From his days at the ɬ�﷬ wearing the #32 jersey on the to his current role as an entrepreneur and CEO of , Christian Bolden has always been an achiever. It was this passion for personal growth and self-discovery that led him to write a children’s rhyme book, to make learning the virtues of good character as easy as A-B-C.

That same drive and love of learning also led to his recent selection as a Fulbright Specialist Program Awardee – an international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. 

A companion to the traditional Fulbright Scholar Program, the project’s objective is to advance the exchange of knowledge and establish bilateral partnerships through educational and training activities with emphasis on business administration.

The provides support for scholars and other professionals with significant experience and expertise in their field, enabling them with an opportunity to engage in research projects focused on critical global issues at host institutions abroad. As a Fulbright Specialist Scholar, Bolden is tentatively set to complete his project in Ireland. 

Q. Why did you choose Ireland as the location for your Fulbright Specialist project?

A. After completing my Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the ɬ�﷬, I obtained my Master of Business Administration at Syracuse University. I am also certified in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEIA) via the University of Michigan. While pursuing my MBA, I completed a series of residencies in Dublin and Cork, Ireland, which is the genesis of my relationship with the country. I also serve on the Board of Directors with the , which fosters relationships between African Americans and Ireland through shared heritage and culture.

Q. How has your career progressed since graduating from the ɬ�﷬?

A. The beginning of my career involved government affairs and programmatic support of our federal agencies which culminated in working as a professional staff member on the Committee on Homeland Security in the United States House of Representatives at the behest of Rep. Bennie Thompson, whose district includes Jackson, Mississippi. I also spearheaded the Washington, D.C., commemoration of the 5-year Hurricane Katrina anniversary which impacted my hometown, New Orleans and, of course, Mobile. I formerly served on the board of the National Urban League’s Washington, D.C., chapter (Young Professionals.)

I became interested in trying my hand at entrepreneurship, which led to establishing The Bolden Group with core competencies in program/project management, cybersecurity and DEIA-related services. As CEO, I’m responsible for overall company strategy and execution. I also managed the company’s day-to-day operations. 

Q. How did your time as a student-athlete at UM prepare you for your career?

A. The ɬ�﷬ provided a foundation that set me up for success. As a student-athlete, time management plays a significant role in your collegiate experience. My experience at UM prepared me for the rigors of entrepreneurship and taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. 

The relationships I developed at the ɬ�﷬ have stood the test of time. UM’s commitment to the student experience is second to none. I always felt like I was the school’s ambassador when playing and wearing my jersey. It’s 4 years I wish I could experience all over again. 

Q. What advice would you give to ɬ�﷬ students?

A. My time at the ɬ�﷬ represents some of the best days of my life. My advice to current students would be to take a risk in your career at some point. You won’t regret it. 

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 ɬ�﷬ 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.

Go Rams! It’s a cheer you hear across the ɬ�﷬ campus, where outstanding student-athletes compete in one of the largest programs in the  From NAIA team and individual championships to nationally recognized scholar-athletes and scholar teams, the ɬ�﷬ is known for competing at the highest level. 

It’s a similar commitment to excellence that landed UM alumnus David Haney a top award in his field. Haney, who serves his alma mater as sports information and media director, was named the Neptune GameTime Sports Information Director of the Year for 2022-2023 by the .

We asked Haney for an inside look at  and what it means to experience the difference of this Christ-centered university.

“At the ɬ�﷬, it is my passion and job to help the large athletic department we have be put on the map. Whether it’s enhancing home broadcasts of sporting events, improving website and social media content, or developing relationships with local/national media outlets, I strive to make sure the UM Athletic Department is covered when teams and student-athletes find success,” says Haney.

Q. What is your background?

A. I received a Bachelor of Arts in sociology with a concentration in criminal justice from UM in 2016. I began my career in the sports industry following graduation by working in a Minor League Baseball front office for three seasons prior to coming to UM in July of 2019.

Q. What do you like most about UM?

A. What I love most about UM is the family-oriented feeling you have across this campus, whether it’s from faculty and staff or with students. UM just feels like a large family.

