Record enrollment. A strengthened campus. A growing vision for Kingdom impact. With the theme “Moving Forward Together”, the University of Mobile’s annual Ignite Conference brought faculty and staff together to celebrate God’s faithfulness and foster community ahead of a new academic year.
The conference included moments of worship, professional development, breakout sessions, fellowship and fun as faculty and staff from across the university gathered around a shared mission and vision for the year ahead.
At the center of this year’s Ignite Conference was a reminder that the university is called to move forward together with a long-term focus, united by its mission, “For the Kingdom. To the World.”
During his presidential update, University of Mobile President Charles Smith highlighted the university’s successes from the past year and looked ahead to the opportunities and growth of the coming academic year.
Core of campus
Smith noted a year of significant investment in the heart of campus, with improvements designed to enhance the student experience and strengthen the spaces where students learn, worship, eat, gather and build community.
Among the many campus updates are:
- Tom Elliff Center for Missions: A new campus hub designed to strengthen missions training, discipleship, service and partnerships while connecting students with missionaries, churches and ministry partners.
- J.L. Bedsole Library: A major renovation, funded by the J.L. Bedsole Foundation, is an updated space for students to study, collaborate and gather.
- Honors Lounge: A newly renovated space designed to serve UM’s Honors students and serve as a conference room.
- Cafeteria: New flooring and chairs provide a refreshed dining experience for students.
- Salt & Light Coffee Co.: The campus coffee shop has been rebranded as Salt & Light Coffee Co., reflecting UM’s Christ-centered identity.
- Ram Grill: New signage provides a refreshed look for the popular campus dining destination.
Momentum
The University of Mobile is entering the 2026–27 academic year with continued enrollment momentum, including growth among incoming students, first-time freshmen, and returning students. For the second year in a row, residence halls are filled to capacity.
- 6% increase in overall enrollment for fall 2026
- 28% increase in first-time freshman enrollment for fall 2026
- 7% increase in retention for fall 2026
- 17% growth in on-campus housing for fall 2026
Official enrollment numbers will be announced after census day in early September.
The president also introduced the Game Changer Award, a new honor recognizing a member of the UM community who has made a meaningful difference in the past year through service, leadership and impact.
The inaugural 2026 Game Changer Award was presented to Jenna Goodwin, chief of staff. President Smith said the award reflects the university’s commitment to recognizing the people who faithfully contribute to the life and mission of UM.
Investing in healthy leaders
The Ignite Conference brought in Lyle Wells, president and executive coach of Integrus, a Christian leadership development organization focused on helping leaders and teams grow. Wells challenged faculty and staff to consider what makes leaders and teams healthy and effective.
“Human beings naturally look for ways to connect,” Wells said, emphasizing the importance of connection and relationships in effective organizations. “Our mission at Integrus is to be characterized by healthy leaders and effective teams.”
“Leadership is a behavior that influences others and drives outcomes,” he emphasized.
Through breakout sessions and professional development opportunities, Lyles encouraged faculty and staff to apply those principles to their own teams and consider how healthy leadership can strengthen the university for decades to come.
Full story.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Ashlyn Mitchell and originally published by the University of Mobile.
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