Amanda Bible Williams
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & English ’00
Co-founder of She Reads Truth

Book: “The Bible Is for You: A Devotional Journey Through Every Book of the Bible”

Authors: Amanda Bible Williams & Raechel Myers

Publisher: B&H Publishing Group, 2025

About the Book: From Genesis to Revelation, “The Bible Is for You: A Devotional Journey Through Every Book of the Bible” seamlessly intertwines truths found in Scripture. She Reads Truth co-founders Amanda Bible Williams and Raechel Myers created a 66-day devotional that takes you through every book of the Bible, one day at a time. Just like the “She Reads Truth Bible” released in 2016, this devotional helps readers engage with the entirety of the Word. Each day features selected reading passages, personal reflections and connections across Scripture to show the overarching story of redemption.

Amanda’s Story:

“Is your name really Bible?” This is one of the most-asked questions Amanda Bible Williams receives. With a smile and a nod, she answers with a hearty “yes!” It’s a fitting introduction for someone whose life and work revolve around helping others engage with Scripture. Amanda is co-founder of the global community and lifestyle brand, She Reads Truth. What began in 2012 as a small online Bible study is now a worldwide sisterhood of women who learn and grow together in their engagement with the Gospel. Daily Bible reading plans, weekly podcast, Bible apps and other resources help women build consistent Bible reading habits, grow in biblical literacy and unite with other Bible readers across the world.

Today, more than 931,000 people follow the She Reads Truth Instagram account, @shereadstruth. Since its publication in 2016, the “She Reads Truth Bible” has sold over one million copies worldwide. The She Reads Truth series has published hundreds of books — more than 223 study books plus three children’s books — covering topics from devotional and Bible-study guides to full Bible reading plans and children’s faith resources including the She Reads Truth, He Reads Truth and Kids Read Truth brands.

As a ɬ�﷬ graduate, Amanda credits enriching relationships with professors and mentors who taught her “to read widely, think critically and value learning as part of a full, rich life.” Today, Amanda encourages others to read and understand the Bible for themselves through her She Reads Truth platform.

Visit to access reading plans, books and podcasts.

Dr. Andy McLean
Bachelor of Arts in Religion ’03
Publisher for Bibles and Reference at B&H
Publishing Group, Lifeway Christian Resources

Book: “Big Questions: Developing a Christ-Centered Apologetic”

Publisher: Lifeway Christian Resources, 2016

About the Book: Unless faith is grounded in something more than emotion, believers will struggle to effectively deal with doubts or see them as opportunities to grow in commitment to Christ. “Big Questions: Developing a Christ-Centered Apologetic” is a six-session study – plus a teacher’s guide – that equips students to think biblically about some of the toughest topics relating to the Christian faith. With insights from apologists William Lane Craig, J.P. Moreland and Sean McDowell, the study takes students through a deeper way to define and defend their faith.

Andy’s Story:

Andy McLean has a unique opportunity to get God’s Word into the hands and hearts of millions. As publisher for Bibles and Reference at B&H Publishing Group, Lifeway Christian Resources – one of the largest Bible publishing houses in the world – he leads a team that publishes Bibles, commentaries and reference books, including works by multiple ɬ�﷬ alumni.

His role includes stewarding a major English Bible translation – the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) – as well as the oldest Bible publishing imprint in North America – Holman Bibles. He was part of a team that launched The Gospel Project, an age-aligned Bible study for churches and small groups used globally.

“As a Bible Publishing house, our focus isn’t to merely print and distribute Bibles — despite that being a worthwhile goal — but rather our mission and strategy is to faithfully curate trustworthy Bibles that help people of all ages engage meaningfully with Scripture,” he said.

As an author, Andy aims to ensure students can defend their faith. In “Big Questions: Developing a Christ-Centered Apologetic,” teens and young adults are challenged to defend their faith when tough topics are brought up, including doubt, other religions, God’s existence and more.

Andy recalls how the time and experiences he had at the ɬ�﷬ laid the foundation for what would follow later in his graduate and career opportunities.

“The challenging educational program, the perennial support from faculty and positive experiences from fellow student peers all contributed to my success in pursuing three master’s degrees (MDiv, MA, ThM) and a PhD in post-graduate life.”

“In short, it was an incredibly impactful time and place in my life where I was personally stretched intellectually and emotionally, and a time and place that offered me the space to dream and consider what God might have for me, as I continued to pursue this calling following my time at the University of Mobile,” Andy said.

Recently, alongside Lifeway Christian Resources, Andy generously gifted the ɬ�﷬ 500 new Bibles for students, distributed during the first chapel service of the 2024 fall semester.

Dr. Jason K. Lee
Bachelor of Arts in Religion ’91
Provost & Vice President for Academic
Administration, ɬ�﷬

Book: “Scripture and Scrubs: A Christian Calling
to Healthcare”

Authors: Jason K. Lee, Michael Sherr and Angie Mickle

Publisher: B&H Publishing Group, 2025

About the Book: In medical care, the physical needs of patients matter deeply – but so do the spiritual and emotional
well-being of the professionals who care for them. “Scripture and Scrubs: A Christian Calling to Healthcare” by theologian Jason K. Lee, social work professor Michael E. Sherr and dean of nursing Angelia M. Mickle offers a thoughtful blend of theological insight, real-life scenarios and practical guidance to help healthcare professionals understand their role as frontline workers for the Lord. Grounded in both Scripture and clinical experience, the book encourages seasoned practitioners as well as students preparing to enter the healing professions.

Jason’s Story:

During his college years, Jason Lee learned from ɬ�﷬ professors to “think well, love the
Bible and care for others as preparation for all of life.”

“Not only did I have great relationships with my professors, but they also instilled in me the importance of
having the Gospel be the center of all vocations including healthcare, education and religious studies,” Jason says.
In writing “Scripture and Scrubs: A Christian Calling to Healthcare,” Jason used the tools he learned early in
his academic career to answer the calling the Lord had placed on his life.

A professor who served at Cedarville University as director of the Center for Biblical Integration, Jason co-authored “Scriptures and Scrubs” to help current and future healthcare professionals navigate the trials and difficulties that come with demands of their vocation.

“If you are a Christian healthcare professional that needs encouragement for your field of ministry, this book draws on God’s wisdom in 2 Corinthians as timely help for weary souls,” said Jason.

“Scripture and Scrubs” is one of the top-ranked books in its niche and was the focus of a recent Jesus Calling podcast ().

