The Wright Way

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, Trey always makes time to come on campus and mentor our basketball players. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of our own!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.#wrightwaypodcast #clearpathforpotential

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!