The Wright Way

On this episode of The Wright Way podcast, Dr. Barber sits down with two leading psychiatrists in the Mobile Bay area, Dr. Sandra Parker (future grandparent) and Dr. Sean Sinclair '05. Dr. Parker is the Department Chair of Psychiatry at the University of South Alabama and is the Chief Medical Officer at AltaPointe Health. Dr. Sinclair is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of South Alabama and is employed with AltaPointe Health as an adolescent psychiatrist. 

UMS-Wright proudly welcomes Sam Williams as its new head football coach, bringing a track record of excellence in both coaching and leadership.A 2009 graduate of Northwest Rankin High School in Mississippi, Williams was a standout multi-sport athlete, competing in football, soccer, and track. He continued his football career at Mississippi State University as a wide receiver while earning a degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2013. He later pursued a Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary at MSU, reinforcing his commitment to education and mentorship.Williams began his coaching career at Northwest Rankin, where he coached football, soccer, and track. In 2017, he led the school's soccer team to a 6A State Championship before taking his first head football coaching role at Pelahatchie High School (2A). Over three seasons, he won two district championships and made a significant impact on the academic success of the athletic department.In 2020, Williams took the helm at Ridgeland High School (5A), guiding the program to the North State Championship for just the second time in school history. His success led him to Brandon High School (7A), where he spent four years as head football coach and athletic director. Under his leadership, Brandon secured four district championships and three South State titles, firmly establishing the program as a powerhouse.With an overall coaching record of 82-24, Williams has won an impressive 77% of his games, capturing seven district championships and three South State titles in just 10 seasons. Remarkably, his teams lost only one district game in the past eight years.Beyond the field, Williams is a devoted husband and father. He married his wife, Rachel, in 2012, and together they have three children: Caroline (8), Catherine (7), and Luke (5).

Scott Wilson has served as a leader in independent school education for 40 years!He previously served as President and Headmaster of Baylor School in Tennessee from 2009 to 2021. Prior to his appointment at Baylor, Scott enjoyed successful tenures as Head of School at both Brookstone School and Valwood School, both in Georgia. Scott also served Hammond School in South Carolina as a teacher, coach, admission director, and Upper School Head.A leader in state and regional organizations, Scott has served as a Director for the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA), the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools (TAIS), and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS).Scott earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Georgia and his master's degree at the University of South Carolina. In 2006, Scott was a Klingenstein Fellow at Columbia University's Teachers College in New York.ReplyForward

On this episode of The Wright Way Podcast, Dr. Barber sits down with Head Volleyball Coach Wing Brett and the five seniors from the 2024 5A Volleyball State Champion team. Have someone you would like to hear on the podcast or want to be a guest yourself? Drop a line in the comments or email asmith@ums-wright.org.

On this episode of The Wright Way podcast, Dr. Barber catches up with Coach Koziol and two members of the 2023-2024 7A State Championship Girls' Golf Team, Frances Brown and Maria Penaranda.

On this episode of The Wright Way, Dr. Barber catches up with two members of the Class of 2025, Denton Elliott and Hilton Nguyen! Visit your favorite podcast platform, search "The Wright Way," and click subscribe so you don't miss out on any upcoming episodes! Have someone you would like to hear on the podcast or want to be a guest yourself? Drop a line in the comments or email asmith@ums-wright.org.

Dr. Bob McGinley is a distinguished orthopedic surgeon who has made significant contributions both in his medical career and to the UMS-Wright community. A graduate of Princeton University with a bachelor's degree in biology, Dr. McGinley went on to earn his medical degree from Emory Medical School in Atlanta, Georgia. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center's renowned Campbell Clinic. Board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. McGinley specializes in general orthopedics with a particular focus on joint replacement surgery. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys playing golf and tennis and cherishes time with his grandchildren. Dr. McGinley has been a longtime supporter of the Christian Medical Ministry of South Alabama. Dr. McGinley has played a key role in the UMS-Wright community, serving as an Honorary Trustee from 1985 to 2000 and as Board Chairman from 1988 to 1990. He is also a past parent and current grandparent at UMS-Wright, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to our school and its mission. Fun fact: he was also a member of Princeton's Crew Team! 

