“I had every intention of spending my life in the field and not the classroom! But as they say, ‘God had other plans,’” said the assistant professor of biology.

Today, she combines decades of teaching experience with a passion for mentoring future healthcare professionals, scientists and educators in a Christ-centered learning community at the ����Vlog.

Q. What is your professional background?

A. I earned a bachelor’s degree in ecology from Jacksonville State University. I went on to obtain my master’s degree from Jacksonville State while working as the laboratory coordinator for its biology department. My first teaching jobs were part-time at a small Baptist high school where I was the only science teacher and also taught night classes at a local community college.

Eventually, I accepted a full-time position at The University of Southern Mississippi where I taught in the Biological Sciences Department for 19 years. During my time there, I was able to earn a doctorate from the university’s Center for Science and Math Education. I was ultimately promoted from instructor to the rank of teaching professor and served as the cellular and molecular biology program coordinator for several years.

Q. Why should a prospective student choose to study in your program at ����Vlog?

A. The small class sizes ensure that students get a lot of individualized instruction. I have many students in multiple classes during their time at ����Vlog and this allows for the development of meaningful connections. They also spend most of their time with the same group of students creating beneficial peer support groups.

Through the various degree offerings and collaboration of faculty, our students are able to customize their educational path to support their long-term professional goals. Finally, classes are taught by faculty who are really invested in the success of their students and most are considered experts in their fields.

Q. What do you think are the most important skills or attributes for students to develop during their college years? How do you see ����Vlog helping to develop these in students?

A. I frequently make the statement that I teach students biology and also how to succeed in the next stages of their lives. It is vital that students do not leave college with only a new or expanded knowledge base, but also career-ready, transferable skills.

I think some of the most valuable lessons students learn in college are critical thinking, communication skills and self-efficacy. This is an opportunity to learn how to both rely on themselves and recognize when to ask for help. It is rare that individuals proceed through life alone, and most careers require constant collaboration. College is a time for learning how to work with and communicate effectively with one’s peers. At the same time, students must develop the intrinsic motivation and self-reliance required to effectively manage their time and complete tasks.

Q. What is a tradition or practice at ����Vlog that you particularly enjoy and why?

A. The ASOTA program is so impressive, and I love any opportunity to watch our students perform. I was raised in a house full of music where my mother sang, my sister played the piano and my father played guitar. My family even owned a music store when I was young. I raised my children to have the same appreciation for music and was blessed to watch my daughter perform in show choir and marching band for many years.

Opportunities to see my students perform, such as at Christmas Spectacular, fill my heart with joy, and I have an unending appreciation for their hard work and God-given talents.

About the ����Vlog

The ����Vlog is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For the Kingdom. To the World.” With a vision to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world, the university equips students through Christ-centered learning and community to pursue God’s calling with courage, purpose and Kingdom impact.

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, ����Vlog offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at��and connect with ����Vlog on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Taking place Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, on the ����Vlog campus, the workshop will provide practical instruction, biblical encouragement and opportunities for fellowship as pastors and ministry leaders seek to grow in the ministry of preaching.

Through teaching, guided discussion and interaction with experienced preachers, participants will explore biblical preaching and address the challenges of communicating Scripture with clarity, conviction and faithfulness.

The workshop will feature two respected voices in theological education and pastoral ministry:��Jason Allen, president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and��H. B. Charles Jr., lead pastor of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida.

Whether participants have been preaching for decades or are just beginning their ministry journey, the Practices of Christ-Centered Preaching Workshop will offer practical tools, theological depth and biblical wisdom to help ministry leaders proclaim Christ through every passage of Scripture.

The workshop is also open to those who teach God’s Word in settings like adult Bible studies, women’s ministry, student ministry and other teaching ministries.

To learn more and register, visit��

Event Details
Practices of Christ-Centered Preaching Workshop
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026
8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Dorsett Auditorium
����Vlog

About the ����Vlog

The ����Vlog is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For the Kingdom. To the World.” With a vision to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world, the university equips students through Christ-centered learning and community to pursue God’s calling with courage, purpose and Kingdom impact.

