Charles W. Smith Jr.
Cellular, Ala. The College of Mobile Board of Trustees right now (March 21) elected Charles W. Smith Jr. as the 6th president of the Baptist college started in 1961.
Prior to coming to the University of Cell, Smith served as senior vice president for Institutional Relations and assistant professor of Christian Leadership at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College or university in Kansas Metropolis, Missouri.
Smith and his wife Ashley are initially from Montgomery, Ala.
My wife and I are thrilled to be coming again house to Alabama to join the College of Mobile, Smith said. Thanks to President Burnett, his leadership crew and countless other individuals in just the UM loved ones, this university is more robust than ever and poised for even bigger performance. The College of Mobile is grounded in Gods Word, driven by a persuasive vision, served by a entire world-course faculty and employees, and cherished by the UM relatives. I search forward to linking arms with the numerous college, employees and supporters who make this location so unique.
Throughout his 11-calendar year tenure at MBTS, Smith oversaw a assortment of functions, including the offices of enrollment administration, advancement, alumni relations, church partnerships, scholar and resident daily life, advertising and communications, financial help, dean of pupils, and university student achievement.
He also co-launched the For The Church conference and source platform, and proven the For The Church Institute, a developing suite of free of charge on the web classes serving thousands of pupils all around the globe. As an elected school member, Smith also taught different business enterprise and leadership classes at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral concentrations, including planning and overseeing Midwesterns Ph.D. in Christian Management. For the duration of his time in Kansas Metropolis, the establishment professional document good results, with enrollment growing from 1,100 to more than 5,200 students.
Established leadership
Terry Harbin, chair of the UM Board of Trustees, said Smith embodies the values and eyesight that are essential to the College of Mobile, which enrolls more than 1,900 pupils and presents associate to doctoral degrees in far more than 75 tutorial systems.
Dr. Smiths established leadership, dedication to religion-dependent better instruction, and passion for acquiring the following technology of Christ-centered leaders make him the perfect alternative to manual the University of Cellular into a long run wherever we not only go on to excel in our academic and spiritual missions, but also develop our impact and effect on the global stage, Harbin claimed.
Fred Wilson, chair of the Presidential Search Committee, said the college introduced a nationwide search for a visionary chief in October 2023 and unanimously suggested Smith to the UM Board of Trustees on March 21.
Immediately after a comprehensive and prayerful look for, it became crystal clear that Dr. Charles Smith was the man or woman God has ready to direct this institution, Wilson claimed. His remarkable qualifications, exemplary leadership characteristics, and motivation to academic excellence and non secular calling have organized him to direct the College of Cell into its upcoming chapter of expansion and achievement.
Rick Lance, govt director of the Alabama Baptist Point out Board of Missions mentioned Smith has experience and abilities that will provide him effectively in his new purpose.
I feel he is a gentleman of significant integrity, Lance reported, and I forecast a dazzling long run for the College of Cellular underneath his leadership.
David S. Dockery, president of the Worldwide Alliance for Christian Instruction and president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, termed Smith a multi-gifted chief, introducing: His convictional Baptist and evangelical beliefs will provide the university effectively and will be well been given by church buildings in the region.
Jason Allen, president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon Faculty,congratulated the UM relatives for picking out a proven leader.
I could not be happier for Charles Smith, the University of Mobile, or my hometown of Mobile, Ala., Allen explained. A promising institution is acquiring a demonstrated chief, and I foresee the two will flourish in the many years to appear. Midwestern Seminary sends Dr. Smith and his complete loved ones to UM with every single best want, and every single expectation of Gods blessing on their life and do the job in the period forward.
Lonnie Burnett retiring
Smith techniques into the universitys best management put up on May well 6 as Lonnie Burnett, UMs fifth president, retires immediately after five several years in the part. A 1979 graduate of the College of Cellular then Cellular College or university Burnett served around 20 many years at his alma mater, mounting through the ranks from adjunct professor to turn into president in 2019.
In addition to guiding the college by the worries of a international pandemic, Burnett carried out new educational courses, defied nationwide developments of declining enrollment, oversaw practically $3 million in new design and renovations by means of existing cash and fund-raising efforts, renovated School Woods Centre as an event house for the university, and ensured the economical stability of the institution.
In his remaining act as president, Burnett will provide the graduation deal with on May perhaps 4 and award diplomas to about 300 graduates in an outside ceremony on the universitys Terrific Fee Lawn.
Burnett explained, Lynne and I welcome Charles and his family to the College of Cellular loved ones. We would like them a extended and prosperous tenure.
Popular bond
Smith said he and Ashley could not be a lot more energized to be stepping into this new period of leadership at the University of Cellular. We experienced a peace about the opportunity from the incredibly initially call with the Search Committee. Even more than the telephone, I could perception a prevalent bond and desire to maximize all that God has for the University of Cellular.
About the earlier various months, our pleasure has only grown. Dr. Burnett has performed a outstanding task about the past 5 yrs and is keen to enable us commence a new time of management. Neighborhood church buildings are potent and supportive, regional firms are committed to our learners, and the Alabama Baptist Conference is stronger than ever. I appear forward to connecting with the UM neighborhood in the months forward and stepping into a bright foreseeable future jointly.
Underscoring the worth of Christian universities, Smith stated, Almost every single working day we satisfy adult men and females whose lives have been radically modified in university. Places like the College of Cellular form minds, go hearts, identify gifts, cultivate friendships, reinforce communities, and start lifelong professions. But even much more essential, Christian universities like UM persuade and equip learners to abide by Jesus.
More than the earlier handful of months, Ive found UM faculty and staff mentor pupils and explain how Gods fantastic design and style not only informs their field of review, but their complete lives. These are the things we sense known as to give our lives to, which is why we are so energized to be signing up for the College of Mobile spouse and children, Smith stated.
The Smiths have 3 daughters, Ellie, Annie and Susie.
