UM athletic center named for Dot and Jim Boothe

UM athletic center named for Dot and Jim Boothe

Jim and Dot Boothe of Fairhope arrived at the University of Mobile (UM) expecting to see their granddaughter receive a surprise award. But the surprise was theirs as family, friends, UM students, faculty and board of trustees revealed the real reason this couple was on the north Mobile County campus.

As the crowd gathered in front of a newly renovated building, UM President Mark Foley whisked away the cloth covering the new sign, revealing the surprise: the Jim and Dot Boothe Athletic Training Education Center.

“Our parents raised us in a Christian home, and we were taught that you can’t outgive God, that you should give back the things you are blessed with,” said son Vince Boothe at the Oct. 25 ceremony.

Vince Boothe said contributing to the growth and development of the university reaps great rewards.

“It’s a Baptist university that’s a Bible-based, faith-believing university. We all happen to believe it’s a great way to raise your children,” Boothe said.

Vince and brother Mike now own Jim Boothe Construction Co., which was started in 1970 by their father. The construction company donated the bulk of the renovation, with another brother, James Jr., and his son volunteering the stucco work and cleaning the exterior through their contracting company.

The 2,360-square-foot building, which was constructed in 1974, is now home to the Athletic Training Education program under the direction of William Carroll.

The program, which currently has about 30 students, is working toward accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Students must apply for admission to the program and have an overall grade point average of 2.75.

Beginning in 2004, UM will be the only college in the south Alabama area offering an athletic training program.

The facility includes cardiovascular exercise equipment, injury treatment tables, an ice machine and whirlpool along with office space. It will be used as a classroom and laboratory for athletic training education students, who also will work with UM athletes.

Jim Boothe served on the UM board of trustees from 1994 to 1997. His son, Vince, is now serving on the board. One daughter, Hagan, graduated from UM in 2003 and another, Teal, is currently playing fast-pitch softball for UM.

The couple are longtime active members of First Baptist Church, Fairhope. (UM)