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 Trustees Approve Budget, Elect Officers and Advance Strategic Planning Efforts

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala.听鈥� The 涩里番 Board of Trustees approved a $34.8 million budget for 2026-2027 during its spring meeting, elected officers for the coming year, and took initial steps to develop the next comprehensive strategic plan for the Baptist university.

Trustees also received reports on continued enrollment growth and fundraising momentum during the meeting held April 24.

鈥淕od continues to position the 涩里番 for meaningful impact,鈥� said Dr. Charles Smith, president of the 涩里番. 鈥淔rom strong enrollment and financial stewardship to new opportunities for strategic planning, we are seeing clear momentum. We are grateful for the faithful work of our faculty and staff, the support of our trustees and partners, and the generosity of those who invest in our mission as we seek to serve Christ in all we do, living out our calling: For the Kingdom. To the World.鈥�

Trustees Elect Officers, Welcome New Members

The Board of Trustees elected new officers, effective Fall 2026, and welcomed new members.

Officers are: Tim Cox, chairman, and Kelly Burdette, vice president. Outgoing chairman is Ron Moore. Executive committee members also include Paul Lewis, James Counselman, Terry Harbin and Kenny Hoomes.

Committee chairs are: Paul Lewis, Advancement and Marketing Committee, Terry Harbin, Business Operations Committee, James Counselman, Student Experience Committee, and Kenny Hoomes, Academic Affairs Committee.

New trustees are: Ann Takersley Amster, special events/development, member of First Baptist Church of Montgomery; Nick Funderburk, associate pastor, First Baptist Church of Dothan; Paul Lewis, president, Roy Lewis construction, member of Spring Hill Baptist Church; Ricky Ray, banker, member of First Baptist Church of Gadsden.

Serving as a new committee member is Dave Wright, discipleship pastor, Northbrook Baptist Church.

Trustees Approve 2026-2027 Budget

The 涩里番 Board of Trustees approved a budget for fiscal year 2026鈥�2027 that reflects a positive change of $1.069 million over the current year. The budget includes enhancements to employee benefits, investments in various strategic priorities, conservative enrollment growth projections and modest tuition adjustments across programs.

Trustees also approved a bond refinance and continued investment in the university鈥檚 core academic and operational priorities.

Comprehensive Strategic Planning Begins

Trustees authorized the university to seek Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from qualified strategic planning firms to help develop the 涩里番鈥檚 next comprehensive strategic plan.

University leaders said the plan will provide clear direction, align priorities and establish measurable goals for the years ahead. The university will seek firms with higher education experience, an understanding of faith-based institutions and expertise in areas such as enrollment growth, fundraising and brand positioning, while also encouraging input from trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni and ministry partners.

New Faculty Category

Trustees approved the addition of an instructional faculty category, providing a means of honoring someone for outstanding service to the university or special contributions in their fields and elevating their status from adjunct.

University Updates

The Board also heard reports from key areas that indicate strong enrollment momentum, including record visit days and a record applicant pool. Trustees began discussing solutions to address shortages in on-campus housing due to anticipated record enrollment.

The university reported continuing campus improvements and growth in giving. UM鈥檚 Spring Days of Giving will be held April 28-30, a three-day opportunity to invest in the lives of students through scholarships, faith and missions.

About the 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence 鈥淔or Christ & 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. Learn more at and connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

涩里番 Announces 鈥楧ays of Giving鈥� April 28-30 to Equip Students through The Great Commission Fund

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala.听鈥� The 涩里番 invites alumni, friends and supporters to come together April 28-30 for 鈥淒ays of Giving,鈥� a three-day opportunity to invest in the lives of students through the university鈥檚 Great Commission Fund.

This special initiative highlights three key areas of impact supported by The Great Commission Fund 鈥� scholarships, faith and mission 鈥� showing how giving opens doors for students to pursue their calling, strengthens their spiritual growth and equips them to live out the Great Commission for the glory of God and the good of the world.

