But teachers like 秋霞福利一区 English professor Dr. Frances A. Garner 鈥� the stern ones who keep you after class and demand you do better 鈥� are truly loved.

For evidence, just look at the name on one of three buildings in 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 Academic Park. Frances Garner Hall, a 5,500-square-foot classroom and office building, is home to 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 English department and World Languages and Studies faculty in the College of Arts & Sciences. It is one of only two structures on campus named for a faculty member who has served at the Christ-centered university 鈥� Rosemary Adams Hall is the other. 

The story behind Frances Garner Hall begins with a petite powerhouse professor who wasn鈥檛 afraid of anything. 

Born to Teach

Frances Adrien Garner always knew she would be a teacher 鈥� it was in her blood. Her parents were teachers, as were most of her nine aunts and uncles.

鈥淚f you鈥檙e supposed to be a teacher, it鈥檚 something you can鈥檛 avoid. You might try, but it won鈥檛 work for long,鈥� she was quoted at age 66 in an article published by the Mobile Press-Register in 1995.

Garner was 81 years old when she died on Jan. 31, 2010. Born on May 31, 1928, at her mother鈥檚 family farm in Morgan County, Alabama, she was raised in Mobile and graduated from Murphy High School in 1945. She attended Judson College, then earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Peabody College, now part of Vanderbilt University. She taught in (Westlawn Elementary and Vigor High School), Maryland and 鈥� when it was still a territory 鈥� Hawaii. After earning a Master of Arts in English from Duke University, she returned to Mobile and took a chance on a new Baptist college that was set to open in the fall of 1963.

In a photo of the charter faculty and staff of Mobile College, now the 秋霞福利一区, Garner is in the second row, fourth from the left. She stands directly behind , the acrobatic professor who had the unusual ability to balance upside down by one finger on a block of wood.

Garner isn鈥檛 the only woman in the photo 鈥� but she was the only female faculty member that first year. The 1964 Rampage yearbook notes that she served as sponsor of the Young Women鈥檚 Auxiliary. 

Later, Garner earned a Doctor of Philosophy in English from the University of Tennessee and rose through the ranks to full professor, becoming the first dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. She was selected by a faculty committee to receive the university鈥檚 prestigious Megginson Teaching Award in 1992 and retired in December 1996. A few months later, in April 1997, the 秋霞福利一区 Board of Trustees named her professor emeritus.

鈥業鈥檓 Not Afraid鈥�

Teaching English around the world wasn鈥檛 something she intentionally set out to do when she began her career in 1949. Some friends tried to discourage her globe-trotting.

鈥淚鈥檓 not afraid. Something can happen to you wherever you are. I want to try to make a difference in the world,鈥� Garner said in the Press-Register article.

She and her Mobile College colleague, Dr. Hazel Petersen (who became the first female academic dean in the nation at a Baptist college), were among the first American teachers to venture into war-torn Vietnam in 1989 following the Vietnam War. They had volunteered to teach English as a second language to Vietnamese educators.

Gun bunkers lined the airfield as she landed. The teachers lived in a state-run hotel where most of the other residents spoke only Russian. There was only one flush toilet at the school campus where they taught. Food was scarce and there was no telephone service. But this hard-working professor said she didn鈥檛 have time to think about being scared.

鈥淵ou can鈥檛 live your life being afraid,鈥� she said.

She would continue teaching English as a second language in more countries, including China and Nicaragua. While English was her passion, she was passionate as well about the need for Americans to become bilingual.

鈥淚f we鈥檙e going to live in a global economy, we鈥檙e going to have to learn how to speak different languages,鈥� she said. 

The Queen of English

Upon her retirement, Garner was conferred the title 鈥淭he Queen of English鈥� by students and faculty.

鈥淪he got this name because any time we (in the dean鈥檚 office) had a question about English grammar or usage, we would put it to Dr. Garner to resolve,鈥� said Will Edmonds, then a recent graduate working for academic dean Dr. Audrey Eubanks.