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, ����Vlog offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at umobile.edu/um-info and connect with ����Vlog on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

In just a few weeks, students will begin moving into residence halls, making new friends and preparing for the first day of classes. Move-in Day is Aug. 14, classes begin Aug. 17 – and there’s still time for you to be part of it.

If you’ve been waiting to make your college decision, the time is now. Applications for Fall 2026 are still open, and you can still be admitted in time to start the fall semester. No matter where you’re starting or where God is calling you, there’s a path for you at the ����Vlog. Choose from more than 75 academic programs, with degree options ranging from associate and bachelor’s degrees to master’s and doctorates.

Apply now at umobile.edu/apply or call 251.442.2222 to speak with an admissions counselor.

There’s Still Time to Earn Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are still available for new students, including ����Vlog’s��$2,000 Visit Scholarship. Simply visit campus, apply, and enroll as a traditional undergraduate student to qualify. RSVP for a campus visit at umobile.edu/visit.

A Quick Decision. A Life-Changing Choice.

When you apply, you’ll receive a fast admission decision so you can move forward with confidence and start the semester alongside your future classmates.

Your Future Is Waiting

At the ����Vlog, you’ll find more than a college. You’ll find a Christ-centered community where you’ll be challenged academically, encouraged spiritually and equipped to fulfill the purpose God has placed on your life.

Whether you’re pursuing business, nursing, education, ministry, the arts or another one of the diverse programs ����Vlog has to offer, you’ll graduate prepared to serve God and others��For the Kingdom. To the World.

The semester is almost here. Don’t miss your opportunity to discover how you are Designed for More.

About the ����Vlog

The ����Vlog is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For the Kingdom. To the World.” With a vision to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world, the university equips students through Christ-centered learning and community to pursue God’s calling with courage, purpose and Kingdom impact.

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, ����Vlog offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at umobile.edu/um-info and connect with ����Vlog on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

“Chapel is one of the most important rhythms of life at the ����Vlog because it reminds us week after week that our education is rooted in the truth of God’s Word and His mission for our lives,” said ����Vlog President Charles Smith.

“Our desire is for every student to hear from faithful leaders who will challenge them to love Christ more deeply, think biblically and pursue God’s calling with confidence.”

Chapel Speaker Luncheons for Pastors, Ministry Leaders

Throughout the semester, the President’s Office and Office for Institutional Relations host luncheons with chapel speakers, local pastors and ministry leaders. To learn more about this special opportunity, visit to complete an interest form.

President Smith said the ministry leader luncheons are an opportunity to strengthen relationships with pastors and church leaders while learning together from voices that are shaping Southern Baptist life today.

“We want the ����Vlog to be a place where ministry leaders are encouraged, equipped and connected,” Smith said.

Fall 2026 Chapel Schedule

Videos and podcasts of chapel speakers are at .

Aug. 19 – Dr. Charles Smith, President, ����Vlog. Smith has served as the 6^th president of the ����Vlog since March 21, 2024. Under his leadership, the Baptist university increased enrollment, renovated facilities, established the Tom Elliff Center for Missions, and focused on expanding academic programs. Smith holds a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in organizational leadership from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Aug. 25 – Carlos Lollett, Lead Pastor, Reality Church, Miami. Lollett moved from Venezuela to South Florida at the age of 13 and served Jesus for many years as a musician. While in college, he met the love of his life, Cassie, and discovered his desire, gifts, and calling to lead others to discover and grow in relationship with Jesus. They moved back to Miami to start Reality Church after Carlos completed his Master of Divinity at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Sept. 2 – Dr. Hance Dilbeck, President and Chief Executive Officer of GuideStone. Dilbeck is the eighth president and CEO of Guidestone and has led the financial services company since 2022. GuideStone provides churches, ministries, faith-aligned institutions and Christian households with financial solutions that support shared biblical values. The company employs more than 500 people, serves more than a quarter of a million members and manages more the $27 billion in assets.

Sept. 9 – Dr. Jeff Medders, General Editor and Fellow for The Spurgeon Library, Director of Theology and Content for Send Network, Visiting Professor of Christian Studies. His writing and research interests center on biblical spirituality, Charles Spurgeon, church planting and pastoral ministry. He is the author of several books, including Gospel Formed (2014), Humble Calvinism (2019), The Soul-Winning Church (2024), The Risen King (2025), and The Newborn King (2026), with more forthcoming. His work appears in academic journals such as the Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care and The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology.

