秋霞福利一区

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� The 秋霞福利一区 honored faculty and staff with prestigious awards during the annual year-end faculty-staff spring luncheon May 6. The university also announced years-of-service awards, promotions, retirements and special Rammy Awards honoring employees who live out the values of the Christian university.

鈥淭oday鈥檚 celebration was a testament to 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 strong culture and gifted community of servant leaders. It was a joy to celebrate so many long tenures and major accomplishments,” said 秋霞福利一区 President Charles Smith.

Megginson and Faculty Engagement Awards

The Megginson Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the university in the areas of teaching, research and service. Recipients are chosen by committees of peers from among nominations sent by students, faculty and staff. The recipients are honored for their character, ethics, accomplishments and contributions to the university. 

The Faculty Engagement Award honors a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in student engagement inside and outside the standard classroom setting and intentionally fosters community among students. Recipients of this award are nominated by faculty and selected by a committee of peers.

The 2024 William A. Megginson Teaching Award was presented to Danny Chancey, assistant professor of English and director of the writing center in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Chancey is described as genuinely caring about students鈥� interests and well-being. Students who nominated him for the award say he gives good feedback when grading, while also being funny and memorable.

鈥淗e loves to keep the classes engaged and interesting. He makes every lesson feel like you鈥檙e just having a very interesting conversation while you鈥檙e continuing to learn,鈥� a student wrote.

Another wrote,鈥� I truly respect and appreciate Mr. Chancey as a person as a whole. In our professional socialization conferences, he gets to know us and, in a kind way, discusses where we鈥檙e at academically in our class and helps us find ways we will succeed.鈥�

The 2025 William A. Megginson Research Award was presented to Dr. Douglas Wilson, professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, and executive director of the Center for Christian Calling in the School of Christian Studies, College of Arts & Sciences.

As part of the New Tyndale Version translation committee, Wilson is involved in creating a new translation of the Bible based on the work of William Tyndale, the 16^th-century reformer and translator. The committee aims to provide a more accessible and updated version of Tyndale鈥檚 original translation, while remaining faithful to the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek texts.

Wilson has been actively working on a Hebrew-to-English and Hebrew/Aramaic-to-English translation of the Old Testament. He has also worked as an editor on the five books of the Torah for translation. In total, he translated 27 chapters of Leviticus, 10 chapters of Esther and 10 chapters of Ezra, for a total of 1,306 verses. He edited 50 chapters of Genesis, 40 chapters of Exodus, 27 chapters of Leviticus, 36 chapters of Numbers, and 32 chapters of Deuteronomy for a total of 5,852 verses.

The 2025 Emma Frances Megginson Service Award was presented to Heath Vester, associate vice president for creative services in the Office for Marketing & Public Relations.

Vester integrates his faith into every element of his work, whether managing 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 creative services or mentoring students as an adjunct instructor. He leads with humility, always crediting his team for successes. He is always willing to take on additional responsibilities, from serving on committees to stepping in to resolve challenges or supporting university events.

He also played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Student Government Association and restructuring the Good Work Agency, assuring students across all majors have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in photography, video production, social media, content creation, copywriting, project management and more.

The 2025 Faculty Engagement Award was presented to Dr. Robert Olsen, associate professor of church history and historical theology, and director of intercultural studies in the School of Christian Studies, College of Arts & Sciences.

Olsen demonstrates excellence in student engagement both inside and outside the classroom. He was described by the student nominating him as an exceptionally knowledgeable and engaging professor with an unbendable moral backbone who lives out his faith and Christian discipline and inspires his students to pursue excellence.  

Outside of the classroom, when not facilitating a student street hockey league or starring in the Student Life film “Olsenheimer,” he can regularly be found engaged in deep philosophical conversation with students. He is devoted to students on campus, not just to those that he frequently encounters, but also to those who sat in the back of his class, or even didn鈥檛 have a class with him at all.

