秋霞福利一区

秋霞福利一区 Announces Faculty Promotions for Fall 2025

MOBILE, Ala.听鈥 The 秋霞福利一区 announces three faculty promotions as Fall 2025 semester begins.

鈥淥ur faculty are at the heart of the 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 mission to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world,鈥 said 秋霞福利一区 President Charles Smith.

鈥淭hese promotions recognize the exceptional expertise professors Megan Cary, Jose Molina and Kevin Levy bring to their fields, as well as their dedication to mentoring students who will serve with excellence in their professions and communities.鈥

Faculty promotions for Fall Semester 2025 are:

Megan Cary, associate professor of graphic arts, has been promoted to chair of the Department of Visual Arts in the College of Arts & Sciences. Cary joined the 秋霞福利一区 in 2013 as assistant professor of graphic arts. As program coordinator of graphic design, Cary emphasizes new and emerging design methods, user experience, multiple internship opportunities and portfolio building 鈥 resulting in above-average employment rates for graphic design graduates. In 2018, she founded the Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design program and co-founded the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art program.

Cary serves in a variety of capacities at 秋霞福利一区, including as vice president of the Faculty Council. Most recently, she curated the art show 鈥淥ther Worldly鈥 on the university campus and co-led an arts and literature class international trip across Italy. Her small business and studio, Megan Cary Design & Illustration, has operated since 2007.

Cary holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of South Alabama and Master of Fine Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design.


Jose Molina has been promoted to assistant professor of art in the Department of Visual Arts in the College of Arts & Sciences. Molina joined 秋霞福利一区 in 2024 as visiting instructor of art. His solo exhibit, 鈥淢agical Realism鈥 opened at the 秋霞福利一区 in 2022 with works he described as 鈥渁n investigation of everyday objects and people in the modern world, but with an additional element of the fantastic.鈥

Molina holds a Bachelor of Arts from Northwest Florida State College, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of West Florida, and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of South Alabama.


Kevin Levy has been promoted to assistant professor of criminology and cybersecurity in the Grace Pilot School of Business. Levy joined the university in 2024 as visiting instructor of criminology, after serving as an adjunct faculty member for several years. His 30-year-career as a working professional within the government and law enforcement community included developing and implementing an intelligence-based initiative for a local police agency while collaborating with hundreds of federal, state, local and military entities along the Gulf Coast.

He holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in criminal justice from Florida International University and a master鈥檚 degree in justice administration from Faulkner University.


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 .

Packed Chapel Opens Fall Semester at 秋霞福利一区; Weekly Videos, Podcasts and Speakers Ahead

MOBILE, Ala.听鈥 Ram Hall overflowed with enthusiastic students, faculty and staff on Aug. 20 as the 秋霞福利一区 kicked off its first Chapel program of Fall Semester 2025. The standing-room-only crowd spilled over into the adjacent cafeteria for what has become a hallmark of campus life: a Chapel experience that inspires, challenges and unites the 秋霞福利一区 community.

鈥淐hapel is an expression of who we are 鈥 a university that exists For Christ & His Kingdom with a mission to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world,鈥 said Dr. Charles Smith, president of the Baptist university.

This is the second year for a reinvigorated Chapel program that draws dynamic faith leaders to campus each week. Worship is led by the university鈥檚 Worship Collective student ensemble during the hour-long event held each Wednesday.

The Chapel program is part of 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 emphasis on faith development and spiritual growth. Along with an active campus ministries and student life program designed to supplement students鈥 involvement in their local church, the university鈥檚 academic program integrates faith and learning across all areas of study.

鈥淎s this second year unfolds with dynamic voices and bold worship, it鈥檚 encouraging to see students, faculty and staff lean in together, cultivating a spiritual atmosphere that permeates all corners of campus,鈥 Smith said.

鈥淲e鈥檙e accompanying our students on a journey where faith informs every facet of life, and we鈥檙e grateful to be a part of God building something transformative here,鈥 he added.

First Chapel Message: 2 Corinthians 5:21

The first Chapel speaker for Fall Semester 2025 was 秋霞福利一区 Vice President for Institutional Relations Nathan Harris, who also serves as assistant professor of New Testament and biblical interpretation.