Q. What does “Experience the Difference” mean for student-athletes at UM?

A. When students attend the ɬ�﷬, it’s not the same experience as the majority of other college institutions. UM pours into each student to educate, pursues relationships and excels at preparing for life after college, while staying involved in life after a degree.

Q. What are some of your interests outside of UM athletics?

A. I run a family-owned side hobby with my Dad called . It stands for Haney’s Independent Snake Studies, where we go out to document, relocate, rehabilitate and educate the public on different wild non-venomous and venomous snakes across the southeastern United States. 

On occasion, we are asked to speak at schools, summer camps, and even make appearances at birthday parties with our captive snakes that we either own or are rehabilitating and relocating at the time. I have a passion for nature and believe animals should all be respected and understood, especially snakes, who are arguably the most misunderstood animal on the planet.

Additionally, I love watching sports, primarily baseball, when I am not working sporting events. I love to travel and spend time with family and loved ones at any opportunity.

Q. Any final thoughts?

A. The ɬ�﷬ is unlike any other college institution, and I could not see myself doing what I do for a profession anywhere else. I am thankful to be here and thankful for the relationships I have developed across coworkers and students. The ɬ�﷬ is a fantastic place to not only become knowledgeable in a field of study, but to go out into the world following graduation and make an impact in the world.

Molly Grace Watkins

Molly Grace Watkins is the Content Creator for the Office for Marketing and Public Relations at the ɬ�﷬. She is a full-time student in the College of Arts and Sciences, where she is pursuing a degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and Broadcasting. A published author, Molly Grace loves writing and being in front of the camera. She is an active member and volunteer at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. She also enjoys listening to music, going on long walks and driving her friends around in her blue MINI Cooper.

“This experience was greater than I ever imagined. To be able to represent my country is one of the highest honors as an athlete, and I feel so grateful. I am thankful that I got the opportunity to meet new people and had the chance to compete,” says Infante. 

Infante and her teammates competed in multiple games in order to qualify for the , Central American Games, and the World Cup for softball. 

In the game against Peru, the Venezuelan team won 3-2 and is now eligible to compete in the 2023 Pan American Games.

The 2023 Pan American Games is a forthcoming international multi-sport event governed by the Pan Am Sports Organization, scheduled to be held in Santiago, Chile, from Oct. 20 to Nov. 5, 2023.

Infante has been a part of the National Venezuelan Team since she was 15 years old. During her career, she has received 6 Golden Gloves and a national title, among other achievements. 

In reflecting on her time competing in the qualifying games, Infante says, “I learned a lot about myself and teamwork. If I was not at my best, my team would come in and help me. We were there for each other. It does not matter how you do personally, what matters is how you do as a team.”

Infante plans to graduate from UM in December 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology. She is a previous member of the ɬ�﷬ softball team.

Infante says, “I am grateful to my coaches here at the ɬ�﷬ who have continued to allow me to train with the team and be able to get ready to compete in these games. My coaches have always supported me and been there for me.”

To learn more about the ɬ�﷬ athletic programs, prospective families are invited to attend a UM Day or schedule a campus visit at , or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

The ɬ�﷬ is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. 

About the ɬ�﷬

The ɬ�﷬ is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the ɬ�﷬ 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 ɬ�﷬, 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.

Molly Grace Watkins

Molly Grace Watkins is the Content Creator for the Office for Marketing and Public Relations at the ɬ�﷬. She is a full-time student in the College of Arts and Sciences, where she is pursuing a degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and Broadcasting. A published author, Molly Grace loves writing and being in front of the camera. She is an active member and volunteer at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. She also enjoys listening to music, going on long walks and driving her friends around in her blue MINI Cooper.

On Sept. 27 – Oct. 15, she will represent her home country of Paraguay in the shot put competition at the XII South American Games.

It will be the largest multi-sport event in the history of Paraguayan sport. Florentin is “a key athlete for us in our competition plan,” the Paraguayan Olympic Committee wrote to UM, requesting the student-athlete’s attendance. 