Before summer break, Mr. Barber caught up with Isabelle Gautier '22. Isabelle is a rising Junior at the Suny Maritime College in New York City where she is a member of the Sailing Team! During her time at UMS-Wright, Isabelle was a fantastic student! Not only was she a leader on the UMS-Wright Sailing Team, she was also a Spirit Award Winner, AP Scholar, artist and more! Visit your favorite podcast platform, search "The Wright Way," and click subscribe so you don't miss out on any upcoming episodes! Have someone you would like to hear on the podcast or want to be a guest yourself? Drop a line in the comments or email asmith@ums-wright.org.

Whether you've known our next guest as Mrs. Hall or Miss Campbell, she is certainly not a stranger to the UMS-Wright family. Becky Hall has dedicated 46 years of her life to our beloved school and retired in May. It was an honor to catch up with her on the latest episode of The Wright Way podcast. Mrs. Hall and her husband, Bobby ‘78, have two children, Bee ‘11 and Hallie ‘12.

Our next guest needs no introduction. Coach Pat Galle has been a fixture in the UMS-Wright community since he started coaching at University Military School in 1972. Coach Galle has been named to the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame, Mobile City Sports Hall of Fame (an honor he shares with his father, the late Stan Galle), and the UMS-Wright Athletic Hall of Fame.  He has twice been named the National Federation of High Schools Coach of the Year as well as the National High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year. When asked about his fondest memory over his 52-year career at UMS-Wright, Coach Galle replied, "52 years means I have lots of memories at this special place. But, my fondest memory would be watching my daughter, Corey Galle Steele '90, take her first steps on the court in Wilson Gym." 

Robert Hope, Jr '79 and Robert Hope, III '15 joined Mr. Barber on The Wright Way podcast in March. Mr. Hope currently serves on the Board of Trustees. He is a past Board Chairman, Alumnus of the Year recipient, and also an Athletic Hall of Fame inductee. Mr. Hope is married to Mary Shannon Torbert Hope '82, and they have two children, Robert, III '15, and Jeanie, '17. Robert III was a decorated runner during his time at UMS-Wright and continued his athletic career at Harvard University, where he ran track and cross country. After college, Robert worked for Barclays Bank in New York City. Recently, he relocated back to Mobile and is working for Leavell Investments.The Hopes have been an integral part of the UMS-Wright family and we sincerely thank them for their continued dedication to our school!  Visit your favorite podcast platform, search "The Wright Way," and click subscribe so you don't miss out on any upcoming episodes! Have someone you would like to hear on the podcast, or want to be a guest yourself? Drop a line in the comments or email asmith@ums-wright.org. 

On this episode of The Wright Way podcast, Mr. Barber sits down with three students to discuss their internships with Project Engage. In addition to choosing an experience or trip, students have the option to apply for an internship in their field of choice. On today's episode, you'll hear from Olivia Gleason, '24, who interned at Big Yellow Dog Music in Nashville; Liza Perry, '24, who interned at Brandon Maxwell Design Company in New York City; and Nicholas Cooper, '25, who interned at Mobile Infirmary ER under Dr. Fischhertz and Dr. Monson. Visit your favorite podcast platform, search "The Wright Way," and click subscribe so you don't miss out on any upcoming episodes! Have someone you would like to hear on the podcast or want to be a guest yourself? Drop a line in the comments or email asmith@ums-wright.org. #clearpathforpotential #wrightwaypodcast

Coach Matt Seymour began his coaching career in 1995 at his alma mater, Baker High School. In 1997, Coach Seymour arrived at UMS-Wright as an assistant baseball coach. While at UMS-Wright, the Bulldogs won two State Championships in 1997 and 1999. In 2007, Coach Seymour joined the baseball coaching staff at Faith Academy and has served as the head coach since 2014. We are forever thankful for his leadership and devotion to our student-athletes, and we know you will enjoy catching up with Coach Seymour in this episode of The Wright Way Podcast. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog! Visit your favorite podcast platform, search "The Wright Way," and click subscribe so you don't miss out on any upcoming episodes! Have someone you would like to hear on the podcast or want to be a guest yourself? Drop a line in the comments or email asmith@ums-wright.org.

