Spread the Gospel

Couple Uses God's Money to Spread Gospel Through UM Students

By Kathy Dean

Butch and Sharon Emmons love the theatre. When they attended their first theatre production at the University of Mobile nearly 20 years ago, they expected to see a good show.

They saw something even better – a way to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through students at the Baptistaffiliated university.

“We saw what these kids were doing and how they were promoting the gospel – not only in the United States, but all over the world as they travel,” said Butch Emmons.

It’s a mission and message the couple believes is so important that they established the Eileen J. and Sharon B. Emmons Performance Scholarship in 2019 for students in the performing arts. They also included the University of Mobile in their estate planning, bequeathing their house and property upon their deaths.

Now, the Emmons continue that legacy with a gift of $100,000, adding to their endowed scholarship and supporting additional scholarships as lead sponsor of the 2021 University of Mobile Scholarship Banquet. UM President Lonnie Burnett said the impact the couple is making in the lives of students is immeasurable.

“Mr. and Mrs. Emmons have been a blessing to many of our students through their generosity. I admire the fact that, when they see a need, they are quick to respond,” Burnett said.

The couple said their decision to invest financial resources they have spent a lifetime earning into students at the University of Mobile was easy – after all, it’s not their money.

“Our money is not our money – it’s God’s money. We have only been given the opportunity to use it to further the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we saw how the students were being used by God, we decided this was where we wanted to invest,” said Butch.

“We wanted to make an impact and leave a legacy for all to come. These students may have a desire to come here, but not be able to afford it – but through scholarships, it is possible. Then they have the opportunity to leave and go out and spread the gospel of Christ.”

Photo by Rovy Lopez

Sharon added, “We realized as we look at the world that Christianity and its influence is declining. And we thought, if we don’t step in and take the few things that we have and help the university and the students that want to come here, Christianity would die.”

The Emmons have been members of Spring Hill Baptist Church in Mobile for over 30 years.

“We firmly believe that Christianity is the way to live,” Sharon said, and they want to encourage others whom God has blessed to help the younger generation spread the gospel message.

The Emmons said years of hard work have given them the opportunity to give back.

Butch Emmons invested his career in higher education, retiring after 30 years as assistant vice president of auxiliary services at the University of South Alabama. He was instrumental in managing the construction of The Mitchell Center, among other major facilities.

Sharon Emmons has dedicated her life to healing the sick, with nearly 30 years at the University of South Alabama Medical Center, now University Hospital, serving as a critical care dietitian in the intensive care unit, including 19 years working exclusively with burn patients.

“It became my passion. I had found my niche, and I loved every minute of it,” Sharon said. “You make a difference here and I like to make a difference, hence the scholarship at the University of Mobile.”

For more information on opportunities to support Christian higher education at the University of Mobile, call the Office for Advancement at 251.442.2913w, email advancement@umobile.edu or visit umobile.

edu/giving.