The University of Mobile board of trustees celebrated a season of growth and momentum at its Fall 2025 meeting Oct. 24 as university officials reported that record enrollment, campus improvements, new academic leadership, thriving chapel and student life programs are igniting a spirit of excitement and purpose on campus.
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President Charles Smith introduced several new strategies and initiatives designed to propel the university into a new season of Kingdom impact.
During the meeting, Smith appointed Jason K. Lee to the new position of provost and vice president for academic administration. Lee will serve alongside Pamela Buchanan Miller, vice president for academic affairs, starting Jan. 1, 2026.
Trustees approve new academic programs
Trustees approved the following new academic programs:
- Bachelor of science in cybersecurity
- Bachelor of science in cybersecurity-to-master of business administration (5-year integrated MBA)
- Bachelor of science in natural science
- Master of education in instructional leadership (online)
- Master of fine arts in creative practice
Enrollment, campus improvements and rankings
University officials reported campus highlights, including record enrollment, campus improvements, national and state rankings.
- UM experienced a 14% increase in new students and residence halls are at capacity. UM surpassed its enrollment goal and welcoming 2,092 students for Fall 2025.
- Campus improvements to facilities and landscaping focused on strategic and high-traffic areas on campus to assure that students and guests feel welcomed, inspired and reminded that UM is a place where they belong. Updated areas include Ingram Dining Hall, Bedsole Commons, Weaver Hall/Enrollment Services, Martin Hall classrooms, landscaping at Ram Hall patio and throughout the grounds.
- 2026 Niche Best Colleges rankings include: Top 100 Best Christian Colleges in America, Top 100 Best Colleges for Music in America, #1 Best College for Music in Alabama, #1 Safest College Campus in Alabama, #1 Best Dorms in Alabama.
- RegisteredNursing.org named the UM School of Nursing the #1 Nursing Program in Alabama.
- UM’s chapel program is generating excitement and spiritual growth across campus as nationally recognized faith leaders from across Southern Baptist life deliver messages each week.
- A new partnership with C12, a national organization of Christian business leaders, brought a Faith at Work panel discussion to UM to explore the intersection of faith and work.
- A new student leadership team has been created as the university focuses on expanding student leadership initiatives.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Kathy Dean and originally published by the University of Mobile.
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