MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Nathan Harris as Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, effective June 10.

Harris joins the University of Mobile from Grace College & Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he served as vice president of advancement and led all development, annual giving and stewardship initiatives.

Previously, he served at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio, as associate professor of biblical studies and senior director of annual giving and stewardship. At Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) in Kansas City, Missouri, he served as director of institutional relations initiatives and worked under the leadership of Dr. Charles Smith, who became the sixth president of the University of Mobile on March 21, 2024.

UM President Charles Smith said, “I am thrilled to have Dr. Harris joining us as Vice President for Strategic Initiatives here at the University of Mobile.

“During our time together at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Harris helped create and manage numerous strategic initiatives in enrollment management, advertising, fundraising, student life and even events. Since leaving MBTS, Dr. Harris has continued to distinguish himself as a strategic leader with a keen mind and a kind heart.

“Those gifts will serve us well here at UM as he works with the President’s Office to serve our staff and amplify our mission and ministry. These are exciting times at the University of Mobile,” Smith said.

Harris said he and his wife, Kelsey, are excited to become part of the University of Mobile family.

“As we prayerfully considered the opportunity to serve at UM, we knew without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord was calling us here,” Harris said.

“I consider it an honor to be a part of such a wonderful institution, to serve alongside a gifted and proven leadership team, and to equip students to serve the Lord Jesus Christ in whatever vocations He has given them. I look forward to seeing how the Lord uses the University of Mobile in years to come, as we endeavor to be a premier Christ-centered community training students to transform the world,” Harris said.

Harris has over a decade of experience in Christian higher education and local church ministry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in youth ministry from Malone University. He earned a Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Theology (ThM) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in biblical studies, each from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has taught courses on the New Testament, hermeneutics and theology.

He and Kelsey have two sons, Noah and Jude.