University of Mobile

            The University of Mobile is an American four -year , private , Baptist - affiliated university in Prichard , Alabama. The Master - level university has an enrollment of 1,577 .

History :

          When the final brick was set in place , a massive three - storey building stands on a red dirt hill surrounded by hundreds of acres of Dogwoods , oaks and azaleas . That building - the University of Mobile 's first classroom and administration facility - represents a dream come true . For thousands of Alabama Baptists, and other religious and community leaders in Alabama , the opening of the liberal arts college was the result of a decade of hope , hard work and prayer . The first building represents the great things that can be achieved when a community and denomination joined hands for a common goal - the higher education in the Christian tradition .

           Chartered in 1961 as Mobile College, the institution celebrated decades of growth and success in 1993 changed its name to the University of Mobile . The story of the University began in 1952 , when the mobile Baptist Association appointed a committee to investigate the feasibility of starting a Baptist - Mobile affliated college study . In 1959 , the Alabama Baptist State Convention agreed to build and operate a college as the Mobile community will raise $ 1.5 million within two years . Just one year later , area churches , businesses and industries pledged more than $ 2 million to the effort.

           Dr. William K. Weaver , Jr. has been appointed president of Mobile College on 1 April 1961 , a position he would hold until his retirement in 1984 . When Alabama Governor John Patterson college 's charter was signed in 1961 , Mobile College , the first college senior in the state chartered in 57 years . The college 's first administration and classroom building , now called Weaver Hall in honor of the institution's first president in 1963 . The college received accreditation in 1968 from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools . The second president , Dr. Michael A. Magnoli , was inaugurated in 1984 and supervised a period of sustained growth .

          On February 13, 1998 , the University of Mobile Board of Trustees unanimously Dr. Mark R. Foley as the third president. Under the leadership of Dr. Foley 's leadership , the University of Mobile entered the new millennium with the sole purpose of preparing students academically , socially and spiritually to the world affected . New academic majors are added as the University expects and respond to changing needs . Renovation of Weaver Hall , including a hipped roof with cupola and portico, a new focal point for the campus . Samford Hall , a 101 - bed residence hall was completed in 2004 . In 2006, the 151 - bed Karlene Farmer Faulkner Hall opened . In 2009 , Ram Hall expanded the cafeteria and provide a state - of-the -art auditorium for student events and concerts . A master plan for the campus the ongoing renovation of classrooms and laboratories additional academic programs to accommodate .

           Throughout the decades , the university has a highly dedicated faculty providing quality Christian Higher Education maintained . From its rich past to a bright future with promise , the University of Mobile continues to be a thriving institution dedicated to helping students grow academically , socially and spiritually be .

Schools:

• College of Arts and Sciences:

             Dr. Dwight Steedly is the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences with Dr. Ted Mashburn currently in the title of deputy dean . The college offers degrees in arts , history , political science, psychology , sociology , social science , biology , environmental management , marine science, math , English , humanities and communications . The University of Mobile has also partnered with Red engineering programs University and the University of South Alabama students that a BA degree from the University of Mobile and a bachelor's degree in engineering from the participating university .

• School of Business:

       Dr. Jane Finley is the dean of the School of Business , which offers degrees in accounting , business administration ( with concentrations in finance , global business , management and marketing ) , and computer information systems . The school also offers a master's degree in business administration .

• School of Christian Studies:

             A Bachelor's of Science in Theology is available at the School of Christian Studies . Dr. Cecil Taylor is the current dean .

• School of Education:

           Dr Peter Kingsford is the current dean of the School of Education , which offers degrees in early childhood education and basic education as well as secondary certification in biology , history , math , language arts , social sciences and human performance and exercise science. A degree in athletic training is also available .

• School of Nursing:

         The School of Nursing offers Associates and Bachelors degrees in nursing. The school also offers a Master of Science in nursing. Dr. John Wood is the current dean .

• Center of Performing Arts:

       The Performing Arts department is chaired by Al Miller and offers study programs in music , theater , and worship leadership.

Organization:

           The University of Mobile by a board of trustees . Members recommended by the President of the University , reviewed by the Committee on boards at the Alabama Baptist State Convention , and by the Alabama State Baptist Convention . Elected trustees serve four - year terms with possible re-election to a maximum of 12 consecutive years , after which an individual should be off the board for at least one year before being eligible to return . Life must trustees held an elected position on the board for 20 years and then by the President for election to the live position offered. As of April 2008 , the University has 33 elected trustees and four life trustees .