The 21-year-old holds the national record in Paraguay for the shot put in the under-23 category, at 14.22 meters. This will be her sixth time competing on the Paraguay National Team in the South American Games – she started competing at age 16 – but it’s the first time the games will be held in her home country. 

“To compete for my country is an honor for me, and at the same time it’s a responsibility. I want to put my country in a good position. It’s not just me – I represent my whole country,” Florentin said.

She is also a standout on the . Her personal best at UM for shot put is 13.77 meters. Last spring, she qualified for the national championship tournament for the NAIA and was named Field Freshman of the Year for the SSAC.

“We have a reputation at the ɬ�﷬ of having a very successful program in the NAIA,” said Andy Canegitta, head �����’s and wo�����’s cross country/track & field coach. Having an elite athlete such as Florentin on the Rams team “solidifies the message that this is a program that will be competitive each year. We bring in the top athletes from everywhere and develop them to be successful in the sport and academically.”

A friend on UM’s track & field team told her about the Christ-centered university in Alabama, and Florentin was offered a scholarship.

“I like it a lot. People here are nice. They are helpful. It’s easier to be so far from home because the people here, they are kind,” she said.

Florentin’s goal is constant improvement. When spring semester and UM’s track and field season ended in May, her season started in Paraguay. This summer she threw her best mark, a national record – again.

Dr. Lori DeLong, dean of the School of Health and Sports Science where Florentin majors in exercise science, described her “a very focused and determined student-athlete. She began her career at UM last spring setting athletic records, and she brings that same passion to her academic career.”

Coach Canegitta said Florentin is not only a top athlete, she is “a very funny person. She’s a joy to be around, and she’s a friend to everyone. And she’s strong – really strong.”

To prepare for the South American Games, Florentin practices throwing one hour a day, then lift weights at the university’s new J.L. Bedsole Sports Performance Center.

“I enjoy training on the weights, to be better and better every day. It’s a healthy way to live,” she said.

About the ɬ�﷬

The ɬ�﷬ is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the ɬ�﷬ 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 ɬ�﷬, areas of study, admissions and more, visit , connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Kathy Dean

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

“It was a mission field. He didn’t run a baseball program. He ran a discipleship program. Coach Jacobs always thought of the person first and the player second. He was preparing you for life,” said former player and current UM campus pastor Jared Baria ’09.

Jacobs Field and Archway

The ɬ�﷬’s beloved athletic director and head baseball coach passed away suddenly Dec. 3, 2019, after suffering a heart attack at the baseball field on campus that bears his name. He left a legacy as a man of faith and integrity who invested his life in the young men he coached, in his family, and in service to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The baseball field at the ɬ�﷬ was named Jacobs Field in 2011 after Coach Jacobs compiled 700 career wins. The Jacobs Field Archway at the entrance to Jacobs Field was dedicated in 2021 to honor his memory.

A Coach’s Calling

In a profile in the university’s TorchLight magazine, Jacobs spoke about his calling as a coach at the ɬ�﷬.

“I’ve always felt like this was a ministry for me, that God brought me here not only to coach baseball, but to mentor young athletes and prepare them for what life is going to bring them when they leave here. I try to be an example of what I feel God wants these students to see,” Jacobs said.

Overall, Coach Jacobs earned 993 total wins in 30 seasons while leading the baseball program. He reached the 30-win plateau in 17 of his 30 seasons as head coach and led the Rams to seven conference championships and a berth in the 2001 NAIA World Series. Coach Jacobs was inducted into the in 2018. In July of 2019, he was named athletic director at UM, leading one of the NAIA’s largest athletic programs.

He won Conference Coach of the Year three times in his career; in 1998, 2001 and 2008. He coached 20 total All-Americans, 88 First-Team All-Conference performers, 10 NAIA Scholar-Athletes, 13 conference Gold Glove winners, and 102 conference All-Academic performers, and saw 35 players go on to sign professional contracts.

As a college player, Jacobs had an outstanding career as a four-year letterman at University of South Alabama and was the Jaguars’ leading hitter in 1976.