University Medallion Recipients

Faculty receiving university medallions marking their faculty rank as professors are:

• Dr. Todd Hicks, executive dean, Celia Wallace College of Health Professions and professor of nurse anesthesia
• Dr. David Chaplin, professor of economics and finance, Grace Pilot School of Business
• Dr. Keith Lindley, professor of French and Spanish, College of Arts & Sciences

Promotions and Accomplishments

• Dr. Kelly Lomax, assistant professor of education, School of Education, received the Recruiter of the Year Award, recognizing her embrace of 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 鈥渆veryone is a recruiter鈥� philosophy and celebrating her initiative to represent the university at recruiting events and assist the recruiting office in a variety of ways.
• Greg Wiggins was promoted from instructor to assistant professor of music in the Alabama School of the Arts.
• Dr. Terry Motley, assistant professor of marketing in the Grace Pilot School of Business, successfully defended his dissertation in March and now holds a Doctor of Philosophy.
• Mason Moak, media and production technician and studio manager in the Alabama School of the Arts, earned a Master of Music in music technology with an emphasis in studio technology.

Faculty Council Recognition

Faculty Council officers were recognized. They are:

• President 鈥� Dr. Megan Harper, assistant professor of kinesiology, coordinator of clinical education in the Master of Athletic Training program, School of Health and Sports Science, Celia Wallace College of Health Professions
• Vice President 鈥� Megan Cary, associate professor of graphic arts, College of Arts & Sciences
• Secretary 鈥� Dr. Wanda Jones, associate professor of chemistry, College of Arts 

& Sciences

Core Values Rammy Awards

秋霞福利一区 president Charles Smith presented five special 鈥淐ore Value Rammy Awards鈥� recognizing faculty and staff who embody the core values that make the university distinctive. 

鈥淓ach of our award recipients shows us what it means to live out the mission and values of the 秋霞福利一区 鈥� not just with words, but with their lives,鈥� Smith said.

• The Great Commission Award honors a person who faithfully mentors and disciples others, investing their time, energy and heart into raising up the next generation of leaders for Christ. The award was presented to Jared Baria, campus pastor, whose consistency, care and Christ-like example is making a lasting difference.
• The Hungry Heart Award reflects 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 value of being 鈥渉ungry鈥� and passionate about progress 鈥� a person who leans in, takes initiative and moves forward with grit and determination. The award was presented to Jessica Garner, graduate dean and assistant professor of nursing in the School of Nursing, Celia Wallace College of Health Professions.
• The Humble Spirit Award goes to an employee who exemplifies a servant-heart spirit, consistently puts others first and is willing to serve in whatever way is needed. The award was presented to Barbara Greene, executive administrative assistant to the president, for her grace-filled, team-oriented leadership.
• The Smart Moves Award recognizes someone who is wise and intuitive in how they work with both people and projects, sees connections others miss, builds bridges and solve problems. The award was presented to Heath Vester, associate vice president for creative services, for consistently demonstrating wisdom, insight and excellence.
• The Happy & Hopeful Award celebrates a joyful spirit and goes to someone who brings encouragement, optimism and positive energy everywhere they go. The recipient, Shaneka Thomas, chief security officer, radiates joy and courage, reminding us that even in challenges, we can still choose joy and lead with hope.

Retirement Recognition

Dr. John Roger Breland was honored as he retires from his role as executive director of the Roger Breland Center for Performing Arts in the Alabama School of the Arts. For over two decades at the 秋霞福利一区鈥攁nd decades before that through the founding of TRUTH, one of the first contemporary Christian groups鈥擝reland has shaped lives through music, ministry and song. 

His legacy includes founding VOICES of Mobile, launching the beloved Christmas Spectacular, expanding the Alabama School of the Arts, securing funding for the Fisher/Brewer Recording Studio, and establishing the Roger and Linda Breland Endowed Scholarship. Most importantly, he has shaped the lives of thousands of students through his mentorship, example, and commitment to excellence.

Years of Service Awards

Service awards were presented to faculty and staff for years of service. Employees are honored at five-year marks. 