鈥淭his is more than a fundraising effort 鈥� it is a unified commitment to the mission God has given us,鈥� said 涩里番 President Charles Smith. 鈥淭hrough The Great Commission Fund, students are being equipped to lead, serve and make a difference for Christ in every field and every corner of the world.鈥�

3 Days to Make an Impact for Students

Each day of 涩里番 Days of Giving will focus on a key area supported by the Baptist university鈥檚 Great Commission Fund.

  • Tuesday, April 28, will emphasize scholarships, highlighting how financial support opens doors for students to pursue their calling.
  • Wednesday, April 29, will focus on faith, underscoring the university鈥檚 commitment to spiritual growth through chapel, Bible studies and the integration of faith and learning.
  • Thursday, April 30, will highlight mission, celebrating how students are equipped to live out the Great Commission through service opportunities, global outreach and initiatives such as the new Tom Elliff Center for Missions.

Every Student Matters; Every Gift Matters

Every gift made during the three-day initiative directly impacts 涩里番 students.

鈥淒ays of Giving provide an opportunity for our community to invest in what matters most 鈥� our students and their calling,鈥� said Nathan Harris, vice president for institutional relations. 鈥淓very gift, no matter the size, plays a meaningful role in shaping the next generation of leaders grounded in faith and purpose.

鈥淓very student matters; therefore, every gift matters.鈥�

Courtney Sides is one of those students.

鈥淭hank you to all the donors who are giving generously and taking part in God’s will for students they may have never met. It is because of donations from you that I can pursue God’s calling on my life,鈥� said Sides, a student in UM鈥檚 School of Nursing.

鈥淚 plan to take part in helping heal the physical needs of those in our community and all over the world as a nurse, while leading them to the One who can heal their deeper, spiritual wounds.鈥�

Give Early to Jumpstart UM Days of Giving

Early giving is available ahead of April 28, allowing supporters to contribute at any time leading up to and during the event. Updates and student stories will be shared throughout the three days on 涩里番 social media (@univofmobile).

Gifts are tax-deductible and may be made online at or by calling the Office for Institutional Relations at 251.442.2913.

About the 涩里番

听The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence 鈥淔or Christ & 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. Learn more at and connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Q&A with Director of Piano Studies Kadisha Onalbayeva

by Kathy Dean

When Kadisha Onalbayeva was five years old, she began her musical training at the Zhubanov Special School for Children in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Today, the celebrated international pianist, composer and professor of music is the first Steinway Artist from her home country of Kazakhstan and leads the piano studies program in the Alabama School of the Arts at the 涩里番.

Dr. Onalbayeva鈥檚 international background shapes her perspective as a performer, composer, director of piano studies and professor of music at UM.

鈥淕rowing up in Kazakhstan and performing across many countries helped me understand music as a universal language that crosses all borders,鈥� says 鈥淒r. O,鈥� as she is known to students.

鈥淚 bring that global perspective into my teaching 鈥� with diverse repertoire, traditions and performance practices. It also helps me connect with students from different backgrounds and encourages openness, respect and curiosity in their musical journey.鈥�

Onalbayeva has performed in prestigious venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall, Ehrbar Hall in Vienna and the American Church in Paris. A strong supporter of new music, she performs internationally from Central Asia to Europe, Costa Rica to across the United States. She holds two master鈥檚 degrees in composition and piano performance from the University of New Orleans and a Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance from Louisiana State University. A documentary of her life and musical career was released in both Kazakh and Russian by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Recently, in honor of the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin鈥檚 iconic 鈥淩hapsody in Blue,鈥� she joined the 涩里番 Jazz Band for a world premiere of an original arrangement for jazz band. (Watch here.)

She sees music as a gift from God.

鈥淚 see each performance, lesson and conversation as a chance to reflect Christ鈥檚 love and to serve with integrity and excellence. I encourage students to find purpose in their artistry 鈥� to use their music to uplift others, offer beauty and glorify God in all they do.

