Graduate – University of Mobile https://umobile.edu Multiplying Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World. Start Your Journey Mon, 30 Jun 2025 17:33:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://umobile.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/UMB_Favicon-300x300-1-150x150.png Graduate – University of Mobile https://umobile.edu 32 32 University of Mobile Launches New Online Program to Train Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners in Just Three Semesters  https://umobile.edu/2025/05/university-of-mobile-launches-new-online-program-to-train-psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioners-in-just-three-semesters/ Mon, 19 May 2025 15:40:12 +0000 https://umobile.edu/?p=108200 MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile is responding to the nation’s mental health care crisis with a new online Post-Master APRN Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). This fully online, asynchronous program can be completed in just three semesters. 

The University of Mobile is accepting applications now for fall semester 2025. Classes start in August. Apply at umobile.edu/psychnp.

Growing Demand, Competitive Salaries

“The psychiatric provider shortage is having a direct impact on our communities,” said Dr. Jessica Garner, graduate dean of the School of Nursing at the University of Mobile. “Our new PMHNP certificate program is a strategic response to this urgent need by preparing nurses to provide mental health services with clinical excellence and compassion grounded in a Christian worldview.”

As mental health needs continue to rise nationwide, the demand for psychiatric nurse practitioners is expected to grow significantly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 46% increase in nurse practitioner jobs between 2023 and 2033, far above the average for other occupations. 

Salaries average $129,000 across the United States, and there are increased opportunities for remote jobs following graduation.

Complete in 3 Semesters

This fully online, asynchronous program can be completed in just three semesters. Graduates will be prepared to assess, diagnose and treat individuals across the lifespan with psychiatric and mental health conditions. 

Students in the program complete a minimum of 585 supervised clinical hours in direct patient care. Didactic coursework is delivered virtually.

Program Welcomes Dr. Taiye Ajayi

The University of Mobile welcomes Dr. Taiye Ajayi, program director and assistant professor of nursing, whose expertise in psychiatric nursing will be a valuable addition to the UM School of Nursing. Ajayi is affiliated with AltaPointe Health and is a dual board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with a doctoral degree. 

“Dr. Ajayi brings valuable experience in psychiatric nursing, with extensive experience in inpatient and psychiatric emergency services for psychiatric patients. She will contribute to our program’s focus on excellence, empathy and innovation,” Garner said.

Program Benefits

Additional program benefits include:

  • Increased opportunities for remote and telehealth jobs following graduation
  • Integrated, holistic approach to mental health care that incorporates a Christian worldview
  • Supportive faculty with clinical expertise committed to helping students achieve their professional goals
  • Certificate of academic achievement upon successful completion of clinical and academic requirements

Apply Now for Fall Classes

Applicants must have completed an MSN, DNP or other terminal nursing degree from a regionally accredited educational institution and be currently certified as a Family, Primary Care or Adult-gerontology Nurse Practitioner.

For more information or to apply to the Post-Master APRN Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, visit umobile.edu/psychnp or contact Dr. Jessica Garner at jgarner@umobile.edu.

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.

]]> Q&A with UM Accounting Professor Calee Allday https://umobile.edu/2025/05/qa-with-um-accounting-professor-calee-allday/ Wed, 14 May 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://umobile.edu/?p=108120 MOBILE, Ala. – When meeting Calee Allday, assistant professor of accounting in the Grace Pilot School of Business, “softball player” might not be the first thought that comes to mind. However, not only did Allday compete in the sport, but she went on to play as an All-State pitcher her senior year.

Allday’s drive to succeed and her competitive nature has translated off field and helped her obtain her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Mobile, receiving the School of Business Achievement Award and the President’s Scholastic Award, and successfully running her own business, North Mobile Nutrition, for three years. It is this mindset that she passes on to her students to equip them to overcome any challenges they may face.

We talked with Allday about her love for the field of accounting, how it has aided in her business endeavors and her views on the University of Mobile as a former student.

Q: What is your professional background?

A: I am an alumna of the University of Mobile, holding a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration. I then went on to use my management, marketing and accounting skills to become a young entrepreneur and run a successful small business – North Mobile Nutrition. Even though I am no longer the owner, the business is still thriving under new ownership!

Q: Why did you choose to study and teach in this field?

A: I started to study accounting because I loved numbers. However, I quickly fell in love with the analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking side of it. When using these skills, I get to develop and analyze financial statements on my own, which sparks my interest and makes me feel accomplished.

Q: Why should a prospective student choose to study in your program at UM?

A: Accounting is critical to any industry or business. Because it is always in demand, this gives students endless opportunities and chances for career advancements once they graduate. The accounting program, with the help of our amazing professors, prepares each student for these opportunities. In our courses, we combine accounting theories and concepts with real-life scenarios so our students establish a great foundation of knowledge that will aid them both in and out of the classroom.

Q: How do you integrate real-world experiences and examples into your teaching?

A: One tool I use is case studies because they allow students to apply the concepts they have learned to real-life situations. I also incorporate discussion and analysis of current events to help students gain an understanding of what is happening in the industry today. In my entrepreneurship courses, I love to bring in business owners as guest speakers. Through these talks, they get to share their experiences and give students insight into running a business in the current economy.

Q: What do you believe sets UM apart from other institutions?

A: It is such a tight-knit community, which makes you feel like you are with family from the moment you step on campus. As a professor, this leads me to cultivate a friendship with my students, which is one of my favorite parts of my job. 

Students also have the unique opportunity to grow and be shaped both academically and spiritually at UM. As a former student, it was encouraging to know that while you are studying to go into your chosen job field, you are doing it for a higher purpose — to go out into the world and be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Learn More About Accounting at the University of Mobie

Learn more about studying accounting in the Grace Pilot School of Business at the University of Mobile at umobile.edu/um-info. Plan a campus visit or register for a UM Day at umobile.edu/umday-info or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

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.

]]> University of Mobile Announces Class of 2023 https://umobile.edu/2023/05/class-of-2023/ Mon, 08 May 2023 15:48:57 +0000 https://umobile.edu/?p=102868 MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile awarded degrees to approximately 330 graduates during commencement on Saturday, May 6. The ceremony took place on the Dr. Fred and Sue Lackey Great Commission Lawn. Congratulations class of 2023!

Following are degrees and honors awarded.

Alabama School of the Arts
Doctor of Musical Arts

Auburn, Alabama — Charlotte Henderson Lee, Vocal Performance
Mobile, Alabama — Melanie Faye Taylor, Vocal Performance, Area Award: Vocal Performance
Saraland, Alabama — Andrew Saverio Goodwin, Vocal Performance

College of Health Professions
School of Nursing
Doctor of Nursing Practice

Athens, Florida— Kei Lori Martin, Doctor of Nursing Practice
Daphne, Alabama— Nina Wilson Smelley, Doctor of Nursing Practice
Loxley, Alabama— Carman Genae Godfrey, Doctor of Nursing Practice

Alabama School of the Arts
Master of Arts and Master of Music

Biloxi, Mississippi— Melodie Day DuBose, M.M., Vocal Performance
Chesapeake, Virginia— Chloe Ellen Stewart, M.M., Vocal Performance, Area Award: Vocal Performance
Fulshear, Texas— Claudia Pauline Dahlman, M.A., Musical Theatre, Alabama School of the Arts Achievement Award
Gastonia, North Carolina— Kevin Dashawn Le’Roy May, M.A., Musical Theatre
Greer, South Carolina­—Paul Douglas Penderman, M.A., Musical Theatre, Area Award: Musical Theatre
Gulf Breeze, Florida—Skye Lynn DuMont, M.M., Vocal Performance
Slidell, Louisiana—Theresa Nicole Sharp, M.M., Music Education (Non-Certification)
The Woodlands, Texas—Anna Lynne Tesh, M.M., Vocal Performance

College of Arts and Sciences
Master of Arts

Kelsie L. Hancock, Marriage and Family Counseling
London, England, United Kingdom — Abigail Arduah Mills, M.A., Marriage and Family Counseling, College of Arts and Sciences Achievement Award
Mobile, Alabama— Tanika Michelle Montgomery, M.A., Marriage and Family Counseling; Rhonda Nodd, M.A., Marriage and Family Counseling; Timothy Michael White, M.A., Marriage and Family Counseling
Moss Point, Mississippi — Macey Bonta Parsley, M.A., Marriage and Family Counseling, Area Award: Marriage and Family Counseling
Satsuma, Alabama — Jessica Elizabeth Strenth, M.A., Marriage and Family Counseling

College of Arts and Sciences 
School of Christian Studies
Master of Arts

Canton, Georgia — Lance Owen Pierce, M.A., Worship Leadership and Theology, Area Award: Worship Leadership and Theology
Hernando, Mississippi— Hagen Thomas Ware, M.A., Worship Leadership and Theology

College of Health Professions
School of Health and Sports Science 
Master of Athletic Training

Chelsea, Alabama—Chelsea Brooke Acton, Area Award: Master of Athletic Training
Hartselle, Alabama—Kaitlyn Marie Spangler
Oakland, California—Jemiar Ramont Jonasian
Picayune, Mississippi —Tyesha Denise Smith

College of Health Professions
School of Nursing 
Master of Science in Nursing

Chunchula, Alabama—Leah Kimberly Williams, M.S.N., Family Nurse Practitioner
Daphne, Alabama— Brooke Collier O’Sullivan, M.S.N., Family Nurse Practitioner
Dunedin, Florida— Vishva Patel, M.S.N., Family Nurse Practitioner
Gulfport, Mississippi— Gerri L. Mack, M.S.N., Family Nurse Practitioner
Mathews, Alabama— Reagan Hartley Owens, M.S.N., Family Nurse Practitioner
Mobile, Alabama— Ashley Angle Haney, M.S.N., Family Nurse Practitioner; Devan Janel Cooper McAll, M.S.N., Family Nurse Practitioner; Krysta Elaine Turner, M.S.N., Family Nurse Practitioner
Saraland, Alabama— Jenilee Slayton Powell, M.S.N., Family Nurse Practitioner
Wiggins, Mississippi— Teresa Shavonne Monroe, M.S.N., Family Nurse Practitioner

Grace Pilot School of Business
Master of Business Administration and Master of Science

Asuncion, Paraguay– Carlos Matias Segovia, Master of Business Administration; Angel David Almiron Pereira, Master of Business Administration
Baghdad, Iraq– Abbas Razzaq Aljanabi, Master of Business Administration
Buenos Aires, Argentina– Santiago Ignacio Di Loreto, Master of Business Administration; Alejo Binaghi, M.S., Leadership and Communication
Canton, Michigan– Demetris Lamar Ogburn, Master of Business Administration
Caracas, Capital District Venezuela– Steffany Bermudez, Master of Business Administration
Citronelle, Alabama– Ayeshia Beth-Ann Abraham, Master of Business Administration
Danville, Alabama– Drew Morris Fitzgerald, Master of Business Administration
Daphne, Alabama– Victoria Mercedes Griffith, Master of Business Administration
Dayton, Ohio– Kelsey Francis Courtney, Master of Business Administration
Deatsville, Alabama– Micah Seth Olson, Master of Business Administration
Fairhope, Alabama– Megan Bossard Thomas, M.S., Leadership and Communication
Governador Valadares, Brazil– Carolina Martins Gomes, Master of Business Administration
Harare, Zimbabwe– Edward Junior Munashe Dakwa, M.S., Leadership and Communication
Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany– Paula John, Master of Business Administration
Höchstadt, Bavaria, Germany– Sofija Hrovat, Master of Business Administration
Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom– Chiedu Jonathan Ikeme, Master of Business Administration
Jablonec nad Nisou, Czech Republic– Jan Vrba, M.S., Leadership and Communication
Lawrenceville, Georgia– Jirah Joh’nea Simpkins, Master of Business Administration
Leutenbach, Baden-Wüttemberg, Germany– Alina Nadine Schweizer, Master of Business Administration
Loxley, Alabama– Jarnay Shantel Collins, Master of Business Administration
Mobile, Alabama– Jabraun Isaiah Bass, Master of Business Administration; Jake J. Bose, Master of Business Administration; Lauren Sidney Cunningham, Master of Business Administration; Gabriela Eva, Master of Business Administration; Kevin Fitzgerald, M.S., Leadership and Communication; Joel Kuli Mutua, Master of Business Administration; Noah B. Walters, Master of Business Administration
Monroeville, Alabama– Willa Yvette Taite-Hardamon, M.S., Leadership and Communication
Mount Vernon, Alabama– Gabriel Alise Thomas, Master of Business Administration
Paris, Ile De France, France– Maxime Benoit, Master of Business Administration
Pensacola, Florida– Steffani M. Gonzales, M.S., Leadership and Communication; Miranda Clarrisa Martin, Master of Business Administration
Rennes, Bretagne, France– Baptiste Jaques Hubert Gateau, M.S., Leadership and Communication
Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile– Gonzalo Pozo, Master of Business Administration
Saraland, Alabama– Shawndell-Lorenzo Lisondra Hope, M.S., Leadership and Communication; Shelby Newburn Landrum, Master of Business Administration; Callie Bea Setser, Master of Business Administration
Senlis, Picardie, France– Nicolas Mougaillard, Master of Business Administration
Silverhill, Alabama– Michael Zona, Master of Business Administration
Slidell, Louisiana– Josie Marie Headrick, M.S., Leadership and Communication
Theodore, Alabama– Ronak B. Patel, Master of Business Administration
Wagarville, Alabama– Calee Maree Tarver, Master of Business Administration
Winfield, Alabama– Jayda L. Stinnett, Master of Business Administration

School of Education 
Master of Arts and Master of Education

Chickasaw, Alabama– Jennifer Monique Todd, M.A., Alternative Early Childhood Education           
Gainesville, Florida– Erika Renee Stuckman, M.Ed., Higher Education Leadership and Policy, Area Award: Higher Education Leadership and Policy
Gautier, Mississippi– Ambria Michele Blackburn, M.A., Early Childhood Education
Mobile, Alabama– Kenecia Shanice Berry, M.Ed., Early Child Development (Non-Certification), Area Award: Early Child Development (Non-Certification); Sherea Lynn White, M.A., Alternative Early Childhood Education, School of Education Achievement Award Area Award: Alternative Early Childhood Education
Saraland, Alabama– James A. Collingsworth, M.Ed., Instructional Design and Technology, Area Award: Instructional Design and Technology
Semmes, Alabama– Tiffany Elizabeth Adams Jackson, M.A., Alternative Early Childhood Education; Anna Kathryn Woodward, M.A., Alternative Early Childhood Education

College of Health Professions
School of Nursing
Post-Master’s Certificate

McIntosh, Alabama– Wendy Renea Clarke, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner
Mobile, Alabama– Paula Rivers Matthews, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner

Alabama School of the Arts
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Science

Amarillo, Texas– Thomas Jonathan Hyer, B.S., Worship Leadership, Cum Laude
Blackshear, Georgia– Camden Eli Jewell, B.F.A., Performance, Acting, Area Award: Performance, Acting, Magna Cum Laude
Chickasaw, Alabama– Rebecca Merritt Reed, B.M., Piano Performance, Area Award: Piano Performance, Magna Cum Laude     
Decatur, Alabama– William Joseph Farris, B.M., Piano Performance, Summa Cum Laude     
Gulfport, Mississippi– Jordan Kidron Bennett, B.S., Worship Leadership
Madison, Mississippi– Kaelyn E. Haight, B.S., Worship Leadership, Magna Cum Laude; Mason Douglas Moak, B.S., Production Technologies, Area Award: Production Technologies, Summa Cum Laude            
Millbrook, Alabama– Brian Christian Jones, B.S., Production Technologies, Cum Laude        
Milton, Florida– Austin Blake Young, B.S., Production Technologies
Mobile, Alabama– Abigail Ruth Anderson, B.M., Vocal Performance; Aidan Eliseo Chavez, B.S., Production Technologies; Emma Kate Dalgety, B.A., Music B.A., English, Area Award: Music Area, Award: English, Summa Cum Laude, Honors Program with Thesis Graduate; Hannah Grace Goodman, B.S., Production Technologies, Magna Cum Laude     
Pell City, Alabama– Katelyn Rena Karcher B.M., Vocal Performance President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Area Award: Vocal Performance, Summa Cum Laude    
Pensacola, Florida– Cheyanne Emma Burge, B.S., Production Technologies, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude; Hannah Grace Elizabeth Smith, B.F.A., Performance, Musical Theatre, Magna Cum Laude       
Picayune, Mississippi– Taylor Ann Inmon, B.M., Vocal Performance, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude    
Reading, Michigan– Lauren Elizabeth Routledge, B.F.A., Performance, Musical Theatre, Alabama School of the Arts Achievement Award, Magna Cum Laude    
Ruskin, Florida– Lauren Elizabeth Jensen, B.S., Music Education (Non-certification)        
Saraland, Alabama– Lenjamin Cory Anderson II, B.M., Vocal Performance, William K. Weaver, Jr. Excellence Award, Cum Laude; Robert Herston Ewing, B.S., Production Technologies, Cum Laude; Shawn Randall Rivers, B.S., Worship Leadership, Area Award: Worship Leadership, Cum Laude  
Spanish Fort, Alabama– Grace Joanna Dunn, B.F.A., Performance, Musical Theatre, Magna Cum Laude
Springville, Alabama– Tiffany Joy Aikens, B.M., Vocal Performance, Cum Laude       
Titus, Alabama– Savannah Grace Brannen, B.M., Vocal Performance, Cum Laude     
Tuscaloosa, Alabama– Anna MeLeigha Boswell, B.S., Worship Leadership; Madilyn Rose Donald, B.S., Worship Leadership, Magna Cum Laude  
Van Wert, Ohio– Michaella Leanne Johnson, B.F.A., Performance, Musical Theatre, Area Award: Performance, Musical Theatre, Summa Cum Laude     
Whitesburg, Georgia– Riley Daniel Shearon, B.S., Production Technologies, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude            

College of Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Bachelor of Science

Andalusia, Alabama– Leah A. Thompson, B.S., Sociology, Cum Laude            
Auburn, Alabama– Nisreen Mohammad Kanaan, B.S., Psychology
Axis, Alabama– Makenzie Taylor McDaniel, B.S., Psychology, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Magna Cum Laude        
Cantonment, Florida– Grace Elizabeth Atteberry, B.S., Psychology                              
Chatom, Alabama– Adrianna Williams Rowell, B.S., Sociology, Magna Cum Laude    
Chunchula, Alabama– Taelor Breann W. Davis, B.S., Criminology, Area Award: Criminology
Cullman, Alabama– Lillimae Dyan Allen, B.S., Pre-Health Biology, College of Arts and Sciences Achievement Award, Area Award: Natural Sciences, Magna Cum Laude
Daleville, Alabama– Jamie Danielle Peters, B.A., English, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude, Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Excellence Award, Honors Program with Thesis Graduate
Daphne, Alabama– Jacob Taylor Clabo, B.S., Mathematics, Magna Cum Laude, Honors Program Graduate; Courtney Johnson, B.S., Organizational Leadership; Blakelee Angeleena Stewart, B.S., Psychology                                                             
Dothan, Alabama– Abigail E. Duke, B.S., Biology, Magna Cum Laude; David Mark Ledlow Jr., B.S., History, Magna Cum Laude
Elberta, Alabama– Justin Stewart Johnson, B.A., English
Ellisville, Mississippi– Caidyn Grace Crowder, B.S., General Studies
Fairhope, Alabama– Emma Elizabeth Lepere, B.F.A., Graphic Design, Cum Laude; Britain E’lise Lord, B.S., General Studies; Trevor Gene Wells, B.S., Social Science
Frisco City, Alabama– Martionna, LaDiamond Salinas, B.F.A., Creative Writing
Grand Bay, Alabama– Stephen Alexander Davis, B.S., History, Area Award: History, Summa Cum Laude; Heather L. Tyler, B.S., Psychology
Grove Hill, Alabama– Rachael Maria Gregson, B.S., Psychology, Honors Program Graduate
Guntersville, Alabama– James Michael Payne, B.S., General Studies
Harrisburg, South Dakota– Allison R. Preator, B.S., Biology, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude
Hendersonville, Tennessee– Abigail Grace Breland, B.S., Psychology
Hoover, Alabama– AnnaKate Burleson, B.A., English, Summa Cum Laude, Honors Program Graduate
Huntsville, Alabama– Sarah Alyssa Koepplinger, B.F.A., Graphic Design, Magna Cum Laude
Irvington, Alabama– Hannah Mabry McCormick, B.A., English, Magna Cum Laude
McIntosh, Alabama– Allie Maharrey, B.S., Psychology; Karly L. Weaver, B.A., English, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude     
Mobile, Alabama– Moira E. Buck, B.F.A., Graphic Design, Area Award: Graphic Design, Cum Laude; Cameron Alexandra Casper, B.S., Psychology, Criminology; Tatiana Catherine Finan, B.S., Psychology, Area Award: Psychology; Haley Lin Hollingsworth, B.S., Psychology; Linda Carol Johnson, B.S., General Studies; Spencer Jordan, B.S., History; Alan Michael Lang, B.A., English, B.F.A., Creative Writing; Breanna Audrey Poole, B.A., English, Cum Laude, Honors Program Graduate; Bryan Collin Reed, B.S., History; Jamarria Aysha Smith, B.S., Sociology; Grace Elizabeth Stanley, B.S., History                                                                      
Monroe, Louisiana– Genevieve Rubena Myles, B.S., Biology
Ozark, Alabama– Claire Ann Wood, B.S., Strategic Communications, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Area Award: Communication, Summa Cum Laude           
Pell City, Alabama– Joshua Franklin Warren, B.S., History
Pensacola, Florida– Tatalia Yasmeen Carmichael, B.S., General Studies
Saraland, Alabama– Kristen Leann Black, B.S., Mathematics, Area Award: Mathematics, Magna Cum Laude; Wyatt Colin Fulton, B.S., Journalism and Broadcast Media, B.S., History; Brinkley Paige Goff, B.S., Sociology; Nathan Kimble Love, B.S., General Studies, Cum Laude     
Satsuma, Alabama– Otto Joshua Alvarez, B.S., Organizational Leadership; Ashley Shea Mason, B.S., General Studies                                                                     
Semmes, Alabama– Antionette Denise Hunter, B.S., Organizational Leadership; Miki Marlowe, B.F.A., Studio Art, Area Award: Studio Art, Magna Cum Laude, Kayla Renee Ritchie, B.S., General Studies; Brandi Latrice Williams, B.S., History
Silverhill, Alabama– Abbie N. Hedden, B.A., English, Cum Laude, Honors Program with Thesis Graduate; John Andrew Hedden, B.S., Government and Law, Area Award:  Government and Law, Summa Cum Laude
Spanish Fort, Alabama– Lauren Leigh Meador, B.S., History; Sally Elizabeth Ott, B.S., Psychology; Danielle Justine Pote, B.S., Psychology, Sociology, Area Award: Sociology, Cum Laude
Thorsby, Alabama– James Bailey Sellers, B.S., Social Science, Cum Laude       
Vestavia, Alabama– Lydia Walker Davis, B.S., Journalism and Broadcast Media
Wagarville, Alabama– Collin Jefferson Henson, B.S., History, Cum Laude       
Waveland, Mississippi– Lauren Elaine Stanford, B.S., General Studies, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Magna Cum Laude    
West Blocton, Alabama– Kallee Mashell Rowe, B.S., Marine Science
Whistler, Alabama– Kierra Wiley, B.S., Psychology
Wilmer, Alabama– Ryan Michael Dearmon, B.S., History, Georgia Brooke Rives, B.S., Psychology                                                                
Worcester, Worcestershire, United Kingdom– Leia Carter, B.F.A., Graphic Design, Cum Laude

College of Arts and Sciences
School of Christian Studies
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science

Citronelle, Alabama– Johnathan Jacob Turner, B.S., Christian Ministry                       
Coden, Alabama– Lisa Marie Vail, B.S., Christian Ministry                    
Deatsville, Alabama– Carli Rae Watkins Shaw, B.A., Intercultural Studies, Area Award: Intercultural Studies, Summa Cum Laude
DeFuniak Springs, Florida– Daniel Dean DeMarra, B.S., Christian Leadership and Ministry, Area Award: Christian Leadership and Ministry            
Pensacola, Florida– Spencer Davis St. Cyr, B.A., Biblical/Theological Studies, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Center for Christian Calling Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude
Phenix City, Alabama– Claudia Anna Hall, B.A., Intercultural Studies, Center for Christian Calling Achievement Award, Magna Cum Laude
Sylacauga, Alabama– Landon Hayes Owen, B.A., Intercultural Studies, Summa Cum Laude
Talladega, Alabama– Thomas Allen Wilcox, B.A., Biblical/Theological Studies, Area Award: Biblical/Theological Studies, Magna Cum Laude
Tuscaloosa, Alabama– Madison Ruth Smith, B.A., Intercultural Studies                      

College of Health Professions
School of Health and Sports Science
Bachelor of Science

Axis, Alabama– Gregory Brown, B.S., Kinesiology                       
Bay Minette, Alabama– Chloe Peyton Buck, B.S., Kinesiology, Magna Cum Laude
Brewton, Alabama­– Rider Lee Jernigan, B.S., Kinesiology, Cum Laude
Bridgetown, Barbados– Jalicia Fa’tima Neil, B.S., Exercise Science                  
Dothan, Alabama– Samantha Amiya Mansur, B.S., Kinesiology, Magna Cum Laude
Falkville, Alabama– Kari Allison Watts, B.S., Kinesiology, School of Health and Sports Science Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude
Grady, Alabama– Jayson Isaac Sansom, B.S., Kinesiology                       
Hartselle, Alabama– Mackenzie Taylor Jackson, B.S., Kinesiology, Magna Cum Laude; Addison Seth Zanda, B.S., Exercise Science, Cum Laude
Irvington, Alabama– Emilee Morgan Wilkerson, B.S., Kinesiology, Cum Laude
Jacksonville, North Carolina– Ashlee Noel Nettles, B.S., Kinesiology, Magna Cum Laude
Jasper, Alabama– Kaitlyn Cheyenne Spurgeon, B.S., Kinesiology, Cum Laude
Mandeville, Louisiana– Madison Jane Bergeron, B.S., Kinesiology, Area Award: Kinesiology, Magna Cum Laude
Manresa, Barcelona, Spain– Anna Cabrera Riudor, B.S., Exercise Science Area Award: Exercise Science, Magna Cum Laude
Mobile, Alabama– Cameron Diez Alexander, B.S., Kinesiology; Caitlin Marie Foshee, B.S., Kinesiology; Kimberly Nichole Grandquest, B.S., Kinesiology; Jordan Jamikal Moon, B.S., Kinesiology                      
Pell City, Alabama– Mary Denman Luker, B.S., Kinesiology, Magna Cum Laude; Breighanne Elizabeth Singleton, B.S., Exercise Science, Cum Laude
Pisgah, Alabama– Gavin Scott Rider, B.S., Exercise Science                   
Port St. Joe, Florida– Hannah Elizabeth Anderson, B.S., Exercise Science                    
Rainsville, Alabama– Emily Grace Wrenn, B.S., Kinesiology, Cum Laude
Saint Rose, Louisiana– Devin Larry Christopher, B.S., Kinesiology                  
Saraland, Alabama– Caitlin Dianne Hawley, B.S., Exercise Science                  
Satsuma, Alabama– Courtney Dianna Ellzey, B.S., Kinesiology, Summa Cum Laude
Semmes, Alabama– Samuel Lee Richardson, B.S., Kinesiology             
Spanish Fort, Alabama– Joseph Lowery Quinn, B.S., Kinesiology, Magna Cum Laude; Kyle Thomas White, B.S., Exercise Science                      
Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom– Mia Chantelle Mugford, B.S., Exercise Science
Theodore, Alabama– Caleb L. Coffey, B.S., Exercise Science                 
Trinidad, Beni, Bolivia– Maria Jose Reynaldo Toledo, B.S., Kinesiology, Cum Laude
Tulsa, Oklahoma– Melody Grace Holcomb, B.S., Exercise Science                   
Valera, Trujillo, Venezuela– Eila Adriana Infante, B.S., Kinesiology, Cum Laude

College of Health Professions
School of Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Adair Village, Oregon– Hannah Joy Ray, Cum Laude
Athens, Alabama– Zoe’ Lynn Bohanon                 
Baton Rouge, Louisiana– Cynthia Ellen Clement                       
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi– Addie Carolyn Haas                       
Caceres, Extremadura, Spain– Andrea Sanchez-Gonzalez                  
Chesapeake, Virginia– Caitlin Elizabeth Fulgham                        
Chicago, Illinois– Grace Marilyn Cunningham, Cum Laude
Chunchula, Alabama– Taylor Brooke Jackson                
Citronelle, Alabama– Rachel Marks Redding                 
Clanton, Alabama– Adison Piper Argent              
Daphne, Alabama– Megan Amanda Minshew                 
Denver, Colorado– Hahnnah LuLu Nichole Brown, Magna Cum Laude
Gardendale, Alabama– Abigail Tatum Waldrep, Area Award: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Magna Cum Laude
Huntsville, Alabama– Savanna Rose Fuchsberger, Cum Laude
Kathmandu, Nepal– Sushma Chhun                    
McIntosh, Alabama– Mandy Danese Sullivan                 
Mobile, Alabama– Jessica Kay Carr; Kelsey Lynn Gill; Lakisha C. Traylor; Lauren Olivia Wallace, Cum Laude, Jakayla Deneise Young                
Opelika, Alabama– Sarah Renae Martinez                      
Phillipsburg, Montana– Bridgette A. Parsons                 
Rome, Georgia– Sara Elizabeth Wheeler, Area Award: Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing     
Saraland, Alabama– Callie Grace Allen; Christopher Elwin Beaver; Dylan M. Driscoll; Cassidy Caroline James; Madison Alexis Johnston; Allie Sayasane Sheppard; Hayley Noel Wright, Cum Laude
Satsuma, Alabama– Alexandra Suzanne Lucas; Angie Anne Norman               
Semmes, Alabama– Luz Veronica Davison; Danielle Nicole Smith; Macey Lauren Turner                  
Theodore, Alabama– Morgan Lee Howard, School of Nursing Achievement Award; Brianna Dawn Roberts, Magna Cum Laude
Tuscaloosa, Alabama– Caroline Grace Boswell              
Wilmer, Alabama– Alexia Loreen Horne

Grace Pilot School of Business
Bachelor of Science

Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil– Jose Dos Reis Pereira Neto, B.S., Integrated Marketing Communications, Area Award: Integrated Marketing Communications  
Citronelle, Alabama– Ayeshia Beth-Ann Abraham, B.S., Management, Summa Cum Laude
Daphne, Alabama– Victoria Mercedes Griffith, B.S., Business Administration; Ricky Dewayne Hankins, B.S., Business Administration; Ford Gregson Taylor, B.S., Accounting                 
Darlington, England, United Kingdom– Joshua Eon Bynoe B.S., Computer Information Systems, Magna Cum Laude
Dayton, Ohio– Kelsey Francis Courtney, B.S., Management                    
Deatsville, Alabama– Micah Seth Olson, B.S., Management                 
Frankfurt am Main Hessen, Germany– Boris Klingebiel, B.S., Management
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom– Christopher McKenna, B.S., Management, Summa Cum Laude
Grove Hill, Alabama– Adam James Cooke, B.S., Business Administration, Area Award: Supply Chain Management, Cum Laude
Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany– Paula John, B.S., Management                      
Höchstadt, Bavaria, Germany– Sofija Hrovat, B.S., Management                   
Indianapolis, Indiana– Austin Bradford Schofield, B.S., Business Administration
Lucas, Texas– John Carey Treanor, B.S., Management               
Madison, Alabama– Caleb Andrew Marshall, B.S., Management                      
McIntosh, Alabama– Charity Denise Orso, B.S., Digital Media and Advertising
Mobile, Alabama– Abigail Jane Andrews, B.S., Accounting, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Area Award: Accounting, Scholar Athlete Award, Summa Cum Laude; Jabraun Isaiah Bass, B.S., Business Administration; Jennifer Lynn Baugh, B.S., Business Administration; Jeffrey Alan Griffin, B.S., Management; Shaila Mahesh Gupte, B.S., Management, Area Award: Management; Youlandra Maykaylen Hall, B.S., Accounting; Isaiah Kendall Holmes, B.S., Management; Dashon Tramaine Malone, B.S., Integrated Marketing Communications; Madelyne Danyelle Miller, B.S., Management; Harrison Michael Puckett, B.S., Software Development, Magna Cum Laude; Nicholas Taylor Shelton, B.S., Computer Information Systems, Noah B. Walters B.S., Integrated Marketing Communications; Sable Rain Williams, B.S., Software Development                        
Mount Vernon, Alabama– Gabriel Alise Thomas, B.S., Management               
New Market, Alabama– Luke Tipton Kilgore, B.S., Business Administration, Area Award: Finance   
Opp, Alabama– Ashton Victoria Mack, B.S., Digital Media and Advertising                  
Orgeval, Yvelines, France– Fabien Reuzeau, B.S., Management                      
Pearl City, Hawaii– Kaitlyn Hamilton, B.S., Management                     
Pike Road, Alabama– Donald Evans III, B.S., Management                  
Prattville, Alabama– Randall Coleman Sallé, B.S., Accounting, School of Business Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude
Saraland, Alabama– William Tyler Boling, B.S., Integrated Marketing Communications; Shelby Newburn Landrum, B.S., Accounting, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award; Alyssa Kaylen O’Shea, B.S., Business Administration, Post-Traditional Area Award; Callie Bea Setser, B.S., Business Administration; April Jewel Steward, B.S., Business Administration; Danny Christopher Wheidi, B.S., Business Administration              
Satsuma, Alabama– Andrew C. Hooper, B.S., Computer Information Systems, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Area Award: Computer Information Systems, Summa Cum Laude; Jackson Ronald Verkoullie, B.S., Accounting, Cum Laude
Spanish Fort, Alabama– Bailey Ethan Bergdolt, B.S., Business Administration             
St. Augustine, Florida– Jared Andrew Whittle, B.S., Business Administration, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude
St. Elmo, Alabama– Kevin Girard Richardson, B.S., Computer Information Systems
Sulphur, Louisiana– Haden Carter Parker, B.S., Management              
Wagarville, Alabama– Calee Maree Tarver, B.S., Accounting, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude
Winfield, Alabama– Jayda L. Stinnett, B.S., Accounting, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude

School of Education
Bachelor of Science

Alabaster, Alabama–Randi Marie Becton, B.S., Elementary Education, Area Award: Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude
Chatom, Alabama– Hailey Madison Moss, B.S., Early Childhood Education
Chelsea, Alabama– Sarah Elizabeth Warren, B.S., Elementary Education, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, School of Education Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude
Chunchula, Alabama– Zachary Nathanial Brown, B.S., Collaborative Special Education
Citronelle, Alabama– Jessidey Adriana Orso, B.S., Early Childhood Education
Ellisville, Mississippi– Tyneshia LaSha Peppers, B.S., Child and Social Development
Fairhope, Alabama– Kaylin R. Sanders, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Cum Laude
Gulfport, Mississippi– Kristyn Renee Hensley, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude
Irvington, Alabama– Michelle Leigh Parmer, B.S., Child and Social Development       
Liberty, Mississippi– Ashley Gavrielle Hutson, B.S., Child and Social Development
Mobile, Alabama– Alyssa Danielle Flowers, B.S., Collaborative Special Education, Magna Cum Laude; Annya Katerine Garcia, B.S., Child and Social Development, Area Award: Child and Social Development; Morgan Jade Johns, B.S., Collaborative Special Education, Area Award: Collaborative Special Education        
Saraland, Alabama– Lauren Grace Day, B.S., Elementary Education, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude; Hannah L. Kelly, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Area Award: Early Childhood Education, Cum Laude; Lyndsey Julia Scoper, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude; Emily Sharpe, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude; Kelsey Jones Westbrook, B.S., Early Childhood Education                           
Satsuma, Alabama– Ashton M. Holley, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Area Award: Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Taylor Michelle Rester, B.S., Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude
Slidell, Louisiana– Katie Sunrise Grubbs, B.S., Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude

College of Arts and Sciences
Associate of Science
Satsuma, Alabama– Ashley Shea Mason, A.S., General Studies

Graduation 2023
Graduation 2023

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online associate’s, 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 information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

]]> Dream Job: Kei Martin https://umobile.edu/2022/10/alumni-spotlight-kei-martin/ Mon, 24 Oct 2022 15:28:23 +0000 https://umobile.edu/?p=101879

Kei Martin, BSN, MSN-FNP
Clinical Lead Advanced Practice Provider
DispatchHealth
Bachelor of Science in Nursing ’15
Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner ’19
Currently Enrolled, Doctor of Nursing Practice

Not only is nursing a science, but it is also an art. You must know the science to be a nurse, but you also have to know the art of nursing to make an impact. -Kei Martin ’15 & ’19

I think initially I was inspired to become a nurse because I loved taking care of people but was also a thrill seeker. I became an ER nurse for several years to satiate that thrill-seeking mentality, when I was inspired by the nurse practitioners I worked with. I knew I could do more for my patients if I became one. 

Now that I’m an NP, I am inspired by the leadership I work with who are innovative and change makers. I love being a part of a medical model that shakes up what we currently know. 

Between working for a company that encourages innovation and pursuing my Doctor of Nursing Practice with the University of Mobile, I am inspired by the process of recognizing the need for change and learning the steps on HOW to make impactful changes in health care.

Q. Where has your career taken you since you graduated from the University of Mobile?

A. Since graduating from UM, I have worked in many states as a travel nurse (AL, TN, FL, CA) and made my way out to Washington state as a nurse practitioner. I have been able to assist with a home health pilot that my company now uses regularly, and am still a part of some ongoing clinical trials/pilots to improve clinical processes and outcomes for our patients. Earlier this year, I pursued a leadership opportunity with DispatchHealth as the Clinical Lead Advanced Practice Provider (APP) and was transferred to Orange County, California. By stepping into a leadership capacity, I felt led to pursue a doctorate to better serve in my current clinical lead role. I am currently enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program with UM. 

Q. What is a typical day like?

A. I work for a mobile medical company where our goal is to keep patients “Healthy at Home.” We are able to provide high acuity interventions and care to patients who otherwise would seek ER or urgent care services. My role is to ensure that quality and safe care is delivered by the providers in my market. I work closely with my company to deliver policies/procedures and ensure clinical competencies. 

My typical day is variable. Sometimes I am providing patient care in homes, and other times I am interviewing, hiring, training and chart auditing for the local clinical team, or participating in growth and marketing meetings. It’s exciting – and challenging! I love being able to provide high-level care and interventions to patients in their homes.

Q. What are some of the most important things you gained from your UM experience?

A. I would say that my University of Mobile experience has been and still is one of the most supportive learning environments. I think it is a beautiful and rare thing to enter a class where you know you’re prayed for by the instructors. The professors and staff at UM care about your success, and I think that has meant the most to me. 

I’ve always been a goal setter and, each step of the way, I’ve been encouraged and challenged to keep pursuing my goals, even through failure. When I didn’t get my “dream job” out of my undergraduate studies, I was given the advice that when a door closes on you, God opens a window. And what a wonderful window life has been! Now I think back fondly on not getting that job I pined over for months, because it would have never allowed me the opportunity to pursue things I never knew would become my “dream job!” 

Another piece of advice from UM that has been profound in my career is that not only is nursing a science, but it is also an art. You must know the science to be a nurse, but you also have to know the art of nursing to make an impact.

Q. What advice would you give to UM School of Nursing students?

A. Apart from the education, my favorite part of my experience at the University of Mobile is the friends I have made along the way. I met my lifelong friends in undergrad and in nursing school who I now consider my family. It has been the most fun doing life with the people whom I met through UM, even if we are all sprinkled in different states these days. 

The advice I would give to students at UM would be: Be yourself and you’ll find your people. We all have something to offer this world, and you make it better by educating yourself and pursuing your passions. If you let it, your time at the University of Mobile will help shape your worldview with a higher purpose. 

]]> ‘Stand Up For Your Convictions’: UM Leadership Banquet Oct. 25 https://umobile.edu/2022/09/leadership-banquet-oct-25/ Thu, 29 Sep 2022 15:43:33 +0000 https://umobile.edu/?p=102081 MOBILE, Ala. – From designing shoes to surviving “Survivor: The Australian Outback” to not surviving “The View,” Elisabeth Hasselbeck has learned more about standing up for her convictions in the public eye than she ever thought she would when she applied for a reality TV show on a whim two decades ago. 

The noted Christian speaker, Emmy-Award winning national talk show host and New York Times best-selling author will share her story at the University of Mobile Leadership Banquet on Tuesday, Oct. 25. Tickets are on sale now.

Among many other accomplishments, Hasselbeck is the author of “Point of View: A Fresh Look at Work, Faith, and Freedom” and the children’s book “Flashlight Night: An Adventure in Trusting God.”

Reserve Your Tickets Now

Tickets are still available for the university’s main fundraising event of the year. Tickets and tables may be purchased at umobile.edu/banquet, or call the Office for Advancement at 251.442.2913.

The banquet begins Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Mobile at the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center. A VIP reception with Hasselbeck will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Hasselbeck will share her failures, triumphs and lessons learned as God was at work in her life to show His point of view. Entertainment is provided by the students from the Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile.

Become a ‘Partner for Purpose’

The evening is a celebration of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose” and the many supporters who partner with the Christ-centered university located in north Mobile County.

“When you partner with the University of Mobile by becoming a sponsor or purchasing tickets to the Leadership Banquet, your support helps students fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. You become a ‘Partner for Purpose,’” said Brian Boyle, vice president for advancement and a graduate of the university.

The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 as Mobile College with the purposing of honoring God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 75 academic programs and has one of the largest athletic programs in the NAIA.

More About Elisabeth Hasselbeck

Elisabeth Hasselbeck graduated from Boston College in 1999, where she played Division I softball and majored in studio art. After graduating, she designed footwear for PUMA. In 2002, she competed in the popular television reality show, Survivor: The Australian Outback, taking fourth place.

For the next 10 years, she co-hosted the daytime talk show, The View, on ABC and became an Emmy Award recipient. In 2013, Hasselbeck joined FOX & Friends where she served as a co-host for two years.

Hasselbeck is married to former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Tim Hasselbeck, and they have three children.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering 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 information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

]]> University of Mobile Class of 2022 Urged to Live by God’s Definition of Greatness https://umobile.edu/2022/05/university-of-mobile-class-of-2022-urged-to-live-by-gods-definition-of-greatness/ Tue, 10 May 2022 02:58:39 +0000 https://umobile.edu/?p=101555 MOBILE, Ala. – Southern Baptist Convention President Ed Litton challenged the University of Mobile Class of 2022 to pursue greatness – not as the world defines it, but as God does.

The senior pastor of Redemption Church in Saraland, Alabama, delivered the commencement address at the Baptist-affiliated university on May 7. More than 3,500 family and friends gathered on campus at the Lackey Great Commission Lawn to celebrate 320 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates.

Dr. Ted Mashburn, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and currently the university’s longest-serving faculty member, carried the ceremonial mace and led the procession of faculty and graduates. The university presented its prestigious Weaver Awards to the top two graduates, Avery Wilhite and Grace Whittington. The complete list of Spring 2022 graduates with academic honors and awards is below.

After receiving diplomas, UM’s newest alumni participated in the university’s Great Commission Tradition and touched the Great Commission Globe to represent going out into the world to make an impact for Christ. Watch the full graduation ceremony here.

UM President Lonnie Burnett introduced commencement speaker Dr. Litton as his pastor and friend for 28 years.

“He officiated at my daughter’s wedding, but also at my father’s funeral. I was in Nashville when he was elected president of the SBC, and at the hospital the night his wife Tammy died. He is my friend and our speaker because I have seen this man on the mountaintop and in the valley – and he has served the same God in both places,” Burnett said.

Litton urged graduates to live by God’s definition of greatness – greatness that is self-forgetful, serves others, and is found in redemption.

“The problem comes when we desire greatness apart from God, or we define greatness apart from God,” he said.

He said graduates are entering “a world where people want you to self-define, where people want to define you…You must have a definition that’s based on the truth of God’s word.”

“Who does God say you are? He says you are precious, He says you are His creation, He says you are beloved. He says I sent my Son to die for you, I’ve given my Spirit to infill you. That your life might have meaning and purpose beyond recognitions, beyond achievements, beyond greatness in any human definition.”

Litton told graduates that all service to God is redemptive in nature.

“God uses us to serve others that we might remind them, tell them or even instruct them that God loves them, and that God wants to save them. No matter what your career may be, God wants you to play a part in His redemptive plan for others,” he said.

“My challenge to you today is to take up your cross and follow Christ. Greatness is before you. Live by His definition of greatness, and you will see the hand of God answer prayer, move in your lives, and this can be a better world because of it,” Litton concluded.

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

Following are degrees and honors awarded.

Alabama School of the Arts
Doctor of Musical Arts

Little Rock, Arkansas­—Kara Michelle Claybrook, Vocal Performance, Alabama School of the Arts Achievement Award, Area Award: Vocal Performance

College of Health Professions
School of Nursing
Doctor of Nursing Practice

Gulf Breeze, Florida— Amanda Danielle Davis

Mobile, Alabama— Cameka Funches Evans

Alabama School of the Arts
Master of Arts and Master of Music

Boynton Beach, Florida—Taylor Anne Kroop, M.A., Musical Theatre

Cut Off, Louisiana—Carley Teresa Duet, M.M., Vocal Performance, Area Award: Vocal Performance

Ellisville, Mississippi—Austin Allen Perkins, M.M., Music Education (Non-Certification)

Hattiesburg, Mississippi—John Michael Lopinto, M.A., Musical Theatre

Houston, Texas—Paulina Virginia Guerra, M.M., Vocal Performance

Mobile, Alabama—Cindy Michelle McCormick, M.M., Music Education (Non-Certification)

Niceville, Florida—Elisabeth Jean Olson, M.M., Music Education (Non-Certification)

Pittsburg, Texas—Elizabeth Noel Griffin, M.A., Musical Theatre, Area Award: Musical Theatre

San Antonio, Texas—Dustin Joplin Gonzales, M.M, Vocal Performance

Satsuma, Alabama—Christie Marie Breland, M.M., Music Education (Non-Certification), Area Award: Music Education (Non-Certification)

Center for Christian Calling
Master of Arts

Alabaster, Alabama—Meagan Nichole Hall, Biblical/Theological Studies

Eight Mile, Alabama—David Martin Denton, Worship Leadership and Theology, Area Award: Worship Leadership and Theology

Saraland, Alabama—Michael Dewayne Smith, Biblical/Theological Studies

Spanish Fort, Alabama—Julie McCall Thompson, Biblical/Theological Studies, Center for Christian Calling Achievement Award

Theodore, Alabama—Byron Andre White, Biblical/Theological Studies

College of Arts and Sciences
Master of Arts

Ascutney, Vermont—Cortni Lynn Rochon, Marriage and Family Counseling, Area Award: Marriage and Family Counseling

Mobile, Alabama—Chirsti Leigh Bone, Marriage and Family Counseling; Linda Pugh, Marriage and Family Counseling

Panama City, Florida—Ali Nicole Taylor, Marriage and Family Counseling, College of Arts and Sciences Achievement Award

Tallahassee, Florida—Jessica Eunice Weeks, Marriage and Family Counseling

College of Health Professions
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing

Brookhaven, Mississipp—Michael Brooks Foster, Family Nurse Practitioner

Gulfport, Mississippi—Olympia Nicole Horne, Family Nurse Practitioner; Jenny Rebecca Tomson, Family Nurse Practitioner

Pensacola, Florida—Brandy Michelle Nicholson, Family Nurse Practitioner

Pflugerville, Texas—Angela Nneamaka Acha, Family Nurse Practitioner

Mobile, Alabama—Mary Michael Andrus, Family Nurse Practitioner; Evan Bradlee Brewer, Family Nurse Practitioner; Aimee Hogan Castillow, Family Nurse Practitioner; Wanda Kristin Craft, Family Nurse Practitioner; Kristan Fresolone Evans, Family Nurse Practitioner; Katherine Trawick Smith, Family Nurse Practitioner

Moss Point, Mississippi—Ashley Nicole Thompson, Family Nurse Practitioner

Saraland, Alabama—Kendall Elaine Bruns, Family Nurse Practitioner

Semmes, Alabama—Kayla Catherine Byrd, Family Nurse Practitioner, Area Award: Master of Science in Nursing

Spanish Fort, Alabama—Lauren Catherine Taylor, Family Nurse Practitioner

Vancleave, Mississippi—Gina Marie Guillotte, Family Nurse Practitioner

Grace Pilot School of Business
Master of Business Administration and Master of Science

Asuncion, Paraguay—Paulo Rodrigo Paredes Acosta, Master of Business Administration

Atmore, Alabama—Timothy Ramer, Master of Business Administration

Barcelona, Spain—Alejandro Lozano Vilarroya, Master of Business Administration

Chatom, Alabama—Christian Faith Baker, M.S., Leadership and Communication, Area Award: Leadership and Communication

Conroe, Texas—Emily Ann Kelleher, M.S., Leadership and Communication

Cumberland, Virginia—Annesha Doris Harris, Master of Business Administration

Daphne, Alabama—Ansley Claire Hardyman, Master of Business Administration

Excel, Alabama—Haley Mashell Ikner Haney, M.S., Leadership and Communication

Fairhope, Alabama—Tessa Noelle Crane, Master of Business Administration, School of Business Achievement Award

Grand Bay, Alabama—Bailey Marie Davis, Master of Business Administration

Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany—Emily John, M.S., Leadership and Communication

Ile de France, Paris, France—Antoine Bedos, Master of Business Administration, Area Award: Master of Business Administration

Jackson, Tennessee—Caleb Guthrie Croom, Master of Business Administration

Kenner, Louisiana—Ethan C. Simmons, Master of Business Administration

Lecher a, Venezuela—Ayax Alejandro Armas Guzman, Master of Business Administration

Millry, Alabama—Daisy B. Steiner, M.S., Leadership and Communication

Mobile, Alabama—Kimberly Michelle Bruce, Master of Business Administration; Cameron J. Cranton, Master of Business Administration; Martrisse Holliza Bernice  Haynes, Master of Business Administration; Sunny Kumar Jamullamudi, Master of Business Administration; Tye Collins Jordan, Master of Business Administration; Tyra Mae Jones, M.S., Leadership and Communication; Brittany Danielle Long, Master of Business Administration; Ava Michelle Pierce, Master of Business Administration; Christian William Poche, M.S., Leadership and Communication; Amanda Turner Pritchard, M.S., Leadership and Communication; Miguel Martin Valdovinos, Master of Business Administration

Opp, Alabama—Nicholas Sean Hampton, M.S., Leadership and Communication

Peachtree City, Georgia—Lauren Graham Stroud, M.S., Leadership and Communication

Pensacola, Florida—La Tonya J. Perkins, M.S., Leadership and Communication

Prattville, Alabama—Kaylee Grace Pullin, M.S., Leadership and Communication

Saraland, Alabama—Heather Kyser Blackwell, Master of Business Administration; Jennifer S. Fulton, Master of Business Administration; Robert Spencer Kahalley, Master of Business Administration; Ashley Nicole Taylor, Master of Business Administration; Heath Raymond Vester, M.S., Leadership and Communication

Santiago, Chile—Andres Graterol Lillo, Master of Business Administration; Matias Horacio Le Fort Solari, Master of Business Administration

Santiago, RM, Chile—Guido Alessandro Evangelista Tapia, Master of Business Administration

Semmes, Alabama—Blake Patrick Roberts, Master of Business Administration; Christian Waltman, Master of Business Administration

Theodore, Alabama—Maranda Leigh Kirk, M.S., Leadership and Communication; Dalton Allen Rone, Master of Business Administration

Tucson, Arizona—Michael Blaine Lee, Master of Business Administration

Zvornik, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia—Nikola Rajkovic, Master of Business Administration

School of Education
Master of Arts and Master of Education

Bay Minette, Alabama—D’natia Runita Ann Kennedy, M.A., Elementary Education

Brantley, Alabama—Stefan Xavier King, M.Ed., Higher Education Leadership and Policy, Area Award: Higher Education Leadership and Policy

Eight Mile, Alabama—Anna Louise Morris, M.Ed., Higher Education Leadership and Policy

Grove Hill, Alabama—Jon Logan Horton, M.Ed., Higher Education Leadership and Policy

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom—Jordan Stewart Sinclair, M.Ed., Early Child Development (Non-Certification)

Ile de France, Paris, France—Maxime Benoit, M.Ed., Higher Education Leadership and Policy

Jackson, Alabama—Maggie Ruth Jackson, M.A., Elementary Education

Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana—Obed Asare, M.Ed., Higher Education Leadership and Policy

Louin, Mississippi—Laromeo Isiah McKee, M.Ed., Higher Education Leadership and Policy

Mobile, Alabama—Victoria Lowe Bolton, M.Ed., Early Child Development (Non-Certification), Area Award: Early Child Development (Non-Certification); Trinishia James Clausell, M.A., Alternative Early Childhood Education, Area Award: Alternative Early Childhood Education; Dawn Domonique Davis, M.Ed., Instructional Design and Technology; Tamara Eubanks Gurley, M.Ed., Instructional Design and Technology, Area Award: Instructional Design and Technology; Harry Jewitt, M.Ed., Higher Education Leadership and Policy; Desira Bolden Keith, M.Ed., Early Child Development (Non-Certification); Delissa Kelley, M.A., Alternative Elementary Education; Catherine Mary Mayfield, M.A., Alternative Early Childhood Education; Lindsey  Morgan, M.A., Alternative Elementary Education, Area Award: Alternative Elementary Education; Iris Renae Oliver, M.Ed., Higher Education Leadership and Policy; Leah Olivia Walker, M.A., Elementary Education; LaDanika Johnson York—M.Ed., Early Child Development (Non-Certification)

Montgomery, Alabama—Lindsey Brooke McDaniel, M.A., Early Childhood Education, Area Award: Early Childhood Education

Mount Vernon, Alabama—Misty Lee Weaver-Byrd, M.A., Alternative Early Childhood Education

Natchez, Mississippi—Teri Allise Edwards, M.A., Alternative Elementary Education

Perdido, Alabama—Kylie Arean Boutwell, M.A., Alternative Elementary Education

Semmes, Alabama—Hannah Rome Williams, M.Ed., Instructional Design and Technology

Saraland, Alabama—Laney Andrews, M.Ed., Instructional Design and Technology; Lisa Pugh Rogers, M.Ed., Instructional Design and Technology

Satsuma, Alabama—Hannah Elizabeth Clardy, M.Ed., Higher Education Leadership and Policy, Bridgett J. Dortch, M.Ed., Higher Education Leadership and Policy

Summerdale, Alabama—Merissa Lee Harris, M.A., Early Childhood Education

Wagarville, Alabama—Christian Bailey Vice, M.A., Elementary Education, School of Education Achievement Award, Area Award: Elementary Education

College of Health Professions
School of Nursing
Post-Master’s Certificate

Mobile, Alabama—Elizabeth Irene Naman, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Family Nurse Practitioner

Pensacola, Florida—LaVonna Anne Gardner, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Family Nurse Practitioner

Alabama School of the Arts
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Science

Athens, Alabama—Bryley Elizabeth Clemmons, B.F.A., Studio Art, Area Award: Studio Art, Summa Cum Laude

Belle Chase, Louisiana—Alexandria Layne Summers, B.A., Art

Clermont, Florida—Holly Christine Herren, B.F.A., Graphic Design, Cum Laude

Daphne, Alabama—Phillip Anthony Baggins Jr., B.A., Music

Fairhope, Alabama—Melissa Caroline Bass, B.F.A., Graphic Design, Cum Laude

Florala, Alabama—Adam Ray Bundy, B.S., Production Technologies, Magna Cum Laude

Foley, Alabama—Rayburn Osten Belew, B.S., Worship Leadership, Cum Laude

Gordo, Alabama—Morgan Faith Patrick, B.S., Music, Area Award: Music Education, Summa Cum Laude

Havana, Florida—Conrad Allan Erskine, B.M., Piano Performance, Alabama School of the Arts Achievement Award, Area Award: Piano Performance, Summa Cum Laude

Lake Charles, Louisiana—Carina Presley Veillon, B.S., Worship Leadership, Area Award: Worship Leadership, Summa Cum Laude

Leeds, Alabama—Zane Howell Crumpton Duke, B.S., Production Technologies, Cum Laude

Long Beach, Mississippi—Sabina Isabelle Mana-ay, B.F.A., Performance, Musical Theatre, Area Award: Performance, Musical Theatre

Navarre, Florida—Kathan Quidam Brannon, B.A., Theatre

Mascot, Tennessee—Matthew Hunter Cleveland, B.S., Production Technologies

Milton, Florida—Sophie Mai-Lan Eberhard, B.F.A., Graphic Design, Area Award: Graphic Design, Magna Cum Laude

Mobile, Alabama—Dylan Steen Farnell, B.A., Theatre; Dylan Steen Farnell, B.A., Theatre; Tabitha L. Robinson, B.A., Theatre, Area Award: Theatre; Vivian K. West, B.S., Production Technologies, Magna Cum Laude; Raven Denise Young-Casey, B.S., Worship Leadership

Munford, Alabama—JoAnna Joyce Garrett, B.S., Worship Leadership

Perkasie, Pennsylvania—Katie Marie Detweiler, B.S., Production Technologies, Area Award: Production Technologies, Magna Cum Laude

Saraland, Alabama—Gunnar Thomas Jones, B.F.A., Graphic Design, Magna Cum Laude

Satsuma, Alabama—Jacob Dalton Howard, B.S., Music, Magna Cum Laude

Semmes, Alabama—Makayla Leeann Smith, B.F.A., Graphic Design

Summerdale, Alabama—James William Scruggs, B.S., Worship Leadership, Magna Cum Laude

Toronto, Ontario, Canada—Brooks Leslie Hunter, B.M., Musical Theatre, Area Award: Musical Theatre, Cum Laude

Wilmer, Alabama—Abigale Marie Wincel, B.F.A., Graphic Design

Center for Christian Calling
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science

Cantonment, Florida—Devin Amanda Monasterio, B.A., Intercultural Studies, Cum Laude

Dothan, Alabama—Cade Alan Wood, B.S., Biblical/Theological Studies, Summa Cum Laude, Honors with Thesis Graduate

Guayaquil, Ecuador—Eliana R. Tate, B.A., Intercultural Studies, Magna Cum Laude

Jasper, Alabama—Braxton Will Blankenship, B.S., Biblical/Theological Studies, Magna Cum Laude

Milton, Florida—Nathan Evan Bell, B.S., Biblical/Theological Studies, Cum Laude

Monroeville, Alabama—Joshua Daniel Evers, B.A., Biblical/Theological Studies, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Area Award: Biblical/Theological Studies, Summa Cum Laude, Honors with Thesis Graduate

Prattville, Alabama—Madison Nicole Flowers, B.A., Intercultural Studies, Magna Cum Laude

Tallahassee, Florida—James David Clark, B.A., Intercultural Studies, Magna Cum Laude

Thomasville, Alabama—Moriah Ruth Nelson, B.A., Intercultural Studies, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Area Award: Intercultural Studies, Summa Cum Laude, Honors Program Graduate

Tuscaloosa, Alabama—Nathan Ross McKnight, B.S., Biblical/Theological Studies, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Center for Christian Calling Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude

College of Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Science

Albany, Georgia—Hannah Grace Kavanaugh, B.S., Strategic Communication

Athens, Greece—Andreas Koutsougeras, B.S., Mathematics, Cum Laude

Bay Minette, Alabama—Cortney Marisa Presley, B.S., Sociology

Birmingham, Alabama—Melissa Niven Sherer, B.S., Organizational Leadership, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude

Brookside, Alabama—Taylor A. Watwood, B.S., Psychology, B.S., Communication

Clanton, Alabama—Elise Nicole Johnson, B.A., Strategic Communication, B.A., English, Magna Cum Laude

Chunchula, Alabama—Mitchell Dale Robinson, B.A., English

Citronelle, Alabama—Amber Keralee Naquin, B.S., Communication

Daphne, Alabama—Sarah Elizabeth Songer, B.S., General Studies

Evergreen, Alabama—Grace Elizabeth Whittington, B.S., Sociology, Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Excellence Award, Summa Cum Laude

Fairhope, Alabama—Eliza Jane Colbert, B.A., History, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Area Award: History, Summa Cum Laude, Honors with Thesis Graduate; Grace A. Parrish, B.S., Psychology, Magna Cum Laude

Freeport, Florida—Rhiannon Brook Cherith Combs, B.S., Psychology, Summa Cum Laude

Foley, Alabama—Rebecca Noelle Belew, B.S., Sociology, B.S., Psychology, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Area Award: Sociology, Area Award: Psychology, Summa Cum Laude; Madisen Elizabeth Ulrich, B.A., English

Fresno, California—Kalea Nichole Ashley, B.S., General Studies

Fort Deposit, Alabama—Morgan Louise Phillips, B.S., Psychology, B.S., History

Gaborone, Botswana—Ronaldo Picasso Fortune, B.S., Psychology

Gibsonton, Florida—Elyssa Calandra Paulding, B.A., Journalism and Broadcasting Media

Guatemala, Guatemala—Maria Alejandra Diaz Linde, B.A., Strategic Communication, Cum Laude

Hannibal, Missouri—Ashlyn Elisabeth Nichols, B.A., Communication Studies, Summa Cum Laude

Huntsville, Alabama—Karlie McKnight Ruff, B.A., Philosophy, Area Award: Philosophy, Magna Cum Laude