• 40 Years of Service: Ted Mashburn
• 30 Years of Service: Marie Batson, Elaine Kyser, Linda Maloy, Kay Sellers
• 20 Years of Service: Lona Brown, Jon Campbell, Nancy Gautier, Terri McNellage
• 15 Years of Service: Amber Campbell, Jenna Goodwin, Kenneth Hughes
• 10 Years of Service: Thomas Jackson, Michael Snow, Latollen Todd
• 5 Years of Service: Amy Burdette

Learn more about the 秋霞福利一区 at umobile.edu/um-info. Plan a campus visit or register for a 秋霞福利一区 Day at umobile.edu/um-info or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

About the 秋霞福利一区

The 秋霞福利一区 is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence 鈥淔or Christ & His Kingdom.鈥� With a vision to 鈥淢ultiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World,鈥� 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, 秋霞福利一区 offers associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at  and connect with 秋霞福利一区 on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� A week of celebration at the 秋霞福利一区 began with a significant Board of Trustees meeting and culminated in the inauguration of the university鈥檚 sixth president, Dr. Charles Smith, followed by the outdoor Spring Spectacular concert with fireworks. 

With a clear sense of unity and a mission 鈥淔or Christ & His Kingdom,鈥� board members gathered on campus April 30 to review progress and map out the next steps in the university鈥檚 journey to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world.

Support for Vision & Direction

During the meeting, trustees voiced support for the university鈥檚 vision and direction, commending the leadership team for its steady progress over the past year. The board specifically reviewed and affirmed the university鈥檚 Vision Statement and 2024-2025 Strategic Playbook, noting how they reflect both bold aspirations and practical steps for continued growth. The meeting marked the completion of Smith鈥檚 first year as president.

鈥淭hese are great days at the 秋霞福利一区,鈥� said Smith. 鈥淲e are profoundly grateful to serve this community, and even more, for God鈥檚 continued blessing on this institution.鈥�

Encouraging Enrollment & Fundraising Reports

The board received encouraging enrollment updates, including news of record Fall deposits and a recent record-setting Ram Ready new student orientation. Though the tracking cycle is early and higher education remains unpredictable, the board celebrated these numbers and encouraged 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 enrollment management staff to continue inviting people to join the 秋霞福利一区 family.  

The board also heard a report on 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 new fundraising initiative, The Great Commission Fund. Since the fund was announced on April 9, 2025, the university has increased year-to-date giving to provide scholarships, expand spiritual formation opportunities and equip Christ-centered leaders. Dr. Nathan Harris, vice president for Institutional Relations underscored the missional significance of the Great Commission Fund. 

鈥淎s a Christ-centered university, we are called to do everything we can to disciple our students and prepare them for a Great Commission lifestyle. This new fund helps us do just that,鈥� Harris said.

In other action, the board approved the 2025-2026 operating budget and enhancements to the university鈥檚 retirement plan. The board also approved several minor program and degree revisions intended to sharpen and strengthen academic offerings.

鈥溓锵几＠�一区 is home to hundreds of gifted and godly leaders,鈥� President Smith said. 鈥淭he encouraging reports we were able to share this week are the direct result of their ingenuity and effort.鈥�

Administrative Updates

The board also received updates on several administrative changes designed to better support and advance the university鈥檚 mission.

• Vice President for Student Development and College Athletics Tim Adams聽joins the Senior Leadership Team with the charge to strengthen the role of Student Life in shaping culture, spiritual formation and retention.
• Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success Charity Wittner聽has been promoted to this new role that reflects enrollment management鈥檚 growing complexity while continuing to expand recruitment, financial aid and retention strategies.
• Associate Vice President for Institutional Relations Adam Tait聽joins the Senior Leadership Team to strengthen fundraising efforts and oversee the new Great Commission Fund, annual Mobile Classic Golf Tournament and regional donor engagement efforts.
• A Provost Search is underway聽to provide strategic academic leadership, support deans and faculty, and lead the university鈥檚 pursuit of academic excellence. This new position will complement the role of Dr. Pamela Buchanan Miller who serves as Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Learn more about the 秋霞福利一区 at umobile.edu/um-info. Plan a campus visit or register for a 秋霞福利一区 Day at umobile.edu/um-info or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