Among Jason’s publications is the forthcoming “Submitting to Christ Together: Baptist Dogmatics Ecclesiology” set to release this year, and “The Theology of John Smyth: Puritan, Separatist, Baptist, Mennonite.”

Mary Wiley
Bachelor of Arts in English & Christian Studies ’09
Associate Publisher at B&H Publishing Group

Book: “Discovering the Bible: A Kid’s Guide to Reading and Understanding God’s Word”

Publisher: B&H Publishing Group, 2025

About the Book: “Discovering the Bible: A Kid’s Guide to Reading and Understanding God’s Word” equips children to explore
Scripture with confidence and curiosity. Designed for ages 8–12, this kid-friendly guide teaches young readers how to understand different Bible genres, ask thoughtful questions and apply God’s Word in everyday life. With memory verses, reading plans and practical tools for parents and ministry leaders, “Discovering the Bible” makes learning about God’s Word both accessible and inspiring, helping the next generation build a strong foundation of faith.

Mary’s Story:

A published author, speaker and associate publisher at B&H Publishing Group, Mary uses the skills she learned
at the ɬ�﷬ daily.

“Through the programs at UM, I was prepared thoroughly with instruction in theology as well as how to write in a way that communicates clearly and effectively,” said Mary. “If it were not for my time at UM, I would not have discovered that writing means so much to me. My professors and peers at the university really spurred me to success.”

Through her vocation, Mary plays a key role in ensuring God’s Word reaches multitudes. It is her aim and calling to ensure the Gospel is presented accurately through the writings of her authors and extended rapidly through the production and distribution of the printed works.

“I do not take what I do lightly, and God has been so kind to allow me to serve the Kingdom in ways that I so enjoy,” Mary said.

Since her first book, “The Gospel Story” (2015) sold over one million copies, she has written “Everyday Theology: What You Believe Matters” (2020), “Life as a Christian” (2022), “Everyday Theology Bible Study for Teens” (2022), “Our Highest Good” (2024), and most recently, “Discovering the Bible for Kids,” also available as an e-book.

Mary hosts a podcast where she dives more into her book study Everyday Theology along with her own series “Questions Kids Ask” where she brings in various guest speakers for each episode.

Listen to the Everyday Theology & Questions Kids Ask podcast at .

Dr. D. Scott Hildreth
Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies ’91
Master of Arts in Biblical/Theological Studies ’99
Assistant Professor of Missiology, Associate
Dean of Ministry Studies, Bailey Smith Chair of
Evangelism, Southeastern Baptist Theological
Seminary

Dr. Steven A. McKinion
Master of Arts in Theological Studies ’97
Professor of Theology and Patristics, Director of
PhD and ThM Studies, John L. Dagg Chair of
Systematic Theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Book: “Serving Jesus without Burning Out: Faithful Ministry for the Long Haul”

Authors: Scott Hildreth & Steve McKinion

Publisher: B&H Publishing Group, 2025

About the Book: Whether due to emotional exhaustion, poor choices, moral failures or stress and fatigue, church leaders are experiencing high rates of burnout. In “Serving Jesus without Burning Out,” Steve McKinion and Scott Hildreth address some of the most prevalent issues facing men and women in church leadership today. In this book, the authors focus on the need for spiritual holiness and for faith leaders to be rooted in Scripture at all times. “Serving Jesus without Burning Out” helps ministers to survive – even thrive – in the challenges and blessings of Christian ministry.

Scott & Steve’s Story:

Getting to collaborate with one of your lifelong friends is something that writers, educators and thinkers dream about doing. ɬ�﷬ graduates Scott Hildreth and Steve McKinion did just that.

The result is two popular publications: “Sharing Jesus without Freaking Out” and “Serving Jesus without
Burning Out.” The books grew out of countless conversations and a shared passion for seeing lost
people come to faith in Christ and serve the Lord throughout their lives.

As professors and colleagues at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, teaching and writing are part of their calling – and their time at UM laid the foundation.

“I still draw on the foundation of my studies under professors at the ɬ�﷬ who pursued academic excellence but also demonstrated a pastor’s heart and a view to ministry around the world,” Steve said.

“The teaching that I received at UM allowed me to be a better professor to my students. I am so grateful to have had such enriching relationships at that point in my life,” Scott said.

Both are using their gifts as communicators to speak specifically to church leaders, encouraging ministers to thrive in the challenges and blessings of Christian ministry. In “Serving Jesus without Burning Out,” they address some of the issues church leaders face and show how to combat them through the Word.

Scott has several published works including “Together on God’s Mission: How Southern Baptists Cooperate to Fulfill the Great Commission,” “A Short Guide to Evangelism and Missions,” and the children’s book “God is Great, God is Good.”

Steve’s publications include “Words, Imagery, and the Mystery of Christ: A Reconstruction of Cyril of
Alexandria’s Christology,” “Life and Practice in the Early Church,” “Ancient Christian Commentary on
Scripture: Isaiah 1-39,” and “The Person and Work of Jesus Christ.”

Buy the Books at !

About the ɬ�﷬

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.

“Kingdom leader” is more than a phrase at the��ɬ�﷬ — it is a defining outcome of our mission: The ɬ�﷬ exists For Christ & His Kingdom to Multiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World.��Every classroom, chapel and campus experience is intentionally designed to shape students who will lead with faith, integrity and eternal purpose.��

Academic departments, student life events, athletic��programs and campus ministries work in concert to develop graduates who are grounded in truth, shaped by faith and equipped to lead with integrity wherever God calls.��

That intentionality is more than aspirational language – it visibly shapes campus life and is the driving force behind new programs and initiatives marking the second year of UM President Charles Smith’s administration.��

“Kingdom leadership is the heartbeat of the��ɬ�﷬,” President Smith says. “We��want every student to leave here equipped not only��with knowledge, but with the faith, courage and��character to make a lasting impact for God’s Kingdom.��

“The true measure of our mission is not how many��students walk across the stage at graduation, but how many walk into the world ready to lead with integrity, serve with compassion and make an eternal impact for Christ on whatever path He places before them.”��

What is a Kingdom Leader?��

What exactly does it mean to be a Kingdom leader, and why is it central to UM’s mission?��

Dr. Jason Lee ’91, provost and vice president for academic administration, explains:��

“Kingdom leaders are distinct from typical leaders��in that Kingdom leaders are defined by Kingdom��characteristics and driven by Kingdom goals. Kingdom characteristics include humility, patience, integrity and goodness (Galatians 5). Kingdom goals include service, witness, stewardship and glorifying God in all things, at all times, forever (Colossians 3:17 and 1 Corinthians 10:31).��

He cites four keys to creating academic programs that develop Kingdom leaders:��

• Academic innovation ensures students are��receiving superior training marked by creativity, the latest methodologies and high academic��standards.��

• Academic partnerships with businesses, medical providers, ministry partners, schools and government agencies expose students to real��situations, contemporary challenges and��professional mentoring.��

• Program efficiency helps students progress through their programs in a timely manner and helps lower student costs and student debt.��

• A Christ-centered faculty provides��God-honoring programs and courses with a��commitment to excellence that glorifies the Lord.��

“That intentionality in everything from the classroom to chapel ensures students are equipped to lead with wisdom and character long after they leave this campus,” Lee says.��

Shaping Leaders Through Student Life��

Leading the overall student experience is Tim Adams, UM’s new vice president for student development and collegiate athletics. He holds a Master of Theological Studies with emphasis in leadership from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in communication from Bethel University. His extensive background includes 16 years of pastoral ministry in Liberty and Camdenton, Missouri, as well as leadership roles with Kanakuk Kamps and K-Life Ministries.��

A former collegiate football player with a coach’s heart for students, Adams brings a clear vision for��strengthening a campus community that shapes��graduates who leave UM saying their college��experience was transformational.��

The Student Leadership Retreat of Fall 2025 kicked off that effort. Faculty and staff identified more than 150 student leaders – sophomores through seniors – from academic, athletic and student life programs across the university. In a week-long intensive experience prior to fall semester’s start, students learned from UM staff and faculty – including President Smith – what it means to be a leader on campus.��

The first chance students had to practice leadership in the new school year was Ram Rush, a high-energy week of activities designed to integrate the new freshman class��into the campus community. Ram Rush sets the stage for a new student’s successful college experience.��

“My vision-cast for the Student Leadership Retreat was that we, as a group, have the opportunity to raise the tide and, with it, all ships in the bay,” Adams says. “For us, that’s the freshman incoming class. We have an opportunity as leaders to make sure these new students have a great experience as they come on campus for Ram Rush. To say to this new group of student leaders that ‘We see you as a person who can help us do that’ was really a rallying point of the retreat.”��

Spreading Ram Rush energy throughout the school year are events like The Weekender, a jam-packed weekend filled with activities while increasing attendance and excitement at athletic competitions. The Night Before brought students from across the campus community to a dress rehearsal for Christmas Spectacular, giving them a chance to see friends perform at a professional level in a fun environment that includes games and prizes.��

Game Day Choir put a new spin on fan support when over 100 students in full choir robes became the��noisemakers for a men’s basketball game. Under the direction of Dr. Andrew Goodwin ’10 & ’23, dean of the Alabama School of the Arts, the choir responded to specific moments – such as singing “Miss It” to the tune of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” when UM’s opponents were shooting free throws.��

Within athletics, Adams is providing clarity and��direction through a vision built on four pillars —��character development, excellence, scholarship and��competition — helping coaches and student-athletes��understand how to pursue success while growing as Kingdom leaders. Nearly 500 student-athletes��representing UM’s 21 intercollegiate teams gathered for the university’s first Spring Convocation for Athletics, a chapel-style service focused on spiritual growth and discipleship. Guest speaker Heiden Ratner, a former��collegiate basketball player and founding pastor of WALK Church, challenged athletes to anchor their identity in Christ, not competition. Preaching from John 15, Ratner encouraged students to remain rooted in Jesus, reminding them that lasting victory begins with��a life built on Him.��

Leadership in Action��

Jared Baria ’09 & ’24, director of student life, says Kingdom leadership is about more than titles or positions; it is about equipping students to live out their faith, to serve and to influence others for Christ in every aspect of their lives.��

“All of our students and all Christians will have an opportunity to lead somewhere in life – that may be leading in the workplace as an employee or employer, it may be leading in your home. Christians are called to live on mission no matter what they do. Our professions do not change the mission,” Baria says.��

The UM experience is rich with opportunities for��students to practice Kingdom leadership. Ambassadors and Presidential Fellows guide peers and represent��UM with integrity. Campus Activities Board gives��students practical experience in developing and��implementing campus events. Student Government Association empowers students to implement innovative ideas to enhance the UM experience. Programs like Make Much Bible study deepen relationships with peers while strengthening personal relationships with Christ. Each month, students gather for Prayer Walk across campus, lifting up the university family. Prayer Room happens each semester, bringing students together for��an intense time of prayer and worship. Residential��Assistants mentor students in dorms through prayer groups and Bible study.��

During 2025-2026, University Ministries student��teams led worship and Baria preached the gospel to��incarcerated men and women at the Baldwin County Correctional Center. Three services at Mobile County Metro Jail – for juveniles, women and men – resulted��in 12 professions of faith.��

Athletics and intramurals are also spaces for Kingdom leadership. Students learn to compete with excellence while reflecting Christ in all they do, whether on the court, in the gym or at a game-day event.��“Even a guy playing intramural pickleball can do so��for the glory of God and can represent Jesus well in��competition,” Baria says.��

Developing Leaders at Every Level��

If Kingdom leadership is to be multiplied efficiently,��students must see it modeled effectively by those who teach, mentor and guide them. That starts with��recruiting faculty, staff and coaches who embrace UM’s Christ-centered culture and providing them with��opportunities for growth, such as the annual Ignite��Conference each fall. Dr. Rick Langer, retired professor and co-author of “Mission-Driven Colleges: Keeping First Things First in Christian Higher Education,” joined President Smith for a keynote address and��armchair discussion about what it means to be a��Christian university at the Fall 2025 Ignite Conference.��

Additionally, President Smith has called faculty and staff to embody the university’s core values – to be hungry team members passionate about progress, humble servants eager to put others first, smart leaders who approach both people and projects with wisdom, and happy and��hopeful colleagues who are encouraging and optimistic.��

At the Leadership Project, faculty and staff gather regularly to study influential leadership books through a biblical framework, engaging in thoughtful discussion about how Christ-centered leadership applies to their roles on campus. The initiative fosters shared language, deeper alignment around mission and a renewed��commitment to leading with humility, integrity and��purpose. Fall semester’s study focused on Patrick��Lencioni’s “The Ideal Team Player” and spring��semester 2026 is reading “So Good They Can’t��Ignore You” by Cal Newport.��

The President’s Cabinet further strengthens the��university’s investment in developing a workforce of Kingdom leaders. Bringing together administrative leaders from across the university, the Cabinet provides a forum to hear updates on key initiatives, offer input and ensure collaborative, mission-driven decision-making. The result is not merely administrative coordination, but unified leadership shaped by the same Kingdom��principles UM seeks to instill in its students.��

By intentionally developing leaders at every level, the ɬ�﷬ reinforces a culture where��Kingdom leadership is not only taught — it is practiced, modeled and multiplied daily.

