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.

Spring Semester Chapel Begins with UM President and Panelists Calling Students to a Year of Gospel Growth

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala.听鈥� The 涩里番 kicked off its first chapel of Spring Semester 2026 by calling students to a year of gospel growth. Led by UM President Charles Smith, the Jan. 14 panel of faith leaders challenged students to envision 鈥渁n amazing year of faithfulness, joy and gospel growth.鈥�

Dr. Smith opened the panel by reminding students, faculty and staff that gospel growth is the reason the 涩里番 exists.

鈥淲e are grateful to offer nearly 80 cutting-edge degree programs 鈥� from medicine to marketing 鈥� but if this is all students learn at the 涩里番, we have failed. Our first and most fundamental calling as Christian educators is to help students encounter the living God. When we get this right, students do not merely prepare for a career; they move from death to life, and their vocation becomes a world-shaping calling,鈥� Smith told a capacity crowd gathered in Ram Hall for weekly praise and worship.

鈥淧art of the Good News of the gospel is that God is a God of growth,鈥� President Smith added. 鈥淗e doesn鈥檛 leave us in our sin and immaturity but calls us to grow into all that He has for us.鈥�

Panelists Share Testimonies

Panelists presented the gospel message in a Q&A format and shared their personal testimonies. They encouraged students to look to Jesus, either for the first time or in a fresh way, and to prepare for a season of gospel growth by immersing themselves in God鈥檚 Word and joining a local church community that faithfully preaches the gospel.

Panelists included:

  • Tim Adams, VP for Student Development & Collegiate Athletics, 涩里番
  • Kathy Litton, Former Director of Planting Spouse Development, North American Mission Board & UM Board of Trustees member
  • Ashley Smith, First Lady, 涩里番
  • Joe Lewis Stevens Jr., pastor of Redeemer Fellowship, Hospice Chaplain at Southern Care & UM adjunct instructor for theology
  • Ben Stubblefield, pastor of Spring Hill Baptist Church

Tim Adams spoke about the moment he made a decision for Christ.

鈥淚 was vaguely familiar with Bible stories and totally unaware of what the meaning of Jesus鈥� life meant. At youth camp, I heard a gospel presentation that my sin separated me from a Holy God. It was like opening up the reality that Jesus was relational. It changed my life forever,鈥� Adams said.

First Lady Ashley Smith said as she became a wife and mother, she began to ask identity questions, such as who was she beyond those labels.

鈥淭he Lord began to unveil the depth of my need, and it changed my life,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he right question is 鈥榳ho is Jesus?鈥� Jesus is the way, the truth and the light, for you to find the light, you must look to Jesus.鈥�

Joe Lewis pointed students to God the Creator, using his favorite passage, Revelations 21, that speaks of a new heaven and new earth.

鈥淭he gospel message is transforming repentant sinners, and it is creating creation again. God isn鈥檛 using the work of Christ to refurbish creation, He is recreating creation. Trust and believe in a cosmic Savior who is redeeming all creation.鈥�

Kathy Litton said the power of the gospel carried her through the toughest of times, such as when her first husband died in a car crash.

鈥淭hat seed of truth has shaped me and given me the power for the darkest days of my life,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou need the gospel, and the roots that you are putting down by being in a school like this is strengthening you.鈥�

Ben Stubblefield urged students to see yourself as God sees you.

鈥淐onsider Christ. There鈥檚 a testimony of people who have gone before you who will tell you they would rather have Jesus than anything,鈥� Stubblefield said.

Public Invited to Chapel Series

The public is invited to join UM students, faculty and staff for Chapel, held Wednesdays at 2 p.m. in Ram Hall on campus. Past Chapel messages are available on the 涩里番 Chapel Podcast through Apple or Spotify, and videos are posted on UM鈥檚 YouTube channel and UM social media. Access podcasts and videos at umobile.edu/chapel.

