University of Mobile President Mark Foley received a round of applause at this year’s Alabama Baptist State Convention when he announced the university no longer has any assets, programs or operations in Nicaragua.
“We had to make some significant changes over the past two years,” he said.
With the sale of the assets and the closing of all operational accounts, UM experienced a financial loss of $900.000 for the year, Foley reported. He said that “this was a deliberate move on the part of the university so that the financial deficit would be absorbed within a one year period.”
“This deficit budget was necessary so that we could carry out our plan in our designated time frame.”
In addressing this issue to Alabama Baptist through information submitted in the Alabama Baptist Convention Book of Reports, the report disclosed that, “the net financial cost of the Latin American Branch Campus experience was $3.14 million.
The report went on to state that, “The emotional cost to Alabama Baptists is beyond calculation. With the closing of this chapter, the university family is deeply grateful for the direct answer to prayer and the continued evidence that God is working in our lives and the life of the University of Mobile.”
Concluding the university’s financial evaluation, Foley stated that the university was operating in the black and added, “We’ve had a $1 million increase in endowments over this past year.”
Foley went on to report that “UM is experiencing stable enrollment; student housing is full, and buildings are continuing to be added to the campus.”
Other UM statistics noted in the Book of Reports were:
-During the past year more than 50 students ministered in five states through “Urban Plunge,” a 48-hour inner-city missions experience.
-For the fourth consecutive year, the University of Mobile’s commitment to excellence has been recognized by its selection as one of only 96 colleges and universities cited as “America’s Best Christian Colleges.”
-The popular “Witness” drama and ensemble group presented Gospel truths in more than 50 churches, and the “VISION” ensemble performed in churches and schools throughout the region.
-UM athletes held sports camps at Baptist churches and schools, tutored at Boys and Girls Clubs, and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.
Prior to concluding Foley’s report he asked a current student and two alumnae to share a tidbit of their experience as students as UM.
Allison Miller, a senior majoring in secondary education, spoke briefly to the audience about her feelings concerning her soon-to-be alma mater:
“The University of Mobile has influenced me in every area of my life,” she said. “They have equipped me to pursue my life’s goals. My school family has set godly examples for me and they have me ready,” she said.
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