His message 鈥 the good news that sinners are reconciled by the cross of Christ 鈥 was based on 2 Corinthians 5:21: 鈥淔or our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.鈥

鈥淪tudents, if you want to build your life around a verse, pick this one,鈥 Harris said. 鈥淚n this verse, we find the truth, the good news that the lost need to hear. This is the hope that needs to be proclaimed to the ends of the earth.鈥

He said the scripture passage 鈥減oints the reader to the reality of our sin, to the necessity of Christ鈥檚 substitution, and the result of the cross, which is Christ鈥檚 righteousness for the believer. It鈥檚 at the center of the gospel that we find this divine exchange 鈥 sinners for a sinless Savior.鈥

Chapel Video and Podcast Available

New Chapel videos and podcasts are available each week at umobile.edu/chapel. Previous chapel videos and podcasts are also available at the link.

Upcoming Chapel Speakers

Fall semester鈥檚 Chapel lineup brings leaders who will encourage students to grow in their faith and embrace their calling with purpose. They are:

Aug. 27 鈥 Chris Bell, Lead Pastor of 3Circle Church, multiple locations in south Alabama.

A 秋霞福利一区 alumnus, Bell is gifted communicator committed to helping people live out the gospel in every area of their lives. Under his leadership, 3Circle has grown into a vibrant multi-campus church focused on reaching people locally, regionally and globally with clarity and conviction.


Sept. 3 鈥 Fred Luter Jr., Senior Pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, New Orleans.

A trailblazer in the faith and a powerful voice in the church, Luter made history as the first African American president of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is known nationwide for his passionate preaching, heart for the gospel and unwavering commitment to building strong families and strong churches.


Sept. 10 鈥 Matt Smethurst, Lead Pastor of River City Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia.

Smethurst has served around the world as a missionary; in Washington, D.C., as an intern at Capitol Hill Baptist Church; and in Louisville, Kentucky as a longtime elder and deacon. He is a former managing editor of The Gospel Coalition听and is the author of several books including听Before You Share Your Faithand 鈥淭im Keller on the Christian Life.鈥


Sept. 17 鈥 George Wright, Senior Pastor of Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama.

A graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wright was raised in a ministry family and developed a passion early on for helping others discover the hope of the Gospel. His journey has taken him from student ministry to church planting, pastoring in both Georgia and South Carolina, and now serving at Shades Mountain since 2021.


Sept. 24 鈥 Vance Pitman, President, Send Network.

Pitman is a passionate leader with a vision to see churches planted everywhere, for everyone. As president of Send Network, he leads a nationwide movement equipping church planters and local churches to take the Gospel to their communities and beyond.


Oct. 1 鈥 C12, Christian Business Leaders Panel.

A panel of dynamic faith-driven leaders will explore how gospel-centered principles shape real-world business decisions, workplace culture and make an impact that echoes into eternity. C12鈥檚 unique model brings together Christian CEOs and executives in peer advisory groups where they are challenged and equipped to lead faithfully in both life and business.


Oct. 15 鈥 Paul Davis, President, ABWE (Association of Baptists for World Evangelism).

As president of ABWE, Davis leads a global movement of missionaries and churches committed to taking the gospel to the nations. ABWE champions gospel-centered missions, equips sending churches and strengthens partnerships around the world


Oct. 22 鈥 Dr. Jason Lee, Professor of Theological Studies, Director of Center for Biblical Integration, Cedarville University.

A respected voice in historical theology and biblical interpretation, Lee is a 秋霞福利一区 alumnus who serves as discipleship pastor at Heritage Fellowship Church in Springfield, Ohio, in addition to his academic work. Lee has taught at Southeastern and Southwestern Baptist theological seminaries and served in pastoral roles in Louisiana and Scotland.


Oct. 28 鈥 Mark Vroegop, President, The Gospel Coalition.

A trusted voice in the evangelical world, Vroegop served in pastoral ministry for nearly 30 years, most recently as lead pastor of College Park Church in Indianapolis. He is the award-winning author of听鈥Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy鈥 and Waiting Isn鈥檛 a Waste鈥 鈥 books that have helped many find hope through biblical lament and trusting God through life鈥檚 uncertainties.