Coach: A Prayer

A prayer titled “Coach” written by Baria and read at Jacobs’ memorial service recalled familiar scenes at Jacobs Field, with the coach’s wife, Joy, in the stands.

O Lord in this brokenness, please calm the raging storms,
Just get me past the gate and let me make it past the dorms.

Where my heart is not so heavy, and loaded down with hurt,
Just take it out and leave it, upon the brick-crushed dirt.

Where everything was good and your children were at play,
Just take me back again, to another Saturday.

Where the fans are in their seats, hearing Mrs. Joy shout,
Just put me in the box when the wind is blowing out.

Where the grass is freshly cut, and the Rams always get the win,
Just put me there on second, and have Jacobs wave me in.

Where lives have been transformed and where baseball’s just a game
Just leave me there with him, on the field that bears his name.

Where a man lived out his faith and made the gospel known,
Just let me help to water, the countless seeds he’s sown.

Where he is right now, I can tell from all their faces,
Lord, let me stand beside him, when I’m finished running bases.

UM Legacy: People of the Halls

The UM Legacy story collection celebrates the rich history of the ɬ�﷬ by sharing the stories of people past and present who helped make UM what it is today. This story is part of the “People of the Halls” series spotlighting the people behind the names of the buildings and sports facilities at the ɬ�﷬. Read more UM Legacy stories at .

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 ɬ�﷬ 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.

But their mothers were.

Lesley Head and Jennifer Bowden sat in the stands watching their daughters and teammates the moms had helped set as outfielders on the 1997 Rams softball team. Members of the 1997 team were also on hand to watch their 25-year record fall and cheer on the next generation of Rams softball standouts.

It was a proud moment for the mothers who had passed on to their daughters a love of the game – and a love for their alma mater.

“In 1997 when we set the win streak, I knew it would be very hard to break. Little did I know that my daughter would be a part of the team that would eventually tie, and then shatter, that record,” said Jennifer. “It was a very emotional day for me when I watched Carleigh and her teammates walk off the field that day with a new record. It brought back so many awesome memories of my years as a Ram.”

Lesley said it was “an awesome feeling and honorable moment for my very own daughter, and my best friend’s daughter who is like my own, to be on the team that broke the record. There’s not many, if any at all, mothers and daughters who can actually tell and share this type of story, but the four of us can and that’s something that can never be taken away.”

The 2022 team goes to the regional championship tournament Monday in Gulf Shores, Alabama as the No. 1 overall seed in the (NAIA) world series – with an impressive 46-2 season and a new all-time program record of 34 consecutive wins.

SSAC Coach of the Year Alison Sellers-Cook said the 2022 team has a special chemistry that brings them together to win – and to love, support and encourage one another.

“They truly want each other to do well. I can’t tell you how many times my starters have come and said ‘put that kid in for me.’ The thing about – the bond you make in that college experience is something that lasts a lifetime,” Sellers-Cook said.

Carleigh said following in her mother’s footsteps hasn’t always been easy – Jennifer’s name is listed on the dugout “wall of awards” as All-Conference in 1997 and 1999. That’s where Carleigh wants to see her name, as well. Both Carleigh and Katie were named to the 2022 SSAC Softball Second Team All-Conference, and Carleigh was named to the All-Freshman team.

“Carleigh is a little fireball. She’s just gritty. She makes things happen. She does what she’s supposed to do and does it well,” said Sellers-Cook. “Katie is an absolute goofball. She keeps us entertained and keeps everything light.

“Both of them want to win. Both are a lot like their moms. They know what it takes to win; they know the drive and the heart and desire it takes to do it.”

Katie said she had always been told her mom was a pretty good ball player and outfielder and “naturally, I always felt that I had to be better, because we’re both so competitive.” When she learned her team had broken her mom’s 1997 team record, “my first thought about it was, ‘Oh cool, y’all aren’t the cool ones anymore; we are!’”

Both Lesley and Jennifer said they were thankful for their own experience as student-athletes at the ɬ�﷬ and were overjoyed when their daughters chose UM.