About the 秋霞福利一区

The 秋霞福利一区 is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence 鈥淔or Christ & His Kingdom.鈥� With a vision to 鈥淢ultiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World,鈥� 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, 秋霞福利一区 offers associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at umobile.edu/um-info and connect with 秋霞福利一区 on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� The 秋霞福利一区 invites alumni, friends and supporters to make an eternal impact in students’ lives and make a tax-deductible donation during 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 Spring Day of Giving on Wednesday, May 14.

This online fundraising event supports The Great Commission Fund at the Christian university and provides critical resources to equip students to boldly live out their faith and pursue their calling through Christ-centered higher education.

秋霞福利一区 President Charles Smith said The Great Commission Fund directly supports the university鈥檚 mission of multiplying Kingdom leaders by preparing students for missional leadership in their chosen careers and communities.

鈥淓very vocation is a calling from the Lord, whether it鈥檚 mathematics or ministry, accounting or healthcare, education or evangelism. We equip students to pursue their vocations with excellence, disciple them to be missional leaders with a passion for the Lord, then send them out to make a difference in the world for Christ and His Kingdom. Your gifts to The Great Commission Fund make this happen,鈥� Smith said.

Tax-deductible gifts:

• Provide Scholarships, helping students afford a Christ-centered education and pursue their callings without financial barriers.
• Expand Spiritual Formation, supporting programs that deepen students鈥� faith and commitment to the Great Commission.
• Equip Christ-centered leaders, by investing in the next generation of leaders who will serve, influence, and share the gospel worldwide.

How to Give

Throughout the day on May 14, the university will share student stories on social media and invite supporters to make gifts of any size. Supporters can also amplify their impact by sharing social media posts and encouraging others to participate.

Messages from students and Spring Day of Giving updates will be posted on 秋霞福利一区 social media (@univofmobile) throughout the day.

Gifts are tax-deductible and can be made online at or by calling the Office for Institutional Relations at 251.442.2913.

About the 秋霞福利一区

Since 1961, the 秋霞福利一区 has existed to train God-called men and women to leverage their gifts for the glory of God and the good of the world. The Great Commission Fund fuels that mission, helping equip students to know, love and serve the Lord for the rest of their lives.

For more information about the 秋霞福利一区, visit .

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MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� The 秋霞福利一区 will formally inaugurate Dr. Charles W. Smith Jr. as its 6^th president during a special ceremony on Thursday, May 1, 2025. 

The inaugural celebration will begin at 2:30 p.m. at Redemption Church in Saraland, Alabama, with special guests from across the Southern Baptist Convention, delegates from colleges and universities across the nation, local and state leaders, and the university community. Dr. Jason Allen, president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, will deliver the keynote address, followed by a presidential response from Dr. Smith.

Inaugural festivities will continue on the university campus with 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 Spring Spectacular outdoor concert and fireworks show. A pre-show featuring the Saraland Elementary Show Choir will begin at 7 p.m. and Spring Spectacular, featuring students from 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 Alabama School of the Arts, will start at 7:30 p.m. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display behind William K. Weaver Hall.

Both the inauguration ceremony and the Spring Spectacular concert and fireworks event are open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to campus to enjoy the concert and fireworks show at the Dr. Fred & Sue Lackey Great Commission Lawn. 

For Christ & His Kingdom

Dr. Smith was unanimously elected as the sixth president of the 秋霞福利一区 on March 21, 2024. Under his leadership, the renewed vision of the 秋霞福利一区 is to focus on advancing the mission 鈥淔or Christ & His Kingdom鈥� by multiplying Kingdom leaders who embrace their callings and live out the Great Commission for the glory of God and the good of the world.