Paige Plash is a dedicated individual who has played a significant role in the UMS-Wright community. As the husband to Carolyn and the proud father of UMS-Wright graduates Lundy ‘01, Walker ‘06, Madison ‘08, and Samuel ‘17, he has been actively involved in the school's development. Paige's commitment is evident in his service as a devoted member of the UMS-Wright Board of Trustees, where he also held the position of Board Chairman. Beyond his contributions to the school, Paige finds joy in his role as a grandfather to 6 Bulldog & future Bulldog grandchildren.

Check out this week's episode of The Wright Way podcast as Mr. Barber hosts a mid-year catch-up session with three members of the Class of 2024: Cecile Brown (SGA President), Charles Perry (Runner Extraordinaire) & Owen Nichols (Swimmer & Bulldog Band Member). 

Long live the Lathans! Ed Lathan served as the Upper School Principal at UMS-Wright from 2000-2012. After his retirement in 2012, the next generation of Lathan's emerged. His son Wes was hired as a History teacher and football coach. From 2014 to 2018, Wes served as Middle School Principal, and in 2018 was promoted to Upper School Principal and Associate Head of School.

CDR Landers is a native of Macon, GA. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration (Finance) from the University of Alabama. In the spring of his senior year, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He later received a commission as an Ensign after completing Officer Candidacy School in Pensacola, FL. He went on to complete flight training and was selected to fly the F/A-18 in January of 2005. He reported to the Flying Eagles of VFA- 122 shortly thereafter. In January of 2006, he reported to the Jolly Rogers of VFA-103, where he was involved in combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom onboard the USS Dwight D Eisenhower. He also took part in a Partnerships of Americas (POA) tour onboard the USS George Washington. CDR Landers reported to Air Force Special Operations Command in January 2009 where he was involved in combat flight operations in multiple theaters while attached to a special operations task force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He would return from deployment in January of 2010 and report to the Gladiators of VFA-106 as an F/A- 18 Flight instructor. Following his time as a flight instructor, CDR Landers was selected and successfully screened for duty as a member of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. From 2012 to 2014 he would return to combat multiple times attached to a Navy SEAL team in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In March of 2014, CDR Landers affiliated with the Squadron Augmentation Unit of VFA-106 as an F/A- 18 flight instructor. On September 1st of this year, he officially retired after 20 years of service. CDR Landers has accumulated over 2700 flight hours in the F/A-18 and other special operations aircraft. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (7), Joint Commendation Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal as well as other Campaign and Unit awards. CDR Landers is married to Haley Rayford Landers '99 and they are proud parents of Wrenn Jr. ' 27, Thomas '28, and Louise '30! He is employed by Uniti Fiber as the Vice President, Deputy of Network.

Don Kelly is a UMS-Wright legend. He coached at University Military School from 1965-1972. Due to his significant achievements in athletics at UMS, Coach Kelly was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame as an honorary member in 1993. Coach Kelly has continued his service to our school through his devotion as a member of the Board of Trustees since 1997.

Dr. Amber Gordon is a board-certified neurosurgeon who specializes in surgery and treatment of the brain, spine & peripheral nerve disorders. She is the physician leader of the Infirmary Neuroscience Center of Excellence. Dr. Gordon graduated from Vanderbilt University with a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering. She received her medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine. Dr. Gordon completed her residency in neurological surgery at Birmingham School of Medicine where she also served as chief-resident of neurological surgery. Dr. Gordon and her husband Brad Butler are the proud parents of second grader, Alexander Butler!

