The Wright Way

On this episode of The Wright Way podcast, Dr. Barber sits down with Dr. Marlon Firle, Ed. D and Jordan Jones '02. Dr. Firle serves as the superintendent of MAEF Public Charter Schools, commonly known as Accel Academy where Mr. Jones is the Board Chair. Listen now as these three discuss the educational landscape in Mobile and beyond! 

UMS-Wright welcomes Darnell Archey as its new Girls’ Basketball Coach, bringing over 22 years of experience at the high school and collegiate levels. A former standout at Butler University, Archey helped lead the Bulldogs to four conference titles and a Sweet 16 appearance, while setting the NCAA record for consecutive free throws made (85). He went on to play professionally and later built an imp...

On this episode of  The Wright Way  podcast, Dr. Barber sits down with three upper school teachers—Dr. Nancy Hilbun, Mr. Pete Wilson, and Mrs. Chelsea Lawrence—for an engaging conversation about professional development. Together, they share insights on the importance of continuous learning, reflect on meaningful growth experiences in the classroom, and discuss how collaboration and innovation sha...

Don’t miss the upcoming episode of  The Wright Way  podcast featuring Dr. Barber alongside our campaign co-chairs Walsh Arendall, Ty Bullard, & Curran Foose, and Director of Advancement Julie Otts. Together, they take an in-depth look at the  Legacy of Excellence Capital Campaign —sharing how these transformational projects are making a lasting impact on our school! Tune in to hear the vision,...

On this episode of The Wright Way podcast, Dr. Barber sits down with four students and Mrs. Jones to discuss their experiences with Project Engage 2026. Nathan Covo - Behind the Game Caroline Sherman - Internship with District Attorney's Office Lily Hooks - Coastal Brushstrokes Capyln Reed - Paris/London Visit your favorite podcast platform, search "The Wright Way," and click subscri...

Colonel Frank Wendling '82 is a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer and Naval Aviator with a distinguished 29-year career. Commissioned in 1989, he became a CH-53E helicopter pilot in 1992 and served in multiple operational, instructional, and command roles, including deployments with the 26th MEU, combat service during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and command of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463...

Check out this week's episode of The Wright Way podcast as Dr. Barber hosts a catch-up session with three members of the Class of 2026: Lane Nichols, Brantley Erwin & Peyton Holderer. Visit your favorite podcast platform, search for "The Wright Way," and click "Subscribe" so you don't miss any upcoming episodes! Have someone you would like to hear on the podcast, or...

Get ready for the next episode of  The Wright Way podcast , where Dr. Barber sits down with standout alumnus Trey Bonham. A talented athlete and former collegiate basketball player, Trey shares insights from his journey on and off the court, reflecting on his time at UMS-Wright and the lessons that carried him through the world of college athletics. No matter how busy his training schedule is, Tre...

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 Univ...

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 degre...

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...

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....

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...

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 po...

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 t...

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 II...

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...

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...

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 h...

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...