“It’s a pretty awesome feeling as a mom to have her daughter, who has worked so hard for so long, live out her dreams of being a college softball player – and see it all come to fruition at the same college that I went to,” Lesley said.

Katie agreed. “I love being able to say that I’m going to the same school that my mom went to, play on the same field she played on, and go to school playing the sport I love, like she did. There aren’t very many people that can say that, and I feel blessed to even be able to say those things.”

Katie is a junior majoring in kinesiology and plans to pursue a career in speech pathology or speech therapy. Carleigh is a freshman majoring in kinesiology with a pre-physical therapy concentration.

Carleigh said she chose UM because “when I went on a tour, it felt like home. The atmosphere and the people are amazing. Your professors get to know you on a personal level, which can come in handy if you are struggling with something in the classroom.”

Although she has just completed her freshman year, Carleigh said she has already built friendships that will last a lifetime.

“The girls on this team will always be there to help you when you need it. No matter what you’re going through, there will always be someone there beside you picking you up and cheering you on,” Carleigh said.

Carleigh’s mother said she treasures the friendships she made as a UM student, and she values the education she received as well.

“Having the experience to play at the ɬ�﷬ had a huge impact on my life. I now use my physical education degree to teach and make an impact on the lives of students every day,” said Jennifer, who is a physical education teacher and softball coach at Saraland Middle School.

Meanwhile, the competitive spirit lives on.

When their daughters’ team broke the record, “I did make the comment that I thought our ’97 team could probably beat them,” said Jennifer. “They all, of course laughed. I really do think it would be a great game between two amazing teams.”

��

Banner picture from left: Jennifer and Carleigh Bowden, Katie and Lesley Head

About the ɬ�﷬

The ɬ�﷬ is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the ɬ�﷬ 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 ɬ�﷬, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Kathy Dean

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

When he recruits student-athletes to in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, Jackson said character, personality and strong faith are good starting points, then he looks for the most talented golfers who are committed to their academics.

We asked Jackson about his passion for golf and coaching at a Christian university where student-athletes are known.

Q: What is a typical week for student-athletes in and ?

A: Commitment to being a student-athlete is the key. Our players have different class schedules which requires them to be both flexible and determined to achieve their goals, both academically and athletically. We typically condition twice a week and practice/play 4-6 days per week, weather permitting. It is difficult to get all the players together (we currently have 15 total players) for a team practice, so not having classes on Fridays is nice for that reason. Mondays through Thursdays we do mostly single or small group practices around their classes at the golf course. We are fortunate to have a lighted driving range on campus and Robert Trent Jones Magnolia Grove, which is about 15 minutes from campus, as our home practice facility.

Q: How do you help student-athletes balance their academic life and their athletic life?

A: First and foremost, our players are here to get their degree, so communication is a huge factor in scheduling practices around their class demands. Most of our players are very good at balancing everything, but sometimes they may need time away from golf for academic purposes.�� As long as they are taking care of their priorities, then I am willing to be more flexible.

Q: You have coached at UM for almost 6 years. What is your background?

A: I graduated from the University of South Alabama where I majored in English in 1989. I played collegiate golf at the University of Kentucky, Spring Hill College and South Alabama and then gave it a shot at professional golf for 5 years on a variety of mini tours. I coached the South Alabama wo�����’s team for 15 years prior to my current position here at UM.

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I am passionate about the game of golf and the history of it. As I have aged, I have become very interested in history, which is funny, because I didn’t like it at all when I was in school. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to teach the golf class on campus, KIN 201, and part of that is the history of the game which dates back to the late 1800s in the U.S. The game itself basically has remained the same, but the styles, equipment, golf courses and technology have allowed the game to evolve drastically.

Q: UM offers “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose.” What does that mean for student-athletes?

A: It means that not only are they receiving a quality education with a very good professor/student ratio of 1 to 13, but when they graduate, they are prepared to not just start a career and make a living, they also have a faith-based perspective to share with others as they make their way through life.

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 ɬ�﷬ 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.