Sept. 16 – Dr. Jason Allen, President of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Professor of Preaching and Pastoral Ministry. Under Allen’s leadership, MBTS has become one of the largest and fastest growing seminaries in North America. He is the author of several books, including The SBC & the 21st Century (B&H Publishing) and Discerning Your Call to Ministry (Moody Publishing). Allen regularly posts essays on his website, jasonkallen.com, and hosts a weekly podcast, “Preaching & Preachers,” which can be found online at the Midwestern Institute for Preaching & Preachers.�� In addition to speaking at chapel, Allen will join H.B. Charles, a prominent pastor and author who serves on the MBTS instructional faculty as a senior preaching fellow, for a Practices of Christ-Centered Preaching Workshop at ����Vlog from 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Visit mbts.edu to register for the workshop.

Sept. 23 – Ben Lacey, Executive Director of Baptist21 and Lead Pastor at Trinity River Baptist Church in Ft. Worth, Texas. Lacey was named executive director of B21 on May 1, 2026. The organization is a pastor-led voice for Southern Baptists in the 21^st century that provides resources, content and gatherings. Lacey holds a Bachelor of Science from Liberty University and Master of Theological Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Sept. 30 – Joe Stevens – Instructional Faculty of Bible Exposition at ����Vlog; Pastor of Redeemer Fellowship in Saraland, Alabama; Hospice Chaplain in Atmore, Alabama. He is ����Vlog’s first instructional faculty member, a new faculty category designed to bring experienced academics into the classroom to strengthen programs and provide students with expertise grounded in real-world practice. He is a fellow with the Center for Pastor Theologians and is due to complete his Ph.D. in Bible exposition in the spring of 2027 at Liberty University.

Oct. 14 – Trevin Wax – Vice President of the North American Mission Board. A prominent author, visiting professor and regular columnist for The Gospel Coalition, Wax oversees the development of ministry tools and hosts podcasts like Reconstruction Faith. He spent nearly two decades in pastoral ministry and served as general editor of The Gospel Project at Lifeway. He holds a PhD in theology and is the author of several books, including The Thrill of Orthodoxy and The Gospel Way.

Oct. 21 – Tom Elliff Center for Missions Panel – Panelists are experienced missionaries through the International Missions Board and currently are leaders of ����Vlog’s new Tom Elliff Center for Missions. They are:

• Austin Holcomb, director of ����Vlog’s Tom Elliff Center for Missions, is a former IMB missionary to West Africa. He is completing a doctorate in missiology from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where he also holds a Master of Theology. He earned a Master of Divinity in international church planting from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Arts in intercultural studies from The College at Southeastern.

• Ray Davis and Amanda Davis are senior advisors with the Elliff Center. The married couple served a combined 55 years with the International Mission Board.

• Ray served more than 33 years with the International Mission Board in a variety of roles, including as church mobilization team leader and associate vice president of mobilization while leading IMB teams in establishing networking, recruiting and partnership strategies. He holds a Doctor of Ministry in leadership from Columbia International University and a Master of Missiology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
• Amanda served as director of globalization where she trained and coached IMB missionaries in mobilizing, training and equipping national partner missionaries. She holds a Doctor of Ministry in Christian leadership and Master of Theology, both from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Master of Divinity in biblical languages from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Oct. 28 – Dr. Jared C. Wilson, Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds the Steve and Mary Dighton Endowed Chair of Pastoral Ministry and is author in residence at MBTS. He is staff pastor for preaching and is director of The Pastoral Training Center at Liberty Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. An award-winning author of over 20 books, Wilson also hosts the For the Church podcast and co-hosts The Heart of Pastoring podcast. He holds a Master of Arts in ministry service from Spurgeon College and a Doctor of Ministry from MBTS.

