The University of Mobile Class of 2026 celebrated graduation as more than 300 graduates received degrees ranging from associate to doctoral at the ceremony held May 9.
Charles Smith, president, congratulated graduates on this important milestone and welcomed guests.
“At the University of Mobile, graduation is not the finish line – it is the starting point of a life on mission,” Smith said at Cottage Hill Baptist Church in Mobile where the ceremony – usually held outdoors on campus – was moved due to rain.
Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Mission, delivered the commencement address based on Philippians 3:13–14, that reads, in part: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” He urged graduates to follow the instructions of the Apostle Paul in the race of life, likening life to an Olympic race.
“In the race of life, in trying to be an Olympian in life, the first thing you need to keep in mind is stay in the race. You are going to hit some rough times. It’s often human nature to give up and quit, because life can be difficult and it’s often a struggle. But stay in the race,” Lance said.
“Second, set the pace in the race of life. Because you’re running a marathon, not a sprint, and there’s a world of difference between the two.
“Third, seek God’s face. Paul said, ‘I’m pressing toward the mark, the goal line of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus.’ If we don’t have goals in life, we are going to have an aimless, purposeless life.”
Finally, he said, show God’s grace.
“This is the starting point,” Lance told graduates. “Run the race. Stay in that race. Set the pace of life in accordance to your abilities and the leadership of God. Seek God’s face. That’s the goal. And along the way, make sure and show God’s grace.”
Lance honored
Following his address, on behalf of the UM board of trustees, Smith awarded Lance the Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Mobile.
“Dr. Lance has served Alabama Baptists with doctrinal conviction, steady wisdom and a deep love and support for the local church. During his tenure, he has encouraged thousands of ministry leaders; he’s helped dozens of godly men and women serve here at the University of Mobile and he’s worked with thousands of churches to invest more the $50 million into the lives of students at the University of Mobile,” Smith said.
“Dr. Rick Lance embodies the mission we desire for our graduates — a life faithfully lived for Christ and poured out in service to others. His leadership has strengthened churches, encouraged pastors and advanced Great Commission work across Alabama and beyond. We are proud to honor him with this degree in recognition of his extraordinary ministry and lasting Kingdom impact.”
Lance has served as executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions since 1998 and leads the SBOM staff in assisting nearly 1 million Alabama Baptists in more than 3,200 churches with Great Commission ministries. Previously, he served as a pastor for 29 years, including 15 years at First Baptist Church Tuscaloosa. Lance recently announced his retirement effective Jan. 31, 2027.
Faculty of the Year award
The Faculty of the Year award was presented to Kathy Dunning, professor of accounting and dean of the Grace Pilot School of Business. Dunning, who served as mace bearer for graduation, was cited for more than three decades of leadership marked by unwavering integrity, vision and a deep commitment to Christ-centered excellence in the classroom and beyond.
In addition to her role as professor of accounting, she has served as UM’s Faculty Athletic Representative. Her investment in UM students and her leadership as academic dean has strengthened the impact of the Grace Pilot School of Business and positioned it for continued growth well into the future.
“We are profoundly grateful for Dr. Dunning’s faithful leadership and the legacy she is leaving at the University of Mobile as she moves into retirement,” President Smith said.
Alumni of the Year award
The Dr. Lonnie Burnett Alumni of the Year award is named after past president Dr. Lonnie Burnett, the 5th president of the University of Mobile. It honors an alumnus of the University of Mobile who exemplifies the values of the university, lives with godly character and seeks to serve the Lord in all aspects of life.
The award was presented to 1996 graduate Jeff Jones, former drummer with Big Daddy Weave, a Dove-Award-winning Christian band that started on the UM campus. An entrepreneur, Jones launched “Living in Mobile,” a distinctive community-centered brand and storefront highlighting the beauty and businesses of Mobile. Today, he is a nationally recognized real estate professional with Keller Williams in Mobile, consistently ranking among the top agents and placing in the top 1% of Realtors in Mobile County over the years.
Weaver awards
The university honors an outstanding graduating male and female senior for excellence in exemplifying the mission of the University of Mobile. Selection is made by vote of the faculty based on scholarship, Christian character, leadership and service. The awards are named for the founding president and first lady of then-Mobile College.
Receiving the William K. Weaver Jr. Excellence Award is Samuel Marshall Werry, Bachelor of Science in Biology, summa cum laude. Werry has been accepted into the medical sciences Ph.D. program at the University of South Alabama.
Receiving the Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Excellence Award is Madison Rose Lipke, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, summa cum laude. The Honors Program graduate also received the President’s Scholastic Award.
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