UM ensemble Sofree. Dr. Melinda McGaughy, associate professor of nursing, joined Garner in delivering additional remarks and presenting the white coats.

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White Coat recipients are: Chelsey Alwell, Alexandra Audie, Allison Cole, Treasure Fluker, Vantrell Fox, Bailey Garriga, Ashley Hall, Courtney Hall, Ashley Hardee, Aaron Haycraft, Jennifer Huynh, Jeri Jordan, Sonia Pierce, Michaela Reynolds, Madison Robinson, Lashanda Rudolf, Peyton Scott Jernigan, Jacinta Whitt and Dorothy Zimmer.

Accelerated Online Program

The MSN-FNP program at the 涩里番 is a faith-based Family Nurse Practitioner program that prepares nurses at the master鈥檚 level as advanced practice nurses. The accelerated online program offers nurses a fast track to becoming Family Nurse Practitioners with a program that can be completed in just four semesters, or students may choose to attend part-time for seven semesters. UM鈥檚 program includes three on-campus intensives, including orientation and one intensive each fall semester.

Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited educational institution. A minimum of one year of clinical experience is preferred for applicants. First priority deadline for applications for fall semester 2025 is April 1, 2025. For information on the 涩里番 Family Nurse Practitioner Program or other programs in the Celia Wallace College of Health Professions, visit.

涩里番 Advanced Practice Nurse Pledge

The 涩里番鈥檚 Advanced Practice Nurse Pledge follows:

I publicly acknowledge and accept the privileges and responsibilities given to me today as an advanced practice nurse in training and dedicate myself to this pledge:

I will respect the scientific work of those practitioners, scientists, and researchers in whose steps I walk, and I will gladly share knowledge with others. 

I will recognize my responsibility as a leader and advocate in my community to support and participate in actions to improve high-quality, person-centered health care for all. 

I will respect the autonomy, privacy, diversity, culture, and past experiences of my patients, and serve with empathy and kindness.

Knowing my own limitations and those of medicine, I commit myself to a lifelong journey of learning to cure, relieve, and comfort with humility and compassion.

I will endeavor to be a good steward of my knowledge and skills and of all those resources granted to me by God, understanding that my call to this vocation is for the glory of His Kingdom.

I make these promises solemnly, freely, and upon my honor.

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.

Daphne High School, UMS-Wright Earn Honors at UM Brain Battle听

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� The 涩里番 campus was the site of an epic intellectual battle Sept. 26 when students from Mobile and Baldwin counties competed in the fifth UM Brain Battle Tournament. At the end of the day, Daphne High School students held the coveted trophy, along with the title of UM Brain Battle Champions. 

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UMS-Wright earned second place honors at the event. More than 80 students from 11 high schools gathered on the UM campus to compete in the scholars鈥� bowl tournament. The UM Brain Battle is a qualifier for NAQT鈥檚 High School National Championship Tournament.

Participating schools also included Saraland High School, Alma Bryant High School, Gulf Shores High School, Elberta High School, Baker High School, McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, Bayside Academy, Satsuma High School, and Cottage Hill Christian Academy.

Tournament coordinator Amy Burdette said the 涩里番 Brain Battle brings together some of the best and brightest students from the community for a day of mind-stretching fun.

鈥淎t the 涩里番, we are committed to shaping the future by serving our community and empowering the next generation of scholars to make a lasting impact,鈥� said the English instructor in UM鈥檚 College of Arts & Sciences.

University faculty served as moderators for the event. 

鈥淎n extraordinary tournament relies on outstanding moderators,鈥� Burdette said. 鈥淥ur faculty infused the event with enthusiasm, flair, confidence and exceptional communication skills!鈥�

UM students volunteered to serve as scorekeepers and timekeepers.

鈥淭his event had the largest turnout of student volunteers ever, with over 60 readying their talents. Their help was key to the tournament鈥檚 success. Our UM students not only showed their commitment to service but also built great connections with high school competitors, which is important for showing support and encouragement,鈥� Burdette said.

Chick-fil-A joined the tournament as a corporate sponsor, along with Joe Bullard and Pharos Land Development

鈥淲e have seen tremendous growth in our sponsorships this year, and we are incredibly grateful for the support. It not only enhances our events but also strengthens our commitment to serving the community,鈥� Burdette said. 鈥淲e are so blessed that our tournament is becoming more successful every semester.鈥�

For more information about the 涩里番 Brain Battle, visit .