Nov. 4 – Dr. Kennon Vaughn, Lead Pastor of Harvest Church in Memphis, Tennessee. A thoughtful theologian and effective pastor, Vaughn founded Harvest Church in 2013 and is president of Downline Ministries, established in 2006 to equip believes in biblical leadership. He holds a master’s in biblical studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and a doctorate in evangelism and discipleship from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Nov. 11 – Dr. Eric Hankins, Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church of Fairhope. Called to ministry at the age of 18, Hankins served as a youth pastor and lead pastor while completing his education, culminating in a Ph.D. in theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served at First Fairhope since 2016. His ministry passion is to see the church fulfill her world-changing, disciple-making kingdom purpose through expository preaching, Spirit-directed leading, and a shepherd’s care of individuals and families.

About the ����Vlog

The ����Vlog is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For the Kingdom. To the World.” With a vision to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world, the university equips students through Christ-centered learning and community to pursue God’s calling with courage, purpose and Kingdom impact.

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, ����Vlog offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at and connect with ����Vlog on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

The ����Vlog invites high school and transfer students and their families to experience ����Vlog Day and discover a Christ-centered community where they are known, designed for more and ready for wherever God sends them.

Registration is now open for ����Vlog Days scheduled during 2026-2027. Reserve your spot for any of these upcoming ����Vlog Days:

• September 24, 2026
• October 12, 2026
• November 19, 2026
• February 4, 2027
• March 22, 2027

RSVP today at����or call��

Earn a $2,000 Visit Day 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 the Kingdom. To the World.

Students who attend a ����Vlog 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 ����Vlog Day
• Free ����Vlog Day T-shirt for students who apply for admission at ����Vlog Day
• Free ����Vlog 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 ����Vlog Day?

Each ����Vlog Day begins with check-in at 8:30 a.m. at Bedsole Commons on the ����Vlog campus, 5735 College Pkwy., Mobile, Alabama, 36613.

On your visit, you’ll:

• Tour our beautiful 880‑acre 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 — and take the first step toward your future.

Schedule a Private Visit

If you can’t make a ����Vlog 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��.

Whether you’re just beginning your college search or ready to take the next step, we can’t wait to welcome you to campus and help you discover what it means to be designed for more.

About the ����Vlog

The ����Vlog is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For the Kingdom. To the World.” With a vision to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world, the university equips students through Christ-centered learning and community to pursue God’s calling with courage, purpose and Kingdom impact.

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, ����Vlog offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at umobile.edu/um-info and connect with ����Vlog on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

As director of clinical education for the ����Vlog’s Master of Athletic Training program, she equips students with the knowledge, clinical experience and Christ-centered values needed to care for others with excellence.

A ����Vlog graduate herself, Harper is passionate about investing in students the same way her professors once invested in her.

Q. What is your professional background?

A. I am a certified athletic trainer who graduated from the ����Vlog in 2009 with a bachelor degree in athletic training. After graduation, I went to the University of South Alabama, earned my master’s degree in exercise science, and continued to work there for 10 years, providing sports medicine coverage to a variety of sports including women’s soccer, women’s tennis, women’s basketball and softball.

In 2019, I had the opportunity to return to my alma mater to help start the Master of Athletic Training program as the director of clinical education. Also in 2019, I started my doctoral degree at Moravian University and graduated in 2021 with a doctorate in athletic training. I have served throughout the Mobile and Baldwin County community, covering youth events as well as serving as medical director for several NAIA championships.

A. Why should a prospective student choose to study in your program at ����Vlog?

A. Within the MAT program at ����Vlog, we can provide individualized learning experiences for our students. Because of our cohort sizes, each student can practice their skills and learn didactically while still getting one-on-one learning experiences.

��During accreditation, our team determined one of our strengths as a program is that we do small well. Our program allows us to shape young athletic trainers into quality healthcare professionals.

Q. Share a scripture, quote, or saying that you find particularly meaningful or motivational. How does it inspire you?

��A. Two scriptures that immediately come to mind are Mark 12:31, which states, “There is no other commandment greater than loving your neighbor,” and Colossians 3:12, which says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

As a health care provider, these two scriptures are at the heart of everything I do. To provide the best care possible, I must have compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Athletic trainers build many relationships and need all those qualities to nurture and grow those relationships.