When Edmonds graduated from 秋霞福利一区 in 1997 with a degree in global business, Garner presented him a copy of 鈥淔owler鈥檚 Modern English Usage.鈥�

鈥淚 knew it was the kind of gift that she gave, as it was an extension of who she was. I still have it and use it. I cherish her note and signature on the inside cover,鈥� said Edmonds, now a of French at Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies. Recently, Edmonds was named Alabama Secondary Teacher of the Year and Alternate State Teacher of the Year for 2022.

鈥淔or me, Dr. Garner represented the heart of Mobile College/秋霞福利一区. She was concerned with not only the academic student, but the student as a whole. She impacted me and my time at 秋霞福利一区 even though she never taught me, which to me is all the more amazing,鈥� he said.

A Teacher and Friend

鈥淓ffective teacher. Skilled administrator. Special friend of students.鈥�

The plaque on Frances Garner Hall cites a few reasons the university named a building for the English professor.

Those she taught say her impact went even further.

鈥淒r. Garner was feared and loved. If you worked hard, she was your fiercest defender. Woe be to the person who didn’t give their best effort. Anyone that survived her class (and many did not), emerged as a much better writer,鈥� recalled 秋霞福利一区 President Lonnie Burnett, a 1979 graduate of then-Mobile College.

Tim Hebson said Garner was an incredible advisor.

鈥淚 was not an English major, but I wanted her as my adviser because she demanded the best in all her students,鈥� said Hebson, a 1981 graduate and dean of students emeritus at The University of Alabama.

Susan Thomas took English courses from Garner for four years and considered the teacher a mentor who was 鈥渞eal involved with all her students.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

鈥淲hen I was in school, everyone knew you had to work hard to get good grades in her class. You couldn鈥檛 slide by in her class,鈥� said Thomas, a 1977 graduate.

A Life-Long Impact

One story illustrates the impact a teacher can have in a student鈥檚 life 鈥� and demonstrates the caring and mentoring community that is still woven into the 秋霞福利一区 culture today.

Brian Boyle graduated in 1994 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree from 秋霞福利一区, and again in 2015 with a master鈥檚 degree. Now vice president for advancement, he said his freshman-year experience with the professor had a life-long impact:

As a freshman in my first year of college, I had the opportunity to take a literature class taught by Dr. Garner. Those who had her know of her distinct teaching style, and her high expectations. As someone who had typically done just the bare minimum to 鈥淐鈥� my way through school, I thought I could do the same in her class. However, after turning in an essay assignment that I though was solid C work, she returned the graded paper with a bright red 鈥淔鈥� written at the top. Further, she had written copious amounts of critical notes all over each page. You could actually feel the heat coming from the paper. 

She asked me to stay after class for a brief word. I braced for what I knew would be a less-than-complimentary scolding. What I received instead, however, was something that literally transformed my thinking and my self-confidence. She told me that I could do better and that she believed I had a gift for writing. She encouraged me to take pride in my ability, and not waste it. That may not sound like much, but what I heard her say was that she, Dr. Garner herself, believed in me. The impact of that was profound and has carried with me all the years that have passed since then. I wanted to make her proud. I got an A in that class and took her classes again as often as I could. I will always be thankful for that exchange, and her belief in me. And I find myself still wanting to make her proud.

秋霞福利一区 Legacy: People of the Halls

The 秋霞福利一区 Legacy story collection celebrates the rich history of the 秋霞福利一区 by sharing the stories of people past and present who helped make 秋霞福利一区 what it is today. This story is part of the 鈥淧eople of the Halls鈥� series spotlighting the people behind the names of the buildings and sports facilities at the 秋霞福利一区. Read more 秋霞福利一区 Legacy stories at umobile.edu/umlegacy.

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the 秋霞福利一区 unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.

It started off with a young preacher from Sylacauga, Alabama, and a group of Baptists who thought it would be a good idea to start a college in the southern part of the state, where access to higher education was limited.

Along the way, the story of this man expanded into the story of a college.

The story had the potential to be ironic. 

When Weaver was named president of Mobile College 鈥� a college that didn鈥檛 yet exist 鈥� it was April Fool鈥檚 Day 鈥� April 1, 1961. 