As a member of the UMS Class of 1958, Brigadier General Grover E. Jackson, began a remarkable journey both academically and professionally with a degree from Sewanee: The University of the South, as well as completing college as a distinguished member of the Air Force ROTC. From this point forward, the achievements and service of Brigadier General Jackson have been a sterling example of what a servant-leader should do with his life.  In July 1989, Brigadier General Jackson was assigned the duty of Director of Intelligence, Headquarters U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii. His assignment was to provide accurate and timely intelligence for the United States Pacific Command as well as other significant commands. Only a person with the highest professional credentials and the finest personal character could receive such an assignment that is so essential for the protection of the United States. This impressive promotion was the result of 25 years of dedicated service to the citizens of the United States.  In addition to completing a Master of Arts degree in Economics from Syracuse University in 1967, Brigadier General Jackson received training at the best military colleges in the U.S. and among these was the prestigious Air War College in 1982. At various times he was stationed in Texas; Saigon, South Vietnam; RAF Station Chiscksands, England; Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii; Strategic Air Command (SAC) at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska; Stuttgart, West Germany; and Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.  UMS-Wright is fortunate that Brigadier General Jackson has moved permanently to Baldwin County and recently honored our school with a visit along with his daughter, Paige, his son, Garrett, and his wife Anita.  Subscribe to The Wright Way Podcast on your favorite podcast platform so you don't miss out on any upcoming episodes. Have someone you would like to hear on the podcast, or want to be a guest yourself? Drop a line in the comments or email asmith@ums-wright.org

Ishayu Chakroborty '24 was chosen as one of Mobile Bay's 2023 WONDER KIDS. During Project Engage Ish chose to do an internship with Dr. Grelet in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Mitchell Cancer Institute. Dr. Grelet specializes in tumor neurogenesis in cancer progression and metastasis with a focus on breast cancer. During the internship with Dr. Grelet, he was able to observe and assist with experimental lab work, as well as learn about bioinformatics and data analysis in biology, especially in breast cancer. The experience during Project Engage sparked his interest in cancer research and drove him to learn further about data analysis from publicly available datasets and repositories. The findings then led to a research project with guidance from Dr. Kakkat Ph.D. in the Department of Pathology at the Mitchell Cancer Institute. Because of his dedicated work in the research lab at the Mitchell Cancer Institute, Ish registered as a member of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) in the spring of 2022 and was invited to attend the AACR 2022 annual meeting in New Orleans [AS A JUNIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL!]. The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the first and largest cancer research organization dedicated to accelerating the conquest of cancer. He then was contacted by Dr. Robin Felder, Director of Membership and Professional Development for AACR to complete the student registration form to attend the Special Program for High School Students entitled, "The Conquest of Cancer and the Next Generation of Cancer Researchers." He was then approached to present his research. Before Ish knew it, he had been vetted for membership and submitted the title of his research proposal for approval! American Association for Cancer Research had over 20,000 in attendance and Ish was ONE of only seven students in the United States who were invited to present their work/research at the meeting.

A native of Bosnia, Beli Karamovic moved to the United States at 16 years old in 1993. Beli lived through the beginning years of the Bosnian War before joining the Bosnian Jr. Olympic Basketball team that traveled across Europe and eventually landed him in Chicago. Beli and his wife, Tiffany, a 4th-grade teacher and cheer coach at UMS-Wright, have two sons, Tate '31 & Luca '29. 

A 2018 graduate of UMS-Wright, Lana Stringer was the Vice President of Fine Arts and was a member of the Wright Players and Wright Singers. She currently resides in Manhattan, writing and researching for playwriting, doing copyediting for film and play scripts, and doing art department production assistant work.

Katie Leatherbury graduated from UMS-Wright in 2007.  She started studying acting at a young age both in a local theater and in theater at school. She was involved in The Wright Players and the Center Stage Show Choir. Leatherbury continued her education at Birmingham-Southern College and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music.  After graduation, she followed her dreams to become an actress. She played the role of Janet in The Drowsy Chaperone with the Mobile Theatre Guild as well as joined the ensemble with Mobile Opera's Sunset Boulevard, and performed in a charity show for Chickasaw Civic Theater. In 2012, she began with Walt Disney World as a Character performer where she was a part of the castle show Dream Along with Mickey as well as parades such as Celebrate A Dream Come True, Disney's Electrical Parade, and part of the opening cast for the Festival of Fantasy parade. In addition, she was part of the opening cast for the Frozen Sing Along and Frozen Fireworks as Elsa, and was Belle in The Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage show at Disney's Hollywood Studios. She has also performed in live performances such as the Halloween Icon Chance at Halloween Horror Nights 26 and Marilyn in Marilyn Monroe & the Diamond Bellas for Universal Studios Florida as an actress from 2015 to 2020.  In Orlando, Leatherbury has studied at Art's Sake Acting Studio, Class Act Studios, and even studied with the respected actor, acting coach, and director, Rus Blackwell. She went on to be cast in a co-star in "The Right Stuff " which was produced by Leonardo Decaprio, and as Giselle for a popular YouTube series. Visit your favorite podcast platform, search "The Wright Way," and click subscribe so you don't miss out on any upcoming episodes! Have someone you would like to hear on the podcast, or want to be a guest yourself? Drop a line in the comments or email asmith@ums-wright.org. #clearpathfor potential #thewrightwaypodcast

