Let’s Build A Relationship

Decision makers from local businesses to national and international corporations are looking for beneficial partnerships that will add value to their product or service.

In much the same way, the University of Mobile seeks partnerships with organizations whose values mesh with that of Christian higher education in general, and UMobile in particular.

The job of matchmaking – developing mutually beneficial partnerships between the university and organizations – is a focus of the UMobile Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations.

“Every organization has goals, and the University of Mobile can be a great resource to helping corporations achieve theirs. In the same way, corporate partnerships help the university by providing scholarships for students, supporting arts and educational programs that extend beyond the campus into the community, and encourage the volunteerism and service that our school is known for,” said Claude Bumpers, development officer for corporate and foundation relations.

UMobile brings to the table its expanding national reputation for quality that has earned listings in “America’s Best Christian Colleges,” “America’s 100 Best College Buys,” a recognition as a “Military Friendly” college with excellent Smart Ratings.

Bumpers is on the lookout for businesses large and small that are interested in developing partnerships with UMobile. Depending upon the desires of the business and the needs of the university, those partnerships can be uniquely designed.

Among the benefits are opportunities to increase a corporation’s name recognition and raise its profile among the university’s constituents. These include:
• Naming opportunities for endowed scholarships or endowed faculty chairs in various academic areas
• Event sponsorships for established events such as the Leadership Banquet, UMobile Classic Golf Tournament, Ram Run 5k in Mobile and Birmingham
• Performing Arts sponsorships for events such as Christmas Spectacular, jazz concerts, musical theatre and more
• Student Success sponsorships that support professional development workshops for students and give a business first access to recruit graduates
• Advertisement in the award-winning University of Mobile Magazine, delivered to more than 10,000 alumni and friends
• Sponsorships of championship-level athletic programs

Another facet to corporate partnerships is access to many of the university’s resources. These include:
• Use of meeting facilities on campus
• Musical entertainment for corporate functions
• Speaker’s Bureau with experts in a variety of topics

The university’s academic programs enable businesses to develop their current workforce, offer internships, and recruit graduates. Among those programs are:
• Adult and Professional Studies
• Student Success Center and Career Development
• Graduate programs offering Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Christian Ministries, Master of Arts in Education, Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling, and Master of Science in Nursing

To discuss specific ways your organization can benefit from a partnership with the University of Mobile, contact Claude Bumpers, development officer for corporate and foundation relations, at 251.442.2587 or email cbumpers@umobile.edu. For more information, visit giving.umobile.edu.

About the Author

Kathy Dean

Kathy is an award-winning media relations director and former journalist whose expertise has enabled the University of Mobile to gain national and regional attention. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Auburn University and worked as a journalist for 12 years, including 10 years at the Mobile Press-Register, earning regional and national awards for coverage of education, deadline reporting and feature writing. She joined the University of Mobile staff in 1993, earning awards for writing and public relations including the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing in 2015 and 2012. She is a charter member of Providence United Methodist Church, serves on the board of the John Will Scholarship Foundation, and is a member of the Public Relations Council of Alabama, Baptist Communicators Association, and Society of Professional Journalists. Kathy lives in Daphne with her husband, Chuck, who earned his M.B.A. from the University of Mobile. They have two children and two grandchildren.