Author: Noah Walters

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile will welcome an exciting lineup of Chapel speakers for the Spring 2026 semester, continuing a tradition that inspires, challenges and unites the UM community each week.

Ram Hall has become the heart of campus on Wednesday afternoons, where students, faculty and staff gather for a dynamic Chapel experience that fills the room to capacity and extends into the adjacent cafeteria. Each service features worship led by the university’s Worship Collective student ensemble, creating an atmosphere of praise and reflection as guest speakers encourage students in their faith journey.

“The Chapel program is one of the most powerful expressions of who we are as a Christ-centered university,” said UM President Charles Smith,

“Each week, our community gathers to worship together, hear the Word of God proclaimed, and be reminded that our calling as Kingdom leaders begins right here — in our hearts, our studies and our everyday lives.”

The revitalized Chapel program continues to bring influential pastors, ministry leaders and faith-based professionals to campus. These weekly gatherings strengthen the spiritual life of the university community and provide opportunities for reflection and growth, embodying UM’s mission to integrate faith and learning in every discipline.

Chapel Videos and Podcasts Available

All chapel episodes can be streamed each week at umobile.edu/chapel. Chapel services from past semesters can also be found at that link.

Spring 2026 Chapel Lineup

Jan. 14 – Dr. Charles Smith, President, University of Mobile

Dr. Charles Smith is the 6^th president of the University of Mobile and associate professor of Christian leadership. Under President Smith’s leadership, the University of Mobile is focused on its mission of multiplying Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world – For Christ & His Kingdom.

Jan. 21 – Dr. Tony Merida, Pastor for Preaching and Vision, Imago Dei Church

Merida is founding pastor of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, NC; vice president for planter development for the Send Network, the church planting arm for the North American Mission Board (NAMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention; and a Board member of The Gospel Coalition. He is the author of several books, including “The Christ-Centered Expositor,” “Ordinary” and “Orphanology.”

Jan. 28 – Heiden Ratner, Senior Pastor, WALK Church

Ratner is senior pastor of Walk Church in Las Vegas, NV, and serves as the Las Vegas City Missionary for Send Network. Heiden also serves the NFL Las Vegas Raiders and the WNBA Las Vegas Aces as their lead team chaplain.

Feb. 4 – Dr. Alan Floyd, Lead Pastor, Cottage Hill Baptist Church

Floyd is a native of Mobile, holding degrees from the University of Mobile, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of “These Three: A Believer’s Guide to Faith, Hope, & Love” and is executive director of The Hill Collective, a church planting/replanting network.

Feb. 11 – William Smith, Senior Fellow, Conservative Partnership Institute (CPI)

Smith oversees the Conservative Partnership Institute’s Magnus Fellowship and engages with CPI’s partners on Capitol Hill and in the executive branch. He has over 20 years of experience on Capitol Hill, where he built a reputation for identifying and training the next generation of conservative staffers.

Feb. 18 – Quintell Hill, Lead Pastor, Multiply Community Church

Hill , a UM alumnus, is pastor of Multiply Community Church in Monroe, NC, and former president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. Hill also serves on the mobilization team at the International Mission Board where he seeks to fulfill the mission of the Great Commission.

Feb. 25 – Dr. Kevin Ezell, President, North American Mission Board (NAMB)

Ezell has served as president of the North American Mission Board (NAMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention since 2010. He has helped Southern Baptists plant more than 11,000 churches during his tenure.

March 11 – Dr. Derek Allen, Lead Pastor, First Baptist Tillman’s Corner

A native of Etowah County, AL, Allen holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Jacksonville State University, Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and PhD in Church Leadership from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. After planting Christ Centered Church in Miami for six years, he has served as lead pastor at FBTC since 2019.

March 18 – Dr. Jed Coppenger, Lead Pastor, First Baptist Cummings

Coppenger is lead pastor of First Baptist Church Cumming, GA. He is an author of “21 Days to Childlike Prayer: Changing Your World One Specific Prayer at a Time” and “Fake Christianity: 10 Traps of an Inauthentic Faith (and How to Avoid Them).” Coppenger has worked in Christian publishing, Christian higher education, church planting, served on mission trips around the world, and preached for a wide range of camps, retreats and events.

March 25 – Dr. Paul Chitwood, President, International Mission Board (IMB)

Chitwood was elected president of the IMB in November 2018. He previously served as executive director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention from 2011-2018. For 18 years prior, Chitwood served as the pastor of local churches of varying size in Kentucky. During his pastorates, he served as chairman of the International Mission Board’s trustees from 2008-10, as part of his tenure as an IMB trustee from 2002-10.

 Apr. 1 – Tim Adams, Vice President for Student Development & Collegiate Athletics, University of Mobile

Prior to joining the University of Mobile in June 2025, Adams served as director of student life and events at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His extensive background includes 16 years of pastoral ministry in Liberty and Camdenton, MO, as well as leadership roles with Kanakuk Kamps and K-Life Ministries. At UM, Adams leads the overall student experience through the Student Life and Athletics departments.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For Christ & His Kingdom.” With a vision to “Multiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World,” the university honors God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

The university was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, UM offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at umobile.edu/um-info and connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Noah Walters

Noah Walters is the Project Manager and Digital Marketing Specialist in the Office for Marketing & Communications at the University of Mobile. Noah loves analyzing data and helping drive projects to completion. When not at work he can be found at any book/comic store or hanging out at a coffee shop.

If you have ever been to Mobile, Alabama, then you know that it rains here a lot. As a student at the University of Mobile, I can honestly say that if it does not rain every other day, it is an off week. According to WorldAtlas.com, Mobile is the wettest city in the U.S. with 67 inches of rain per year. Living with the possibility that it is probably going to rain on any given day, I have composed a list of a few things to do when it’s raining.

