The University of Mobile (UM) tapped Kenneth Sudduth of Winston Association as the recipient of its annual Order of the Shophar award during a luncheon meeting at the Alabama Baptist State Convention annual meeting Nov. 16.
Dale Younce, associate professor in UM’s school of Christian studies, presented the award during the university’s Alumni and Friends Luncheon at Dalraida Baptist Church in Montgomery.
He said the award is given by the school of Christian studies to an Alabama Baptist minister for faithful service that may never otherwise be recognized. Sudduth was nominated by Al Hood, director of missions for Winston Association.
“Kenny has a warm spirit and is a great shepherd to his flock,” Hood wrote in recommending Sudduth for the award. “As a bivocational pastor, he puts in many hours after — and before — his work schedule in order to minister. He has a true servant’s heart, doing whatever needs to be done to advance God’s kingdom.” Sudduth has served as a pastor since 1976 and currently has the longest single tenure of any pastor in Winston Association.
“His church consistently is one of the top percentage givers to the Children’s Homes,” Hood wrote.
Cecil Taylor, dean of the UM school of Christian studies, said Sudduth exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding pastor. “His pastoral record is awesome,” Taylor said.
Also during the luncheon, UM President Mark Foley told the approximately 200 in attendance that UM is “raising the bar as we progress in what it means to be a Christian university.”
He said UM is making the transition from a small, locally-based college to a nationally recognized Christian university with a strong residential community. He noted the completion of Samford Hall, a new 101-bed residence hall, which opened in August, and said construction is about to start on another 148-bed residence hall.
Foley said the university is proving that quality higher education and faith can go hand-in-hand.
“When you hire a graduate of the University of Mobile, you will find them to be confident and Christian — confident in who they are and about everything in their lives, and who they are as Christians. They are men and women who know how to think, to analyze the world around them; who know what they believe and why they believe it; and have the courage to live and work according to what they believe.
“We are graduating men and women who have the willingness and skill to use their influence in appropriate and effective ways to change the world,” Foley said. Foley shared some of the same information with messengers during his report to the convention.
According to the Book of Reports, UM projected a need not only for new residential facilities but a larger auditorium with an enrollment of 2,000. Fund raising will begin soon for a student center as well as a facility for an expanded Center for Performing Arts.
UM introduced new programs of study in the fields of computer information security and health care communication. The athletic training education program received national accreditation last summer, and the school of education received an “A” from the Alabama Department of Education. The Center for Performing Arts expanded its program with a drum and bugle group, Ram Corps. Performing arts students are scheduled to perform in locally and around the world.
UM reported continued strong enrollment in its school of Christian studies, formerly the school of religion, with much interest in the major of worship leadership offered in conjunction with Integrity Music.
UM also expanded its athletic program with the addition of men’s and women’s junior varsity soccer, adding to a sports history that includes seven national NAIA championships.
The university focused on providing student opportunities for growth in their faith through Bible study, community service and other extracurricular activities, according to the Book of Reports. It offered students from all majors opportunities for hands-on international missions experience. The university also instituted a new tradition for its freshman class with “Project: Serve,” in which freshmen spend a day before classes volunteering in the community. New graduation requirements reflected this focus.
Students who are in their junior or senior year must complete 20 hours of service in a church or community agency. To fulfill the requirement they must write a paper on their major course of study as it relates to a Christian worldview. (TAB)
Share with others: