‘A New Day, A New Journey’

If there is one word that describes what is happening at University of Mobile (UM), it is “new.” Throw in a few more words like “innovative” and “academic,” plus creative ideas like “Focus Friday” and “Concierge Model.” Add a Great Commission mindset, create academic programs, raise academic standards, build cutting-edge health care labs and seek out opportunities for collaboration and partnership in the community and across the state.

As UM’s new president said when he arrived at the Baptist university just a little over one year ago, it’s “A New Day, A New Journey” at University of Mobile.

“Our responsibility as a higher education institution, and especially with our mission of imago Dei that we be the servants of Christ, is to stay at the forefront of marketplace needs so that graduates can go out and serve the community. Because of our nimbleness and innovative mindset, we have the ability to develop programs efficiently,” said Dr. Timothy L. Smith.

Fall semester

It’s not too late to enroll for fall semester classes that begin Aug. 21. For information about the university and to apply for admission, visit umobile.edu/apply or call the Office for Admissions at 251-442-2222.

As the 2017–2018 academic year begins, students are looking forward to the addition of a disc golf course on campus, plus more opportunities for activities, academic experiences and service on Focus Fridays.

The university is expanding opportunities for post-traditional adult students, with programs offered in flexible formats online, on-campus and blended. More graduate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and certificate programs in youth ministry and college readiness are available.

The university is growing rapidly. Since fall 2016, UM has:

• Rebranded using the phrases “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose” and “Know and Be Known” to communicate the university’s mission.

• Opened the Center for Excellence in Healthcare Practice with state-of-the-art simulators.

• Expanded graduate programs with Master of Science in Nursing — Family Nurse Practitioner, Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Policy, Master of Music in Performance — Piano, Master of Music in Performance — Voice.

• Required weekly chapel attendance.

• Launched “Focus Fridays,” an innovative four-day academic week.

• Created the Office for Global Engagement to expand study, service and research abroad programs.

• Initiated a “Concierge Model” to enhance the university emphasis on personal attention to students.

• Restructured to expand academic programs, creating the Alabama School of the Arts with Roger Breland Center for Performing Arts; the College of Health Professions umbrella for the School of Nursing, new School of Health and Sports Science, and new School of Allied Health; and the Alabama College for Online Studies with expanded degree programs for adult students.

• Became an internationally recognized All-Steinway School.

• Dedicated the Dr. Fred and Sue Lackey Great Commission Tradition Lawn with a Great Commission Globe fountain as a central point for campus and new freshman and graduation traditions.

• Returned graduation ceremonies to campus for the first time in 41 years.

• Added a bachelor of arts degree in classics and an accelerated bachelor of science degree in nursing, with more academic programs planned. (UM)

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My UM story

Gabriella Loiacano is a junior and member of the University of Mobile Ambassadors student leader organization. As a sophomore in April, she was named state winner in the highly competitive lower college division of the 2017 Alabama Music Teachers Association piano competition. This is her story.

“I am so grateful to be at a university that creates an environment where I can truly thrive in my art and in my faith.
“I believe the greatest factor that builds my confidence and enables me to be competitive at such a high level is my faith in Jesus Christ and the fact that I go to a university that not only does not question, criticize or persecute my beliefs, but exhorts me to make my faith my own and to grow in my Christian walk.

“There is big Kingdom work going on at UM, and I believe God is the One empowering us to excel and bestowing us with favor so that we can glorify Him with our achievements.

“When I compete and my fingers meet the keys of my instrument, I always whisper ‘Soli Deo Gloria’ (‘to God be the glory’) and rest in my confidence in the Giver of my gift and in the training and experience He is graciously providing me.” (UM)

Read more UM stories at umobile.edu/stories.

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Visit UM

University of Mobile (UM) was named No. 8 Best Regional Liberal Arts Colleges in the South and No. 3 Best Regional Colleges in the South for Veterans by 2017 U.S. News & World Report, and America’s Best Christian Colleges and America’s 100 Best College Buys by 2017 Institutional Research & Evaluation Inc.

Preview Days and private tours give prospective students and their families the opportunity to discover UM in person. A $2,000 scholarship is available to new traditional undergraduate students who schedule a campus visit, apply for admission and enroll.

Register online for a Preview Day or private tour at umobile.edu/preview. Preview Days are:
• Friday, Sept. 22, 2017
• Monday, Oct. 9, 2017
• Friday, Nov. 17, 2017
• Monday, Feb. 26, 2018
• Monday, March 19, 2018 (UM)

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Learn more about University of Mobile at umobile.edu or call the Office for Admissions at 251-442-2222.