Spring Chapel Schedule

Upcoming speakers are:

Jan. 21 鈥� Dr. Tony Merida, Pastor for Preaching and Vision, Imago Dei Church

Merida is founding pastor of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, NC; vice president for planter development for the Send Network, the church planting arm for the North American Mission Board (NAMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention; and a Board member of The Gospel Coalition. He is the author of several books, including 鈥淭he Christ-Centered Expositor,鈥� 鈥淥rdinary鈥� and 鈥淥rphanology.鈥�

Jan. 28 鈥� Heiden Ratner, Senior Pastor, WALK Church

Ratner is senior pastor of Walk Church in Las Vegas, NV, and serves as the Las Vegas City Missionary for Send Network. Heiden also serves the NFL Las Vegas Raiders and the WNBA Las Vegas Aces as their lead team chaplain.

Feb. 4 鈥� Dr. Alan Floyd, Lead Pastor, Cottage Hill Baptist Church

Floyd is a native of Mobile, holding degrees from the 涩里番, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of 鈥淭hese Three: A Believer鈥檚 Guide to Faith, Hope, & Love鈥� and is executive director of The Hill Collective, a church planting/replanting network.

Feb. 11 鈥� William Smith, Senior Fellow, Conservative Partnership Institute (CPI)

Smith oversees the Conservative Partnership Institute鈥檚 Magnus Fellowship and engages with CPI鈥檚 partners on Capitol Hill and in the executive branch. He has over 20 years of experience on Capitol Hill, where he built a reputation for identifying and training the next generation of conservative staffers.

Feb. 18 鈥� Quintell Hill, Lead Pastor, Multiply Community Church

Hill , a UM alumnus, is pastor of Multiply Community Church in Monroe, NC, and former president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. Hill also serves on the mobilization team at the International Mission Board where he seeks to fulfill the mission of the Great Commission.

Feb. 25 鈥� Dr. Kevin Ezell, President, North American Mission Board (NAMB)

Ezell has served as president of the North American Mission Board (NAMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention since 2010. He has helped Southern Baptists plant more than 11,000 churches during his tenure.

March 11 鈥� Dr. Derek Allen, Lead Pastor, First Baptist Tillman鈥檚 Corner

A native of Etowah County, AL, Allen holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology from Jacksonville State University, Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and PhD in Church Leadership from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. After planting Christ Centered Church in Miami for six years, he has served as lead pastor at FBTC since 2019.

March 18 鈥� Dr. Jed Coppenger, Lead Pastor, First Baptist Cummings

Coppenger is lead pastor of First Baptist Church Cumming, GA. He is an author of 鈥�21 Days to Childlike Prayer: Changing Your World One Specific Prayer at a Time鈥� and 鈥淔ake Christianity: 10 Traps of an Inauthentic Faith (and How to Avoid Them).鈥� Coppenger has worked in Christian publishing, Christian higher education, church planting, served on mission trips around the world, and preached for a wide range of camps, retreats and events.

March 25 鈥� Dr. Paul Chitwood, President, International Mission Board (IMB)

Chitwood was elected president of the IMB in November 2018. He previously served as executive director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention from 2011-2018. For 18 years prior, Chitwood served as the pastor of local churches of varying size in Kentucky. During his pastorates, he served as chairman of the International Mission Board鈥檚 trustees from 2008-10, as part of his tenure as an IMB trustee from 2002-10.

April 1 鈥� Tim Adams, Vice President for Student Development & Collegiate Athletics, 涩里番

Prior to joining the 涩里番 in June 2025, Adams served as director of student life and events at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His extensive background includes 16 years of pastoral ministry in Liberty and Camdenton, MO, as well as leadership roles with Kanakuk Kamps and K-Life Ministries. At UM, Adams leads the overall student experience through the Student Life and Athletics departments.

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.

Leading from the Sidelines: Kaitlyn Cowart 鈥�23, UM Master of Athletic Training Alumna

by Kathy Dean

When Kaitlyn Cowart was a student in the Master of Athletic Training program at the 涩里番, she learned more than the technical skills of taping ankles and evaluating injuries.