Not everyone can say they have been a college president. Only one can 鈥� and did 鈥� say he was chosen as president of a college that had 鈥渘o land, no buildings, no library, no faculty, no students 鈥� and no problems.鈥�

But turning a college that existed only on paper into a reality within two years was no joke.

The new college president鈥檚 first workday started on the afternoon of April 4, 1961, when the Mobile Register reported that he 鈥渟imply hung up his hat in the college offices at 836 First National Bank Building and went to work.鈥�

The 秋霞福利一区, officially chartered as Mobile College by the state of Alabama on Dec. 12, 1961, was to be the life鈥檚 work of Weaver and his wife, Annie Boyd Parker 鈥淏鈥� Weaver. Today, the first building that new students see as they arrive on campus bears his name: William K. Weaver Hall.

Weaver Hall Then and Now

When the first freshman class enrolled at Mobile College in 1963, the 400-acre campus had only one building. The Administration-Classroom Building housed everything a college needed at that time 鈥� a library, classrooms, auditorium, faculty and staff offices, and a snack shop.

鈥淭he building stood at the top of a red mud hill on which very little grass was growing, and there were no trees along the drives or on the large area cleared for buildings,鈥� recalled Weaver.

Renamed William K. Weaver Hall in 1984 upon the founding president鈥檚 retirement, the university鈥檚 signature building has undergone several renovations over the years. An exterior renovation added a roof, portico and cupola. Later, an interior renovation gutted the top two floors and added state-of-the-art facilities for health care and science programs.

Today, the 秋霞福利一区 offers 鈥淗igher Education for a Higher Purpose鈥� with associate鈥檚, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic areas. The Christ-centered university affiliated with the has a campus of more than 880 acres with over 14,000 alumni throughout the world pursuing God鈥檚 calling for their lives.

Who was William K. Weaver Jr.?

Born in Oxford, Alabama, Bill Weaver grew up in Talladega. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Howard College, now Samford University, and a Master of Theology from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Later, he was awarded the Doctor of Divinity from Samford University the Doctor of Law from the 秋霞福利一区.

Weaver served in World War II as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps, was ordained to the ministry by First Baptist Church of Talladega, served as the first director of religious activities at Howard College/Samford University, then was director of Baptist Student Work in Alabama.

After a decade as a successful pastor of and while serving as chairman of the committee charged with exploring options for forming a Baptist college in Mobile, Weaver was chosen to be the founding president of Mobile College. He was extensively involved in a variety of leadership positions throughout the community and Alabama Baptist life.

He retired as president of Mobile College in 1984, when the administration building was renamed in his honor, and continued serving the university as chancellor until his death in 2014 at the age of 95. B Weaver died in 2008. The university鈥檚 two top awards presented at graduation are named in their honor. The William K. Weaver Jr. Excellence Award and Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Excellence Award are presented to graduates who exemplify the mission of the university, with selection based on scholarship, Christian character, leadership and service.

At Weaver鈥檚 memorial service, then-秋霞福利一区 President Mark Foley said the driving element in Weaver鈥檚 life was to be of service to God and to be directed by God in that service. The forum for that service was the founding and building of what became the 秋霞福利一区.

An Encourager

Remembered for his kindness, humor, faith and love of family, Weaver enjoyed telling the story of the university he was instrumental in founding.

鈥淒uring my years as president, I would sometimes say to students, 鈥業f you want to be a college president, do what I did 鈥� start one!鈥欌�� Weaver wrote in a 2003 series of articles for the Ram Report campus newsletter.

Weaver鈥檚 ability to seek common ground in order for progress to be made was illustrated by a story he told about a 鈥渃risis鈥� in the library, then housed in what is now Weaver Hall. The crisis retold reveals a close-knit college community that brought even minor issues to the president for solution.

It was impossible to walk away from an encounter with Weaver without being encouraged. He was smart, funny, and genuinely interested in the people around him. He was a humble man, quick to praise others, a born leader who was not afraid to make unpopular decisions, according to Dr. Hazel Petersen-Walter, retired faculty member and administrator.