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 ɬ�﷬ alumnus Dr. Bruce Chesser ’78 became pastor in 2009, First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, Tennessee, was $17 million in debt. Today the nearly 80-year-old church is debt-free and has the largest attendance in its history, reaching 3,735 in 2024 with over 2,200 people involved in Vacation Bible School each summer. FBC Hendersonville baptized more people than ever before in 2024, with 340 following the Lord in baptism.��

Notably, FBC Hendersonville became the first church in the state of Tennessee to give over $1 million a year to the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention.��

The multi-generational church is intentionally a single-campus church with a vision of planting and revitalizing existing churches to help them become thriving, independent Southern Baptist congregations.��

Among its ministries are:��

• Feed Sumner Food Bank and Ministry Center,��meeting the physical needs of people in upper��Middle Tennessee
• Adult special needs ministry, addressing a largely��unmet need in the region
• The Babb Center, a counseling ministry serving all��of Middle Tennessee.��

Fellow alumnus Jason Breland ’24 serves as worship leader. Breland holds a Master of Arts in Worship Leadership and Theology from UM. One of his daughters, Abigail, graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.��

Chesser said he values his ɬ�﷬ connections, both past and present.��

Dr. Bruce Chesser ’78, Senior Pastor��

After graduating from then-Mobile College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, Dr. Bruce Chesser earned both his MDiv and DMin from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He pastored in Texas, Alabama and Arkansas before becoming pastor of FBC Hendersonville in 2009. He met his wife, Joy, at MC/UM and they have two married sons and two grandchildren.��

“The foundational truths of my theology began as a child in my home church, but they were refined while I was in college. Things I learned at Mobile College impact my life every single day,” he said.��

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.

Celebrating 80 years of faith and service, Cottage Hill ��Baptist Church has grown from a one-week tent revival in 1944 with just 28 members to a thriving, multi-site church making a global impact. Each era has brought new blessings and opportunities for expansion:��

• Cottage Hill Christian Academy recently marked its 25-year anniversary and now serves over 600 students��from preschool through 12th grade.
• The Recreational Outreach Center has become a��vital ministry hub, using sports and fitness programs to��reach people across the city.
• Love Where You Live, launched in 2015, has contributed thousands of service hours to Mobile and��Baldwin counties.��

Cottage Hill has been a longstanding partner with UM,��hosting Christmas Spectacular, graduation ceremonies,��and investing in UM students in a variety of ways.��

A Vision for the Future��

With four campuses – Cottage Hill Baptist Church (main campus), Downtown Church at The Steeple, Church of��the Island (Dauphin Island), and Bay Family Church��(Grand Bay) – Cottage Hill continues to expand its reach.��During the church’s 80th anniversary celebration, Pastor Alan introduced the “Eight80” vision, a bold initiative that includes:��

• Commissioning 80 members into ministry service.
• Assisting in the planting or revitalization of 80 churches.
• Sending 800 members on short-term mission trips.��

“We are very intentional and have currently partnered��with church plants in Puerto Rico, Turkey, Salt Lake City and Pittsburg,” said Floyd. “We also want to help those who are called to vocational ministry find opportunities to serve – whether at one of our campuses, a church replant or through one of the many churches we are connected with. Although Cottage Hill has a very rich history, we truly believe its��greatest days lie ahead.”��

Dr. Alan Floyd ’89, Lead Pastor��

A Mobile native, Dr. Alan Floyd felt the call to ministry at just 16 years old. He graduated from then-Mobile College in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in religion and English, later earning his MDiv from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a DMin from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. His passion for church revitalization has been a guiding force throughout his ministry, shaping his doctoral work and leadership approach. Before becoming lead pastor at Cottage Hill in 2012, he pastored churches in Florida and Georgia.��

“I value the preparation for ministry and the friendships developed at Mobile College. Many of those relationships remain strong today. It’s a joy to now serve alongside Ricky Watt, who attended MC with me, as we work together through our network��of churches,” he said.��

Floyd and his wife, Kathy, have two sons, Christopher ’17 and Conner ’21, both ɬ�﷬ graduates currently serving in local church ministry.��

Lesa Moore

Mrs. Lesa Moore holds a Bachelor of Science in marketing from University of South Alabama and a Master of Business Administration from the ɬ�﷬, where she was presented the Dr. William K. Weaver Jr. Honorary Fellows Award and Best Composition Paper Award in 2007. She has over 25 years of experience in marketing and public relations in the high-tech industry, retail advertising and higher education. She has developed and led award-winning teams whose advertising, public relations and design work has been recognized locally and nationally by the Bay Area Advertising Federation, Public Relations Council of Alabama, Baptist Communicators Association and Higher Education Advertising Awards. Also, she is an assistant professor of marketing at the ɬ�﷬. Prior to joining the university in 2002, Mrs. Moore enjoyed a successful career as director of marketing communication at Xanté Corporation, an international high-tech printer manufacturer. Mrs. Moore is married to Jay and they have two children, Logan and Olivia. They are members of Cottage Hill Baptist Church in Mobile, AL.