鈥淢y time here at UM taught me to be an advocate for my patients, give 110% in my career, and live passionately for the Lord while doing so,鈥� said Kaitlyn, a certified athletic trainer.

Now as a secondary school athletic trainer with Encore Rehabilitation Inc., Kaitlyn spends her days treating, evaluating and rehabbing various athlete injuries at three high schools, plus covering state events including wrestling, soccer, softball and baseball.

She works directly with Encore physical therapists and team physicians to ensure athletes receive the proper care to get back to playing the sport they love.

鈥淓ach opportunity brings valuable experience dealing with high-caliber high school athletes and working with some of the best sports medicine doctors in Alabama,鈥� Kaitlyn said.

Prepared to Succeed

Kaitlyn credits professors in the UM School of Health and Sports Science, MAT Program Director Dr. Melissa Thomas and Coordinator of Clinical Education Dr. Megan Harper, and the university鈥檚 Christ-centered mission with preparing her to succeed in a competitive career.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology in 2021, she graduated from UM in 2023 with a Master of Athletic Training 鈥� and a job.

鈥淒uring my master鈥檚 program, my professors worked so hard to make sure we had the best experience possible. Throughout my time at UM, I completed several internships and worked in multiple settings.

鈥淓ach of my preceptors taught me important skills in assessment, communication and rehabilitation. These internships also gave me the opportunity to network with professionals in my field, which ultimately helped me get a job straight out of college,鈥� Kaitlyn said.

Become a Certified Athletic Trainer

The 涩里番鈥檚 Master of Athletic Training program combines classroom learning with practical experience in the university鈥檚 nationally accredited human gross anatomy lab and state-of-the-art simulation lab in the Center for Excellence in Healthcare Practice.

The two-year program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training education (CAATE) and graduates are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam, the essential step to becoming a certified athletic trainer.

Clinical placements in high schools, collegiate and professional settings, sports medicine clinics and healthcare facilities give students the real-world experience employers want.

Applications for each cohort of UM鈥檚 Master of Athletic Training program are open from Aug. 1 to May 1. ATCAS is the primary application process for UM鈥檚 MAT program and can be found at 听umobile.edu/master-of-athletic-training. Contact Dr. Thomas for additional questions about the program at mthomas@umobile.edu or 听251.442.2324. To learn more about the 涩里番, visit .

鈥楽ee the Light of Jesus鈥�

As an undergraduate, Kaitlyn was awarded a scholarship to pursue her dream of playing college softball for the

Rams. She also fell in love with her best friend 鈥� now husband 鈥� Ethan Cowart, who attended the 涩里番 on a track and field scholarship.

Their time at UM strengthened their walk with the Lord as they pursued their callings. With UM鈥檚 mission to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world, academic programs like the Master of Athletic Training fully integrate faith and learning.

The result is graduates like Kaitlyn who see their careers as their own unique mission field.

鈥淎s an athletic trainer, I wear numerous hats. I serve as a mentor, friend, counselor, nutritionist, physiologist, coach and more. I am with these athletes every day, and I influence them more than I know,鈥� Kaitlyn said.

鈥淎 Kingdom leader exhibits patience, kindness, love and compassion. I want Jesus to shine through everything I do, from how I speak to how I care for each of my players.

I want them to see the light of Jesus. Every day, I aim to accomplish that,鈥� Kaitlyn said.

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

Explore Life at the 涩里番 鈥� UM Day is Feb. 5, 2026

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� Imagine a university where professors know your name, faith shapes every class and every career is seen as a calling to serve for the glory of God and the good of the world. At the 涩里番, you鈥檒l find a campus community where you can thrive academically, spiritually and personally.

Experience it all at UM Day on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 鈥� a special campus-visit event for high school and transfer students and their families.