Q. What do you like most about teaching at the 涩里番?

A. What I love most is the strong sense of community, faith and commitment to excellence. It鈥檚 a blessing to work in a place where both students and faculty truly care 鈥� not only about reaching high artistic and academic standards, but also about growing in purpose and service. Being able to mentor students in a Christ-centered environment is something I deeply value, and I鈥檓 grateful for the meaningful relationships that form through music and learning together.

Q. What piano and composition courses do you typically teach at ASOTA?

A. I teach undergraduate and graduate Applied Piano, Chamber Music, Piano Literature, Graduate Music Theory and Composition. I also guide junior, senior and graduate students as they prepare for their recitals, supporting them through both artistic development and performance readiness.

Q. What is your approach to developing young pianists and composers at the collegiate level?

A. My teaching is personal and student-centered. I focus on strong technique, honest musicianship and developing each student鈥檚 unique artistic voice. I meet students where they are, challenge them to grow and support them with both discipline and kindness. Whether we鈥檙e working on a sonata or an original composition, I want them to think deeply, interpret with meaning, and perform with confidence and conviction.

Q. What do you hope students take away from their time in your studio?

A. I want them to leave with confidence in who they are 鈥� as musicians and as individuals. I hope they carry a strong sense of excellence, purpose and service, along with a belief in the power of music to make a difference. Most of all, I hope they feel inspired to use their gifts to serve something greater than themselves.

Q. You鈥檝e performed and premiered works around the world 鈥� how do you bring that real-world experience into the classroom?

A. I bring a performer鈥檚 mindset into every lesson. I share what I鈥檝e learned 鈥� about preparation, communication, collaboration and navigating challenges onstage and off. I鈥檓 honest with students about the realities of a musical career 鈥� what it takes to grow, stay grounded and remain true to your calling. I believe students appreciate hearing stories from my own journey, including the unexpected moments that shaped me along the way.

Q. What do you enjoy doing outside of teaching, composing and performing?

A. Spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren, brings me so much fun and joy. I also love nature, traveling 鈥� I鈥檝e had the opportunity to visit over 55 countries 鈥� cooking and creating new vegan recipes. I enjoy giving back through my nonprofit, the Gulf Coast Steinway Society, where we support and encourage young musicians. I also serve as director of the Wilcox Foundation and the Gallery Music Studio, helping bring music education and outreach to Washington County and the surrounding communities. These parts of my life keep me grounded, inspired and renewed.

About the 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence 鈥淔or Christ & 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. Learn more at鈥�umobile.edu/um-info鈥痑nd connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Making Graduate School Work 鈥� Together

by Kathy Dean

When Mary Margaret and Blake Endris enrolled together in the 涩里番鈥檚 Master of Science in Nursing鈥揊amily Nurse Practitioner program, they were navigating a season filled with change 鈥� career shifts, relocation and growing family responsibilities. Like many adult learners, they quickly realized success would require flexibility, sacrifice and trust.

鈥淲e both initially enrolled in the program as full-time students,鈥� Mary Margaret said. 鈥淚t quickly became clear that maintaining two full-time course loads while working and managing significant life transitions was not sustainable for our family.鈥�

After prayerful consideration, the couple adjusted their plan. Blake transitioned to part-time enrollment and worked full-time as a travel nurse, while Mary Margaret remained enrolled full-time and worked part-time.

鈥淲hat motivated us during the most challenging moments was our shared commitment to supporting one another, our faith, and our confidence that this season of sacrifice would ultimately lead to a more stable and fulfilling future for our family,鈥� she said.

UM鈥檚 faculty and Christ-centered culture played a key role.

鈥淭he academic preparation was excellent and thoroughly equipped us for clinical practice,鈥� Mary Margaret said. 鈥淭he coursework was rigorous yet purposeful, and the faculty were truly phenomenal. They were consistently approachable, supportive and invested in our success.鈥�

The spiritual foundation of the program left a lasting impact.

