On Nov. 14, the University of Mobile (UMobile) celebrated its 50th birthday. “Welcome to the birthday party, and thank you for what you have made happen,” UMobile President Mark Foley said Nov. 15 during his report to the Alabama Baptist State Convention. “I’m grateful for your investment in the history of [UMobile] and the investment you will continue to make in the future of [UMobile].”
Established as Mobile College in 1961, UMobile reaches all generations through its various programs and activities, as well as through the work of its students and faculty.
During Project Serve 2011, classes were canceled to allow 1,100 faculty, staff and students to volunteer within the community, covering an estimated 60 locations within a two-county region.
The Center for Leadership and the Twelve23 Movement have become great tools to “share the vision of transforming America into a nation where God is honored,” according to the Book of Reports.
During his report, Foley expressed concern for the nation’s spiritual condition. “Generation Y consists of over 100 million highly educated and capable men and women with the least biblical input in history,” he said. “We have failed to disciple them as we should have. [UMobile] is focused on reaching that 100 million and figuring out how to engage and retain them.”
The Book of Reports also notes that Foley and Joe Savage, director of the Center for Leadership, each released a new book and sent more than 155,000 inspirational emails in the past year. Through the Center for Leadership and Twelve23 Movement, UMobile has held leadership events with more than 5,500 attendees and impacted the students of the Alabama public school system.
With an estimated enrollment of 1,750 students, UMobile is striving to fulfill its vision of “Changing Lives to Change the World.” Through its 10-year strategic plan for growth, 2020 Vision, students are encouraged to not just get an education to prepare for their professional career but also use their career as a platform for ministry locally, nationally and internationally.
“Our university is looking forward,” Foley said. “We understand it is about the expansion of Jesus Christ among us.” As UMobile celebrates a half-century of accomplishments, he understands there is more work to be done. “The greater purpose of a 50th birthday is seeing how you get to the 60th birthday.” (TAB)
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