Jordan Jones graduated from UMS-Wright in 2002. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration in 2006 from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. Jordan is the Managing Partner and Portfolio Manager of Medora Partners, an investment firm in Mobile.Jordan and his wife, Taylor Stimpson Jones '06, relocated to Mobile in 2017 after living in New York City for ten years. Taylor and Jordan have three children, Christian '35, Peyton (future bulldog), and Layne (future Bulldog). Jordan serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of MAEF Public Charter Schools, Inc., dba Accel Academy. As the State's first charter school, Accel was founded in 2017 and has 600 students growing to 900 over the next few years. The tuition-free, mission-driven public charter school is located in the rear of the Festival Center off Airport Boulevard in Mobile after its recent facility expansion.

On this episode on The Wright Way podcast, Mr. Barber catches up with a few members of the Class of 2023 before they graduate and move on beyond "our gates." Cole Blaylock - University of South Alabama Tate Campbell - Troy University [at the time of the podcast, Tate was attending Mississippi State University] William Neumann - Princeton University Noah Siegel - University of Michigan

Frances St. John Rouse graduated from Julius T. Wright School for Girls in 1976. Mrs. Rouse began her teaching career in 1980 at her alma mater and then joined the faculty at UMS-Wright during the merger. She has dedicated over 40 years of her life to educating students in the subjects of AP Calculus and Honors Geometry, just to name a few. Frances is the proud mother of three UMS-Wright alums, Mary Hunter '01, Herndon '05, and Tom '09.

If you have been to any event on the campus of UMS-Wright, chances are you have seen, Al Chow!  Al is the father of Janie '15 and Jordan '20. Even though his daughters have graduated from UMS-Wright, Al remains the ultimate Bulldog supporter. Known as the "Assistant TO the Band Director," Al attends every home game and travels to all away games. In addition, he assists Mrs. Jokerst with anything and everything she needs, including feeding the band before every football game. Al's constant support of our school does not go unnoticed, and we are thrilled to share him as a guest on the latest podcast episode! 

Eden Walker Flora grew up in Mobile, Alabama and has happily been an artist since she was alittle girl, officially starting her business in 2013. She graduated from UMS-Wright in 2002.Eden received a BFA in Fabric Design from the University of Georgia and a MPS in Art Therapyand Creativity Development from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. She is a Registered ArtTherapist. As an experiential learner, Eden finds she learns best when she creates anexperience for her ideas to be searched and pondered. She loves teaching what she discoversthrough her work. Eden resides in Oxford, Mississippi with her very loving and very tall husband and two precioussons. She paints from her aqua filled home studio there. Eden sells her work via her websiteand various licensing collaborations. Her work can be seen at @edenwflora,www.edenwflora.com and in stores such as Belk, HomeGoods and Hobby Lobby.

Dr. Arick Auyang is a graduate of the class of 2000 from UMS-Wright and the Director of Product Innovation for Columbia Sportswear. After graduating UMS-Wright, he graduated from Emory University and then earned a PhD in Applied Physiology from GeorgiaTech where he specialized in robotics, prosthetics and human rehabilitation. He spent the next 7 years in academics, teaching and doing research at GeorgiaTech, University of Maryland, and CU Boulder. He transitioned to Nike in 2013 where he joined the Nike Sports Research Lab focusing on basketball footwear research. He developed research protocols and worked with elite athletes to identify opportunities for the next generation of Nike Basketball footwear. He later transitioned to become Nike Basketball's head of Innovation Strategy and Integration for Nike Basketball. In this role, he worked with amazing product creation teams and athletes to create iconic products seen on courts around the world and helped chart the course for Nike Basketball's most successful new franchise, the G.T. Series. He recently transitioned to become the Product Innovation Director for Columbia Sportswear where he continues to combine his academic mindset, knowledge of product and innovation excellence with his love of the outdoors. Arick enjoys spending time in the outdoors and traveling with his wife, Katie, and two children, Coraline and Archer. One of the things that Arick values the most is ‘Perspective,' something that he incorporates into all aspects of his life and tries to instill on his children. Through education and travel and discussion, the ability to see the world from different perspectives without first introducing the bias of one's own perspective can bring new understanding, empathy, and enlightenment.

Philip Long graduated from UMS-Wright in 2007. After high school, he attended Wooford College and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Philip and his wife Amber have three wonderful children, Lois (8), Micah (6), and Lydia (3), and currently reside in Fountain Inn, South Carolina where he serves as the pastor at Infinity Church. When he is not at church, Philip enjoys coaching the kids' sports teams, running, cycling, reading, and home renovations.

386 students, 56 teachers, 14 buses, 8 planes, 29 internships, 18 offerings, 42 cities, and 2 international trips..PROJECT ENGAGE 2023 is a WRAP! UMS-Wright is always striving to provide unique opportunities to enhance the lives of our students, and Project Engage does just that. It offers a cross-curriculum, hands-on learning experience that allows students to delve deeply into an area of personal interest while developing deeper relationships with peers and faculty with similar academic curiosities! Project Engage 2023 kicked off on January 5 with a variety of adventures and experiences for our 9-12 grade students. Throughout this 10-day mini-term, students had learning experiences along the Gulf Coast, Belize, the Grand Canyon, Greece, Key West, and other exciting places! They participated in flight simulations, cooking classes, archaeology digs, museum tours, hunting excursions, camp outs, scuba diving and much more. The Project Engage 2023 courses offered were as follows: Grand Canyon 2023; Lights | Camera | Action; Forestry; Key West; Belize; Explore Greece; Ready | Set | Dive; Take a Journey; Physics Xtreme; Design | Build | Fly; Art & Architecture; Choose an Internship; Habitat for Humanity; Archaeology; Entrepreneurship; It's All About the Food; and The Other Side of Sports.

Dr. William Mangham is a native of Mobile, Alabama and a 2000 graduate of UMS-Wright. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. 9/11 occurred during his sophomore year and inspired him to join the Marines, in which he served as an officer on three deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. This period of service included combat experience in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley and during the Iraq "surge" in 2007. After being honorably discharged as a captain, Dr. Mangham completed pre-med studies and entered medical school at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Upon graduation in 2016, he began his residency in neurosurgery at the University of Tennessee and Semmes-Murphey Clinic in Memphis. Dr. Mangham served as chief resident from 2021-2022 and is currently completing a spine fellowship. Dr. Mangham will join the staff of Ochsner Health in New Orleans, Louisiana this summer and his practice will focus on minimally invasive spine surgery. Dr. Mangham enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, as well as reading, gardening, cooking, and exercise.

Joe is a 1987 graduate of UMS. Today, Dr. Savage works full-time as the director of Roads of Hope, committing his life to the rescue and care of orphans in distress. ROH currently cares for 40 orphaned children living in five different “family-type” homes scattered across Moldova. Joe also rescues children who have been taken, provides humanitarian aid to orphanages, hosts orphans to the United States, and tries to connect as many orphans to families as possible.

Sivan & David Sabag moved their family from Pardes Hanna Karkur, Israel to Mobile, Alabama in August of 2021 just in time for Hallel to start K3, Eden to start 1st grade and Maor to start 3rd grade. Additionally, Sivan was pregnant with their 4th child, Avari. Be sure to catch this episode of The Wright Way for an inside glimpse of how our international families embrace the UMS-Wright culture and support the UMS-Wright mission!