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. To learn more about UM, visit .

About the 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚, and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the 涩里番 is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

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

涩里番 Dedicates Celia Wallace College of Health Professions, Honors Longtime Supporter and Healthcare Leader

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥撎�The 涩里番 dedicated the Celia Wallace College of Health Professions during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 17 that honored Ms. Celia Wallace, a long-time supporter of the Christian university and a visionary leader in the healthcare industry.

Celia Wallace

The newly named Celia Wallace College of Health Professions at the 涩里番 encompasses the School of Nursing, School of Nurse Anesthesia, School of Health and Sports Science, and Center for Excellence in Healthcare Practice.

鈥楢 Tireless Advocate for Quality Healthcare鈥�

A healthcare leader for over 50 years, Wallace鈥檚 contributions have shaped the medical field in Alabama and beyond. An inductee into the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame, her career began in radiology technology, fueling her passion for healthcare. She has since created nearly 2,000 jobs and co-founded Southern Medical Health Systems which owns 鈥� the largest solely owned hospital in the U.S. She is chairman of the board of the corporation that also owns and operates Springhill Rehabilitation and Senior Residence, Springhill Physician Practices, The SSI Group, and several other organizations. 

Celia Wallace

鈥淐elia Wallace is a tireless advocate for quality, caring and compassionate healthcare, and a strong supporter of Christian higher education,鈥� said Dr. Charles Smith, president of the 涩里番.

鈥淗er longstanding relationship with the 涩里番 has profoundly shaped our ability to prepare students for careers in healthcare. Naming our College of Health Professions in her honor is a fitting recognition of her immense contributions to our campus and community,鈥� Smith added.

In addition to her leadership and support of the 2018 Weaver Hall Renovation Project which resulted in the university鈥檚 state-of-the-art healthcare training facility, Wallace has served on the UM Board of Trustees, established the Gerald L. Wallace Tennis Center on campus, and created endowed student scholarships. 

Celia Wallace

鈥楢 Drive to Excel鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 definitely honored by this recognition,鈥� said Wallace. 鈥淲e all know how much I love healthcare, and we鈥檙e encouraged by the 涩里番鈥檚 drive to excel in this area.

鈥淭hey have done so much to be proud of.  We鈥檝e noticed the capabilities of those who are participating in the nursing program and how they perform on their boards.  It鈥檚 indicative of the good nurses that these students are going to be.  It鈥檚 a very good school of nursing, no two ways about it,鈥� Wallace added.

The 涩里番 School of Nursing has earned a 100% NCLEX pass rate for two consecutive years in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and has a 100% job placement rate. UM has been named the #1 BSN program in the Best Nursing Schools in Alabama ranking by Nursingeducation.org.

Also recently, UM鈥檚 first graduating class in the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program achieved a 100% first-time pass rate for the National Certification Exam, the highest pass rate in Alabama for 2024. The inaugural class in the new School of Nurse Anesthesia also had 100% job placement.

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.

Every Student Matters, So Every Gift Matters on 涩里番 Day of Giving Oct. 25听

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥撎�The 涩里番 is calling on alumni, friends and the community to come together and make a lasting impact in the lives of students by participating in UM鈥檚 Fall Day of Giving on Friday, Oct. 25.

It鈥檚 the university鈥檚 biggest fundraising event of the 2024 year. Every dollar given is a dollar that directly impacts students through scholarships, academic programs and opportunities for spiritual growth. Gifts are tax-deductible and can be made online now at听听or call the Office for Advancement at 251.442.2913.

鈥淥ur Fall Day of Giving offers an incredible opportunity to make a real difference in the life of a student. Every student matters 鈥� and because of that, every gift matters,鈥� said UM President Charles Smith.听

鈥淭his is more than just a day of donations; it鈥檚 a day to unite around our mission of equipping our students to make an impact for the glory of God and the good of the world,鈥� Smith added.

Every Vocation is a Calling from God

Since 1961, the 涩里番 has existed to train men and women to serve the Lord through the vocations to which God has called them, from mathematics to ministry, accounting to health care, education to English, the arts to the sciences, and more.听

The university offers associate to doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs and is one of the top small colleges in Alabama. UM recently was recognized as having the #1 Best Dorms and #1 Safest College Campus in the state.