A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Dr. Smith holds a PhD from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Over the years, he has served in a variety of leadership roles in theological education, most recently as senior vice president for institutional relations at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College.

He is married to Ashley, his high school sweetheart, and together they have three daughters: Ellie, Annie and Susie.

For more information about President Smith and the inaugural celebration, go to .

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About the 秋霞福利一区

The 秋霞福利一区 is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence 鈥淔or Christ & His Kingdom.鈥� With a vision to 鈥淢ultiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World,鈥� 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, 秋霞福利一区 offers associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.聽Learn more at聽 and connect with 秋霞福利一区 on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� A single hand reaches out and rests on the smooth granite surface of The Great Commission Globe. Then another. And another. One by one, students place their hands on the globe 鈥� not just in tradition, but in commitment. In calling.

Each August, this moment unfolds at President鈥檚 Commissioning on the 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 Great Commission Lawn. New students gather, place their hands on the globe and dedicate their college years to Christ鈥檚 calling. 

Four years later, at commencement in May, those same students return as new graduates to touch the globe again 鈥� ready to take their next step into the world as Kingdom leaders.

The Great Commission Tradition

This two-part ceremony is The Great Commission Tradition, one of the 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 most cherished traditions. Established in 2017, it embodies the Christian university鈥檚 mission since its founding in 1961: to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world.

秋霞福利一区 President Charles Smith describes it as a full-circle moment. 

鈥淲e are sending 秋霞福利一区 graduates out into the world to live out their calling, for Christ and His Kingdom,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淭he Great Commission Tradition is a visual representation of that mission.鈥�

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President鈥檚 Commissioning

For incoming students, the first touch at President鈥檚 Commissioning represents the beginning of a journey 鈥� a commitment to seek knowledge, deepen faith and grow in their calling. The ceremony is a moment of reflection and anticipation, a reminder that their time at 秋霞福利一区 is not just about earning a degree but about preparing to make an impact for Christ.

鈥淚 remember what it was like when I touched the globe for the first time at the beginning of my freshman year,鈥� said recent graduate Molly Grace Watkins. 鈥淚 was full of uncertainty as far as what the next four years would hold for me, but I knew that the Lord would direct my steps and bless this next season of my life.鈥�

Over the next four years, students experience academic growth, spiritual formation and deep community. They serve on mission trips, lead worship, disciple others and prepare for careers where faith and vocation intertwine.

Equipped to Go

Then, at graduation, they return. One by one, they step forward once more, hands pressed to the globe 鈥� this time, as equipped and empowered leaders. The second touch signifies readiness, a sending out to fulfill Christ鈥檚 Great Commission command to go into the world, share the Gospel, and make disciples of all nations.

For many, the act of touching the globe as graduates is emotional. It marks the end of a transformative chapter and the beginning of a new one. But the mission remains the same: to go into the world and make a difference for Christ and His Kingdom.

鈥淔rom the time I touched the globe for the first time up until the last time, I was constantly reminded that every opportunity and experience I was able to be a part of would further my future and my impact for the Kingdom,鈥� said Watkins.

鈥淭he last time I touched the globe at graduation was truly an emotional experience. The culmination of the last four years all came to a close, and I was about to head out into the world. The Great Commission Tradition was the perfect bookends to my college life 鈥� the best beginning and impactful ending to my 秋霞福利一区 experience.鈥�

Living the Mission

As hands meet the surface of the globe year after year, the tradition continues 鈥� each touch a testimony to the university鈥檚 unwavering commitment to Christ鈥檚 command to go and make disciples of all nations. 

And with each graduating class, the 秋霞福利一区 sends out another generation of leaders, ready to change the world for the glory of God and the good of the world.

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About the 秋霞福利一区

The 秋霞福利一区 is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence 鈥淔or Christ and His Kingdom.鈥� With a vision to 鈥淢ultiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World,鈥� 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, 秋霞福利一区 offers associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.聽Learn more at聽 and connect with 秋霞福利一区 on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.