Mark 12:31 is a great reminder that all patients deserve the best care possible and have the right to receive it. That may mean I am either the one providing the care or advocating on behalf of that patient for the appropriate care.

Q. What do you believe sets ����Vlog apart from other institutions? Why do you choose to teach here?

��A. ����Vlog is a relational institution that thrives on creating relationships with everyone who walks on campus. Students are not just a number in the classroom. Professors have the opportunity to learn and get to know every student’s name.

That was the biggest aspect I enjoyed as a student. Professors got to know me as a student and poured into my life, and I wanted to provide that same opportunity to my students.

Q. What is a tradition or practice at ����Vlog that you particularly enjoy and why?

A. The tradition I enjoy at ����Vlog is watching incoming freshmen touch the globe before starting their first fall semester and getting the opportunity to touch the globe again when they graduate.

This simple gesture signifies that these students have the world in their hands when they graduate. As a professor, it is so satisfying to watch our graduating classes every year and know you had a hand in molding the young leaders who are going out and doing great things in the world.

About the ����Vlog

The ����Vlog is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For the Kingdom. To the World.” With a vision to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world, the university equips students through Christ-centered learning and community to pursue God’s calling with courage, purpose and Kingdom impact.

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, ����Vlog offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at��and connect with ����Vlog on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

]]> /2026/07/university-of-mobile-names-ashlyn-mitchell-director-of-university-communications/ Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:05:57 +0000 /?p=128589 MOBILE, Ala.��– ����Vlog alumna and award-winning journalist Ashlyn Mitchell has returned to her alma mater as director of university communications.

Mitchell brings four years of television news experience to the role after serving as a multimedia journalist, reporter and anchor at FOX10 News in Mobile. Since joining the station in 2022, she has covered breaking news, severe weather, education, community issues and human-interest stories across the Gulf Coast while developing a reputation for thoughtful storytelling and connecting with people from all walks of life.

As director of university communications, Mitchell will lead strategic communications and media relations for the Baptist university, working with campus leaders to share the stories of students, alumni, faculty and programs while advancing the university’s mission and brand.

“Ashlyn is an exceptional storyteller who understands both our mission and the importance of communicating it with excellence,” said ����Vlog President Charles Smith. “She has a deep love for the ����Vlog, a heart for people and the professional experience to tell the stories of how God is working through our students, faculty and alumni.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ashlyn back to campus. We’re grateful for the faithful leadership that has brought us to this point, and we’re excited to see how Ashlyn will help tell the next chapter of the ����Vlog story.”

Lesa Moore, vice president for marketing and communications, said, “One of the things that stood out about Ashlyn from the very beginning was her genuine curiosity about people and her desire to tell stories with excellence and integrity. She understands that every story is ultimately about people whose lives are being shaped by God’s work. Combined with her professional journalism experience and her love for the ����Vlog, she is uniquely prepared to help share the impact of this university with prospective students, alumni, churches and our community.”

Returning Home

“Returning to the ����Vlog feels like coming home,” Ashlyn Mitchell said.

“����Vlog equipped me with the skills, confidence, and Christ-centered foundation to step into the news world and be a light. I’m excited to give back to a university that has given so much to me – one that is committed to preparing students like myself to impact the world for the Kingdom of God.”

Mitchell graduated summa cum laude from the ����Vlog in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and minors in French and government. As a student, she served as vice president of the ����Vlog Ambassadors program, interned with the Office for Marketing and Communications, worked in Student Life, served as a graduate assistant in Residential Life, and was crowned Miss ����Vlog 2022.

Her connection to the university began in 2018 when she visited campus while competing in the Distinguished Young Women National Finals in Mobile as Missouri’s representative. She chose the ����Vlog after experiencing its Christ-centered community and has remained closely connected to her alma mater ever since.

Exceptional Journalist

Following graduation, Mitchell joined FOX10 News, where she worked as a multimedia journalist before becoming a reporter and anchor. She quickly became a trusted, compassionate voice in the Mobile community.

She reported on major breaking news, severe weather, education and community issues across the Gulf Coast while producing stories from concept to completion. Her experience in broadcast journalism strengthened her skills in strategic communication, media relations, digital storytelling and connecting with audiences across television, online and social media platforms.