Petersen-Walter recalled Weaver as a strong promoter of people who worked hard. He loved to see the college gain recognition and grow; one way he assured success was through his own appreciation for people and a desire to help them develop.

鈥淵ou remember, back in the 鈥�60s women were not put in administrative positions. When I was named chair of the division of education, my chair was one of the highest positions held by women in the state of Alabama,鈥� she recalled.

When Weaver appointed her to the post of academic dean, there were no other female academic deans in Baptist colleges nationwide.

鈥淗e thought I was the right person for that position,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 remember a meeting I went to for the Baptist colleges. I went into the deans鈥� meeting, and one of the gentlemen said to me, 鈥楾he ladies are meeting in another location; this is for the deans.鈥� I said, 鈥業 am a dean.鈥欌��

Weaver continually gave God all the glory and credit for the success of the university.

Upon his retirement, he told the Board of Trustees that 鈥渙ne need merely to look at the glorious history of Mobile College to see the hand of God at work. It has been true every day of the life of this institution. He has taken our weaknesses and given His strength. He has taken our efforts and enabled us to build a great school.鈥�

Weaver Hall Trivia

A deep dive into the 秋霞福利一区 archives reveals a few surprises about 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 first and oldest building.

• Biblical Foundation – Dedication ceremonies for Mobile College on Sept. 6, 1963, included a cornerstone ceremony. Dr. George E. Bagley, executive secretary-treasurer of the Alabama Baptist State Convention, placed a Bible in the cornerstone, which was then sealed. The cornerstone is still visible on the northeast corner of Weaver Hall. 

• Presidential Signatures – The Weaver Hall Enhancement Project in 2000 added a Ram Red pitched roof, portico and columns, dramatically changing the look of the historic building. In a symbol of past meets present, founding president Dr. William K. Weaver Jr. and then-president Dr. Mark Foley put their signatures on the cupola before it was raised by crane and set atop the roof.

秋霞福利一区 Legacy: People of the Halls

The 秋霞福利一区 Legacy story collection celebrates the rich history of the 秋霞福利一区 by sharing the stories of people past and present who helped make 秋霞福利一区 what it is today. This story is part of the 鈥淧eople of the Halls鈥� series spotlighting the people behind the names of the buildings and sports facilities at the 秋霞福利一区. Read more 秋霞福利一区 Legacy stories at umobile.edu/umlegacy.

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the 秋霞福利一区 unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.

鈥淎ustill was easy to know. He had a warm, outgoing, engaging personality and attracted friendships. I doubt that any person in the history of Mobile ever had more friends than he,鈥� said J. Finley McRae, chairman of the board of Merchants National Bank in Mobile at the dedication ceremony for then-Mobile College鈥檚 new H. Austill Pharr Gymnasium, held Nov. 17, 1968.

It was a ceremony Pharr wouldn鈥檛 live to see. He died at age 76, exactly one year to the day before members of the Association of Honorary Fellows 鈥� an organization he helped create 鈥� gathered to dedicate Pharr Gym.

Mobile College President William K. Weaver Jr. described the First Baptist Church of Mobile deacon, Mason and Kiwannian by quoting from .鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

鈥淚 believe that Mr. Pharr knew truly how to 鈥榳alk with kings, nor lose the common touch.鈥� The development of Mobile College is made possible by the vision and dedication of its founders, among whom Mr. Pharr stood very, very tall,鈥� said Weaver.

A bronze plaque in the gym bears the inscription: 鈥淒edicated in Memory of H. Austill Pharr, Christian Gentleman, Civic and Business Leader, Friend and Trustee of Mobile College.鈥�

Today, the H. Austill Pharr Endowed Scholarship provides scholarships for deserving students who show 鈥減romise of future leadership.鈥�

Who was H. Austill Pharr?

Pharr was born in Buena Vista, Alabama, an unincorporated community in Monroe County. He graduated in 1910 from Marion Military Institute and started his career in banking as a runner at the Bank of Mobile. He worked his way up the ladder, becoming chairman of the board of First National Bank of Mobile. A city leader in industrial development, city planning and education, in 1958 Pharr was named 鈥淢obilian of the Year鈥� in honor of his many civic, cultural and charitable activities.