Joni Hendee is the Marketing and Public Relations Director for the Dumas Wesley Community Center. For over 15 years, she has been serving the community center in a variety of capacities, including: public speaking, special events and fundraising; communications planning; media relations; crisis management; online promotion and cause-related marketing; social media and Web 2.0, and website content management. Her dedication to serving the less fortunate and genuine desire to help others has propelled her career in the non-profit sector, where she has been recognized among her peers with an Award of Excellence from Public Relations Council of Alabama. Joni and her husband Marcus have a 25 year-old son, Elijah, a 19 year-old son, Tyrek, and a 13 year-old son, Anthony. They reside in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Nathan Cox '00 is the founder and CEO of 68 Ventures, the parent company for numerous operating and development entities along the Alabama Gulf Coast and Florida Panhandle. After his time at UMS-Wright, he graduated from the University of Alabama summa cum laude in investment finance and economics, then earned his MBA from the University of South Alabama. He played football at the University of Alabama while earning Academic All SEC Honors, was recognized with the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award his senior year as the university' s most outstanding student athlete, and later presented with the Economics, Finance, and Legal Studies Alumni Leadership Award. Upon graduation, Nathan became a Rifle Platoon Commander with 3rd Bn 6th Marines and during his deployment in Iraq was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with combat “V” for Valor as a 1st Lieutenant in recognition of his actions while in combat. Nathan is passionate about spending time with his wife, Kimberly, three children [Savannah, Scarlett and Luke], traveling, leading charitable endeavors, exercising, tackling challenges, any form of competition and studying successful people. He strives to live out his personal purpose statement, “To see all I can do with all that I have been given by always going for it, never forgetting who I am in the process and helping everyone I can along my journey to live out a story worth telling. On judgement day my life will have been deemed a success because I will be able to say, ‘I have nothing left. I used everything you gave me.'”

Mr. Stacy Harrelson is entering his 25th year as the Head Athletic Trainer at UMS-Wright. Athletic Training Services at UMS-Wright are provided by Encore Rehabilitation, and Mr. Harrelson currently is the Regional Director of Encore Sports Medicine. He is a member of the Medical Advisory Board for the Alabama High School Athletic Association, District 1. Mr. Harrelson was raised in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, where he played football at Ocean Springs High School. He earned a football scholarship to Gulf Coast Junior College, then he transferred to Troy State University and earned a Bachelor of Science and Sports Medicine degree under the supervision of Dr. John "Doc" Anderson. Mr. Harrelson worked in collegiate athletics at Troy State University. He also served as the Athletic Trainer in the NFL Europe professional football league for the Frankfurt Galaxy before joining the staff in the fall of 1998 at UMS-Wright. Mr. Harrelson and his wife Angel live in Biloxi, Mississippi. Their daughter Colby is a member of the UMS-Wright Class of 2007. Colby is married to Cree Cantrell. In March of 2021 Stacy became a grandfather as Cree and Colby welcomed their first child Junie Rose Cantrell.

David J. Cooper graduated from University Military School in 1963. After attending the University of Alabama and graduating with a B.S. in General Business, Mr. Cooper joined his family's stevedoring company. David served as President of Cooper/T. Smith Corporation, headquartered in Mobile, Alabama from 1983 to 2008. Mr. Cooper has served on countless boards, and is a true philanthropic leader in our community. He has also served on the boards of University Military School, Julius T. Wright School, and UMS-Wright Preparatory School. From 1991-1994, he was the Board Chairman at UMS-Wright, and was named Alumnus of the Year in 1996 for his devotion to the school.

Joel B. Bullard, III (Ty) is a member of the UMS-Wright Class of 2002. After graduating from The University of Mississippi with a B.A. in Business Management in 2006, he immediately began his career with Bullard Automotive Group, Inc., a 3rd generation family owned business. He became the Dealer Principle in 2013 which includes the franchises of – Cadillac - Infiniti - Acura - Jaguar - Land Rover - Chevrolet - Lincoln - Ford. Locally he serves on the Senior Bowl Committee, Mobile Sport Authority Committee, and he is active in Mobile Touchdown Club, Habitat for Humanity, and several religious/spiritual activities. Ty also serves on the Board of Directors for the Alabama Dealers Association and the Hancock Bank-South Alabama. He is married to the former Johannah Faulk and together they have three sons – Joe, Evans and George Robert.