“My time at ����Vlog taught me the power of seeing people, listening well and sharing stories that make a difference,” Mitchell said.

“After four years of doing that in my local community, I’m thrilled to bring that same passion and commitment back home as I share the testimonies of students, faculty, alumni and the incredible ways God is working through the university.”

Building on a Strong Foundation

Mitchell succeeds Kathy Dean, who retired after 33 years leading the university’s communications and public relations efforts. Dean served under five university presidents and helped shape the university’s voice through decades of growth, earning national recognition for excellence in higher education communications. Mitchell will build on that legacy as she leads the university’s communications strategy into its next chapter.

The ����Vlog is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For the Kingdom. To the World.” With a vision to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world, the university equips students through Christ-centered learning and community to pursue God’s calling with courage, purpose and Kingdom impact.

About the ����Vlog

The ����Vlog is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For the Kingdom. To the World.” With a vision to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world, the university equips students through Christ-centered learning and community to pursue God’s calling with courage, purpose and Kingdom impact.

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, ����Vlog offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at��and connect with ����Vlog on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

That’s why she and a record-breaking 412 middle and high school students from 34 churches across Alabama and beyond were on the ����Vlog campus July 13-17 for Super Summer Alabama 2026, a discipleship camp sponsored by Alabama Baptist Students, the student ministry arm of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (ALSBOM).

Super Summer Alabama is for students who want an opportunity to grow in their faith and go deeper in their knowledge of the Lord and His Word, said camp director Josh Meadows.

“Their passion for the Lord is intense and is growing every time we gather together here,” Meadows said.

Growing Leaders for a Lifetime of Faith

Pastors and youth leaders, called “deans,” lead color-coded “schools” of students. Each of the nine schools has a different focus. For example: Red School is studying the Bible from Genesis to Revelation; Silver School focuses on apologetics with topics such as Forming a Gospel-Driven World View, Review of False Religions, the Existence of God, and the Reliability of Scripture; while Green School covers the doctrines of God focusing on spiritual disciplines, disciple making and evangelism.

The ����Vlog’s Worship Collective student ensemble leads daily worship with messages from Cody Hale, lead pastor of The Orchard Church in Collierville, Tennessee.

Monday night’s message from 1 John challenged students to seek the Truth and determine if they are living in the light or darkness.

Matthew Jacobs, senior pastor of Elkdale Baptist Church in Selma, is dean of the Red School.

“Super Summer Alabama allows our students to have a deeper grounding and understanding of their faith that prepares them for adulthood and college,” said Jacobs.

Now in his fourth year as a camp leader, Jacobs said he looks forward to camp as much as students do.

“I love seeing students ‘get it’ and the light goes on. It lays a foundation they can build on when they go home.”

Students who attend Super Summer Alabama on the university campus, then later enroll at the ����Vlog, are eligible for a $2,000 ����Vlog Visit Scholarship. Students who attend all nine components of the Super Summer Alabama program are eligible for a $4,000 Super Summer Scholarship at ����Vlog and will have met requirements for the freshman course “Introduction to Christian Worldview.”

A Campus Committed to Kingdom Leadership

Each summer, the ����Vlog welcomes thousands of middle and high school students through Christian camps and conferences, including the Southern Baptist Convention’s MFuge camps operated by Lifeway and Super Summer Alabama operated by ALSBOM. Hosting these ministry experiences reflects the university’s commitment to helping the next generation grow in faith and discover God’s calling.

����Vlog President said, “At the ����Vlog, we believe God has designed every student for a purpose. Super Summer Alabama gives these young men and women an opportunity to grow as disciples, discover God’s calling and return home ready to make an impact for Christ. We are grateful for our partnership with Alabama Baptists in investing in the next generation of Kingdom leaders.”

Tim Adams, ����Vlog’s vice president for student development and collegiate athletics, said what excites him most about hosting Super Summer at the ����Vlog is that “our campus becomes more than a place of higher education; it becomes a place where the next generation encounters Christ.

“There is nothing more encouraging than seeing hundreds of students gather to worship, study God’s Word, and discover His calling on their lives,” Adams continued. “Our prayer is that every student leaves this week knowing Jesus more deeply and that churches across Alabama recognizing that the ����Vlog exists to partner with them in developing Kingdom leaders for the glory of God.”

