TorchLight will give you an in-depth look at the University of Mobile. Distributed to alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the university, TorchLight is an annual magazine published by the University of Mobile Office of Marketing and Public Relations. It offers behind-the-scenes stories, exciting university news, and features that will make you beat your chest with Ram Pride.
EDITORIAL STAFF
LESA MOORE ’07
Vice President for Marketing & Public Relations
251.442.2207
lmoore@umobile.edu
Lesa has over 25 years experience in marketing and public relations including the high-tech industry, retail marketing and higher education. Numerous local and national advertising, PR and design awards have been achieved under her direction. Lesa received her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of South Alabama and her Master of Business Administration from the University of Mobile. She enjoyed a successful career as Director of Marketing Communication at Xante Corporation before joining the UMobile staff in 2002. She serves as Vice President for Marketing and Public Relations as well as an adjunct instructor in marketing at UM, and is a member of the American Marketing Association, Public Relations Council of Alabama and Baptist Communicators Association. Lesa lives in Mobile with her husband and high school sweetheart, Jay, and their two children, current UM student Logan and high schooler Olivia. She is an active member and life group leader at Cottage Hill Baptist Church.
KATHY DEAN
Associate Vice President for University Communications
251.442.2215
kdean@umobile.edu
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.
HEATH VESTER ’16
Assistant Vice President for Creative Services
251.442.2286
hvester@umobile.edu
Heath Vester is an experienced graphic designer and serves as the Assistant Vice President for Creative Services for the University of Mobile’s Office of Marketing & Public Relations. He is an alumnus of the University of Mobile, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art and a Master of Science in Leadership and Communication. Beyond his role at the university, Heath is the owner of Heath Vester Creative, his freelance company where he provides a wide variety of creative services to individuals and organizations.
ROVY LOPEZ
Director of Visual Media
251.442.2814
rlopez@umobile.edu
Rovy Lopez is the Director of Visual Media in the Office for Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Mobile. He is an experienced event and documentary filmmaker and a published photographer. He also serves as the associate pastor at Cross Culture Church in Mobile and runs his freelance business, RL Films.
EMILY DEAL
Graphic Designer
251.442.2235
edeal@umobile.edu
Emily Deal is the graphic designer for the marketing and public relations office at the University of Mobile. Emily's background is in advertising where she solidified her skills in design, quality assurance, and art direction. She earned a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in graphic design from UM in 2016. She is a devoted member of Mars Hill Church where she volunteers with the children's ministry most Sundays. Some of her favorite things are wildflowers, live music, and, most importantly, dogs.
CAMDEN JEWELL
Photographer & Videographer
Camden Jewell is a photographer and videographer for the marketing and public relations office at the University of Mobile. Camden earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting Performance, with a concentration in Directing, from UM in 2023. Camden also pursues filmmaking and photography in both narrative storytelling and live event production. Camden enjoys hiking and the outdoors where he spends his free-time.
NOAH WALTERS
Project Manager & Digital Marketing Specialist
251.442.2210
nwalters@umobile.edu
Noah Walters is the project manager in the Office for Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Mobile, where he is a full-time student in the School of Business. He is pursuing both a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications and a Master of Business Administration through the integrated 5-year MBA program. He loves playing disc golf on campus with friends. Noah says if he had lived in a previous century, he would have wanted to work on a ship traveling the world.
KELLIE CAVALLARO
Assistant to the Vice President of Marketing
251.442.2497
kcavallaro@umobile.edu
Kellie Cavallaro is the Assistant to the Vice President for Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Mobile. Kellie is a graduate of Liberty University, where she earned a Bachelor of Art in Graphic Arts and Digital Design and a Master of Science in Social Media Management. Kellie and her husband, Kelly, own a Media Production company where they have been featured both nationally and internationally in a wide range of venues. She enjoys spending time with friends at dance conventions.