鈥淲hat truly set the experience apart was the Christ-centered culture woven throughout the university. This was evident not only in the curriculum, but in the way faculty and staff interacted with students,鈥� she said. Meaningful moments like White Coat ceremonies were powerful reminders that healthcare is a calling rooted in service and compassion.

鈥淥verall, the combination of strong academic preparation, unwavering faculty support, and a genuine Christ-centered environment made this program both transformative and deeply fulfilling.鈥�

Successful Nurse Practitioners

Mary Margaret graduated from the MSN鈥揊NP program in December 2023, with Blake following in December 2024 鈥� all while welcoming their first child along the way.

Today, both are working as nurse practitioners 鈥� Mary Margaret specializing in pain management at Mississippi Sports Medicine Orthopedic Center, and Blake as a full-time nurse practitioner provider with the Mississippi Army National Guard.

鈥淕raduate school is not easy, and I would never minimize the challenges that come with balancing family, work and personal responsibilities. However, I can confidently say that it is absolutely doable,鈥� Mary Margaret said.

鈥淭he journey is demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding 鈥� and the personal and professional fulfillment on the other side makes every sacrifice worthwhile.鈥�

About the 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence 鈥淔or Christ & 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. Learn more at鈥�umobile.edu/um-info鈥痑nd connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Sophomore Nursing Major Autumn Jones Crowned Miss 涩里番 2026

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala.听鈥� Autumn Jones, a sophomore nursing major from Fairhope, Alabama, was crowned Miss 涩里番 2026, becoming the 61st Miss UM to represent the Baptist university since its founding in 1961.

鈥淏eing Miss UM is such an honor and a privilege,鈥� said Jones. 鈥淚 think back to when I first visited this campus 鈥� I immediately felt seen, known and wanted. I found a place where I truly belonged. Now, I have the opportunity to create that same feeling for others 鈥� those considering UM and those who already call it home.鈥�

涩里番 President Charles Smith said, 鈥淎utumn represents the very best of the 涩里番 鈥� a student who is not only academically driven as a nursing major, but who also leads with grace, compassion and a heart for others. We are proud to crown her Miss UM 2026 and look forward to the way she will serve as an ambassador for our university community.鈥�

Jones said she plans to use her platform, 鈥淐urious and Kind,鈥� to love and serve others in the same way she has been loved and served since coming to UM.

鈥淚 am expectant and excited to see what the Lord will do in this next year. Truly, He is in control. I look forward to meeting new people and building meaningful connections both on campus and in the community. There are so many stories waiting to be heard, and I am honored to listen,鈥� she said.

Jones said a career in nursing will give her the opportunity to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus.

鈥淣ursing will place me alongside people in some of their most vulnerable moments 鈥� times when they simply need to know someone cares. My prayer is that the Lord will guide my thoughts, actions and words so that I may love and serve as He does,鈥� said Miss UM 2026.

Serving as masters of ceremonies at the competition, held March 28 on the university campus, were former Miss 涩里番 2022 Ashlyn Mitchell and husband Hugh Mitchell, also a UM alumnus. Ashlyn is an anchor at Fox10 News and Hugh is a sales representative at Lexus of Mobile.

In addition to winning the crown, Jones won the People鈥檚 Choice Award and Talent Award. She sang and performed on guitar an original song she wrote titled 鈥淯napologetically Me.鈥�

Other competitors who earned honors at the Miss 涩里番 competition are:

  • First Runner Up 鈥� Gracyn Martin, a sophomore elementary education major from Andalusia, Alabama
  • Second Runner Up 鈥� Kinsey Otzenberger, a junior communication major from Mobile, Alabama
  • Miss Congeniality 鈥� Mary Elizabeth Poiroux, a junior nursing major from Saraland, Alabama

The university bid farewell to Chesed Turner, Miss 涩里番 2025, a senior musical theatre major from Niceville, Florida.