Wondering what your future could look like at a university where faith and learning go hand in hand? UM Day at the 涩里番 is your chance to see for yourself.

Check鈥慽n begins at 8:30 a.m. in Ram Hall, 5735 College Pkwy., Mobile, Alabama 36613.

RSVP today at umobile.edu/umday-info or call 251.442.2222.

Earn a $2,000 Visit Day Scholarship

Students who attend a UM Day, apply and enroll are eligible for a $2,000 Visit Scholarship for new traditional undergraduate students 鈥� making this the perfect time to plan your visit and take the next step toward your future.

Why RSVP Now?

When you RSVP, you unlock exclusive opportunities and special perks that make your visit even more rewarding.

  • Apply for Free at UM Day!
  • Free UM Day T-shirt for students who apply for admission at UM Day!
  • Free UM sweatshirt for students who make their enrollment down payment!
  • $2,000 Visit Scholarship for new traditional undergraduate students who visit, apply and enroll

What Happens at UM Day?

On your visit, you鈥檒l:

  • Tour our beautiful 880鈥慳cre campus and see why our dorms are ranked #1 in Alabama on a campus ranked #1 for safety.
  • Meet professors and current students who will inspire you.
  • Learn how affordable a private Christian university can be.
  • Apply for free 鈥� and take the first step toward your future.

Just 1 More UM Day!

The final UM Day of spring semester 2025 is March 23. Reserve your spot today at umobile.edu/umday-info or call 251.442.2222.

Schedule a Private Visit

If you can鈥檛 make a UM Day, private tours are available year-round. You can still qualify for the $2,000 Visit Scholarship when you visit, apply and enroll.

Schedule a visit at umobile.edu/visit or call 251.442.2222.

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.

Looking for a Career Change? Become a Teacher with 涩里番鈥檚 Alternative Master of Arts in Education

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala.听鈥� Considering a career change? The 涩里番鈥檚 Alternative Master of Arts in Education provides a clear pathway into a teaching career for individuals with bachelor鈥檚 degrees in fields other than education.

Earn a master鈥檚 degree while preparing for Alabama Class A teacher certification in Early Childhood or Elementary Education. Courses are offered in a flexible, blended format that includes online coursework, evening on-campus classes and a culminating internship experience.

Proven Success for Graduates

UM鈥檚 School of Education has an excellent track record for preparing graduates for successful teaching careers, with a 100% pass rate on the edTPA 鈥� the state-required teaching performances assessment 鈥� and 100% job placement for graduates of the Alternative Master of Arts in Education in early childhood or elementary education.

Supportive, Faith-Based Environment

Rooted in the 涩里番鈥檚 commitment to Christ-centered higher education, students benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio that fosters personalized instruction and mentorship from experienced education faculty.

The program emphasizes both professional excellence and a heart for service, equipping graduates to teach with competence, compassion and purpose

A Calling to Teach

鈥淭eaching is one of the most meaningful and impactful callings a person can pursue,鈥� said Dr. Ashley Milner, dean of the School of Education. 鈥淭his program is designed for individuals who feel called to the classroom later in life and want a supportive, faith-based environment that values their previous education and professional experience while preparing them to serve students well.鈥�

Take the Next Step

Applications are being accepted now for classes starting in Spring, Summer or Fall semesters. Learn more or apply at umobile.edu/um-info. Call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222 or contact Graduate Enrollment Counselor Grace Blankenship at gblankenship@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 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.

A Year of Impact: 涩里番鈥檚 Biggest Headlines of 2025

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� The 涩里番 saw 2025 as a year of notable growth, leadership milestones and historic generosity 鈥� from the inauguration of Dr. Charles W. Smith Jr. as UM鈥檚 sixth president to a multi-million-dollar gift establishing the Tom Elliff Center for Missions.

Along with significant enrollment growth, national rankings and expanded focus on student life and spiritual growth, the 2025 year reflected the university鈥檚 ongoing impact For Christ & His Kingdom.

