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 is an award-winning media relations director and former journalist whose expertise has enabled 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 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 University of Mobile. They have two children and two grandchildren.


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.


AMANDA PRITCHARD
Graphic Designer

apritchard@umobile.edu

Amanda is a multi-talented graphic designer who has worked in printing, technology, fashion and higher education. She has extensive experience in print media, pre-press, web design, web marketing, illustration and art direction. An award-winning designer, Amanda is a graduate of the University of South Alabama and is a member of the national graphic design association AIGA and Baptist Communicators Association. Through her successful freelance business, Alabama Marmalade, she donates design work to local non-profits. Amanda volunteers with the Mobile Police Department Mounted Auxiliary and serves at Sonrise Baptist Church, where her husband, Matt, is worship pastor.


EMILY DEAL
Social Media Manager & Content Creator

251.442.2235
edeal@umobile.edu

Emily Deal is the social media manager and content creator 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.