During her year as Miss UM, Turner focused on growing both the Miss 涩里番 program and her personal platform, 鈥淐reated to Create.鈥� Through this initiative, Turner encouraged students to explore creativity as a meaningful outlet for expression while also highlighting the mental, emotional and spiritual benefits that come from the creative process.

About the 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence 鈥淔or Christ & 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. Learn more at and connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

涩里番 Invites Community & Alumni to Spring Spectacular with Fireworks on April 23

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala.听鈥� The 涩里番 invites the community and alumni to Spring Spectacular, a free outdoor concert featuring a fabulous fireworks display on the university campus on Thursday, April 23.

Spring Spectacular is the 涩里番鈥檚 annual outdoor spring concert showcasing the talents of students from UM鈥檚 Alabama School of the Arts. The event is held outdoors on the Christian university鈥檚 Great Commission Lawn.

This is a free event, and the community should RSVP for free tickets at umobile.edu/spring-spectacular. Food will be available for purchase from local food trucks starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating and arrive early, as parking is limited.

A pre-show featuring the Saraland Elementary Show Choir begins at 7 p.m., and UM鈥檚 Alabama School of the Arts performs at 7:30 p.m. The evening is capped off with a fireworks finale at 8:30 p.m.

Alumni and Friends BBQ

The UM Alumni Office invites alumni to a special Alumni and Friends BBQ as part of the Spring Spectacular celebration.

The Alumni and Friends BBQ offers alumni the opportunity to return to their alma mater and enjoy an evening with friends old and new, reconnect with faculty and reminisce about their college experience while making new memories on campus.

A limited number of tickets are available to the free Alumni and Friends BBQ set for 6 p.m. at Lyon Chapel. RSVP for the Alumni and Friends BBQ at checkout when you reserve your tickets for Spring Spectacular at umobile.edu/spring-spectacular.

More Spring Spectacular Info

Learn more about Spring Spectacular at the 涩里番 on the university website at umobile.edu/spring-spectacular.

About the 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence 鈥淔or Christ & 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. Learn more at and connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

IMB President Paul Chitwood Cites Surge in Missionary Callings as 涩里番 Equips Next Generation for Global Missions

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala.听鈥� The world鈥檚 greatest problem is not war, poverty or hunger, but spiritual lostness 鈥� and that reality makes this a uniquely urgent and exciting moment for global missions, International Mission Board President Paul Chitwood said at the 涩里番 on March 25.

Speaking at both UM鈥檚 weekly Chapel and a campus luncheon for local pastors, students, faculty and staff, and retired IMB missionaries, Chitwood pointed to a resurgence of missionary candidates and growing global opportunities as evidence that God is at work among the nations.

Dr. Nathan Harris, vice president for institutional relations at UM, said it was an honor to welcome the IMB president to campus and highlight the Baptist university鈥檚 mission to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world.

鈥淲e are grateful to host Dr. Chitwood at the 涩里番,鈥� Harris said. 鈥淥ur commitment to the Great Commission is at the core of who we are, and through initiatives like our new Tom Elliff Center for Missions, we are equipping and sending students to take the gospel throughout the world.鈥�

Chitwood said, 鈥淚t really is an exciting time to be alive in global missions,鈥� noting that IMB applications have increased fivefold in recent years 鈥� from about 300 applicants to more than 1,600.

Cooperative Program Sustains Mission Impact

Through the Cooperative Program, Southern Baptist churches support the work of missionaries in 155 countries around the world, a system Chitwood called both biblical and uniquely effective in sustaining long-term gospel work among the nations.

鈥淓very IMB missionary is your missionary,鈥� Chitwood told pastors and retired IMB missionaries gathered for a luncheon prior to chapel. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the way the Cooperative Program system works.鈥�

The Urgency of the Gospel

At the same time, Chitwood emphasized the urgency behind that mission. While the world faces many visible crises, he said the deepest need is reconciliation with God.