For more information about Super Summer Alabama, visit

About the ����Vlog

The ����Vlog is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For the Kingdom. To the World.” With a vision to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world, the university equips students through Christ-centered learning and community to pursue God’s calling with courage, purpose and Kingdom impact.

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, ����Vlog offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at and connect with ����Vlog on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

More than 40 years later, Wilson is preparing the next generation of Kingdom leaders as program director for Christian Ministry and professor of biblical studies at the ����Vlog.

Through biblical teaching, discipleship, missions and more, Wilson equips students to know God’s word, share the Gospel and faithfully live out their calling “For the Kingdom. To the World.”

Q: What is your professional background?

Originally, I intended to be a vocal performer or a music teacher, but when Jesus saved me, He also called me to ministry, so I switched schools where I could complete my music training while taking plenty of Bible and theology courses.

I went to seminary to prepare for pastoral ministry, and God called us to the nations. My wife, Kim, and I participated in a short-term mission trip to Brazil and God opened our eyes to see what He was doing around the world. We had no idea how the Lord would provide opportunities for us to take the Gospel internationally and equip students to share Jesus to the ends of the earth.

I pursued a doctorate to prepare for teaching, and God used it to teach me the history and cultures of the ancient world. In 1996, we moved to Nicaragua to teach for ����Vlog. Since 2003, I have been teaching the Bible in Mobile to ����Vlog students and taking them around the world to see what God is doing among the nations.

Q: What courses do you teach at ����Vlog?

I teach Intro to the Bible, Old Testament, Hebrew and Aramaic, Archaeology and the Bible, Intercultural Foundations and more.

Watching students develop a deeper love and understanding of God’s Word keeps me grateful. Equipping them to build bridges across cultural barriers for the sake of the Gospel keeps me motivated. As a lifelong learner, I love to teach, because I love to learn!

Q: Why should a prospective student choose to study in your program at ����Vlog?

Students won’t get lost in the crowd here — professors call you by name and care about your life. You’ll receive grace and you’ll find truth revealed.

If you are studying Bible, theology, ministry or missions, you need to choose a school where the professors believe that the whole Bible is the Word of God. You can count on every School of Christian Studies professor and instructor to teach the Bible as the divinely inspired Word of God.

We’re equipping ministry students to engage their head, heart and hands. Our majors graduate with ministry teaching, supervised ministry training and ministry internship field experience.

Q: We say our students are “Designed for More.” What does that mean to you?

We prepare students for more than simply becoming college graduates able to earn a living wage and contribute positively to society. Both our programs and our students are designed for more. Whether or not our general students are confessing Christians, we treat each one with dignity and respect as image bearers of God. We seek to model this for our ministry students.

Those with a calling to vocational ministry and missions are designed to live out that calling. We invest time with them inside and outside the classroom.

Q: What is a tradition or practice at ����Vlog that you particularly enjoy and why?

The globe tradition is one I particularly appreciate, touching the globe as students are welcomed and later sent out. As a Christian university, this tradition reminds us of the Great Commandments and the Great Commission.

Incoming students are welcomed by an institution motivated to love God and to love our neighbor. Graduates have been entrusted with the Gospel message and are then commissioned to take the Gospel of the Kingdom to the ends of the earth. “For the Kingdom. To the World.”

About the ����Vlog

��The ����Vlog is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For the Kingdom. To the World.” With a vision to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world, the university equips students through Christ-centered learning and community to pursue God’s calling with courage, purpose and Kingdom impact.

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, ����Vlog offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at and connect with ����Vlog on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

“Nursing became a backup path when I began to feel that my first career goal might be out of reach. Looking back, I can clearly see God’s hand in that decision. While I may not have known where the journey would lead, He certainly did,” said Garner.

As dean of the Celia Wallace College of Health Professions, graduate dean of the School of Nursing and assistant professor of nursing, Garner is shaping the next generation of nurse leaders through her passion for nursing education by preparing them to be confident and skilled in the demanding healthcare industry.