In 1961 he became a founding trustee of Mobile College and served as chairman of the finance committee. As this friendly, successful, civic-minded business leader took an interest in the new college that Alabama Baptists were creating, so did his extended circle of friends and business associates. 

At the suggestion of college president William K. Weaver Jr. and A. Garrett Hill, the college鈥檚 first chemistry professor, Pharr invited a group of like-minded male business leaders of Mobile to a luncheon meeting in the First National Bank board room. On Dec. 7, 1966, the Association of Honorary Fellows of Mobile College was born. 

The Honorary Fellows

For a young college that had yet to graduate its first class of alumni and therefore lacked the support an alumni base generally provides a school, the Honorary Fellows filled the gap. Their prime objective was not so much to raise money as it was to raise community awareness of the new Mobile College. 

Like the Mobile College Auxiliary, the women鈥檚 group of supporters started a few years earlier by the college鈥檚 First Lady, Annie Boyd Parker 鈥淏鈥� Weaver, the Honorary Fellows developed a variety of ways to support the school. Among their early initiatives was the custom of inviting male members of the graduating class for a luncheon at the International Trade Club. (In later years, the Honorary Fellows would expand its membership to include women. Throughout the years of its existence, the organization鈥檚 goal remained the same 鈥� to advance the well-being of the 秋霞福利一区.)

When Pharr passed away in 1967, the Honorary Fellows launched a campaign to raise $200,000 to build a gym at the new college. Another $175,000 of capital funds was provided by The Alabama Baptist State Convention. 

Boar鈥檚 Head and Beyond

When the first students enrolled in 1963, one building housed everything the new college would need for the first few years. The three floors of what is now William K. Weaver Hall included classrooms, offices, library, cafeteria, auditorium and 鈥� on the top floor 鈥� the college鈥檚 gym.

The construction of Pharr Gym gave the young college room to grow.

Just as Weaver Hall served multiple purposes in those early years, so did Pharr Gym. In addition to housing intramural and, later, intercollegiate athletic programs, the gym was the first home of the college鈥檚 Boar鈥檚 Head Festival. The musical celebration of a medieval Christmas feast was started in 1971 by beloved music professor Dr. Kenneth Bergdolt and continued for almost 30 years.

It was also home to one of the more unusual faculty stories in the school鈥檚 history.

The Acrobatic Professor

An old black-and-white photo taken in front of the administration building in 1963 pictures the first faculty, staff and administrators of Mobile College. On the first row, 3^rd听from the left, is Dr. Gene Perkins.听

For most of the 48 years he taught health and physical education at 秋霞福利一区, Perkins had an office in Pharr Gym. By the time he retired in 2011 as the last remaining charter faculty member, Perkins left behind some of the most unusual stories of any 秋霞福利一区 professor and a life that illustrated the benefits of physical fitness.

The professor had walked up three flights of stairs on his hands to get to class. Before a crowd of students, he balanced upside down on one finger jammed into a Coca-Cola bottle. The day before his 80th birthday, he challenged students to a physical stamina test 鈥� and won. A photo in his Pharr Gym office pictured one of his most amazing feats 鈥� balancing upside down by one finger on a block of wood.

A graduate of Murphy High School in Mobile, Perkins had served as a physical training instructor in the U.S. Navy, performed acrobatic stunts at USO show and in circus stage acts, and coached gymnastics at Baylor before joining the Mobile College faculty. 

Pharr Gym Today

Today, the 秋霞福利一区 has  with 21 competitive sports, seven NAIA national championships, and over 350 student-athletes. Pharr Gym has undergone many updates throughout the years 鈥� recent additions include new bleachers, sound system, locker rooms and more. The men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 basketball programs and women鈥檚 volleyball program call Pharr Gym 鈥渉ome鈥� as 秋霞福利一区 cheerleaders and Spirit Squad lead the crowd in shouts of 鈥淕o Rams!鈥�

Pharr Trivia Question

One question remains about H. Austill Pharr 鈥� what does the 鈥淗鈥� stand for?

