When University of Mobile (UM) President Mark Foley took the podium at the state convention, he immediately recalled his convention report four years ago. At that time, he predicted it would take five to six years for UM to regain financial stability.
In Foley’s 2002 address, his announcement that it had taken only four years drew an ovation from the crowd.
“It is the grace of God being demonstrated that the university is on firm financial footing,” he noted, citing the $2 million reduction in debt by UM.
Enrollment is slightly up this fall in spite of graduating a large class of 460 in May. The class of 2002 was diverse, including students from 14 different states and six countries. With student housing filled to capacity and enrollment growing, Foley said, “We are trusting God for 100 new beds by August 2004.” Additional student housing will build on the expansions made in 2002, including renovations to the chemistry labs, nursing building and baseball stadium.
The university expanded its academic options this year as well. UM students can now pursue a bachelor of music degree with majors in church music and musical theater. A major in worship leadership is also offered in conjunction with Integrity Worship Institute, a division of Mobile-based Integrity Music.
A major in the growing field of sports management was added this fall. UM student athletes were recognized by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics with their “Champion of Character” award. The award cites the university’s efforts to develop the character values of respect, integrity, responsibility, servant leadership and sportsmanship among athletes.
UM was the only Alabama university to receive this award.
Missions focus
Since 1992, the UM missions program, developed through the school of religion, has sent more than 500 people to 20 nations. UM will continue that tradition in the 2002–2003 academic year with trips planned to Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa, Wales, Norway and Chile. The school also embraces home missions through “Urban Plunge” 48-hour inner-city missions and through this summer’s M-Fuge, which brought 2,700 youth to campus to work and minister in Mobile County.
In his report, Foley shared his personal motivation to achieve excellence in Christian higher education. He displays a Japanese World War II bayonet on the wall behind his desk. His father, Bob Foley, recovered the weapon when a Pacific island fell to U.S. Marines in the fall of 1942. It stands as a reminder, he said, that “My faith and my freedom are not free. They were bought at a horrible price. It reminds me of my responsibility as the president of the University of Mobile to be sure that men and women who graduate from the University of Mobile are persons of character and have the courage and ability to live and work according to their beliefs.”
As another part of convention activity, UM hosted a luncheon where it presented the school’s Shophar Award to Alvin E. Tucker Sr., pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, for his 53 years of ministry.
The Shophar Award is presented annually by the UM school of religion. Nominations are voted on by UM school of religion faculty.
“This award is presented to an Alabama Baptist State Convention minister in honor of his faithful service which may never otherwise be recognized,” said Cecil Taylor, dean of the UM school of religion.
Tucker served as pastor of churches in North Oak Grove, Chapel Hill, Tibbie and McIntosh, all in the Washington County Baptist Association. He also served as pastor of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in the Morgan County Baptist Association for 25 years.
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