Every Gift Makes a Difference

Brian Boyle, vice president for advancement, said every gift received during the Day of Giving is important.

鈥淲ith every gift, no matter the size, you can play a vital role not only in helping students achieve their dreams, but in preparing them to be courageous and committed leaders in our community and beyond,鈥� Boyle says.

On Oct. 25, 涩里番鈥檚 social media will feature stories from students and alumni, give updates throughout the day from campus and at a companion event, the 涩里番 Golf Classic.听

In addition to contributing, supporters are encouraged to share social media posts and invite others to join the effort.

Join the 涩里番 Day of Giving and make your tax-deductible donation, at.

If you would like to learn more about the 涩里番,听.

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.

 

涩里番 Partners with Pine Grove Elementary for Robotics Training Initiative

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥撎�Teachers at Pine Grove Elementary in Bay Minette, Alabama, soon will be using robots to bring computer science and digital literacy lessons to life, thanks to a unique partnership with the 涩里番 School of Education.听

Dr. Jessica Freeland, assistant professor of education at UM, will conduct a hands-on training session for teachers at on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 12-3 p.m., where she will demonstrate how the robots can be used to enhance lessons in math, science, social studies, reading, and even physical education. Her goal is to build teacher confidence in using technology by making coding and robotics more accessible and relatable.听

robots

鈥淭oo often, teachers shy away from technology like robotics because they find terms like 鈥榗oding鈥� intimidating,鈥� said Freeland. 鈥淭hrough this project, I want to demystify those concepts and show how robots can be seamlessly integrated into everyday lessons. By empowering educators, we鈥檙e ensuring that students will be exposed to critical 21st-century skills in a fun and engaging way.鈥�

Educational Robots Provided Through Grant

A key feature of the project is its dual impact: both Pine Grove Elementary and the 涩里番 will benefit. Half of the robots will remain with Pine Grove Elementary, while the other half will be used by Freeland to train UM鈥檚 pre-service teachers in her Education & Technology courses in the School of Education.

鈥淭his initiative allows us to not only support a high-needs school but also equip future teachers with hands-on experience in robotics and coding,鈥� Freeland explained. 

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As the UM School of Education instructional design and technology graduate program coordinator, Freeland is passionate about empowering classroom teachers with the knowledge and skills to provide the computer science and digital literacy instruction required for elementary schools by the Alabama State Department of Education. She envisions her TE 405 students at UM partnering with Pine Grove teachers to co-teach robotics lessons, further reinforcing the collaboration between the two institutions and enhancing the educational experience for students on both ends.

Dr. Pam Moorer, principal of Pine Grove Elementary, said, 鈥淲e are so grateful to the 涩里番 and to the . The more opportunities we can offer our students, the more their horizons are broadened. You never know when you are going to spark something in a child, something that could lead to what they do in the future. We hope this inspires our students and creates curiosity they want to explore.鈥�

The project was made possible by a grant from the North Baldwin Community Foundation, an affiliate of The Community Foundation of South Alabama.

Robots in Action

The robots provided through the grant are designed to introduce elementary students to early coding and problem-solving skills in engaging, age-appropriate ways. Below are brief descriptions of the robots that both Pine Grove Elementary and the 涩里番 will receive:

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  • 4 Sphero Indi Robots:听These small, car-like robots can be programmed to follow paths by placing color-coded mats on the floor. Indi responds to commands such as “Speed Up” or “Turn Right,” helping students grasp basic coding concepts and practice computational thinking.
  • 6 Bee Bots and 6 Bee Bot Mats:听These robots allow students to input a sequence of directional commands to navigate obstacles or reach designated points on a mat. They teach students programming logic through fun, interactive challenges and foster critical thinking and debugging skills.
  • 4 Ozobot Evo Robots:听These small robots follow black lines and respond to color-coded markers, allowing students to create custom paths and commands. For more advanced learners, Ozobots can also be programmed using block coding through an app, offering a deeper dive into coding.

Empowering Students Through Technology

Freeland says introducing young students to robotics and coding will prepare them for future learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. 