A deep dive into the university鈥檚 archives reveals the answer. H. Austill Pharr鈥檚 first name was a family name, handed down through generations: 鈥淗urieosco.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

秋霞福利一区 Legacy: People of the Halls

The 秋霞福利一区 Legacy story collection celebrates the rich history of the 秋霞福利一区 by sharing the stories of people past and present who helped make 秋霞福利一区 what it is today. This story is part of the 鈥淧eople of the Halls鈥� series spotlighting the people behind the names of the buildings and sports facilities at the 秋霞福利一区. Read more 秋霞福利一区 Legacy stories at umobile.edu/umlegacy.

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the 秋霞福利一区 unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.

鈥淚t was a mission field. He didn鈥檛 run a baseball program. He ran a discipleship program. Coach Jacobs always thought of the person first and the player second. He was preparing you for life,鈥� said former player and current 秋霞福利一区 campus pastor Jared Baria 鈥�09.

Jacobs Field and Archway

The 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 beloved athletic director and head baseball coach passed away suddenly Dec. 3, 2019, after suffering a heart attack at the baseball field on campus that bears his name. He left a legacy as a man of faith and integrity who invested his life in the young men he coached, in his family, and in service to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The baseball field at the 秋霞福利一区 was named Jacobs Field in 2011 after Coach Jacobs compiled 700 career wins. The Jacobs Field Archway at the entrance to Jacobs Field was dedicated in 2021 to honor his memory.

A Coach鈥檚 Calling

In a profile in the university鈥檚 TorchLight magazine, Jacobs spoke about his calling as a coach at the 秋霞福利一区.

鈥淚鈥檝e always felt like this was a ministry for me, that God brought me here not only to coach baseball, but to mentor young athletes and prepare them for what life is going to bring them when they leave here. I try to be an example of what I feel God wants these students to see,鈥� Jacobs said.

Overall, Coach Jacobs earned 993 total wins in 30 seasons while leading the baseball program. He reached the 30-win plateau in 17 of his 30 seasons as head coach and led the Rams to seven conference championships and a berth in the 2001 NAIA World Series. Coach Jacobs was inducted into the in 2018. In July of 2019, he was named athletic director at 秋霞福利一区, leading one of the NAIA’s largest athletic programs.

He won Conference Coach of the Year three times in his career; in 1998, 2001 and 2008. He coached 20 total All-Americans, 88 First-Team All-Conference performers, 10 NAIA Scholar-Athletes, 13 conference Gold Glove winners, and 102 conference All-Academic performers, and saw 35 players go on to sign professional contracts.

As a college player, Jacobs had an outstanding career as a four-year letterman at University of South Alabama and was the Jaguars鈥� leading hitter in 1976.

Coach: A Prayer

A prayer titled 鈥淐oach鈥� written by Baria and read at Jacobs鈥� memorial service recalled familiar scenes at Jacobs Field, with the coach鈥檚 wife, Joy, in the stands.

O Lord in this brokenness, please calm the raging storms,
Just get me past the gate and let me make it past the dorms.

Where my heart is not so heavy, and loaded down with hurt,
Just take it out and leave it, upon the brick-crushed dirt.

Where everything was good and your children were at play,
Just take me back again, to another Saturday.

Where the fans are in their seats, hearing Mrs. Joy shout,
Just put me in the box when the wind is blowing out.

Where the grass is freshly cut, and the Rams always get the win,
Just put me there on second, and have Jacobs wave me in.

Where lives have been transformed and where baseball鈥檚 just a game
Just leave me there with him, on the field that bears his name.

Where a man lived out his faith and made the gospel known,
Just let me help to water, the countless seeds he鈥檚 sown.

Where he is right now, I can tell from all their faces,
Lord, let me stand beside him, when I鈥檓 finished running bases.

秋霞福利一区 Legacy: People of the Halls

The 秋霞福利一区 Legacy story collection celebrates the rich history of the 秋霞福利一区 by sharing the stories of people past and present who helped make 秋霞福利一区 what it is today. This story is part of the 鈥淧eople of the Halls鈥� series spotlighting the people behind the names of the buildings and sports facilities at the 秋霞福利一区. Read more 秋霞福利一区 Legacy stories at .