Nov. 11 鈥 Isaac Adams, Lead Pastor, Iron City Church, Birmingham, Alabama.

Adams holds degrees in journalism and religious studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, along with a Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served overseas with the International Mission Board and has been involved with ministries like Together for the Gospel, CROSS Conference, and The Front Porch. In 2017, Adams founded听United? We Pray (UWP), a ministry focused on prayer around racial reconciliation 鈥 especially within the church.


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.

秋霞福利一区 Renames Graduate Counseling Program to Master of Arts in Counseling & Family Therapy

MOBILE, Ala.听鈥 The 秋霞福利一区 announces a new name for its graduate counseling degree 鈥 the Master of Arts in Counseling and Family Therapy.

Formerly known as the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling, the updated name reflects the program鈥檚 broad scope in preparing graduates to serve individuals, couples, families and groups in a variety of professional counseling settings.

The Master of Arts in Counseling and Family Therapy offers rigorous academic preparation rooted in a Christ-centered worldview, combining evidence-based therapeutic approaches with biblical principles.

鈥淭he new name reflects the full range of opportunities our graduates have to serve as counselors and family therapists,鈥 said Dr. Glenn Hollingsworth, chair of the Department of Counseling and Family Therapy in the College of Arts & Sciences.

秋霞福利一区 graduates are employed in private practice, online telehealth platforms, community agencies and non-profits. Many are owners of thriving group practices and some graduates have continued their education with doctoral degrees in counseling psychology, counselor education and supervision, and more.

Eligible for Both LPC and LMFT Credentials

秋霞福利一区鈥檚 program is the only one in the region that enables students to graduate with eligibility for both the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) credentials in Alabama.

鈥淭he dual focus of the Counseling and Family Therapy program allows us to teach and train our students in such a way that maximizes their exposure to the diverse array of interventions and pathways available to master鈥檚 level helping professionals,鈥 Hollingsworth said.

鈥淥ur goal is to equip professionals who are prepared to walk alongside individuals, couples and families with skill, compassion and a Christ-centered approach.鈥

Program Highlights

  • Dual Licensure Preparation 鈥 Meets education requirements for both LPC and LMFT licensure in Alabama.
  • Designed for Working Professionals 鈥 Evening and online courses compatible with work and family responsibilities
  • Small Classes & Mentorship 鈥 Close faculty guidance in a collaborative learning environment.

鈥淲hether students are beginning a new career or advancing their calling to serve others, the Master of Arts in Counseling and Family Therapy equips them to bring hope and healing to a hurting world,鈥 Hollingsworth said.

Now Enrolling

Applications are being accepted for classes starting Fall Semester 2025 and Spring Semester 2026. Apply at . Learn more about the program at . Want to know more? Request information at

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.

秋霞福利一区 President Highlights Record Enrollment, Dorms at Capacity and Key Campus Updates at Annual Ignite Conference for Faculty and Staff

MOBILE, Ala.听鈥 During the 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 annual Ignite Conference for faculty and staff, 秋霞福利一区 President Charles Smith shared the good news of record enrollment, dorms filled to capacity and key campus updates as a new academic year began at the Baptist university.

Record enrollment and mission-driven momentum ignite a historic year at the 秋霞福利一区, Smith shared at the Aug. 14 conference that kicked off Fall Semester 2025.

New student enrollment is up a record-breaking 13% while graduate program enrollment has grown 20%. For the first time in the university鈥檚 history, residence halls are filled to capacity.

鈥淚 could not be more grateful for the growth we鈥檙e experiencing,鈥 Smith said. 鈥淓very one of the students is a living reminder of our high calling as Christian educators.鈥

Overall, more than 2,000 students are enrolled at the Baptist university as classes began Aug. 18, pursuing associate to doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Official enrollment numbers will be announced after census day in early September.

The importance of the university鈥檚 mission was highlighted during the annual Ignite Conference where faculty and staff gathered for the annual kick-off to a new academic year.

A Mission-Driven College

Dr. Rick Langer, retired professor and co-author of 鈥淢ission-Driven Colleges: Keeping First Things First in Christian Higher Education,鈥 joined President Smith at the Ignite Conference for a keynote address and armchair discussion about what it means to be a Christian university.