When I came to the ɬ�﷬, I saw the perfect place for this vision to flourish. Here, we believe God calls His people to radical generosity, and when we answer that call together, the impact is extraordinary. We see it every day in students preparing to serve the Lord through whatever vocation He has given them – men and women who will leave UM with a Great Commission passion to make a difference for the glory of God and the good of the world.��

A Gospel Foundation��

As Christians, we often think that when we give our lives to Christ, He takes hold of everything except our money. But when God calls us to faith in Christ, the entirety of our lives is given over to God. Not one��aspect of us is left outside of God’s sovereignty. As we are baptized, every part of us, including our��pocketbooks, is cleansed and finds transformation in��the gospel.��

This gospel of Jesus Christ – this very gospel that saves, redeems and restores – is our foundation for living a life of radical generosity.��

Transformed by the Gospel��

Giving is a tangible way we can proclaim to those around us that we have been transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. It shows a change of heart and��reorientation of resources to be used in honor of God and for His glory. When the gospel is the foundation for generosity, then giving is first and foremost about proclaiming and portraying the saving work of Christ. We proclaim the gospel through generosity because it’s the gospel that calls us to life radically different from the world (Rom. 12:1-2). Generosity is nothing but a vehicle to proclaim the goodness of God and the saving work of Jesus.��

As we give, we get to be living examples of what Christ has done in our lives.��

Rooted in the Gospel��

Generosity is rooted in the gospel, sprouts from the gospel, and bears fruit because of the gospel. We give generously because of the gospel, and only because of the gospel. If we confess the gospel, then generosity should naturally follow it. As we practice generosity, God is working through us, enabling us to give.��

Giving, above all else, is about the testimony of the gospel.��

Gospel generosity is the Christian’s joyful awareness of what Christ has done for us and how we are privileged to participate in proclaiming that work through giving and advancing the gospel.��

Go, give generously, and glorify God!��

Nathan W. Harris, PhD, is the author of “A Short Guide to Gospel Generosity: Giving as an Act of Grace,” published by B&H Publishing and available on Amazon.com and through The ɬ�﷬ Store at��.��

Dr. Nathan Harris

Dr. Nathan Harris holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in youth ministry from Malone University. He earned a Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Theology (ThM) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in biblical studies, each from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has taught courses on the New Testament, hermeneutics and theology. Prior to joining UM in June of 2024, he served as vice president of advancement at Grace College & Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana. Previously, he served at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio, as associate professor of biblical studies and senior director of annual giving and stewardship. At Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) in Kansas City, Missouri, he served as director of institutional relations initiatives and worked under the leadership of Dr. Charles Smith, who became the sixth president of the ɬ�﷬ on March 21, 2024. He and his wife, Kelsey, have three children, Noah, Jude and Ruth.

For Brinkley Hearn, a ɬ�﷬ 2024 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education, confirmation didn’t come in a single moment, but in the quiet, daily victories of her first year as a fourth-grade teacher at Saraland Elementary School.��

Just a year ago, Brinkley stood on the graduation stage in front of Weaver Hall and accepted the university’s highest honor for a graduating female senior, the Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Award. Today, she is seeing the impact of her ɬ�﷬ education come to life in her own classroom – an education that prepared her not just to teach, but to lead with faith and purpose.��

“I feel an undeniable sense that I am exactly where I am meant to be. Every day, I have seen my students not only grow academically but also personally, and it feels like I am a part of something bigger than myself. The challenges and triumphs have become moments where I can feel God’s presence guiding me, strengthening me, and using me to make a difference in their lives. It is more than just a job – it is a mission – and I know I am fulfilling my calling.”��

– Brinkley Hearn ’24��

Nationally Recognized for Excellence��

The ɬ�﷬ School of Education is��nationally recognized for preparing teachers like��Brinkley. Inspirational professors, 100% pass rates on teacher exams and collaborative partnerships��throughout the community are just a few reasons UM is recognized for national excellence by the prestigious Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.��

The school maintains a 100% pass rate on the Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) for graduates, and 100% of Early Childhood and Elementary majors exceed the minimum passing score on their first attempt. A job placement rate of 100% means most education students have a teaching position lined up before they graduate.��

Key to UM’s success is a team of experienced faculty who know first-hand what it takes to do the work – manage a classroom, nurture students with a variety of needs and abilities, hold parent-teacher conferences, develop lesson plans that work.��

“The amazing faculty in the School of Education works as a cohesive team to ensure that our��students are prepared for a career in teaching. The collaborative partnerships we have��established with local schools, educational organizations and the community is vital to the success of our students,” says Dr. Ashley Milner, dean of the School of Education.��

Collaborative Connections��

UM faculty collaborate with public and private school systems across lower Alabama to provide students with extensive experience throughout the community. Starting in the sophomore year, students have over 200 hours in the field at various schools, grade levels and school systems.��

One example is last fall’s “Beginning of School��Experience” partnership with nearby Saraland Elementary. Because UM’s fall semester starts after K-12 schools have already been in session a few weeks, pre-service student teachers don’t have the opportunity to experience those hectic early days of a new school year. The Beginning of School Experience let UM students volunteer to work side-by-side with veteran teachers – before college classes even started.��

“We’ve had classes already about classroom��management, and so we’ve done plans like first day of school scripts and how to set up a��classroom and things like that. But it’s really neat to be in a classroom and see how that works��hands-on,” says senior Bethany Kilgore.��

UM alumna Allison Nelson ’06 was one of those veteran teachers showing the ropes to UM student teachers.��

“These student teachers having the opportunity to see all of what happens is one more aspect that sets apart the education department at UM��compared to other universities. It is one more step UM is taking to help these future educators WIN in the world of teaching,” says Allison.��

Innovative Partnerships��

The mission of UM’s School of Education extends into the future, embracing new technologies and skills. In partnership with Pine Grove Elementary in Bay Minette, Alabama, UM students are engaging in a robotics learning initiative led by Dr. Jessica Freeland, instructional design and technology graduate program��coordinator. Freeland is passionate about empowering classroom teachers with the knowledge and skills to provide the computer science and digital literacy instruction required for elementary schools by the Alabama State Department of Education.��

A grant from the North Baldwin Community Foundation – an affiliate of The Community Foundation of South Alabama – provided Pine Grove Elementary and UM with robots designed to introduce early coding and problem-solving skills to��elementary students in engaging, age-appropriate ways.��

“Too often, teachers shy away from technology like robotics because they find terms like ‘coding’��intimidating. Through this project, I want to demystify those concepts and show how robots can be seamlessly integrated into everyday lessons. By empowering��educators, we’re ensuring that students will be��exposed to critical 21st-century skills in a fun and��engaging way,” says Freeland.��

She envisions her TE 405 students at UM partnering with Pine Grove teachers to co-teach robotics lessons, further reinforcing the collaboration between the two institutions and enhancing the educational experience for all students.��

‘Passionate About Teaching’��

As she prepares to graduate in a few weeks, senior Bethany Kilgore says she is fully prepared to pursue her calling to teach, her mission to serve.��

“I have always been passionate about teaching��students, whether that be in a Sunday School class or teaching swim lessons during the summer. Teaching students something new and then seeing them��understand it is one of the best and most rewarding feelings in the world. I believe it is so important for��students to have teachers who are passionate about teaching them in developmentally appropriate ways, and I am learning how to do that to the best of my��ability at the ɬ�﷬,” Bethany says.