Liz Stokes Terry graduated from Julius T. Wright in 1975. While there, she was Head Cheerleader, Class Team Captain, UMS Commencement Sponsor, UMS Key Club Sweetheart, and a member of the Softball Team, the Board of Directors for March of Dimes TAP, and Presidential Classroom for Young Americans. After graduation, she continued her education at the University of Alabama where she received a BA in History and a double minor in Art History and English. Many people assume that Liz Terry is the official school photographer, but she'd tell you she's really just a mom with a camera who loves the school and the students and enjoys chronicling their lives. Terry has always given her time and her talents in a creative way. In 1999, a friend asked her to photograph her child's state championship baseball game. The picture she took at the end of the game started it all. That picture went viral and wound up in every UMS-Wright publication. That fall, a student asked her if she would photograph his senior football season which happened to be Coach Curtis' first year at UMS-Wright. She told Coach Curtis in order to properly film the players, she would need full access to pep rallies, pregame, sideline, the box, the locker room… everywhere so that she could document the whole season and the whole story. As basketball season approached, another student asked her to document his basketball season. Once baseball season came back around, she was hooked and hasn't stopped since. Her gift to the school, her time and her talent, provides a gift like no other – memories.

Molly Crown Nordmann ‘76 has spent a lifetime either attending or supporting Julius T. Wright, University Military School, and UMS-Wright. She received her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of Alabama and her Masters in Elementary Education from Springhill College. When the opportunity arose to apply for a job at UMS-Wright, Molly jumped on it. She has spent the past 31 years of her life at her alma mater with 6 of those teaching and 25 of those years in the Athletic Department. Molly has served as a wealth of knowledge for the Alumni Office as an unofficial historian for the school. As a relative of Julius T. Wright, she is an expert in the history of UMS-Wright and Dr. Wright's family tree.

Please join Mr. Barber as he sits down with six seniors from the class of 2022: Blakeslee Elliott, Campbell Johnson, Edward Ladd, Grace Lyons, Thomas Price, and Luke Stringer.

Episode break interview with seniors Abby Fowler, Pfilip Hunt, and Isabella Rocconi. Original Air Date: 04/14/22

This week Mr. Barber sits down with long-time supporter Jim Wishon. Former UMS Headmaster Jim Seidule recruited Jim Wishon to UMS in the 1980s. During his time at UMS, he served as the Athletic Director, Advancement Director, Math teacher, basketball coach, and football coach. While in Mobile, Jim met his wife, Eileen. Currently, Jim and Elieen run their family business, Zoghby's Uniforms.

Episode break interview with seniors Lily Corley, Joseph Perry, and March Tremayne. Original Air Date: 03/30/22

Dr. Tony Havard first joined the faculty of UMS Preparatory School in June of 1983 and remained at the school until June of 1986. After a brief time in public education in Mississippi, Dr. Havard found his way back to UMS-Wright for the 1988-1989 school year. In June of 1989, Dr. Havard Havard became the second Headmaster of UMS-Wright Preparatory School. He served in this position until the 2017-18 school year when he became the school's first President. Dr. Havard is now the Chief Advancement Officer and also teaches a few classes in the Middle School. He lives the mission of our school through his actions in the halls, on the courts, on the fields. and in the classroom every day. Current students and alumni have been and continue to be blessed by his leadership and service. Dr. Havard and his wife Dawn have two children, their daughter Laurel is a member of the Class of 2001, and their son Max graduated from UMS-Wright in 2011.

Episode break interview with seniors Mary Webster Burke, Will Jordan, and Clark Turner. Original Air Date: 03/16/22

Dr. Pat Taylor began his career in education in 1972 as a history teacher at St. Paul's Episcopal School and for the next 35 years served St. Paul's as Dean of Students, Principal, and Assistant Head of School. After St. Paul's, Mr. Taylor served as Head of School at Houston Academy in Dothan and later joined Jackson Academy as the Headmaster from 2007 until his retirement in 2017. Pat sat down with Mr. Barber to discuss their friendship, the rivalry between the two Old Shell Road schools, and his current role as an independent school recruiter.

Episode break interview with seniors Rebekah Chappell, Will Howard, and Hollie Turner. Original Air Date: 03/02/22

Episode break interview with seniors Annie Jeffery, Jaiden Rollins, and Walker Willcox. Original Air Date: 02/16/22