PODCAST · education
The Wright Way
by UMS-Wright Preparatory School
As beneficiaries of UMS-Wright, we want to understand those who were before us, so we can help those who follow after. Hosted by Head of School, Mr. Doug Barber, and told through the eyes of supporters, faculty, students, parents, grandparents, and even rivals, The Wright Way podcast will help listeners understand how and why UMS-Wright has thrived over the past 128 years. This is THE WRIGHT WAY!
Episodes
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Lower School Professional Development Spotlight
In this episode of The Wright Way podcast, Dr. Barber is joined by four outstanding Middle School educators—Katie Browning, Mrs. Sydnee Andrews, and Mrs. Melissa Pugh—for a conversation about the impact of professional development. They discuss the value of lifelong learning, share experiences…
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Middle School Professional Development Spotlight
In this episode of The Wright Way podcast, Dr. Barber is joined by four outstanding Middle School educators—Mrs. Stacie Williams, Mrs. Margaret Andres, Mrs. Brandy Parker, and Dr. Bre Stricklin—for a conversation about the impact of professional development. They discuss the value of lifelong...
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NASA Spotlight - 2026
January 2026 marked an exciting milestone for Mrs. Meredith Cullen, Cooper Buchman, Khandro Butler, Emma Marmande, Allen Moore, and Sam Williams as they wrapped up their work with the NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program (NITARP). The team traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, where they presented...
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Dr. Marlon Firle and Jordan Jones '02
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...
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Coach Darnell Archey
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...
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Teacher PD Spotlight - March 2026
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…
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Legacy of Excellence Spotlight
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...
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2026 Project Engage Spotlight
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 -...
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Colonel Frank Wendling '82
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,...
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Lane Nichols, Brantley Erwin & Peyton Holderer
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...
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Trey Bonham '20
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...
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Dr. Sandra Parker and Dr. Sean Sinclair '05
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...
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Coach Sam Williams
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...
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Scott Wilson
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...
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2024 5A VOLLEYBALL STATE CHAMPIONS
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...
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2023-2024 Girls' Golf Spotlight
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.
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Class of 2025 - Student Spotlight
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…
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Dr. Bob McGinley
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…
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Isabelle Gautier '22
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...
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Becky Hall
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…
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Coach Pat Galle
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...
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Robert Hope, Jr '79 & Robert Hope, III '15
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…
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Project Engage 2024 Internship Spotlight
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...
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Matt Seymour
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…
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Paige Plash
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...
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Class of 2024 Mid-Year Interview
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).
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Ed and Wes Lathan
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…
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CDR Wrenn Landers
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...
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Don Kelly
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…
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Dr. Amber Gordon
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...
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Grover Jackson '58
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…
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Ishayu Chakroborty '24
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…
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Beli Karamovic
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...
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Lana Stringer '18
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...
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Katie Leatherbury '07
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…
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Jordan Jones '02
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…
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Class of 2023 Senior Panel
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…
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Frances Rouse '76
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...
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Al Chow
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…
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Eden Flora '02
Eden Walker Flora grew up in Mobile, Alabama and has happily been an artist since she was a little 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 Therapy and Creativity...
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Arick Auyang '00
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,...
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Philip Long '07
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…
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Project Engage 2023 Recap
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...
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Will Mangham '00
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...
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Joe Savage '87
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…
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Sivan Sabag
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...
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Joni Hendee
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...
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Nathan Cox '00
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…
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Stacy Harrelson
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…
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David J. Cooper '63
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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
As beneficiaries of UMS-Wright, we want to understand those who were before us, so we can help those who follow after. Hosted by Head of School, Mr. Doug Barber, and told through the eyes of supporters, faculty, students, parents, grandparents, and even rivals, The Wright Way podcast will help listeners understand how and why UMS-Wright has thrived over the past 128 years. This is THE WRIGHT WAY!
HOSTED BY
UMS-Wright Preparatory School
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Wright Way have?
The Wright Way currently has 69 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Wright Way about?
As beneficiaries of UMS-Wright, we want to understand those who were before us, so we can help those who follow after. Hosted by Head of School, Mr. Doug Barber, and told through the eyes of supporters, faculty, students, parents, grandparents, and even rivals, The Wright Way podcast will help...
How often does The Wright Way release new episodes?
The Wright Way has 69 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Wright Way?
You can listen to The Wright Way on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Wright Way?
The Wright Way is created and hosted by UMS-Wright Preparatory School.
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