The 秋霞福利一区 exists 鈥淔or Christ & His Kingdom鈥 with a mission to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world. That missional clarity is key to the success of a Christian university, said Langer, retired director of the Office for the Integration of Faith and Learning at Biola University

鈥淟et everybody know what you stand for, what you believe,鈥 Langer urged.

Integration of Faith and Learning

Langer said the Christian faith is not meant to be compartmentalized into one hour a week at church.

鈥淥ne of the worst things that can happen with Christian faith is we don鈥檛 make our faith intersect with the rest of our life. You are missing out on life when your faith in Christ is confined to one hour a week. I need to have Christ permeate everything in my life,鈥 he said.

The integration of faith and learning is human learning oriented toward the lordship of Christ, he said.

鈥淚f you are doing a good job of integrating faith and learning, you want to have Christ woven into the fabric of the university. We鈥檙e not talking about having prayer or a devotion at the beginning of class. It鈥檚 teaching in such a way that everything points to Christ as creator and sustainer.鈥

He encouraged faculty to think about what they love about teaching and share that with colleagues.

鈥淏e people who have an eye to notice and a voice to celebrate,鈥 Langer said.

Smith Shares Vision, Celebrates Growth

During the president鈥檚 update, Smith noted the past year鈥檚 successes and looked ahead to the coming year.

鈥淭he Lord has blessed us,鈥 Smith told faculty and staff, noting the following highlights:

  • The incoming class of students grew by 13%
  • Graduate programs increased by 20%
  • For the first time in 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 history, residence halls are filled to capacity
  • 秋霞福利一区 had multiple positive accreditation visits
  • Chapel has generated excitement and growth
  • The Great Commission Fund was launched
  • Eight collegiate teams made it to NAIA Nationals
  • Facility updates refreshed the campus core
  • Multiple new administrators joined the team, along with several internal faculty and staff promotions
  • A brand new umobile.edu has launched

Smith said goals for the 2025-2026 year include creating an unforgettable campus experience, pursuing academic entrepreneurship by exploring new program and pathways, stewarding institutional resources wisely and building bridges and strengthening partnerships with ministry leaders, alumni, schools, community organizations and other key stakeholders.

鈥淲e will succeed by advancing a sincere, winsome and unmistakable commitment to Christ and His Kingdom, remembering and reasserting our identity and value as a premiere Christ-centered university and consistently and creatively telling our story 鈥 reminding our region and beyond what makes the 秋霞福利一区 so special,鈥 Smith said.

He urged faculty and staff to embrace the university鈥檚 core values: Hungry team members who are passionate about progress, Humble team members who are eager to serve, Smart team members who approach both people and projects with wisdom, and Happy & Hopeful team members who are kind, encouraging and optimistic.

鈥淟ive out the vision,鈥 Smith encouraged faculty and staff.

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.

秋霞福利一区 Announces 秋霞福利一区 Day Campus Visit Dates for 2025-2026

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥 Looking for a college visit that shows you more than classrooms and degrees?

The 秋霞福利一区 invites high school and transfer students and their families to experience 秋霞福利一区 Day 鈥 a special campus-visit event where you can see firsthand how our Christian university prepares you to be a Kingdom leader for the glory of God and the good of the world.

Registration is open now for 秋霞福利一区 Days scheduled during 2025-2026. Reserve your spot for any of these upcoming 秋霞福利一区 Days:

  • September 25, 2025
  • October 13, 2025
  • November 20, 2025
  • February 5, 2026
  • March 23, 2026

RSVP today at or call

Earn a $2,000 Visit Scholarship

Now is the perfect time to plan your visit and take the next step toward discovering your calling at a university that exists For Christ & His Kingdom.

Students who attend a 秋霞福利一区 Day, apply and enroll are eligible for a $2,000 Visit Scholarship for new traditional undergraduate students.

Why RSVP Now?

When you RSVP, you unlock exclusive opportunities and special perks that make your visit even more rewarding.

  • Apply for Free at 秋霞福利一区 Day!
  • Free 秋霞福利一区 Day T-shirt for students who apply for admission at 秋霞福利一区 Day!
  • Free 秋霞福利一区 sweatshirt for students who make their enrollment down payment!
  • $2,000 Visit Scholarship for new traditional undergraduate students who visit, apply and enroll

What Happens at 秋霞福利一区 Day?

Each 秋霞福利一区 Day begins with check-in at 8:30 a.m. in Ram Hall on the 秋霞福利一区 campus, 5735 College Pkwy., Mobile, Alabama, 36613.

On your visit, you鈥檒l:

  • Tour our beautiful 880鈥慳cre campus and see why our dorms are ranked #1 in Alabama on a campus ranked #1 for safety.
  • Meet professors and current students who will inspire you.
  • Learn how affordable a private Christian university can be.
  • Apply for free 鈥 and take the first step toward your future.

Schedule a Private Visit

If you can鈥檛 make a 秋霞福利一区 Day, private tours are available year-round. You can still qualify for the $2,000 Visit Scholarship when you visit, apply and enroll.

Schedule a visit at or call .

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.

There鈥檚 Still Time to Enroll at 秋霞福利一区 for Fall 2025 鈥 Scholarships Still Available

MOBILE, Ala.听鈥 It鈥檚 not too late to take the next step toward a Christ-centered college experience at the 秋霞福利一区. Classes start Aug. 18 and there鈥檚 still time to apply, be accepted and take your place at the 秋霞福利一区.

Scholarships Still Available

Whether you鈥檙e just starting your college search or making a last-minute decision, the 秋霞福利一区 is still accepting applications for Fall Semester 2025 鈥 and听scholarship opportunities are still available听for new students.

Quick Admission Decision

Apply now, and you鈥檒l receive a听quick admission decision听so you can take your next step with confidence. Plus, you can visit campus and qualify for 秋霞福利一区鈥檚听$2,000 Visit Scholarship, available to traditional undergraduate students who visit campus, apply and enroll.

秋霞福利一区 is More Than a Degree

At the 秋霞福利一区, college is about more than just earning a degree. It鈥檚 about discovering your calling, deepening your faith and preparing for a life of purpose. Whether your path is business, education, health care, ministry or the arts, 秋霞福利一区 equips you to serve with excellence 鈥 for the glory of God and the good of the world.

Go to umobile.edu/um-info to get started, or call us at 251.442.2222 to speak with an admissions counselor.

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.

秋霞福利一区 and Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions Partner to Equip Next Generation of Christian Leaders at Super Summer Alabama

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥 Nearly 350 middle and high school students, church leaders and volunteers are gathered at the 秋霞福利一区 July 14-18 for Super Summer Alabama, a leadership and discipleship camp made possible through a partnership between the Baptist university and the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (ALSBOM).

More than a typical summer camp, Super Summer Alabama is designed for middle and high school students wanting to deepen their faith and take the next step in following Christ. Students attend worship, engage in small-group Bible study, learn from college-level curriculum and build lasting relationships with peers and mentors from across the state.

This marks the third consecutive year the 秋霞福利一区 has hosted the event. The 2025 camp welcomed 245 students, 32 church leaders, 35 adult volunteers, and 33 college team leaders to 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 880鈥慳cre campus 鈥 recognized as Alabama鈥檚 safest college campus and home to the state鈥檚 top鈥憆ated residence halls.

Dr. Charles Smith, president of the 秋霞福利一区, said, 鈥淚t is a great privilege to partner with Alabama Baptist churches in this Kingdom work and invest in the next generation of Kingdom leaders.

鈥淲e believe in the transformational power of Christian higher education and experiences like Super Summer Alabama to shape hearts, strengthen faith and prepare students to live out their calling. We are honored to be part of what God is doing in their lives,鈥 he added.

Partnering for Kingdom Impact

The theme of this year鈥檚 camp, 鈥淓nough,鈥 invites students to focus on Christ鈥檚 sufficiency and their identity in Him. Camp pastor Dr. Jamie Dew, president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, is leading students through Scripture, challenging them to respond in obedience to the Gospel and live boldly for Christ.

鈥淚 am excited to be with the youth of Super Summer Alabama this week,鈥 Dew said. 鈥淲e will be learning that Jesus is ENOUGH for everything we need in salvation, life, trials and ministry. I pray that this week will make these teenage disciples encouraged and better equipped to serve the Lord.鈥

The program includes worship led by 秋霞福利一区 students, small-group discipleship and curriculum sessions in theology and biblical leadership.