鈥淎s we reflect on this past year at the 涩里番, we are deeply grateful for the many ways the Lord has blessed our university and is at work in the lives of our students, faculty and staff,鈥� President Smith said. 鈥淲e go into the new year with purpose and confidence in our mission to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world.鈥�

Mission and Leadership听

A central theme of 2025 was set during Smith鈥檚 inauguration on May 1, 2025. In his address, UM鈥檚 president outlined a bold mission and vision aimed at expanding the university鈥檚 impact and guiding its strategic planning:

鈥淭he 涩里番 exists For Christ & His Kingdom to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world.鈥�

Tom Elliff Center for Missions

听In November, UM announced an historic multi-million-dollar gift establishing the Tom Elliff Center for Missions, scheduled to open in Fall 2026. Named for former International Mission Board president Tom Elliff, the Center will provide students with focused missions training, quarterly forums with missionary leaders and scholars, and opportunities for cross-cultural field experiences. UM officials report that the initiative builds on the university鈥檚 longstanding commitment to preparing students to make a global impact for Christ.

Student Life and Campus Engagement

The university expanded Student Life programming in 2025, adding new campus-wide events and leadership development opportunities. Chapel services consistently drew full crowds, featuring speakers from churches, ministries, and academic institutions nationwide. Chapel sermon videos and podcasts are available at umobile.edu/chapel.

Enrollment and Recruitment

Fall 2025 enrollment grew by 14% over the previous year. Attendance at UM Day, the university鈥檚 main campus-visit event, increased 30%, according to institutional data. University representatives attributed the growth to expanded recruitment efforts, engagement with regional churches, and strengthened academic outreach.

Rankings and Recognition

UM earned several rankings in the 2026 Niche Best Colleges list:

  • Top 100 Best Christian Colleges in America
  • Top 100 Best Colleges for Music in America
  • #1 Best College for Music in Alabama
  • #1 Safest College Campus in Alabama
  • #1 Best Dorms in Alabama (fifth consecutive year)

The School of Nursing was named #1 Nursing Program in Alabama by . Faculty recognition included Dr. Robert Olsen, who was voted Best College Professor in Mobile in the 2025 Nappie Awards.

Church and Community Partnerships

UM reported increased engagement with Alabama Baptist churches and partners in the Southern Baptist Convention through campus events, ministry training, and student mission programs. Officials said these partnerships support the university鈥檚 goal of integrating academic study with preparation for service across ministry, business, healthcare, education and the arts.

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.

Experience 涩里番鈥檚 Christmas Spectacular on Fox10, Christian Television Network & Daystar Television Network

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala.听鈥� The magic of Christmas Spectacular will be available throughout the Christmas season as WALA Fox10, WHBR Christian Television Network and Daystar Television Network present multiple showtimes of the 涩里番鈥檚 annual musical celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Special showtimes include Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year鈥檚 Day for the hour-long special featuring highlights of UM鈥檚 2024 Christmas Spectacular.

The Christian university has presented Christmas Spectacular each November for 23 years to audiences of thousands, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas through the talents of more than 250 students, faculty and staff. In addition to the University Singers and University Orchestra, featured ensembles include Voices of Mobile, Deliverance, Dunamis, Jazz Band, RamCorps, Shofar, Sofree, Welsh Revival and Worship Collective.

Highlights include 鈥淣oel鈥� and 鈥淭he Prayer,鈥� along with 鈥淛oy to the World,鈥� 鈥淥 Come All Ye Faithful,鈥� 鈥淲e Three Kings鈥� and more.

“FOX10 has been honored to air the 涩里番 Christmas Spectacular during the holiday season for nearly 20 years, and it has become a tradition for our viewers,” said FOX10 Vice President and General Manager Eric Duncan. “This year, there will be more opportunities than ever to watch Christmas Spectacular.”