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the 秋霞福利一区 unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.

The first 鈥淔irst Lady鈥� of Mobile College, now the 秋霞福利一区, was always 鈥渂usy as a bee鈥� using her talents of hospitality, compassion and leadership.

The story of B Weaver and her husband, Dr. William K. Weaver Jr., is the love story of a lifelong partnership. Together, they 鈥渉ave truly been the cornerstone upon which this college was founded and built,鈥� said Board of Trustee Chairman T. Massey Bedsole when Dr. Weaver retired in 1984 after 23 years as college president.

The Weavers are gone now 鈥� B died in 2008 and Bill followed in 2014. But travel down Pollock-Altmayer Drive and you鈥檒l see his name on the university鈥檚 signature building 鈥� William K. Weaver Hall. And walk across campus and you鈥檒l feel her influence in the friendly faces and welcoming environment that make this Christ-centered academic community 鈥渢he 秋霞福利一区 family鈥� where students are known.

has been told often 鈥� how on April 1, 1961, he became the founding president of a college that he would jokingly recall 鈥渉ad no land, no buildings, no faculty, no students 鈥� and no problems.鈥� How that college was chartered on Dec. 12, 1961, and opened its doors to the first freshman class on Sept. 9, 1963. How today, with alumnus Dr. Lonnie Burnett as its 5^th president, the 秋霞福利一区 is awarding bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees to students from across the world.

B鈥檚 story has been told less often 鈥� but her impact is just as great.

This is her story.

In the 2003 book, by author Barbara Sims, B shared how God prepared her for her life鈥檚 work.

Born April 17, 1920, Annie Boyd Parker grew up in Talladega, Alabama, where she was called 鈥淎nnie B.鈥� She didn鈥檛 like being called 鈥淎nnie,鈥� so as a student at Alabama College for Women, now University of Montevallo, she shortened it to 鈥淏.鈥�

鈥淎 Christ-centered upbringing, early church experiences, her college days, and working in the secular world during World War II are all factors B recognizes today as God鈥檚 way of preparing her for a life of service,鈥� Sims wrote.

In 1945 when she was in her late 20s, B was hired as Baptist Student Union director at Alabama College. About that same time, Howard College, now Samford University, hired Weaver in a similar position on that campus. He had also grown up in Talladega and was the big brother of B鈥檚 close friend.

Their work brought them together at conferences, and Weaver soon made it a point to stop by Montevallo to visit B on his travels throughout the state. They married on Nov. 4, 1948, in Montevallo Baptist Church.

鈥淎 deep love exists between the two of us. We have always had an assurance that we were meant to be together,鈥� B told Sims.

Soon the couple faced a challenge 鈥� a tumor in B鈥檚 spinal column required surgery with the possibility she would never walk again. The surgery was a success, but the radiation that followed created a concern whether the couple could have children.

Then, in 1950, Weaver was called as pastor of First Baptist Church in Sylacauga, Alabama.

鈥淕od blessed us as we followed His will. You cannot imagine our almost unbelievable excitement when tests confirmed my pregnancy. A precious baby daughter, our only child, was born nine months after our move to Sylacauga. We named her Anne,鈥� said B.

The 10 years in Sylacauga were rewarding and happy years, wrote Sims. Then God called the couple to Mobile, Alabama.

They answered 鈥淵es.鈥�

Weaver was serving as chairman of a committee appointed by the Alabama Baptist State Convention to study the possibility of establishing a new Baptist college in Mobile. When the Sylacauga pastor was approached in 1961 about becoming the founding president of the college, the first thing he did was go home and talk to B about it.

鈥淲e prayed about it, and said I would give it a try,鈥� he recalled in a 2011 interview.

Reflecting on that moment when announcing his retirement in 1984, Weaver said, 鈥淲hen B and I considered this opportunity, we agreed that if we measured up to the challenge, it would likely require the rest of our career years and all that we could give to this effort during those years. We both sought to fulfill this commitment and have worked together as a team, each trying to complement the efforts of the other.鈥�

As Bill worked on developing the academic programs, constructing buildings, recruiting students and raising funds, B worked on building the university community. She served as hostess for university events, where her eye for beauty, love of flowers and willingness to 鈥渦se a little elbow grease to have things right鈥� made every moment special.

