Though every instructor I’ve met has had an impact, three specific women built my knowledge of literature, history and philosophy, completely reshaping my worldview.

I offer these words to Dr. Katherine Abernathy, Professor Amy Burdette, and Dr. Elizabeth Gilliland Rands in the College of Arts & Sciences at the ɬ�﷬:

“May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” –Ruth 2:12

 I suppose this is my last “thank you” to the ɬ�﷬ for blessing me with the mentorship of these intelligent and inspiring Christian women.

• Dr. Katherine Abernathy

 I met Dr. Abernathy on the second day of freshman year. She taught my English 101 class, and I remember feeling intimidated as she stared at her students, glasses resting on the tip of her nose.

Once I got into my upper-level literature courses, I realized she wasn’t to be feared. As she guided my classes through complex readings and essay writing, I began viewing her as a source of wisdom. I also found out that she isn’t afraid of cracking a joke or two.

From transcendentalist musings to Russian existentialism, Dr. Abernathy has broadened my taste in novels and reconstructed my view of philosophy and history. She taught me how to think analytically, write professionally and communicate ideas logically.

 Most importantly, though, she pushed me to be the very best student I could be – and that is something I will never forget.

So, thank you, Dr. Abernathy, for shaping my skills, sharing so much knowledge, and encouraging me to take on challenges, all while remaining the humble professor who seeks God in everything.

• Professor Amy Burdette

I met Professor Burdette in English 102, and from day one, she was a force of nature. She once interrupted her own lecture to shut the door, saying, “I have to close this because I talk too loudly.” That memory always makes me laugh.

Over time, I came to appreciate her vivacity and storytelling skills. To this day, I find Professor Burdette’s dry humor, blunt honesty and warm kindness incredibly refreshing.

Her headband collection is also impressive.

From her, I learned how to connect the oldest of texts to modern life, how to write scrupulously correct papers and how to collaborate with others.

 Most of all, though, she was the first to see my potential as a student, and she quickly became one of the reasons I changed my major to English.

So, thank you, Professor Burdette, for forming my foundational skills and helping me discover my own capabilities.

• Dr. Elizabeth Gilliland Rands

I started taking Dr. Gilliland’s courses last year, and I remember feeling nervous (mostly because I didn’t know how to pronounce her name), but she quickly became one of my favorite professors.

Her investigations into British literature weren’t just academic — they were life-changing. She helped me see how literary history intersects with social change. Her excitement for Jane Austen and Gothic fiction matched my own, and she welcomed my absurd theories.

So, thank you, Dr. Gilliland, for expanding my knowledge of British literature and listening to all of my outlandish commentary.

To My Professors and the ɬ�﷬

This post is my final thank you to the women who mentored me, challenged me and made me feel seen. And to the ɬ�﷬, for giving me the space to grow under their guidance.

About the ɬ�﷬

The ɬ�﷬ is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For Christ & His Kingdom.” With a vision to “Multiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World,” the university honors God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

Learn more about the ɬ�﷬ at /um-info/. Plan a campus visit or register for a UM Day at umobile.edu/umday-info or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

Editor’s Note: Kylie Stewart is a member of the ɬ�﷬ Class of 2025. She received the Area Award in English and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English.

Kylee Stewart

Kylee Stewart is a senior at the ɬ�﷬ majoring in English with a dedication to classic literature, critical analysis and academic writing. While attending the ɬ�﷬, she has sharpened her skills in research and communication, equipping her for a career in teaching English at the collegiate level. Kylee is from Daphne, Alabama, and enjoys baking, crocheting and volunteering in her free time.

However, I was recently reminded of harder questions: What should people strive to be like? More specifically: What kind of community have we created at the ɬ�﷬? During the recent snowstorm, I had an experience that both asked and answered this question.

A Record-breaking Snowfall

In case you didn’t know, Mobile recently received the biggest snowstorm in 130 years. In a region where snow is extremely rare, a record 7.5 inches fell on the city of Mobile and our campus. Simply put, it was awesome! My friends and I spent two full days doing nothing but playing outside. I believe that everyone else in the student body did, too. Even President Charles Smith came out to sled with us!

It was a good reminder that, sometimes, we simply need to celebrate and have fun. This, in itself, speaks volumes to the quality of UM’s student body. However, not everyone got to play outside.

An Overlooked Sacrifice

When I went to breakfast in Ingram Dining Hall on the second day of the snowstorm, I got to talking to some of the cafeteria staff. I found that not only did they spend the entire day inside serving us, there were only three workers on duty because of road closings and driving conditions! I realized that while we were playing, they were working to keep us fed. 