David Mayo, general manager of CTN Pensacola-Mobile WHBR, said, 鈥淲e are thrilled to continue our tradition of airing the 涩里番鈥檚 wonderful Christmas Spectacular program this holiday season!鈥�

WHBR Christian Television Network will air Christmas Spectacular:

  • Dec. 24 @ 9:30 pm

WALA Fox10 will air Christmas Spectacular:

  • Dec. 24 @ 9 pm
  • Dec. 25 @ 11 am
  • Dec. 27 @ 10 am
  • Jan. 1 @ 7 am

Daystar Television Network will air Christmas Spectacular:

  • Dec. 24 @ 11 am & 8 pm
  • Dec. 25 @ 12 am

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 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.

Audition for New Scholarships Up to $25,000 at 涩里番鈥檚 Alabama School of the Arts

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala.听鈥� The Alabama School of the Arts (ASOTA) at the 涩里番 announces expanded scholarship opportunities for new students pursuing performing arts degrees, with scholarship awards up to $25,000 each year.

To get started, schedule an audition at umobile.edu/audition.

All incoming freshmen are automatically considered for the new expanded scholarships when they apply to the 涩里番, audition for the Alabama School of the Arts, are accepted into ASOTA and enroll.

Student pursuing degrees any of the more than 75 academic programs offered at UM are eligible to audition for ASOTA scholarships. Award amounts are based on talent and level of involvement in the department.

#1 Best College for Music

Dr. Andrew Goodwin, dean of the Alabama School of the Arts, said, 鈥淥ur mission is to help students grow as artists and as Christ-centered leaders.

鈥淭hese new expanded scholarships make it possible for students to develop their God-given gifts in a community that nurtures both artistic growth and spiritual formation.鈥�

The 涩里番 Alabama School of the Arts has been named the #1 Best College for Music in Alabama and is in the Top 100 Best Colleges for Music in America, according to 2026 Niche Best Colleges rankings.

In addition, Niche ranks UM among the Top 100 Best Christian College in America with the #1 Best Dorms in Alabama and the #1 Safest College Campus in Alabama.

2026 Audition Dates

The Alabama School of the Arts has scheduled two audition dates for 2026:

  • February 6
  • March 22

Students may also schedule a private audition or virtual audition at another time. For more information and to schedule an audition, visit umobile.edu/audition.

2026 UM Days

Students scheduling an audition also encouraged to attend a UM Day in conjunction with their audition. UM Days provide students and families opportunities to tour campus, meet faculty and students, experience student life, learn about financial aid, and earn a $2,000 Visit Scholarship when they visit, apply and enroll.

UM Days are scheduled for:

  • February 5
  • March 23

Sign up to attend a UM Day at umobile.edu/umday-info.

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 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.

涩里番鈥檚 New Leadership Project Develops Leadership Skills to Multiply Kingdom Impact

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala.听鈥� The Leadership Project, a new initiative launched by 涩里番 President Charles Smith to multiply the university鈥檚 Kingdom impact through the development of faculty, staff and student leaders, completed its first semester with strong participation and enthusiastic feedback.

鈥淚鈥檝e had a passion for leadership for many years 鈥� not because I consider myself an exceptional leader, but because I understand how much of life rises or falls on faithful, effective leadership,鈥� President Smith said.

鈥淚 am proud to see more than 100 of our key leaders gathering each month to invest intentionally in their own development and, in doing so, strengthen the overall effectiveness of our institution.鈥�

The Leadership Project

During Fall Semester 2025, 涩里番 participants explored leadership principles from the national best-seller 鈥淭he Ideal Team Player鈥� by Patrick Lencioni.

The author鈥檚 emphasis on three virtues of effective leadership 鈥� humble, hungry and smart 鈥� provided a shared framework that helped participants articulate what it looks like to build a healthy, Christ-centered organizational culture of leadership at the 涩里番.

鈥淭he Leadership Project gives our faculty, staff and students a shared space to grow together, reflect deeply and build the kind of collaborative culture that multiplies our impact of multiplying Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world,鈥� Smith said.