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.

“After spending every summer during college either overseas or working with refugees in the states, God kept confirming His calling on my life that at some point I would be overseas. After graduating and getting a few years of nursing��experience in Mobile and then in Nashville, I started looking into how I could get to the mission field overseas. Fast forward, and now I have been in Tanzania for almost three years,” she says.��

First, she learned Swahili and cared for premature babies on the pediatric ward of the local hospital. Now she serves in nearby lake villages, using community health as an entryway to build relationships with women and their families. In her newsletters, Debra shares the joys and challenges of daily life on mission to Tanzania. Here are excerpts.��

Our First Road Trip Adventure��

“A teammate and I got to go on our first Tanzanian road trip to help with a women’s health teaching in a Maasai village. We were in an extremely dry bush village for a week, doing this teaching, with a group of 30 incredible Maasai women. I did not really have many expectations for this week and was just going to go and be open and flexible to help out in any way I could. From my experience with women in the rural town I live in, I did not expect these Maasai women to be super engaged or want to really participate, but they proved me wrong! They welcomed us in with open arms and trusted us with sensitive topics.��

It truly encouraged my heart and has me��excited and motivated to bring what I learned in this village back to my area! We also saw giraffes and zebras every day on our drive out to the��village, so that was pretty awesome!”��

Prayer Request: To keep my focus on Christ and His call that brought me to Tanzania, even when things around me seem to always be changing.��

Answered Prayers��

“Since the beginning of October, a teammate and I plus 11 national partners, give or take each week, have been taking a boat out to a lake village called Kigalye. This village is primarily Muslim and mainly consists of fishermen and their��families. At the center of the village is a mosque and right beside the mosque is the health clinic. Every other week, we have been teaching a health lesson at the clinic to the women of Kigalye and telling a Bible story at the beginning of the����������Dz�.”��

Prayer Request: That I will abide in Christ every day.��

God is With Us��

“This week we have started going by foot to the lake villages of Kigalye and Kagongo twice a week. With the blessing of the local doctor and the Muslim village leaders, we are allowed to visit the homes of the pregnant women and newborns. We are praying this will give us the opportunity to build relationships with the women and their families, as that was really hard to do when we were doing the health teachings at the clinic. After just one week, we can see this is going to be challenging and hard, but we have hope and we know that God is with us through it all.”��

Praises: The blessing from village leaders to continue working in Kigalye and Kagongo.

Patience and Perseverance��

“This has been a very slow process, but the Lord is teaching us what it looks like to persevere and be patient. Within the past couple of months, though, we are beginning to see little bits of interest to the Gospel, and one lady in Kagongo received Christ! She is now meeting weekly with two of her neighbors and a couple of the girls on our team, learning how to read her Bible and studying through the commands of Christ. Our team has even been able to show the Jesus Film in both Kagongo and Kigalye recently, which has initiated a lot of Gospel conversations.”��

Praises: For the Tanzanian youth who hike out to the lake villages every week to share the gospel. For their health and safety, and that they will abide in Christ and be obedient to what God has called them to. That their churches would come alongside them to encourage, pray and support them.��

To Hear and Respond��

“A teammate and I and a team of national��partners are continuing to hike to the lake villages of Kagongo and Kigalye. Twice a week we start our mornings by making the rounds to pick up the team, then we drive out to another village where we park our car. As we set out on our hikes, we make sure everyone has water, say a prayer, and then we begin our journey down to the village. There are two different paths that we use depending on which village we are going to that day, so the hike is anywhere from 25 minutes to 1 hour. During our hike we either review and practice sharing the Gospel or our testimonies, learn a Bible story, or as of lately, we have been learning the stories in the book of John when��

Jesus says, “I Am,” or we discuss commonly asked questions like, “Is Jesus God?” Once we reach the bottom of the mountain, we divide into smaller groups and go door-to-door with the��Gospel, Bible stories, and a few of us continue doing women and children home health visits. Then on our hike out of the village, we take the time to pray by name for those whom we had the opportunity to meet.”��

Praises: It has been so fun being able to see those on our team learn and grow in their knowledge of God’s Word and grow in their love for their Tanzanian brothers and sisters to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the true Gospel.��

ABOUT DEBRA’S MISSION��

Based out of a small rural town in Tanzania, on the shore of one of the largest and deepest lakes in the world, the Lake Tanganyika Basin Team uses a variety of strategies to share the gospel and make disciples, including home visits, hospital and clinic-based medical care, evangelistic film showings, healthy church trainings and community health evangelism. We partner with the local church to reach unreached people groups up and down Lake��

Tanganyika, as well as nearby towns. Like��much of Africa, Islam heavily permeates our region along with animism/spirit worship, the��prosperity gospel and nominal/cultural “Christianity.” Our people are small-scale farmers, small business owners and fishermen, many of whom make only enough to live day��to day. Most families are large, with an average of seven to eight children. Diseases caused��by unclean water, as well as malaria and malnutrition, cause significant issues in many families.��

– International Mission Board��

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.

“There’s a lot of coordination and collaboration that goes on prior to the first pitch, so it is��imperative that I set a clear vision on how that day would look like. Right before our pre-game workout, I speak with the media to answer questions about that day’s game. Players take the field, do their warmups and take batting practice. Once game time approaches, I quickly meet��with my staff to go over strategy. It’s a��162-game season, so you want to stay creative to keep players motivated and focused during that long journey. As manager, my job is to create a process that allows our players and staff to be in the best position to succeed.”��

That process is working. In just his first year as��manager, Joe led the Astros to the playoffs as��American League (AL) West Champions.��

The Rookie Years��

Before Joe was named Houston Astros manager in November 2023, before he began his Major League Baseball coaching career with the Miami Marlins and then the New York Yankees, before he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics and played a decade in the minor leagues, he was a Mobile Ram.��

A student-athlete from Puerto Rico, Joe made his mark on the UM Baseball program as a middle infielder. He was named a three-time Gulf Coast Athletic��

Conference (GCAC) First-Team All-Conference selection and a two-time GCAC Baseball Player of the Year. Additionally, he was selected as an NAIA Baseball Second-Team All-American following the 1995 and 1996 seasons. During the 1996 season for the Rams, he hit a program-best .442 on the year with 13 home runs and 38 stolen bases. Following that same season, he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the second round as the 45th overall pick.��

