University of Mobile Inc.
10/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/17/2024 15:56
University of Mobile Dedicates Celia Wallace College of Health Professions, Honors Longtime Supporter and Healthcare Leader
MOBILE, Ala. - The University of Mobile dedicated the Celia Wallace College of Health Professions during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 17 that honored Ms. Celia Wallace, a long-time supporter of the Christian university and a visionary leader in the healthcare industry.
The newly named Celia Wallace College of Health Professions at the University of Mobile encompasses the School of Nursing, School of Nurse Anesthesia, School of Health and Sports Science, and Center for Excellence in Healthcare Practice.
'A Tireless Advocate for Quality Healthcare'
A healthcare leader for over 50 years, Wallace's contributions have shaped the medical field in Alabama and beyond. An inductee into the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame, her career began in radiology technology, fueling her passion for healthcare. She has since created nearly 2,000 jobs and co-founded Southern Medical Health Systems which owns Springhill Medical Center - the largest solely owned hospital in the U.S. She is chairman of the board of the corporation that also owns and operates Springhill Rehabilitation and Senior Residence, Springhill Physician Practices, The SSI Group, and several other organizations.
"Celia Wallace is a tireless advocate for quality, caring and compassionate healthcare, and a strong supporter of Christian higher education," said Dr. Charles Smith, president of the University of Mobile.
"Her longstanding relationship with the University of Mobile has profoundly shaped our ability to prepare students for careers in healthcare. Naming our College of Health Professions in her honor is a fitting recognition of her immense contributions to our campus and community," Smith added.
In addition to her leadership and support of the 2018 Weaver Hall Renovation Project which resulted in the university's state-of-the-art healthcare training facility, Wallace has served on the UM Board of Trustees, established the Gerald L. Wallace Tennis Center on campus, and created endowed student scholarships.
'A Drive to Excel'
"I'm definitely honored by this recognition," said Wallace. "We all know how much I love healthcare, and we're encouraged by the University of Mobile's drive to excel in this area.
"They have done so much to be proud of. We've noticed the capabilities of those who are participating in the nursing program and how they perform on their boards. It's indicative of the good nurses that these students are going to be. It's a very good school of nursing, no two ways about it," Wallace added.
The University of Mobile School of Nursing has earned a 100% NCLEX pass rate for two consecutive years in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and has a 100% job placement rate. UM has been named the #1 BSN program in the Best Nursing Schools in Alabama ranking by Nursingeducation.org.
Also recently, UM's first graduating class in the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program achieved a 100% first-time pass rate for the National Certification Exam, the highest pass rate in Alabama for 2024. The inaugural class in the new School of Nurse Anesthesia also had 100% job placement.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of "Higher Education for a Higher Purpose," founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and "playing with words" to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.