In Spring Semester 2026, The Leadership Project welcomes new and returning participants for a study of 鈥淪o Good They Can鈥檛 Ignore You鈥� by New York Times bestselling author Cal Newport.

鈥淢y prayer is that The Leadership Project will continue to grow and positively impact the lives of many,鈥� Smith said.

A Proven Model

The Leadership Project at the 涩里番 is an outgrowth of a program Smith began over a decade ago at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he served prior to joining UM as senior vice president for institutional relations and assistant professor of Christian leadership.

At Midwestern, Smith hosted a podcast focusing on key leadership topics such as Building Healthy Leaders and Teams, Developing and Deploying Leaders in The Church, and 16 Leadership Lessons Learned the Hard Way. 鈥淭he Leadership Project with Charles Smith鈥� podcasts featured leaders across the Southern Baptist Convention and is

Practical Strategies

The Leadership Project monthly gatherings blended food, fellowship and learning for an experience UM participants found both personally and professionally valuable.

鈥淚t created an atmosphere of collaboration and comradery as faculty and staff members came together for a united purpose,鈥� said Shirley Sutterfield, associate vice president for academic services and registrar.

She said 鈥淭he Ideal Team Player鈥� offered meaningful and practical concepts, values and strategies that easily can be implemented in the workplace.

Building the Team

Amber Campbell, assistant volleyball coach, said The Leadership Project study 鈥済ave language to some methods we were already implementing in the volleyball program,鈥� which made the experience especially affirming.

Campbell said the monthly gatherings provided a team-building exercise that was impactful, resulting in new relationships with faculty, staff and students she had never previously met.

Hungry, Humble & Smart Leaders

College of Arts & Sciences Dean Matthew Downs said The Leadership Project was 鈥渁 fantastic opportunity to make connections with colleagues across campus in pursuit of a greater purpose.鈥�

He noted that 鈥渋t鈥檚 all too easy to get stuck in our own areas, in our own buildings,鈥� but the project created an intentional space to talk about becoming 鈥渟mart, hungry and humble people鈥� and to consider ways to strengthen the culture of the university.

Godly Leadership

Dr. Pamela Buchanan Miller, vice president for academic affairs, said it was 鈥渞eally gratifying to see how much Godly leadership ability there is out there, especially among younger faculty and staff.鈥�

The Leadership Project 鈥済ave us a space to come together outside our normal roles and get some great perspective from one another. I鈥檓 looking forward to Spring 2026,鈥� she said.

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 Named Top 10 Most Affordable Online Master鈥檚 in Religious Studies in the U.S.

by Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala.听鈥� The 涩里番鈥檚 online Master of Arts in Biblical & Theological Studies has been ranked in the Top 10 Most Affordable Online Master鈥檚 in Religious Studies programs in the United States.

The online master鈥檚 program in the School of Christian Studies at the 涩里番 was ranked nationally for affordability by OnlineU, a ranking site aimed at helping students make educated decisions when choosing an online degree.

The fully online program is taught by faculty members dedicated to training students to rightly interpret the Word of God and understand theological truth to strengthen the church and her mission.

The program offers students flexible options to pursue their online master鈥檚 degree in two or four years, making it compatible for graduate students working full-time or part-time, says Dr. Douglas Wilson, executive director of the Center for Christian Calling and professor of Old Testament and Hebrew in the UM School of Christian Studies.

The degree also offers flexibility for graduates working in a variety of settings.

鈥淥ur Master of Arts in Biblical & Theological Studies graduates currently serve as church planters, pastoral staff, international missionaries, military and healthcare chaplains, Christian school teachers and community ministry leaders. In addition, some of our graduates have continued their education to pursue Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Theology, PhD, and EdD degrees,鈥� Wilson said.

For information about the Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies, visit umobile.edu/um-info, contact Dr. Doug Wilson at dwilson@umobile.edu, or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

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.

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