Jackson, Alabama—Tyler Cox Sullivan, B.S., Communication; Amber Faith Weide, B.S., Criminology

Jackson, Mississippi—Natalie Claire Jones, B.S., Psychology, Cum Laude

Linn, Missouri—Hailey Rene’ McKim, B.S., Marine Science, Cum Laude

Linden, Alabama—Hutson Moore Breckenridge, B.S., Government and Law, College of Arts and Sciences Achievement Award, Area Award: Government and Law, Summa Cum Laude

McIntosh, Alabama—Sydney Breanna Snow, B.A., English, B.A., Strategic Communication, Summa Cum Laude

Mobile, Alabama—Kayla Christine Brooks, B.S., Criminology; Cameron Bryce Connell, B.S., Criminology; Ian Joseph Copeland, B.S., Government and Law; Maddison Christine Hill, B.S., Biology, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude

Memphis, Tennessee—Jared Evan Burress, B.S., Organizational Leadership; Emily Claire Keith, B.S., Strategic Communication, Magna Cum Laude; Ezra Ronald Kennedy, B.F.A., Creative Writing, Area Award: English; Alexis E. Knott, B.A., English; Jillian LeeAnne Parker, B.S., Psychology; Zsakira Trenay Robinson, B.S., Psychology; Brandon Layne Ryan, B.S., History; Lindsey Christine Vise, B.A., Psychology, B.A., World Languages, Summa Cum Laude; Ayanna T. Whittaker, B.S., Biology

Mount Vernon, Alabama—Katrina R. Bohannon, B.S., Psychology, Cum Laude, College of Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Science

Munford, Alabama—Chloee RayBeth Garrard, B.S., Pre-Health Biology

New Orleans, Louisiana—Kelsey Christina Pinera, B.S., Biology; Gabrielle Makaela Strahan, B.S., Communication

Niceville, Florida—Payton Mackenzie Lewis, B.S., History

Oxford, Alabama—Ashlyn Nikole Miller, B.S., Communication Studies, Magna Cum Laude

Panama City, Florida—Abigail Grace Kyle, B.A., English

Pearland, Texas—Hailey Lynn Morgan, B.A., Communication, B.A., English, Area Award: Communication, Summa Cum Laude, Honors with Thesis Graduate

Petal, Mississippi—Jada Nicole Arrington, B.S., Criminology

Piedmont, Alabama—Katelyn Ann Lawler, B.S., Criminology, B.S., Psychology, Area Award: Criminology

Powell, Tennessee—Lauren R. Hickey, B.S., Biology, Magna Cum Laude

Repton, Alabama—Carmen Lee Knowles, B.S., Sociology

Satsuma, Alabama—Emily Belle Henderson, B.S., Mathematics, Magna Cum Laude

Semmes, Alabama—Amanda Marie Graham, B.S., Psychology; Summer Delanie Smith, B.S., Communication

Spanish Fort, Alabama—Katelyn Elizabeth Garrison, B.S., Psychology

Saraland, Alabama—Hunter Shane Hayes, B.S., Communication, Cum Laude; Hope Elizabeth Mann, B.S., Mathematics, Area Award: Mathematics, Cum Laude; Lexington Earl Singleton, B.S., Mathematics

Tulsa, Oklahoma—Cassidy Faith Cannedy, B.S., Marine Science, Area Award: Natural Sciences, Magna Cum Laude

Whistler, Alabama—Briana Venetta Bell, B.S., Organizational Leadership

Williamson, Georgia—Jessica Nicole Jones, B.S., Communication Studies

College of Health Professions
School of Health and Sports Science
Bachelor of Science

Chalmette, Louisiana—Danielle Elizabeth Williams, Kinesiology, Cum Laude

Chunchula, Alabama—Shawn David Collins, Kinesiology

Creola, Alabama—Ashton Cheyenne Black, Kinesiology

Cullman, Alabama—Grant Howard, Kinesiology, Cum Laude

Daphne, Alabama—Wesley Stephen Perrigin, Kinesiology, Cum Laude

Fairhope, Alabama—Jaden Olivia Morace, Kinesiology, School of Health and Sports Science Achievement Award, Scholar Athlete Award, Summa Cum Laude; Michael Arch Wenzel, Kinesiology, Area Award: Kinesiology, Magna Cum Laude

Huntsville, Alabama—Anthony Maurice Anderson, Kinesiology

Jacksonville, Florida—Melea Paige Meadows, Kinesiology, Cum Laude

Maracay, Aragua, Venezuela—Luis Alberto Salazar Bohorquez, Exercise Science, Area Award: Exercise Science, Summa Cum Laude

Miramar Beach, Florida—Elaina Joy Davies, Kinesiology

Mobile, Alabama—Anna McKenzie Canton, Exercise Science

Norwich, England—Archie John Bean, Exercise Science

Panama City Beach, Florida—Gabriella Joanne Looker, Kinesiology

Prichard, Alabama—Ian Lea Ferguson, Kinesiology

Saraland, Alabama—Jaivasha Chantrice Bryant, Exercise Science

Titusville, Florida—Rachel Ashley Hart, Kinesiology, Magna Cum Laude

Theodore, Alabama—Joseph Colton Greene, Kinesiology, Cum Laude

Thibodaux, Louisiana—Lindsie A. Sanders, Kinesiology, Cum Laude

Thomasville, Alabama—Mary Elizabeth Hoyt, Kinesiology

College of Health Professions
School of Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Axis, Alabama—Chandler B. Knapp; Katie Clearman Smith

Bay Minette, Alabama—Shelandra Myrtice Nichols

Birmingham, Alabama—Justin Michael Weaver

Calvert, Alabama—Jasmine Thomas Franklin

Chattanooga, Tennessee—Kadin Bassem Toma

Creola, Alabama—Mechaela Elise Andry, Cum Laude

Hoover, Alabama—Brittany Caitlin Hood

Little Rock, Arkansas—Katherine Blake Breeding

Mobile, Alabama—Ajah Keyuna Blackmon; Treasure Mone’t Fluker; Alexandra Michelle Forsman Bolt; Paula Gibson; Taylor Olivia Gunter; Mariah Eubie Young; Shacora Sam’Mese Malone; Rebecca R. Shorrosh; James Franklin Springs IV; Ja’Nae Gabrielle Williams

New Orleans, Louisiana—Isabella Hannalee Yavneh Shattenkirk

Pell City, Alabama—Jared Baker, Cum Laude

Pensacola, Florida—Alexandra Carroll Wright

Phoenix, Arizona—Zacharie S. Taylor

Saraland, Alabama—Sydney Elizabeth Brown, Magna Cum Laude; Maggie Lauren Copeland

Satsuma, Alabama— Mary-Paige Cooley; Paulette D. Whetsel, School of Nursing Achievement Award, Cum Laude

Semmes, Alabama—Hannah Grace Maddox; Macey Ann Weaver, Cum Laude

Silverhill, Alabama—Taylor Marie Fortner, Area Award: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Cum Laude

Spanish Fort, Alabama—Madison Emily Scharles

Theodore, Alabama—Antonio Marcelino Alvidrez; Ginger Leigh Stewart

Thomasville, Alabama—Kayla Elizabeth Gill, Cum Laude

Grace Pilot School of Business
Bachelor of Science

Bay Minette, Alabama—Brett Caylor Buck, Management; Ashley Jane Conrad, Management, Summa Cum Laude

Calvert, Alabama—Mary Kate Howard, Accounting, Magna Cum Laude

Covington, Georgia—Darvin Eric Jones, Business Administration

Daphne, Alabama—Ansley Claire Hardyman, Management, Cum Laude; Brittney Paige Johnson, Integrated Marketing Communications

Destin, Florida—Sarah Catherine McDorman, Management, School of Business Achievement Award

Eight Mile, Alabama—Raven Navosha Rocker, Accounting

Foley, Alabama—Aleigh Claire Herndon, Integrated Marketing Communications

Grand Bay, Alabama—Bailey Marie Davis, Accounting

Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany—Emily John, Management

Holtville, Alabama—Pearson A. Shaw, Nonprofit Leadership, Summa Cum Laude

Hoover, Alabama—Tucker Lee Hill, Integrated Marketing Communications

Jackson, Tennessee—Caleb Guthrie Croom, Accounting

Kenner, Louisiana—Ethan C. Simmons, B.S., Accounting, B.A., English, Magna Cum Laude

Milton, Florida—Reagan Aubry Hyde, Management

Mobile, Alabama—Trent Avery, Management; Kimberly Michelle Bruce, Accounting; Cameron J. Cranton, Management; Kelsi Renae Huggins, Management; Tye Collins Jordan, Management, Cum Laude; Jillian E. Lane, Accounting, Business Administration, Area Award: Accounting; Brittany Danielle Long, Accounting, Magna Cum Laude; Noah S. Martino, Business Administration; Victor Hugh Mitchell, Business Administration, Area Award: Finance, Cum Laude; Kaliea Shamone Niles, Computer Information Systems, Area Award: Computer Information Systems; Tyleria Lenai Reed, Management

Fairhope, Alabama—Tessa Noelle Crane, Accounting, Business Administration, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude

Monroeville, Alabama—Dana Michelle Welch, Management

Nepalgunj-20, Banke, Nepal—Bivek Verma, Management

Semmes, Alabama—Blake Patrick Roberts, Management; Christian Waltman, Management, Area Award: Management, Cum Laude

Saraland, Alabama—Robert Spencer Kahalley, Business Administration; Brandon Troy Mills, Business Administration; Mikayla Rose Xin-Guang Persons, Accounting; Ashley Nicole Taylor, Accounting, Business Administration

Satsuma, Alabama—Camryn Paige Rice, Integrated Marketing Communications, Area Award: Integrated Marketing Communications, Cum Laude

Spanish Fort, Alabama—Avery Todd Wilhite, Digital Media and Advertising, William K Weaver, Jr. Excellence Award, Area Award: Digital Media and Advertising, Magna Cum Laude

Theodore, Alabama—Janet Renee O’Bryant, Management; Dalton Allen Rone, Accounting

Wetumpka, Alabama—Phillip William Maddox Jr., Management

School of Education
Bachelor of Science

Ashville, Alabama—William Kell Spears, Collaborative Special Education, Cum Laude

Bay Minette, Alabama—Amber Leigh Blackmon, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude

Citronelle, Alabama—Savannah Danielle Vigor, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Area Award: Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude

Cordova, Alabama—Kassie Grace Salors, Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude

Deer Park, Alabama–Breanna R. Englebert, Early Childhood Education, Area Award: Early Childhood Education

