University News

RECENTUNIVERSITY NEWS

New Mural Celebrates UM

From a slice of pizza to the Mobile skyline to a briefcase, a new mural at the University of Mobile is made to represent everyone. One of the newest additions to the University of Mobile’s campus is an 18-by-22-foot mural in a new student life area in Bedsole Commons. UM’s creative director, Heath Vester ’16, and graphic designer Amanda Pritchard designed the mural and painted it. Each square contains a different image that represents UM, college life or the Mobile area. The mural gives students the opportunity to engage on a different level and link themselves to one or more of the images, according to the artists. “I love that the city of Mobile has interesting murals that represent our city’s history and culture. Now UM is able to represent our history and culture through a mural. Murals are interactive art that everyone can glean meaning from. I think students, staff and faculty will enjoy it for years to come,” says Pritchard. Vester says, “The mural brings life to the Bedsole Student Commons. The mural is now another iconic landmark for the university. Along with things like the Ram statue, the Great Commission Globe and Lyon Chapel, the mural is a new touchpoint for the life of UM students. For me, murals celebrate. The mural celebrates our history, our future and what it means to be a college student at the University of Mobile.” Along with the mural, UM has added a pool table, shuffle board and ping pong, and comfortable furniture to this new student area. Student Life staff offices are nearby, as is the newly renovated library.

Hobby Lobby Founder to Speak at

Scholarship Banquet

Hobby Lobby founder David Green is the keynote speaker for the 14th annual University of Mobile Scholarship Banquet on Oct. 1. Tickets are on sale for the university’s signature event that raises scholarship funds for UM students, while bringing a speaker of national prominence to the Mobile community.

David Green built retail giant Hobby Lobby from humble beginnings, with a $600 loan to purchase a molding chopper. Today, Hobby Lobby is the largest privately-owned arts and crafts retailer in the world, with sales totaling more than $5 billion in 2018.

“We believe it is by God’s grace and provision that Hobby Lobby has endured. He has been faithful in the past; we trust Him for our future,” Green says.

General admission tickets are $150 and may be purchased now at umobile.edu/banquet or through the University of Mobile Advancement Office at 251.442.2587 or advancement@umobile.edu. Sponsorships start at $1,500. Higher-level sponsorships include an opportunity to meet David and Barbara Green during a VIP reception prior to the banquet, with priority seating at the event.

New Degrees Offered

The University of Mobile’s rapidly expanding academic program is growing again with the addition of nine new degrees, giving students even more options as they enrolled in fall semester classes that began Aug. 19.

New bachelor’s degrees were added in pre-health biology, financial mathematics, sport administration and exercise science. New master’s degree programs have started in ministry, educational instructional design and technology, early childhood development, nursing executive leadership and nursing education.

In addition, a new Master of Athletic Training will start summer semester of 2020, pending approval by CAATE, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.

Classes are held Mondays through Thursdays, with “Focus Fridays” free for students to focus on community service, study, internships, travel or whatever interests them. UM’s unique academic schedule has been recognized in education journals nationally and in the United Kingdom.

Additional programs are in process. The university has nearly doubled the number of academic programs since 2016, started the first two doctoral programs, expanded facilities, added technology, and focused on “Prac-ademics” experiences that allow students to take classroom knowledge into practical learning experiences like a student-run marketing agency, professional recording studio, international travel and more.

Silicon Valley Trip Inspires Business Students

A trip of a lifetime sent University of Mobile students back to Mobile feeling encouraged, inspired and more equipped to be business professionals. Five students in the School of Business and Katie Allred ’12, assistant professor of software and development and digital media, went to Silicon Valley May 14-18 to meet Christians who work in some of the world’s best-known high-tech companies.

The students were part of the Good Work Agency at UM, where Allred serves as director. Good Work Agency is a student-run marketing firm that helps churches, non-profits and small businesses be more effective online. This gives students the opportunity to work in a marketing firm environment before graduating.

Students met with Christians who work at Facebook, Abide and Instagram.

Sophomore Avery Wilhite says the trip, “Showed me that not only the academic tools that I gain during college are important, but the spiritual tools are important too, as they help equip me for ministry.”

McCall Smith, senior, left San Francisco inspired. Smith says, “I came back to Mobile with a fresh take on technology, business and Kingdom building.”

UM Recognized Among Best in Nation

The University of Mobile is among the 100 Best Small Colleges in the nation and is the #5 Best Regional College in the South, according to College Consensus, a college ratings website that aggregates publisher rankings and student reviews.

Residence halls earned top honors as well, when AffordableSchools.net named UM among the 30 Best College Dorms in America. The college ranking site selected the nation’s “most inviting yet affordable” college dorms based on cost, amenities and facilities, aesthetic appeal and social scene.

UM offers suite-style or private-style rooms with free internet and cable, automated laundry, 24-hour fitness center, 24-hour security and a new dining service that has earned rave reviews from students. For details, visit umobile.edu/student-life or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

Grads Encouraged to be Lifelong Learners

The University of Mobile Class of 2019 received diplomas May 11 as commencement speaker Dr. Rick Lance encouraged graduates to pursue a lifetime of learning.

“Learning does not end at graduation – it accelerates,” said Lance. The executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions and treasurer of the Alabama Baptist Convention delivered the commencement address. Graduates were honored during two ceremonies held at Cottage Hill Baptist Church, instead of the one outdoor ceremony originally set for the UM campus that was moved due to rain.

Approximately 250 graduates received diplomas. The prestigious Weaver awards were presented to two outstanding graduates: Nathanael Clay Carroll received the William K. Weaver Excellence Award and Jessica Elizabeth Strenth received the Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Excellence Award. The honorary Doctor of Humane Letters was awarded to John Roger Breland. Lance urged graduates to continue to be teachable, transparent, tenacious and trusting in their journey through life. He based the address on Mark 10:13-16.

Online RN to BSN Program Named Top 10 in Alabama

The University of Mobile School of Nursing offers one of the top 10 online RN to BSN programs in Alabama, according to a new ranking by Top RN to BSN, an online information source for current and prospective nursing students.

UM’s online RN to BSN Program is among 10 Best Online RN to BSN Nursing Schools in Alabama, according to toprntobsn.com. Information about UM’s online RN to BSN Program, as well as other healthcare degrees, is at umobile.edu/school of nursing.

“The way that the University of Mobile differs from other programs is its rolling admissions and its commitment to education,” according to Top RN to BSN’s website.

Fall Preview Days Announced

Fall Preview Days for prospective students will be held at the University of Mobile on Sept. 20, Oct. 14 and Nov. 22.

Preview Days include a campus tour, dorm tour, meeting current students and faculty, exploring majors, learning about scholarships and financial aid, and more.

A $2,000 scholarship is available to new traditional undergraduate students who schedule a campus visit, apply for admission, and enroll at UM. This scholarship awards $250 per semester up to eight consecutive semesters attended. Only one UM Visit Scholarship is available per person.

To register for a Preview Day or schedule a personalized and private tour of UM, visit umobile. edu/visit. To schedule a school, church or other group tour, call 251.442.2222.