Play Board Games  |  One of the most enjoyable things to do on a rainy day is to play some board games. Between me and my friends, there are always games to play and friendships to test while playing a “civil” game of Monopoly in Bedsole Commons. Even playing card games like Uno and Phase 10 are a great way to spend the night indoors and enjoying the company of your friends.

Start a Watch Party  |  Another great thing to do while it’s raining is to start a watch party. Just like playing board games, starting a watch party is free. All you need is to find a movie or tv show and a friend with a streaming service and you’re set. Kick back, relax, and enjoy watching with your friends.

Enjoy What Mobile Has to Offer  |  While it is nice to be able to stay inside and save money, it is also fun to go out, even at the cost of a little money. All around Mobile, there are many things to do, even if it’s raining. These include museums, bowling, movie theatre, roller skating, concerts or even just going to the mall. A little friendly competition at the bowling alley or a trip to the mall can turn your rainy-day blues into a great day.

Time Alone  |  The last thing I want to talk about is something that I hold near and dear to my heart as a college student, and that is some good old-fashioned time alone. On rainy days, I enjoy taking a long nap. Whether you have some homework to catch up on or your favorite Netflix series to binge, rainy days are the best days to relax and do as you please.

It rains a lot in Mobile; we all know that. However, don’t let the rain keep you from having a good time. Even though your beach trip gets cancelled, there are so many other things to do in Mobile. Take the rainy days as they come, because they come a lot. Just be sure to have a back-up plan, because it’s probably going to rain!

Noah Walters

Noah Walters is the Project Manager and Digital Marketing Specialist in the Office for Marketing & Communications at the University of Mobile. Noah loves analyzing data and helping drive projects to completion. When not at work he can be found at any book/comic store or hanging out at a coffee shop.

The University of Mobile has a beautiful campus, and UM students should be sure to make the most of it! With over 880 acres to choose from, it’s easy to find your favorite study spots. Here are a few of mine:

Bedsole Commons  |  Bedsole Commons is one of the most popular places to study on campus. Within Bedsole Commons, there is Common Grounds coffee shop, the Student Commons, Ram Grille, Spirit Shop, fitness center and the library. These spaces offer a variety of study options. Whether I want to have people around me to talk to, or if I need some quiet time, Bedsole Commons has it all. It can be quite useful studying here if you are doing a group project or having a group study session, because the Student Commons is a big space and, unlike the library, you do not have to worry about being quiet. Of course, the library is there when you need a quiet study spot or to research your assignment. I enjoy Common Grounds where I can get a quick pick-me-up coffee and Ram Grille to satisfy my hunger. Bedsole Commons has everything I could want for a great study session at my disposal.

The Academic Park  |  I love sitting at the outdoor tables in the Academic Park, located between Ben May, Gardner and Farmer halls. The nice, fresh air brings such a sense of peace while doing homework. Listening to the birds chirp and the wind blowing through the trees takes all the stress away from upcoming assignments. Not only does this location provide students with some much-needed outdoors time, but it comes in handy to be so near to the professors of the College of Arts and Sciences to ask questions about your work.

The Swings  |  A great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of college life is the swings placed around campus. There are wooden swings in various spots, including in front of Bedsole Hall, by the Ram, and near the fountain between Weaver and Martin halls. The swings are good places to enjoy the outdoors, get alone with your thoughts and channel your inner productive side.

The Trees by Harrigan  |  As you drive down to Harrigan Hall, there is a big space filled with trees. To the naked eye, it just looks like nice wooded area. However, paint the trees with the vibrant colors of hammocks and you have yourself a prime study spot. There is nothing more relaxing and de-stressing than sitting in a hammock and being productive. It’s an opportunity to get alone time, or you can invite all of your friends just for a change in location. This is a great spot to get unplugged from social media and the distractions of the internet and focus on what needs to get done.

Every student has a different way of studying and different preferences on what surroundings they need. At the University of Mobile, there is a place for everyone to be as productive as possible. The beautiful campus and the amazing facilities set students up for success in the classroom.

Noah Walters

Noah Walters is the Project Manager and Digital Marketing Specialist in the Office for Marketing & Communications at the University of Mobile. Noah loves analyzing data and helping drive projects to completion. When not at work he can be found at any book/comic store or hanging out at a coffee shop.

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile presents “Roméo et Juliette,” a play of young love and unfortunate tragedy.

Performances will be held Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. at Saraland Performing Arts Center, 1115 Industrial Pkwy, Mobile, Alabama 36571.

Admission is $25 for adults and $10 for students with a valid ID. Tickets may be purchased online at umobile.edu/pas or at the door.

This operetta follows the story of Roméo and Juliette who are separated by family rivalry. Their longing to be together takes them to drastic acts, which in turn brings them both to their ultimate demise.

“Roméo et Juliette” is directed by Dr. Patrick Jacobs, director of opera and professor of music and voice. Director of music is Dr. Jay Dean, dean of the School of Music at the University of Southern Mississippi.

“Roméo et Juliette” is part of the 2019-2020 Roger Breland Center for Performing Arts Series. Future performances include “Little Women,” Symphonic Winds, Elite88 Piano Ensemble, Night of the Classical Masters, and Spring Spectacular.

For more information, visit the website at umobile.edu/pas or contact the Roger Breland Center for Performing Arts box office at 251.442.2383.

The University of Mobile offers a variety of performing arts degrees in the Alabama School of the Arts. For more information, visit umobile.edu/asota or call 251.442.2222.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Noah Walters

Noah Walters is the Project Manager and Digital Marketing Specialist in the Office for Marketing & Communications at the University of Mobile. Noah loves analyzing data and helping drive projects to completion. When not at work he can be found at any book/comic store or hanging out at a coffee shop.