Cars lined the University of Mobile campus on Aug. 14 as families arrived for Move-In Day, greeted by a familiar UM tradition: student leaders waving, cheering and rushing to each vehicle to help unload before students could even step out of the car.
“Welcome home” echoed across campus as the university welcomed a growing incoming class and celebrated the start of the 2026-27 academic year.
The numbers tell the story of momentum. Move-In Day brought that story to life.
A growing university, a growing community
For the second year in a row, UM’s residence halls are filled to capacity, reflecting continued growth across the university. Overall enrollment is up 6% for fall 2026, with first-time freshman enrollment increasing 28%. Retention climbed roughly 7% since last year, while on-campus housing has grown 17%.
Behind each percentage is a student beginning a new chapter. For Rowan Lehr, a freshman psychology major from Kansas City, Missouri, Move-In Day marked a milestone for her family. As the youngest of five children, Lehr was the first to venture this far from home.
“Today is so exciting for me. I’m the youngest of five kids and the first one to move this far away from home,” Lehr said. “I’m most looking forward to finding a strong community where I’m known and pushed toward Christ more.”
For Maddox Sunday, a freshman theology major from nearby Fairhope, Ala., the journey to UM was much closer to home — but no less significant. After visiting campus, Sunday said he sensed God calling him toward a different career path and took time to pray about what that meant for his future.
“I felt God’s calling when I visited campus,” Sunday said. “I prayed a lot about it and I realized this place is different. I felt God calling me to do something different. He showed me a million signs that I needed to be here.”
The excitement of Move-In Day continued Friday evening as students kicked off Ram Rush, UM’s new-student orientation designed to help students find community, meet new friends and settle into campus life. Ram Rush began with a concert featuring Christian artist Abe Parker and will continue with a lineup of activities designed to help students connect and make memories together.
Over the weekend, students laced up their skates for the Goodwill Gala, a beloved UM tradition that has brought the Ram Fam together for decades. Students scoured local thrift stores to create outfits around this year’s “WILD” animal-themed celebration before taking to the skating rink for an evening of fun and fellowship.
The celebration continues throughout the week with a pool party, slip-and-slide kickball, an outdoor movie night and much more — giving new students opportunities to build friendships, experience UM traditions and find their place in the UM family.
Commissioned for a New Year
The President’s Commissioning is the first part of the University of Mobile’s Great Commission Tradition, a ceremony that connects the beginning of a student’s UM journey with the calling they will carry beyond graduation.
During the commissioning, members of the incoming class touched The Great Commission Globe in front of Weaver Hall, signifying their preparation and commitment to use the knowledge and skills they gain at UM to fulfill the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20 — to take the good news of Jesus Christ to the world.
Four years from now, these same students will return to The Great Commission Globe on graduation day and touch it again, marking the completion of their UM journey and their journey into the world.
“What you’ll see in the months ahead is that this is not merely a special place. It’s a sacred place. It’s a place that, for the past 65 years, young men and women have studied here and left changed,” said Dr. Charles Smith, president of the University of Mobile.
Smith challenged the incoming class to embrace three truths as they begin their college journey:
You cannot share what you do not have. The Great Commission is a call to share Jesus with the nations. Smith encouraged students to lean into their faith and the community around them, recognizing that they cannot give away what they have not first received.
Attending college is a privilege. Smith challenged students not to simply go through the motions, but to make the most of the opportunities before them and the community they have been given. He encouraged them to be present, build relationships and embrace all that this season has to offer.
Long before God gave you a career, He gave you a calling. Smith reminded students that their time at UM is about more than preparing for a career. It is an opportunity to discover how God is calling them to live with purpose and make an impact for His Kingdom.
From the Class of 2030’s first touch of the globe to their final one as graduates, the tradition represents the University of Mobile’s mission to prepare students not only for careers, but for lives of purpose and Kingdom impact — For the Kingdom. To the World.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Ashlyn Mitchell and originally published by the University of Mobile.
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