“God surrounded me with some amazing people during my years at UM. Coaches, teammates and faculty members who solemnly cared about making my experience one that I would cherish for the rest of my life.”��

“But it all started with Coach Mike Jacobs. A man of unwavering faith. A man of Christ, whose sole mission was to make sure his players knew��that God had a purpose for our lives and that��integrity is a fundamental value that will shape our characters for the rest of our lives. It was��not easy making the transition from Puerto��Rico to Mobile, so learning the importance of��surrounding ourselves with people who genuinely care about us was a lesson that I quickly learned at UM.”��

A Team Commitment��

The bonds formed during Joe’s time as an athlete and student were strong, and those connections have only strengthened and grown over the years.��

In Fall 2019, Joe returned to Mike Jacobs Field for a reunion of former Rams Baseball teammates and a ceremony retiring his No. 6 jersey. In April 2024 he returned again to his alma mater and was inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2024 by the UM Athletic Department. He also was presented the Doctor of Humane Letters, an honorary degree recognizing his accomplishments and unwavering support of his alma mater.��

The degree was announced during commencement on May 4, but Joe wasn’t able to be there to receive it. As over 300 new UM graduates received their diplomas, he was at Minute Maid Park (now Daikin Park) where the Astros were hosting the Seattle Mariners. A few weeks later, Voices of Mobile was on that same field in Houston, singing the National Anthem. It was the second time they performed at Joe’s request, and they are scheduled for a third appearance this May.��

“My commitment to the university is endless. Giving back so others can experience and cherish the same opportunities that the university��provided for me 25 years ago is something that I care deeply about. Extending my hand to help��student athletes understand that through sports God reveals His plan and love for us. He did it with me and can do it for them. Watching the Voices of Mobile perform at Minute Maid Park is one of my favorite days of our season. It makes me proud, and it also shows the talent and the extraordinary people who attend our university.”��

Joe notes he is the second person in his family with a doctorate – his wife, Pamela, earned a doctorate in pharmacy.��

“I’m married to an amazing, loving, caring, supportive, strong woman. Pamela is the perfect role model for my two daughters, Eliana, 13, and Viviana, 9. When the university granted me this honor, I was humbled and grateful that both Pam and I can set an example for our daughters. My family is my source of strength and emotional support. Every single day I thank my Lord for giving me the opportunity to love and be loved by three amazing girls.”��

Faith and Purpose��

Joe’s family and faith are the sources of strength that hold him steady in the high-pressure world of Major League Baseball.��

“There can’t be a testimony without a test. I’ve been tested and I love sharing my testimony. We must use our platforms to share the word and power of God. We are here to serve. Mark 10:45 says ‘For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.’ During victories and trials, God wants us to let the world know that He is in control and has equipped us to sustain and fight the enemy with peace and grace that only God can provide for us.”��

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.

To celebrate her 35th birthday, Kala Hembree turned the oven in her home micro-bakery to 450 degrees and slid in the first batch of sourdough bread.��

By day’s end, 35 freshly baked loaves are ready – cooled, bagged and tagged “The Giving Loaf.” They’re delivered to Hembree Heating & Air Conditioning, the family business where husband Josh is general manager. Volunteers are already on their way, ready to grab a free loaf and deliver it to someone they know who needs a blessing.��

The Heart Behind The Giving Loaf��

Kala’s post on her Facebook page, The Bread House with Kala, explains the mission:��

“The Giving Loaf is a free sourdough loaf, one that I need you to help me gift to someone who needs it. It could be for someone you know going through financial difficulty who could use some healthy bread to stretch the groceries out for the week. It could be someone going through a hard time emotionally, whether they’re experiencing loss or change or struggle. It could be someone who has blessed you in some way and whom you want to bless in return. I don’t have to know who or why – I just want you to come grab it and gift it. I’ll be the hands; you be the feet!”��

A Shift in Plans, A Step in Faith��

As students in the Honors Program at the ɬ�﷬, Kala and Josh had their career plans mapped out. Kala planned to be an English teacher or professor, and Josh prepared to practice law.��

Each fulfilled those early dreams – Kala earned a master’s degree and recreated her memorable UM Honors class experiences as a teacher in her own classroom at Bayshore Christian School, while Josh earned his juris doctor and practiced as an attorney in Montgomery.��

Then came the opportunity for Josh to take over the family business in Mobile. The careers they had planned out and relentlessly pursued suddenly changed. That’s when they discovered:��

“Having a plan is good, but trusting our good God is better.”��

Business as Ministry��

While Josh excelled at law, he thrived in business. Hembree Heating & Air Conditioning quintupled in size over the next five years, all while prioritizing people over profits and maintaining its close work-family atmosphere.��

Since he was a young boy, Josh had been told he would go into ministry – he even earned a ministry certificate a few years ago. But he discovered that ministry isn’t confined to working alongside a church; it can happen anywhere.��

“God can and does move in the hearts of people at their desks or on the field working their daily jobs,” he says.��

Josh also deeply cares about using his business to serve and enrich his community. He’s the vice chairman for the non-profit organization Baldwin Youth Services,��

actively involved in multiple business networking groups and the Chamber of Commerce, uses his HVAC company to support various charities, and leads the Legacy Team at his church – a group of people whose spiritual gift is giving – many of whom are business leaders in the area.��

A Calling to Teach – And Bake��

Kala has known since childhood that God placed the gift of teaching in her heart, and she puts it to use in her family and in her business.��

“My ultimate calling in this season is to teach the two most precious souls – our children, Eva and Brenton – about Jesus and to raise them as His disciples,” she says.��

Both Kala and Josh were homeschooled for most of their education, and her home micro-bakery, The Bread House, gives her the freedom to set her own schedule and prioritize her children’s learning.��

What started out as a side hobby selling bread at farmer’s markets quickly grew into something bigger. As demand increased, Kala began taking weekly orders. In February 2022, she taught her first bread class in a friend’s home. The response was��overwhelming.��

“I wasn’t sure where I could host people with a large enough space to accommodate everyone wanting to learn. Then Josh suggested the company training room at his office, and I gave it a shot,” she says.��

Since then, Kala has taught 2,048 people, in person, how to bake 25 different kinds of breads. She’s taught classes on both sides of Mobile Bay and her students have come from as far away as Mississippi and Florida. Each Wednesday, she preps 25 to 50 loaves of sourdough and bakes them on Friday mornings, then holds weekly pickups at the Hembree office and stocks her local neighborhood market. She also participates each month in the Tanner Williams farmer’s market and teaches a Bake Around the World Club, where each lesson features a new bread from a different culture.��

Bread as a Blessing��

Kala picked up the idea for The Giving Loaf from a fellow micro-baker and has watched it grow into a��ministry as God moves within a community of people who want to bake – and give.��

“Jesus is the Bread of Life. My ultimate desire is for The Bread House to point people to Him,” Kala says.

