Faculty Focus

Since Mobile College enrolled its fi rst 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 infl uence 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 "We have been created on purpose and for a purpose. I believe that purpose is to fulfi ll Jesus’ command when He says in Matthew to ‘go and make disciples.’ How we live out this purpose looks diff erently 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 fi eld they go into."

DR. MEGAN HARPER

Assistant Professor of Kinesiology School of Health & Sports Science College of Health Professions "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."

RUSTY ROBERTS

Associate Professor of Accounting Grace Pilot School of Business "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 fi ghts for each, other no matter what."

DR. CYNTHIA ERICKSON

Associate Professor of Education Special Education Specialist School of Education "Sharing my love of Christ and of learning and teaching enables me to provide a foundation for future teachers to go out into the world and demonstrate, by example, the love of Christ."

DR. JAY ROBERTSON

Associate Professor of Systematic Theology Center for Christian Calling "I am passionate about disciple-making in every course I teach. I aim for students to grow in their relationship with Christ, their comprehension of biblical truth, and in their desire to proclaim the gospel of Christ."

DR. JESSICA GARNER

Assistant Professor of Nursing Clinical Coordinator School of Nursing College of Health Professions

DR. KELLEY WILSON

Assistant Professor of Psychology College of Arts & Sciences "At some point in each student’s trajectory in the MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program, they have that ‘aha!’ moment where they realize what it means to step out of their role as nurse and into their new role of provider. Watching those moments is my favorite part of teaching."

"What does ‘Know and Be Known’ mean to me? Most campuses focus primarily on part one of this statement: know. We teach, and therefore, you have some knowledge as a result. What is unique about UM is the fact that you truly are known in the process of gaining this knowledge. I know each of the psychology majors on campus by name. This not only makes for a more pleasant work day, it also allows me to help them tailor their educational experience to their unique needs."