Ellisville, Mississippi—Lexus Tyeshia Peppers, Early Childhood Education

Excel, Alabama—Emma Grace McCrory, Collaborative Special Education, Cum Laude

Fairhope, Alabama—Maggie Elizabeth Diehl, Elementary Education, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Magna Cum Laude

Freeport, Florida—Layton Suzanne Warren, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Cum Laude

Fruitdale, Alabama—Mikaela Danielle Dees, Early Childhood Education

Grand Bay, Alabama—Macy Rae Mareno, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education

Helena, Alabama—Kalynn Ruth Hall, Child and Social Development; Briley Teague Freeman, Collaborative Special Education, Area Award: Collaborative Special Education, Magna Cum Laude

Satsuma, Alabama—Lydia Chelsea Evans, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude

Semmes, Alabama—Erin Leigh Smith, Elementary Education, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, School of Education Achievement Award, Summa Cum Laude

Spanish Fort, Alabama—Carley Hamric Tomlinson, Early Childhood Education, Cum Laude

Stow, Massachusetts—Caitlyn Faith Sahlberg, Elementary Education, President’s Scholastic Achievement Award, Area Award: Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude

College of Arts and Sciences
Associate of Science

Mobile, Alabama—Tiffany Dawn Head, General Studies, Cum Laude

Saraland, Alabama—Christopher Elwin Beaver, General Studies; Saireate Tremon Cunningham, General Studies

Satsuma, Alabama—David C. Miller, General Studies

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering 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 information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

]]> University of Mobile Presents 2022 Weaver Awards to Avery Wilhite and Grace Whittington https://umobile.edu/2022/05/university-of-mobile-presents-2022-weaver-awards-to-avery-wilhite-and-grace-whittington/ Mon, 09 May 2022 16:55:57 +0000 https://umobile.edu/?p=101551 MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile presented its two top student awards, the William K. Weaver Jr. Excellence Award and the Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Excellence Award, to Avery Todd Wilhite of Spanish Fort, Alabama, and Grace Elizabeth Whittington of Evergreen, Alabama.

The awards were presented during graduation ceremonies May 7, 2022.

The William K. Weaver Jr. Excellence Award is presented to the most outstanding graduating male senior for excellence in exemplifying the mission of University of Mobile. Selection is made by a secret vote of the faculty based on scholarship,Christian character, leadership, and service. The award, presented to Avery Todd Wilhite, is named for the university’s founding president and is considered the highest recognition possible for a University of Mobile male senior.

Avery Wilhite is described by his professors in the Grace Pilot School of Business as a model student who takes the most challenging classes, goes above and beyond what is required, and is a confident leader willing to help anyone in need.

He maintained a 3.89 grade point average with a major in digital media and advertising while serving as director of the Good Work Agency, a student-led marketing agency for churches and non-profits. He has taken lessons from the classroom and applied them for the betterment of the university as social media manager for RamCorps and, most recently, as communications assistant in the Office for Marketing and Public Relations, where he managed UM’s flagship social media accounts.

For the past two years, he has served as media specialist at East Pointe Baptist Church in Spanish Fort, producing and managing content for the church’s social media and leading a team on Sunday mornings to produce live-stream services. At the same time,
he launched a small business start-up, serving as a video producer and photographer for special events and weddings.

Wilhite graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in digital media and advertising and received the undergraduate area award in digital media and advertising.

The Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Excellence Award is presented to the most outstanding graduating female senior for excellence in exemplifying the mission of University of Mobile. Selection is made by a secret vote of the faculty based on scholarship, Christian character, leadership, and service. The award, presented to Grace Elizabeth Whittington, is named for B Weaver, the university’s first “First Lady,” and is considered the highest recognition possible for a University of Mobile female senior.

Grace Whittington is described by her professors in the College of Arts and Sciences as “the kind of student we all dream of having in a classroom – thoughtful, humble, articulate, well-reasoned, joyful and organized.”

She maintained a 3.97 grade point average with a major in sociology and a double minor in music and psychology. She has represented the university as a University of Mobile Ambassador, served her fellow students as a peer leader, provided leadership as president and vice president of Alpha Chi honor society, and shared the gospel as a member of Sofree vocal ensemble.

She has a servant’s heart and takes joy in heling her community, having volunteered with UM’s Project Serve, at the Joseph Project Food Pantry in the Dumas Wesley Community Center, and at Council Elementary. She has interned at Housing First as well as Redemption Church, where she serves in worship ministry. This summer she will be assistant director for Fuge Camps organized by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Grace Whittington graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in sociology.

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering 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 information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

]]> Southern Baptist Convention President Ed Litton to Speak at University of Mobile Graduation https://umobile.edu/2022/04/southern-baptist-convention-president-ed-litton-to-speak-at-university-of-mobile-graduation/ Tue, 26 Apr 2022 15:24:14 +0000 https://umobile.edu/?p=101509 MOBILE, Ala. – Dr. Ed Litton, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and senior pastor of Redemption Church in Saraland, Alabama, will deliver the commencement address at the University of Mobile on Saturday, May 7.

More than 300 graduates will be awarded bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in an outdoor ceremony on the Dr. Fred and Sue Lackey Great Commission Lawn. The ceremony will begin promptly at 10 a.m., and the audience is encouraged to arrive early.

For graduation details and to watch a live-stream of the ceremony, go to umobile.edu/graduation. In case of inclement weather, the graduation venue is Cottage Hill Baptist Church, 4255 Cottage Hill Road. Weather updates will be made on official University of Mobile social media accounts and on umobile.edu/graduation.

Dr. Ed Litton was born in Kingsport, Tennessee.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona; a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas; and a Doctor of Ministry from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.

He served as a home missionary appointed to work in the evangelism office of the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention.  From there, he and his wife, Tammy, moved to Tucson and founded Mountain View Baptist Church.  In 1994, almost seven years after that work had been established, God led Dr. Litton to First Baptist North Mobile, now Redemption Church. 

In 2007, Ed and his family, as well as the entire church family, suffered a devastating loss when Tammy was suddenly killed in an automobile accident. Several years later, he married Kathy Ferguson, a pastor’s wife who had also lost her spouse in a similar accident. Kathy serves as director of planter spouse development at the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. The couple each has three children from their first marriages.

Dr. Litton had come to a church in Alabama with a great vision. That vision continued to expand with a mission of reaching more people and making disciples through church planting and the expansion of multiple locations.  In September of 2015, the church relaunched as a new congregation called Redemption Church.  

Today, Redemption is one church in two locations, both in North and West Mobile.  Redemption has helped plant churches in New York City; Cleveland, Ohio; Denver, Colorado; Tucson, Arizona; Leesburg, Virginia; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Northern Virginia, and Las Vegas.  In responding to the Great Commission, Redemption Church is looking to plant more gospel-believing churches in North America.

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering 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 information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

]]> UM’s Master of Science in Leadership and Communication Ranked #2 in Nation https://umobile.edu/2022/02/ums-master-of-science-in-leadership-and-communication-ranked-2-in-nation/ Wed, 09 Feb 2022 16:30:21 +0000 https://umobile.edu/?p=101223 MOBILE, Ala. – University of Mobile’s Master of Science in Leadership and Communication (MSLC) is ranked #2 in the nation out of the top 50 most affordable master’s in organizational behavior degree programs by HumanResourcesMBA.net.

The online MSLC program is praised for being an inexpensive and quality education that offers courses such as Organizational Behavior, Organizational Communication and Leadership, and Public Relations.

The Grace Pilot School of Business program can be taken as either a 1 or 2-year cohort model beginning every fall semester. Courses are offered in three, 5-week segments per semester that include projects, dialogue, and quizzes.

Career opportunities include leadership positions in for- and nonprofit industries entrepreneurial startups and small businesses, and project and event management.

“This master’s program equips current professionals for the primary roles of leading and communicating within their organization,” said Dr. Kathy Dunning, dean of the Grace Pilot School of Business.

Laura Kilmartin, Online Relations at HumanResourcesMBA.net said, “Human Resources MBA’s mission is to provide the latest expert information about the best human resources degrees available on-campus and online across the United States to help you achieve your goals of becoming a human resource professional or advancing your career into high-level positions.”

View the full ranking at humanresourcesmba.net

Learn more about the MSLC program at umobile.edu

Apply today at umobile.edu/apply

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 information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

]]> Q&A with UM School of Nursing Professor Jessica Garner https://umobile.edu/2022/01/qa-with-um-school-of-nursing-professor-jessica-garner/ Thu, 13 Jan 2022 15:10:59 +0000 https://umobile.edu/?p=101144

There is an “aha!” moment that graduate students experience in the University of Mobile’s Family Nurse Practitioner program, says School of Nursing assistant professor and clinical coordinator Dr. Jessica Garner, DNP, FNP-C, CNE.

“At some point in each student’s trajectory, 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,” she says.

Garner teaches in the Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, with tracks for BSN to DNP Nurse Practitioner and Post-Master’s to DNP.

Both online graduate programs in the College of Health Professions begin each fall semester and include on-campus intensives using cutting-edge technology in UM’s Center for Excellence in Healthcare Practice.

We spoke with Garner about her own journey from nurse to nurse educator, and what it means to teach nursing at this Christ-centered university.

Q. What is your background?

A. My background consists of inpatient care within local hospitals in my hometown of Mobile. I began my nursing career in the neurological intensive care unit after graduating with my BSN from Springhill College in 2010. I worked in other critical care units prior to graduating from University of Alabama at Birmingham with my MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner degree in 2014. I continued to work in the inpatient setting as a nurse practitioner for a pulmonary and critical care group as I worked to complete my doctorate degree. My doctoral research was focused on evaluating approaches to transitional care in an effort to reduce rehospitalizations. I completed by Doctor of Nursing Practice degree along with graduate courses in nursing education in 2018 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham with the goal of pursuing a career in academia post-graduation.

Q. What do you enjoy about teaching?

A. I teach many courses in both the Family Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. My greatest joy and privilege is in serving my Family Nurse Practitioner students. I teach these students in each semester they are in the program, and watching them grow and evolve into competent and confident providers is truly rewarding.

Q. Why should someone choose a graduate nursing program at UM?

A. Choosing a graduate program in nursing is an opportunity to find an institution, program and faculty that can help the individual student achieve his or her specific advanced career goals. The University of Mobile graduate nursing programs offer didactic and clinical preparation to serve as an advanced practice provider, while also instilling Christian values and morals that aid students in navigating the complex health care landscape.

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