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.

In this exclusive TorchLight interview, President Smith shares his observations about the university’s unique culture and his vision for the future.��

From navigating the challenges facing Christian higher education to embracing new opportunities, UM’s new president offers insights into the leadership priorities that will shape UM’s path forward.��

Q. As the new president of the University of��

Mobile, you bring a fresh perspective to the institution. What have you observed about UM that those who have been part of the community for a long time might overlook?��

Smith: One of the first things I noticed about the ɬ�﷬ is its stunningly beautiful campus. It’s a reflection of the intentional care and pride this community takes in creating an inspiring environment for learning and discipleship. Beyond the physical��beauty, I’ve been struck by the depth of commitment and relationships here — students, alumni, faculty and staff genuinely care for UM and one another. This isn’t just a university; it’s a community united by a shared commitment to multiplying Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world. It’s truly the privilege of a lifetime to join and serve this community.��

Q. How has your professional journey and faith shaped your path to becoming a university president, and why did the ɬ�﷬ stand out as the place where you feel called��to lead?��

Smith: I’ve always wanted to live at the intersection of faith and formation. To serve at places that expose individuals to God’s beauty, wisdom and invitation to leverage the gifts He has given them to impact the world��for Christ. That is why I was so excited to come serve at��the ɬ�﷬. UM’s commitment to God’s Word, wisdom and mission has influenced generations of kingdom leaders and made a profound impact on the world. I’m honored to help continue this legacy into the future.��

Q. What is your definition of leadership, and what are your leadership priorities as president of UM?��

Smith: As a Christian, I believe leadership is��fundamentally about stewardship and missional��influence. It’s about following God’s call on our lives and being willing to take initiative for His glory and the good of the world. For me, that means leading with integrity and a commitment to be a good steward of all that God has entrusted to our care. Here at UM, it means reaffirming our longstanding commitment to God’s Word and wisdom, serving and building trust with our students, staff, and stakeholders, and inviting our entire community to leverage their time, talent, and treasure For Christ and His Kingdom. As we look into the future, we are excited to expand programs, grow enrollment, and support our students as they impact��the world around us.��

Q. What is your vision for the University of ��Mobile as it seeks to impact students, the��community and the world in the years ahead?��

Smith: Everything we do here at the University of��Mobile can be summed up in five words: For Christ and His Kingdom. Indeed, this institution exists to��“Multiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God��and the Good of the World.” To do that, we must continue to invest in the head, hands, and heart of every student at the ɬ�﷬. We want to be a place where great minds are challenged, gifted hands are strengthened, and all hearts are exposed to and inspired by God’s wisdom and Word. Not only would such an environment catalyze a new season of academic��achievement and equip students for wherever God is calling them, it would also impact thousands for Christ. We are praying God would do even more than we ask or think for His Glory, our joy, and the good of the world.��

Q. You have outlined 5 Core Commitments for the university as we look to the future. Briefly, what are they?��

Smith: First and foremost is a winsome and sincere commitment to God’s Word, Wisdom & Mission.��

We are committed to nurturing a Healthy Culture, with a healthy and hopeful community of staff, faculty and students. We are focused on Our Students, with a��growing student body that is developing and leveraging their gifts for God’s glory and the good of the world. We must have a robust portfolio of Academic Programs & Activities with vibrant student life and athletic��programs. Key to achieving all of these is a commitment to Financial Stewardship, with a financial model that supports our students, blesses our faculty and staff, and extends our ministry far into the future.��

Q. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing Christian higher education today, and how will UM address them?��

Smith: Higher education, like so many other industries, faces significant challenges including inflation,��increasing government regulation, decreasing birth��rates, and questions of affordability and value. These��challenges are an invitation for universities to reimagine their work and restate the value of higher education and the foundational economic and societal role universities play in the world around us. I’m convinced these��challenges are also opportunities in disguise; invitations to depend on the God who can do “more than we ask or think” (Eph 3:20). By God’s grace, the ɬ�﷬ is in a good place. But to stay there, we need to remain faithful to our vision and values while continuing to adapt to the changing world around us.��

Q. Looking ahead, what are the most significant opportunities you see for the ɬ�﷬ to expand its influence and deepen its impact?��

Smith: The ɬ�﷬ has incredible��opportunities to expand its influence through strategic partnerships, program innovation and campus��development. We are exploring ways to strengthen ties with key partners and stakeholders, expand online and graduate offerings, and invest in facilities that enhance the student experience. Our goal is to equip more��students to make a Kingdom impact. By embracing these opportunities, we can solidify UM’s reputation as a leader in Christian higher education and deepen our impact locally, nationally and globally.��

Q. How can the UM community – students,��faculty, staff, alumni and donors – pray for and support you as you lead the university into this next chapter?��

Smith: I invite the UM community to pray for wisdom and discernment as our leadership team leads, for a��unified vision and passion in this new season, and for God’s favor over our initiatives. Your prayers are��invaluable as we seek to honor Him in all we do.��Additionally, your support through The Great��Commission Fund can help us continue equipping��students for lives of service and leadership. Together,��we can trust God to do immeasurably more than we could ever imagine and write a new chapter in UM’s story for His glory.��

Meet the Smiths��

Dr. Charles W. Smith Jr. stepped into the university’s top leadership post on May 6, 2024, upon Dr. Lonnie��Burnett’s retirement after five years of distinguished service as UM’s 5th president. Burnett ’79 served over 20 years at his alma mater, rising through the ranks from adjunct professor to become president in 2019.��

Here are a few fast facts about our new president and his family:��

• Family: Charles and his wife, Ashley, are natives of Montgomery, Alabama. They have three daughters: Ellie, Annie and Susie.��

• Education: Bachelor of Science in business administration, Mississippi College; Master of Divinity in theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Doctor of Philosophy in organizational leadership, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.��

• Before coming to the ɬ�﷬:��Senior vice president of institutional relations and assistant professor of Christian leadership, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College.��

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.