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.