Q. What is your professional background?

A. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing as a family nurse practitioner and a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

I began my nursing career in the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at Mobile Infirmary, where I worked night shifts while completing my master’s degree. After becoming a family nurse practitioner, I joined a pulmonary and critical care practice, caring for patients with complex acute and chronic illnesses. That role was both challenging and deeply rewarding, allowing me to develop advanced clinical skills while caring for some of the sickest patients.

I joined the ����Vlog School of Nursing faculty in 2019 and continued practicing in pulmonary and critical care on a part-time basis until we welcomed our first child.

In addition to my academic role, my husband, who is also a nurse practitioner, and I opened The Recovery Room, a boutique wellness spa in Mobile, with another local family in 2010. I continue to serve in a limited clinical capacity there, which allows me to maintain my licensure and stay connected to patient care while bringing current clinical experience into the classroom.

Q. Why did you choose to study and teach in this field?

A. I have never felt more confident in my calling than when caring for others as a nurse. Throughout every stage of my career — from bedside nursing to advanced practice and now academia — I have experienced God’s faithful guidance. It is a tremendous privilege to care for patients, and it is equally rewarding to prepare the next generation of nurses to provide compassionate, evidence-based care.

My passion for teaching grew during my own nurse practitioner education. I had exceptional mentors who equipped me not only with knowledge but also with the confidence to succeed. After graduation, I noticed that many of my colleagues, despite being well prepared academically, struggled with the confidence to step into the provider role. That experience sparked my desire to become an educator. Helping students discover their confidence and become skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work.

Q. Why should a prospective student choose to study in your program at ����Vlog?

A. The ����Vlog School of Nursing offers an experience that is truly exceptional. As a smaller university, we provide each student with an extraordinary level of personal attention, mentorship and support. That individualized investment is evident at every level of our nursing programs and makes a meaningful difference as students pursue some of the most rigorous and demanding degrees in higher education.

Our faculty are deeply committed to helping students succeed — not only academically and professionally, but personally and spiritually as well. We strive to prepare graduates who are clinically excellent, compassionate caregivers and servant leaders. Students can be confident that they will be challenged, encouraged and supported throughout their journey by faculty who genuinely know them, invest in them and faithfully pray for them.

The ����Vlog offers nursing programs for every step of your journey. From associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate, students can grow professionally, academically and spiritually without leaving the community that called them here.

Q. We say our students are “Designed for More.” What does that mean to you?

A. There are thousands of nursing programs graduating nurses every year, but employers consistently recognize that a ����Vlog nurse is different. Being “Designed for More” means our students are prepared to do more than simply perform skills or fulfill the responsibilities of a job — they are equipped to lead, serve and provide compassionate care that reflects the hands and feet of Jesus.

As faculty, we challenge our students to pursue excellence in every aspect of their development. We mentor them to understand that nursing is not just a profession; it is a calling and an opportunity to impact the lives of others. Through intentional coaching and relationship-building, we help students recognize their God-given potential and prepare them to meet the evolving demands of healthcare with competence, confidence and compassion. Being “Designed for More” means our graduates leave prepared not only to practice nursing at a high level but to transform the communities and patients they serve.

Q. What do you believe sets ����Vlog apart from other institutions?

A. One thing many people outside of higher education may not realize is that every university has different priorities. At the ����Vlog, our greatest academic priority is teaching and student success. That commitment to excellence creates an environment where faculty are encouraged to invest deeply in their students, both inside and outside the classroom.

That is one of the reasons I choose to teach at the ����Vlog. I value being part of an institution where relationships matter, where students are known by name and where faculty have the opportunity to mentor as well as educate. Coupled with our Christ-centered mission, this focus allows us to prepare graduates who are not only highly competent in their professions but also people of character, integrity and service.

At the heart of what I do is the belief that we have a responsibility to graduate exceptional nurses who are prepared to practice with excellence, lead with integrity and make a meaningful difference in healthcare.

About the ����Vlog

��The ����Vlog is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For the Kingdom. To the World.” With a vision to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world, the university equips students through Christ-centered learning and community to pursue God’s calling with courage, purpose and Kingdom impact.

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, ����Vlog offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at����and connect with ����Vlog on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.