University Sets Sights on Becoming National Leader in Revitalization of Christian Faith and Character in America
University of Mobile president Dr. Mark Foley today outlined a bold vision for the future of the Baptist university as a nationally recognized leader of revitalization of Christian character and faith in a nation that has distanced itself from God.
“There is no longer a nationally recognized and influential voice for God in America. Through my entire life, that one has been Billy Graham, but age has now quieted his voice,” Foley said during an address to messengers at the Alabama Baptist State Convention at Whitesburg Baptist Church in Huntsville, Ala.
The University of Mobile will be among those who step into that gap, he said.
He said the university’s future will be guided by a strategic plan titled “2020 Vision,” introduced to the UM Board of Trustees at its October 2009 meeting. It will build upon the university’s ideals of competency in work, vibrancy in Jesus Christ, and courage in leadership, and expand those ideals from the campus in Mobile, Alabama, to the national stage.
Foley said by the year 2020, “the University of Mobile, through the work of the university, the influence of her graduates, and as a catalyst for persons of like mind, will be a nationally recognized leader of revitalization of Christian faith and character in America.”
Foley said change is needed in America.
“America today is currently distancing itself in culture and policy from the things of God. A God-ignoring arrogance is at large among leadership of both political parties. Strong liberal philosophy, historically weak in the face of evil, will continue its influence for several more years at a time when we most desperately need protection from evil. Religious denominations, including Southern Baptists, once used of God to guide America, are in decline, their influence upon our nation greatly curtailed or non-existent,” Foley said.
He said the University of Mobile has developed a unique educational culture based upon integration of learning and faith driven by commitment to an ideal that it is truly possible for a small college to change the world around it through graduates who demonstrate high competency in work, a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ, and the courage to lead in their various areas of responsibility.
“As a catalyst for persons of like mind, we will form partnerships to create a national forum for the development and implementation of strategic influences upon national character and policy,” he said.
The university will develop post-baccalaureate professional development programs in specific fields that emphasize freedom, responsibility to God, capitalism and entrepreneurialism.
He said academic and extracurricular programs will be continually refined as the university presses integration of Christian faith with academic disciplines and vocational practice.
While the university will continue to maintain a vibrant relationship with Alabama Baptist churches, it will intentionally cross political, geographic and denominational boundaries in the goal of becoming a catalyst for change in the nation, he said.
Foley said the spiritual condition of our nation is weakened.
“Concepts of responsibility to God, responsibility to others and self-sacrifice are drowned in a national sea of greed and self-entitlement,” he said.
But, he added, “there are significant spiritual stirrings in our nation which, if united, have the potential to become nation-changing spiritual and political movements.”
The University of Mobile, he said, aims to be a uniting force.