Students who attend the camp on the university campus, then later enroll at the 秋霞福利一区, are eligible for a $2,000 秋霞福利一区 Visit Scholarship. Students who attend all nine components of the Super Summer Alabama program are eligible for a $4,000 Super Summer Scholarship at 秋霞福利一区 and will have met requirements for the freshman course 鈥淚ntroduction to Christian Worldview.鈥

Discipleship That Lasts

Josh Meadows, student ministry strategist for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, said Super Summer Alabama is 鈥渁 week that God uses to change lives for His glory and to send students out commissioned to be on mission for Christ.鈥

鈥淲e want students to have a chance to really connect with God and grow their faith. Super Summer Alabama gives them the opportunity to dive deep into the Word of God and meet other like-minded students from all over Alabama. It鈥檚 not just about making friends 鈥 these are lifelong connections that will shape lives for the future,鈥 Meadows said.

The program also offers resources and support for youth pastors throughout the year, including opportunities to learn, grow and network.

Tyler Gresham is one of those youth pastors. He has participated in Super Summer Alabama since 2014.

鈥淚 can testify that Super Summer has had a tremendous impact on my students鈥 growth in Christ and faithfulness to the church, not only during high school, but afterwards,鈥 says the administrative pastor of students at Fairhaven Baptist Church in Demopolis, Alabama.

鈥淲e are able to discuss topics in Super Summer that are typically harder to cover thoroughly during a regular youth Bible study. Once they graduate, my students who鈥檝e gone through Super Summer overwhelmingly stay connected to the local church wherever they end up, and many of them go on to serve their current churches well through lay ministry.鈥

Super Summer Alabama was launched in 2008 by 秋霞福利一区 alumnus Denis Tanner, associate pastor of Next Steps and students at Shades Crest Baptist Church in Hoover. 听He said he appreciates how his alma mater has welcomed the program 鈥 鈥淭hey really want us here on campus because it is reaching people for the Kingdom.鈥

鈥淲e live in a world where there鈥檚 so many negative things going on, so much hurt and brokenness,鈥 Tanner said. 鈥淲hat鈥檚 wonderful about Super Summer Alabama is that we really focus on helping kids remember their identity is in Christ鈥nd that they are called to make a difference in the lives of those around them.鈥

Equipping Future Leaders

Tim Adams, 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 vice president for student development and collegiate athletics, said the purpose of Super Summer aligns with the 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 mission.

鈥淎t the 秋霞福利一区, we are committed to multiplying Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world. Throughout our history, thousands of college students have encountered the Lord鈥檚 presence on this campus and been shaped by His calling,鈥 Adams said.

鈥淚t brings us great joy to open our facilities to Super Summer campers, with the prayer that they, too, will be transformed by God鈥檚 work in their lives and inspired to follow His call.鈥

Learn More

For more about Super Summer Alabama camp and youth pastor resources, visit supersummer.ymlink.org.

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/umday-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听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.

A Call to Christ-Centered Community: How MFuge Led Ashley Morsey to the 秋霞福利一区

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥 听When Ashley Morsey walked onto the 秋霞福利一区 campus for the first time as a ministry track leader with MFuge, she had no idea she would one day be calling the Christian university home.

A native of Dothan, Alabama, and a member of Bethel Baptist Church, Ashley had just finished her freshman year at a state school when she arrived on the 秋霞福利一区 campus. It was the summer of 2023 and her first year to serve on staff for MFuge. The MFuge summer camp program held at 秋霞福利一区 is part of the national FUGE Camps youth ministry operated by the Southern Baptist Convention鈥檚 Lifeway Christian Resources.

What began as a summer job quickly became something more.

鈥淎s I was serving on staff in my first summer of MFuge on the 秋霞福利一区 campus, I knew this place felt different,鈥 Ashley said.

鈥淢Fuge allowed me to experience a whole summer living on campus while serving the Lord,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t also opened my eyes to see that Christian community could be so accessible in college 鈥 that it did not have to be this farfetched thought 鈥 that it could be real.鈥

That summer planted a seed. Although she returned to her original college campus in the fall for her sophomore year, her heart never really left 秋霞福利一区.