“Robotics isn’t just about learning to code; it’s about problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity,” said Freeland. “These are the skills that will help today鈥檚 students become tomorrow鈥檚 innovators. My hope is that by making robotics accessible, students will develop confidence in their abilities and discover how much fun learning can be.”

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, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

涩里番鈥檚 First Nurse Anesthesia Graduates Achieve 100% First-Time Pass Rate for National Certification Exam; Highest in Alabama

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� The first graduating class of nurse anesthetists from the 涩里番鈥檚 new Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program achieved a perfect 100% first-time pass rate on the National Certification Exam, the highest pass rate in Alabama for 2024.

That鈥檚 far above the national average of 83% and is an exceptional accomplishment for a new program, said Dr. Todd Hicks, executive dean of UM鈥檚 College of Health Professions and professor of nurse anesthesiology.

鈥淲hen we developed the School of Nurse Anesthesia and the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program in 2021, we had hopes of providing students with educational opportunities in both the classroom and clinic that would maximize their ability to pass the NCE on the first attempt. 

鈥淥ur inaugural Class of 2024 made a commitment to prepare and trust in our process at the 涩里番. It gives me great joy that we were able to build a program that enables our students to achieve their dreams,鈥� said Hicks, DNAP program director and founding dean.

By passing the NCE, all 12 graduates are now Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists in a high-demand career where salaries start at $190,000 and up. Even before they completed the program this summer, every member of the first class had received job offers in a field that U.S. News & World Report ranks #5 on its 2024 Best Jobs List.

Benefits Our Local Community

Dr. Pamela Buchanan Miller, vice president for academic affairs at the Christian university, said the program鈥檚 success is 鈥渁 huge win not just for the 涩里番 and our students, but for the entire Mobile area as the majority of our graduates will stay here and practice here. This means better local health care for all of us.鈥� 

Of the dozen graduates, 11 are now working in Mobile area hospitals while the 12th returned home and is practicing at a north Alabama hospital.

Buchanan Miller said it is 鈥渁 profound blessing to see the Lord honoring our DNAP students鈥� hard work. They have shown true sacrificial commitment over the past three years, and we could not be more proud of them. They have worked year-round since 2021 mastering an incredibly complex body of information, not to mention the intricate skill necessary to become nurse anesthetists.鈥�

Growing Demand, Expanding DNAP Program

The 涩里番 DNAP program is the first and only Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program in the four-state region of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Georgia. 

The highly competitive 36-month doctoral program is offered in a blended format, combining on-site and online learning. Applicants must have a bachelor鈥檚 degree and more than one full year of critical care nursing experience. 

The program has grown and now accepts 15 new students each year. It is accredited and approved by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), Alabama Board of Nursing and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

To learn more about UM鈥檚 DNAP program, visit . The annual application deadline is October 1.

Excellent Preparation, Exceptional Students

Hicks praised the Class of 2024 and noted their accomplishments. During the program, the dozen students:

  • Delivered 10,735 anesthetics among six clinical sites
  • Experienced 32,157 hours and 30 minutes of anesthesia time
  • Cared for 1,136 pediatric patients, including 304 infants and 31 neonates
  • Provided care for 482 emergencies
  • Handled 864 obstetric cases, including performing 393 epidurals for labor analgesia and more than 300 spinal anesthetics for 382 Cesarean sections
  • Performed 7,539 endotracheal intubations, 1,243 regional anesthetics, 913 arterial lines and 182 central lines.
  • Participated in 165 open heart anesthetics and 210 lung surgeries.
  • Produced three high-quality evidence-based practice doctoral projects and conducted at least 6,000 hours of research and inquiry.听

鈥淎ny cohort of students who all pass the NCE on their first attempt is a special group. The 100% first-time pass rate is a testament to the countless hours of our most valuable commodity, our students. These students handled the crushing commitment of time required for success with aplomb,鈥� Hicks said.

Congratulations to the DNAP Class of 2024!

Members of the inaugural class of UM鈥檚 DNAP program are: Evan Brock, Alexandra Brock, Olivia Branning, Alec Cunningham, Tyler Downs, Anna Caroline Gaines, Joel Hicks, Morgan Harlan, Molly Miljus Lane, Heath McGrew, Olivia Partin and Meredith Perry

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, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

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