鈥淟ostness is the world鈥檚 greatest problem,鈥� he said during Chapel, explaining that sin separates humanity from its Creator and the gospel is the only solution.

That conviction, he added, is at the heart of why institutions like the 涩里番 exist 鈥� to equip students to live out the Great Commission and take the message of Christ to a world where thousands of people groups remain unreached.

Tom Elliff Center for Missions

Chitwood pointed to the university鈥檚 growing role in that mission, including the Fall 2026 launch of the Tom Elliff Center for Missions, as a strategic investment in the next generation of gospel witnesses.

鈥淚f you ask me why this school exists 鈥� ultimately the 涩里番 started and still exists today because there鈥檚 a world full of people that haven鈥檛 heard the gospel,鈥� Chitwood said.

The Elliff Center will be a dedicated hub for missions training and mobilization, providing intentional pathways for students to translate faith into action through local, national and global mission opportunities.

Retired IMB missionaries D. Ray and Amanda Davis, who attended the luncheon and were recognized by Chitwood for their service, are senior advisors to the center that is under the direction of Austin Holcomb, an IMB veteran and former missionary to West Africa.

Answer the Call to Missions

Chitwood urged students to consider the many opportunities available through the IMB for missions residency programs, semester and summer experiences, and the two-year Journeyman program that serves as a next step for college students or recent graduates exploring a call to missions.

鈥淚f you鈥檙e looking for a challenge, there鈥檚 a ton of opportunities,鈥� Chitwood said.

He spoke of the courage of missionaries serving in what are known as 鈥渃losed countries鈥� 鈥� nations where governments restrict or prohibit open Christian witness 鈥� yet still find ways to live out the gospel, often at great personal risk, among people who may otherwise never hear the name of Jesus.

鈥淎cross the Middle East right now are 100 IMB missionaries and 80 kids who are still there while the bombs are falling. To see the courage of those missionaries is something else.

鈥淭he Lord is giving them opportunities, because when missiles start falling in the neighborhood, people start asking spiritual questions. Your representatives are there to answer those questions,鈥� he told pastors.

Chapel Sermons Available

Chapel sermons are posted on the 涩里番鈥檚 YouTube channel and by podcast at umobile.edu/chapel. For more information about the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, visit

About the 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence 鈥淔or Christ & 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. Learn more at 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.

涩里番 Lowers Tuition for Master鈥檚 Degrees in Counseling and Family Therapy, Human Services Counseling

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala.听鈥� Students preparing for careers as licensed professional counselors and marriage and family therapists will benefit from a new lower tuition rate starting Summer 2026 in the 涩里番鈥檚 Master of Arts in Counseling and Family Therapy program.

The lower tuition also benefits students in the program that prepares graduates for a variety of non-licensure roles in human services.

The tuition reduction to $494 per credit hour makes the graduate programs more affordable for students called to serve individuals, couples and families in clinical, community and ministry settings.

Applications Open for Summer 2026

Applications for both programs are now open for Summer 2026 classes. Prospective students are invited to apply at

鈥淥ur responsibility as a Christ-centered university is to equip students for their calling while being wise stewards of their investment,鈥� said Dr. Jason Lee, provost and vice president for academic administration at the 涩里番.

鈥淏y lowering tuition for these programs, we are strengthening our commitment to prepare highly qualified counselors who will meet significant mental health needs in our communities.鈥�

MA in Counseling and Family Therapy

The Master of Arts in Counseling and Family Therapy at the 涩里番 is designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure in Alabama as both a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Graduates are prepared to work in private practice, community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, ministry settings and nonprofit organizations.

The program integrates evidence-based clinical training with a biblical worldview. Students benefit from small class sizes, faculty mentorship and supervised practicum and internship experiences that provide real-world preparation before graduation.

MA in Human Services Counseling

The Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling provides a foundational education in the ethical application of counseling principles and knowledge of human behavior across diverse contexts.

The program equips students with practical skills in helping, advocacy and program evaluation to effectively support individuals, families and communities.

