After two decades of faithful service to the University of Mobile, Sally Shouppe has announced her retirement, concluding an impactful career in UM Athletics, including five years as athletic director.
Shouppe’s retirement marks the close of a season of ministry, leadership and service that has impacted generations of University of Mobile student-athletes, coaches and colleagues. Throughout her years at UM, she has helped shape an athletic program grounded not only in competition and excellence, but also in the university’s mission to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world.
For Shouppe, that ministry has become deeply personal.
“UM has become a second family,” Shouppe said. “Everyone here will always hold a special place in my heart. They have supported me in some of the hardest times in my life.”
“Sally has led with a genuine love for the University of Mobile. She has poured her heart into our coaches and our student-athletes,” said Charles Smith, president of the University of Mobile. “Throughout her 20 years of service, she has understood that college athletics is about far more than wins and losses. It is an opportunity to invest in young men and women and point them toward Christ. We are incredibly thankful for Sally’s faithful leadership and the foundation she has helped build for the future of UM Athletics.”
Sally’s story
Shouppe first came to the University of Mobile in 2007 after learning the school was looking for an administrative assistant.
“I love athletics and kids, so it seemed like a perfect fit,” Shouppe said. “Being a Christian university just added to it being exactly where I needed to be.”
What began as an administrative position grew into a 20-year career of service to the university and its athletic programs.
Shouppe served in a variety of roles, bringing experience in athletics administration, budgeting and financial management to each position she held. She also served as associate athletic director. In that role, she managed the Ram Club campaign and oversaw athletic budgets while providing leadership across the department. She has also served as business manager for the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) since 2013. Beyond her work at the university, Shouppe brought decades of experience in accounting and business management. She handled all accounting processes for the chiropractic practice of her late husband, Phillip L. Shouppe, D.C., during his 33-year career.
The University of Mobile announced Shouppe as athletic director on July 1, 2022. During her five years as athletic director, she has led one of the largest athletic programs in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), overseeing 21 sports, including separate indoor and outdoor track and field programs, and working to support the coaches and student-athletes who represent UM.
Looking back on her time at UM, some of Shouppe’s most meaningful memories involve watching student-athletes succeed both on and off the field.
“Obviously, I love seeing our teams do well, make it to the NAIA national tournaments and succeed, but mainly it’s seeing the impact athletics has on these college athletes as they prepare for their future after college,” Shouppe said. “When athletes come back just to say ‘hello’ or tell you where they are now, show you their kids, and you’re able to see them become the person we are striving to develop–it’s so fun.”
Candidates interested in the position should submit a résumé, cover letter, application and letters of recommendation directly to Adams at tadams@umobile.edu.
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Ashlyn Mitchell and originally published by the University of Mobile.
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