A Season of Prayer and Confirmation

During that school year, she began visiting the Baptist university campus and meeting students, faculty and staff who welcomed her into the kind of Christian college community she never knew existed.

鈥淚 started praying about my decision to transfer into 秋霞福利一区 back in January, after I began to sense the Lord was changing my desires to align more with His,鈥 Ashley said.

鈥淚 tried to ignore the call to transfer schools for a few months. Little did I know that attending a conference with some friends would be the start of me telling others that I knew the direction of my life was about to change.鈥

As she began to share what the Lord was doing in her heart, Ashley learned those same friends had been praying over her long before she voiced anything.

鈥淭hese friends, without me knowing it, were praying over my heart and praying that the Lord would show me exactly where I needed to be. As we see, the Lord is so faithful to answer prayers, as I am coming to 秋霞福利一区!鈥 she said.

A Summer of Service, A Lifetime of Impact

Her summers of service with MFuge opened Ashley鈥檚 eyes to a new path, a new place and a new purpose.

This summer, she鈥檚 back on the 秋霞福利一区 campus again with MFuge 鈥 this time for her third MFuge experience and her second time working at the 秋霞福利一区 site. As administrative director, she is responsible for attendance, making sure all forms are in order, and building relationships with adult leaders from churches across the region.

鈥淢Fuge has allowed me to grow a heart that loves people in a special way,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t has allowed me to be able to see people the way Jesus sees them. I am so excited to get the opportunity to serve the city of Mobile alongside 29 other staffers, plus churches and youth groups from across the nation.鈥

More Than a College Experience

This fall, she will step onto the 秋霞福利一区 campus as a new transfer student majoring in psychology. She does so with confidence 鈥 not just in her decision to transfer, but in the faithfulness of the God who called her here.

鈥淰isiting the 秋霞福利一区 campus allowed me to truly experience what a Christ-centered college community could look like,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 am forever thankful for this place and, more importantly, the people that make this place easy to call home.鈥

At the 秋霞福利一区, she鈥檚 found more than a college experience 鈥 she鈥檚 found her calling, her people, and a deeper walk with the Lord.

鈥淚 know that through MFuge and the 秋霞福利一区, I am able and willing to go and do whatever the Lord would have for me,鈥 Ashley said.

Learn More 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.

 

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/umday-info or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

 

Church Spotlight: First Baptist Church Hendersonville, TN

A Giving Heart

When 秋霞福利一区 alumnus Dr. Bruce Chesser 鈥78 became pastor in 2009, First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, Tennessee, was $17 million in debt. Today the nearly 80-year-old church is debt-free and has the largest attendance in its history, reaching 3,735 in 2024 with over 2,200 people involved in Vacation Bible School each summer. FBC Hendersonville baptized more people than ever before in 2024, with 340 following the Lord in baptism.

Notably, FBC Hendersonville became the first church in the state of Tennessee to give over $1 million a year to the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention.

The multi-generational church is intentionally a single-campus church with a vision of planting and revitalizing existing churches to help them become thriving, independent Southern Baptist congregations.

Among its ministries are:

Feed Sumner Food Bank and Ministry Center,meeting the physical needs of people in upperMiddle Tennessee
Adult special needs ministry, addressing a largelyunmet need in the region
The Babb Center, a counseling ministry serving allof Middle Tennessee.

Fellow alumnus Jason Breland 鈥24 serves as worship leader. Breland holds a Master of Arts in Worship Leadership and Theology from 秋霞福利一区. One of his daughters, Abigail, graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Chesser said he values his 秋霞福利一区 connections, both past and present.

Dr. Bruce Chesser 鈥78, Senior Pastor

After graduating from then-Mobile College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, Dr. Bruce Chesser earned both his MDiv and DMin from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He pastored in Texas, Alabama and Arkansas before becoming pastor of FBC Hendersonville in 2009. He met his wife, Joy, at MC/秋霞福利一区 and they have two married sons and two grandchildren.

鈥淭he foundational truths of my theology began as a child in my home church, but they were refined while I was in college. Things I learned at Mobile College impact my life every single day,鈥 he said.

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