Dr. Ashley Milner, associate professor of education, is named dean of the School of Education at the Christian university.

“I am honored to serve in the position of dean of the School of Education and to work collaboratively with the amazing faculty. I look forward to continuing the standard of excellence that the University of Mobile is known for upholding,” Milner said.

Milner joined the UM faculty in 2016 after a 27-year career with the Baldwin County Public School System in different capacities, including first and third grade teacher, gifted education specialist and school psychometrist. At UM, she has been instrumental in the university’s 100% pass rate on the edTPA exam and serves as faculty counselor for the UM chapter of Kappa Delta Pi international education fraternity.

Milner was awarded the university’s prestigious Faculty Engagement Award for 2024, where she was cited for teaching with enthusiasm and passion throughout a career devoted to teaching, counseling and leadership.

Milner holds a Bachelor of Science in early childhood and elementary education from Charleston Southern University; a Master of Arts in elementary education from the University of Mobile; certification in gifted education and school psychometry from the University of South Alabama; and a specialist degree in educational leadership and doctorate in curriculum and instruction, both from the University of West Florida.

Subhed – Tenure Appointments

The following faculty are awarded tenure:

Dr. Katherine Abernathy, professor of English in the College of Arts and Sciences and chair, Department of Humanities

Dr. Kathy Dunning, professor of accounting and dean of the Grace Pilot School of Business, faculty athletic representative

Dr. Robert Olsen, associate professor of historical theology and director of intercultural studies in the School of Christian Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Jay Robertson, associate professor of systematic theology in the School of Christian Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Subhed: Faculty and Staff Promotions

The university announces the following promotions:

Dr. Kathy Dunning, professor of accounting, Grace Pilot School of Business

Stewart Hawley, associate professor of theatre, Alabama School of the Arts

Dr. Kathryn Hedlund, professor of music, Alabama School of the Arts

Dr. Wanda Jones, associate professor of chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Sevints Nurieyeva, professor of global business and management, Grace Pilot School of Business

Heath Vester, associate vice president for creative services, Office for Marketing and Public Relations

Dr. Kelley Wilson, associate professor of psychology, College of Arts and Sciences

Subhed – Faculty and Staff Retirements

The following faculty and staff are retiring and were honored at the annual Faculty and Staff Spring Luncheon.

Diane Black, director of human resources, retires after 30 years at UM.

Dr. Beverly Fox, associate professor of kinesiology, School of Health and Sports Science in the College of Health Professions, retires after five years at UM.

Dr. Kathi Reeves, associate dean, School of Education; director of field experiences and student teaching, and assistant professor of education, retires after nine years at UM.

Dr. Joyce Woodburn, dean, School of Education and associate professor of education, retires after nine years at UM.