Faculty Focus Since Mobile College enrolled its first class in 1963, the University of Mobile has attracted expert faculty with a passion for integrating faith and learning. They invest in their students, both professionally and personally. That investment pays off in the lives of graduates such as UM President Lonnie Burnett ’79, who credits retired dean Dr. Hazel Petersen-Walter with seeing potential in him – then challenging and encouraging him to reach that potential. Through the years, UM professors have encouraged, challenged, prayed with, nurtured and invested personally and professionally in the lives of their students. Chances are, there is at least one University of Mobile professor you can name whose influence you still see at work in your life today. A Faculty Q&A series begun during this 60th anniversary year spotlights UM faculty and tells their stories. Following are excerpts. Read more at umobile.edu/qanda.
LORI GUY
Assistant Professor of Music Alabama School of the Arts
DR. MEGAN HARPER Assistant Professor of Kinesiology School of Health & Sports Science College of Health Professions
"We have been created on purpose and for a purpose. I believe that purpose is to fulfill Jesus’ command when He says in Matthew to ‘go and make disciples.’ How we live out this purpose looks differently depending on where we end up working and where we have the opportunity to serve others with excellence. I believe we train our students to be excellent at their vocation so they can spend a lifetime serving others and discipling well in whatever field they go into."
"The thing I love about the University of Mobile is the same thing I loved when I was a student here, which is the sense of family and community. Here at UM, the professors and students are able to get to know one another and truly make connections. I had professors who invested their time and energy into me because they believed in me as a student. I am so thankful and blessed to have been given the opportunity to pay it forward to my students."
"UM is one big family. It’s a place where no matter your background or what part of the world you come from, once you step on campus as a student, you are a Ram for life. You join one big family that loves and fights for each, other no matter what." RUSTY ROBERTS
Associate Professor of Accounting Grace Pilot School of Business
28 TORCH TORCHLIGHT LIGHT | Spring 2022