Affordable, Christ-Centered Programs

鈥淐ounseling is, in some respects, a way of life,鈥� said Dr. Glenn Hollingsworth, chair of the Department of Counseling and Family Therapy and associate professor of marriage and family counseling. “Our programs cultivate a relational way of being among our students, on top of which they add clinical skill and ethical practice, enabling them to build intentional, growth-promoting relationships with and among individuals and families.

鈥淭his new lower tuition rate allows more students to pursue professional excellence through an affordable, Christ-centered graduate program where they are mentored by professors who care deeply about their personal growth and professional success,鈥� Hollingsworth added.

Designed for Working Adults

Designed with working adults in mind, both programs offer schedules that allow students to balance graduate studies with professional and family responsibilities while progressing steadily toward degree completion. Classes meet one night per week.

With mental health needs continuing to rise across the nation, university leaders say the tuition reduction reflects a strategic effort to prepare more trained professionals to serve the region and beyond.

Prospective students may learn more or apply for Summer 2026 admission at umobile.edu/counseling or , or contact Dr. Hollingsworth at ghollingsworth@umobile.edu.

About the 涩里番

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence 鈥淔or Christ & 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. Learn more at and connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

涩里番 Presents Faculty Piano Duet 鈥楥oncert for Two Pianos: Bernstein & Brubeck鈥� on March 31

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala.听鈥� The 涩里番 Alabama School of the Arts presents a free faculty piano duet concert titled 鈥淐oncert for Two Pianos: Bernstein & Brubeck鈥� on Tuesday, March 31 at 7 p.m. in Moorer Auditorium on the university campus.

Pianists Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, director of piano studies and Steinway Artist, and Greg Wiggins, assistant professor of music, will perform an exhilarating program celebrating the genius of Leonard Bernstein and Dave Brubeck.

The concert is part of the 2025-2026 Piano Festival presented by the Alabama School of the Arts. Moorer Auditorium is located on the 涩里番 campus at 5735 College Parkway, Mobile, Alabama. For more information about the ASOTA Piano Festival, visit the website at umobile.edu/pianofestival.

About the Piano Duet Concert

The Concert for Two Pianos program explores the bold spirit and rhythmic vitality that define the American sound. From Bernstein鈥檚 theatrical brilliance and sweeping lyricism to Brubeck鈥檚 groundbreaking jazz harmonies and inventive meters, audiences will experience the extraordinary range of 20th-century American composition through the exciting collaboration.

Bernstein鈥檚 music brings the color and drama of Broadway and the concert hall together with irresistible rhythmic drive and emotional intensity. In contrast, Brubeck鈥檚 works pulse with sophisticated jazz textures, unexpected time signatures and a distinctly American sense of innovation and freedom. Together, Onalbayeva and Wiggins create a dynamic dialogue at the keyboard, blending classical refinement with jazz-inspired flair in a program that promises energy, elegance, syncopation and expressive depth.

About the Artists

Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva serves as professor of music and director of piano studies at the Alabama School of the Arts. An internationally acclaimed pianist and Steinway Artist, she has performed across the United States, Europe and Asia, earning recognition for her technical brilliance and expressive artistry. In addition to her active concert career, Onalbayeva is a dedicated educator who mentors the next generation of musicians at the 涩里番, where she is known for inspiring excellence both in performance and scholarship.

Greg Wiggins is an assistant professor of music on the Alabama School of the Arts faculty and an accomplished pianist, arranger and educator. With a strong background in both classical and contemporary styles, Wiggins brings versatility and creativity to the stage and the classroom. His work as a performer and collaborator reflects a passion for musical excellence and innovation, equipping students to engage a wide range of musical traditions.

For more information about upcoming performances in the Alabama School of the Arts at the 涩里番, visit umobile.edu/asotaevents.

About the 涩里番听

The 涩里番 is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence 鈥淔or Christ & 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. Learn more at and connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

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