Stepping Up to Serve

I felt convicted to help. I asked the SGA (Student Government Association) where I serve as a representative if they might consider volunteering to clean up The Caf over the next couple days. The response was overwhelming!

That night, we helped sweep floors and break down boxes, take out trash and wipe down tables. Not only did the SGA help, the UM Honors Program and even a few other people stepped up to clean up. In all, I think we had 15 people!

The biggest thing I remember was talking to one of the cafeteria managers, who told me his team was touched by the responsibility taken by those students who stepped up, and they felt seen and respected.

A Higher Calling

This act of service was more than just cleaning up. It gets at an important truth, that as Christians we must look for unexpected ways to serve one another as a reflection of the dignity that God has placed in every human – the dignity that Christ died to preserve. 

For me, playing in the snow was a memorable experience. But even more memorable is the experience of working beside other students to live out Christ’s call to servant-leadership.

William Givens

William Givens is a sophomore at the ɬ�﷬ studying Philosophy with a minor in Biblical Studies. He is part of the Honors Program, represents the College of Arts and Sciences in the Student Government Association and runs cross-country and track for the Rams. William is from Montgomery, Alabama and enjoys reading The Classics and arguing about seemingly pointless things.

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

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

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

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

“Iron sharpens iron,” he said, quoting Proverbs 27:17. “My peers and I mold each other every day to be part of that one percent. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am.”

Ranked #1 Cadet

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

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

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

A Foundation of Faith and Academics

McKenzie credits his time at the ɬ�﷬, a Christian university, for shaping his character and deepening his faith. 

“UM offered me not just an education but an approach to spiritual growth,” he said. “My faith has become my backbone.” This foundation has helped him excel both in and out of the classroom, where he maintains a 3.25 GPA.

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

“My professors had a huge impact on my success here at UM, working with me not only in the classroom, but checking on me outside of the classroom to keep up with my college career and how I’m developing as an individual,” he said. “They pushed me to be better than I was and constantly told me how much they believed in me.”

A Vision for the Future

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

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

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

Learn More About UM

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. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The ɬ�﷬ was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

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.

I remember that Friday. My twin sister, Kristyn, and I were excited but a little bit nervous. We both had auditions for  to the  – our dream school – and we desperately wanted everything to work out. I remember taking turns praying in the car with my sister and mom. When it was my turn to pray, I completely surrendered to the Lord and said, “Lord, you know how badly we want this, but if this is not from you, you must take it. Even if it crushes us, your way is better. If this is from you, give us a sign. Direct our path.” 

Let me tell you, God was there! We stopped at a gas station to get coffee, and a man walked up and said, “It’s good to see young people drinking coffee.” My mom replied, “Well, they need it today, they have an audition at the ɬ�﷬.” The man said, “Oh wow, that’s a great school, one of my kids went there and was involved in RamCorps. Can I pray for y’all?” And he did – the man stood there and held our hands and prayed over us. 

I knew that was our sign from the Lord. I knew then that the Lord had paved the way my whole life to bring me to this university. 

God Has a Plan for Us

After this, we walked into our auditions with confidence, knowing that God had a plan for us. I wanted to be a Production Technologies major, which meant I had to interview with someone for my scholarship. I met with Jeremy Harford, director of the production technology program. I’ll be honest – I did not know why God had called me to this program, and somedays I still do not understand the calling God has placed on my life. I just knew that a lot of the things that they teach in this Production Technologies major were things I needed and thought I would be good at it. 

I told Jeremy that, and he saw something in me that day. I remember at the end of the interview Jeremy saying, “I think you would be good at it, too!” and that was it – after that I was a student in the  program in the Alabama School of the Arts at the ɬ�﷬! My sister also received an ASOTA scholarship and is a Music Education major.

A Dream Come True

As I look around this university – the halls of Martin and the Roger Breland Center for Performing Arts, and as I walk by and touch the Great Commission Globe in the center of campus – I am constantly reminded of the promises of God, of how He has been faithful time and time again. He instilled this dream in the hearts of both me and my sister, calling us to this place, the ɬ�﷬.

Being here really is a dream come true. I love being a part of this school and being a Ram. Just as we prayed, God has directed our paths, and I am so grateful! 

Learn More About the ɬ�﷬

Learn more about the ɬ�﷬ at . Plan a campus visit or register for a UM Day at or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

Katelyn Maten

Katelyn Maten is a sophomore majoring in Production Technologies at the ɬ�﷬. She is currently a photographer interning with the university’s Good Work Agency and a technician for UM’s ensemble Worship Collective. Katelyn enjoys going to Alabama School of the Arts events with her twin sister, Kristyn, who is majoring in Music Education at UM.