鈥淏鈥檚 commitment to do her best was a commitment to her Savior,鈥� Sims wrote. B told her, 鈥淲hatever I did, I wanted it to be special for Him.鈥�

She looked for opportunities to bring people together and build community. When the school was three years old, she started the tradition of 鈥淭he Remembrance Tree.鈥� Each year, a Christmas tree would be decorated with ornaments from members of the college faculty and administrative staff that commemorate special moments in their lives or reflect their academic discipline or personality. That tradition continues today.

A Powerful Force

She harnessed a powerful force in the community 鈥� wives of Mobile鈥檚 business and community leaders. In an era where career opportunities for women were limited to roles such as homemakers, secretaries, teachers and nurses, organizations such as the Mobile College Auxiliary provided an opportunity for women to lead and make an impact.

The Mobile College Auxiliary was born on April 10, 1964, when B invited about 200 women to campus. Representing the greater Mobile community and various religious denominations, they came to campus to form an organization to serve the college and students and be a connecting link between the school and the community.

The Auxiliary was active for 30 years, raising funds through an annual Tasting Party and meeting monthly for coffees featuring speakers on topics such as the economic future of Mobile. Annual projects ranged from campus beautification and purchasing robes for the college choir to furnishing the college鈥檚 Willie Mae Lewis Lyon Missionary Home that housed Southern Baptist missionaries on furlough.

A primary focus was providing scholarship assistance to students, which they presented yearly. In 1987, the Mobile College Auxiliary Endowed Scholarship was established, which is now the Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Endowed Scholarship.

Today, the 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 most prestigious award given each year to a graduating female senior is the Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Excellence Award. Selection is made by a secret vote of the faculty based on scholarship, Christian character, leadership and service.

B made a difference.

Patience. Wisdom. Warmth. Gentle strength. Gracious presence. Leadership through service.

These characteristics made B a welcomed ambassador for good throughout the Mobile community. She served on the boards of organizations such as Mobile Opera, Mobile Mental Health Association and the Historic Mobile Preservation Society.

She was one of the first two women to be made an Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Mobile in the days before the organization started admitting female members in 1989.

A member of First Baptist Church of Mobile since the Weavers arrived in the city in 1961, she served as a trustee and on numerous church committees. She was president of the Association of Alabama Baptist Ministers鈥� Wives and served on the board of the Florence Crittenton Home for unwed mothers.

Meant to Be

B鈥檚 enthusiasm for the college remained contagiously genuine throughout her life, wrote Sims in 鈥淕olden Women.鈥�

鈥淭his institution was meant to be,鈥� B told Sims. 鈥淲hen Bill was named president, I knew it was my role to support him and be a part of this new endeavor. We saw miracles happen here.鈥�

Look at the photographs from those early years of Mobile College, and it鈥檚 easy to see the love 鈥� and the partnership 鈥� the Weavers shared. His face lights up when he looks at her. Her eyes are on him when speaks.

At Dr. Weaver鈥檚 funeral in 2014, six years after B had passed away, then-秋霞福利一区 President Mark Foley pictured their heavenly reunion.

鈥淚 can just imagine B with a demure smile upon her lovely face and Bill with his broad, ready smile and a twinkle in his eyes as B looked him over and reached up to straighten his tie just so.

鈥淎nd I can imagine B saying to him, 鈥極h Bill鈥ome, let me show you. There is so much more for you to see.鈥欌��

(EDITOR鈥橲 NOTE: As a tribute to B Weaver, the has created the B鈥檚 Bees pin. Proceeds from the sale of B鈥檚 Bees pins fund scholarships for 秋霞福利一区 students through the Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Endowed Scholarship.)

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About the 秋霞福利一区

The 秋霞福利一区 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鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the 秋霞福利一区 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 秋霞福利一区, areas of study, admissions and more, visit , 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.

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the 秋霞福利一区 unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.