Campbellsville University

CU’s Russ Mobley receives honorary doctorate of humane letters

CU’s Russ Mobley receives honorary doctorate of humane letters

12/22/2015

Russ Mobley receives honorary doctorate

Russ Mobley, second from left, receives an honorary doctorate of humane letters at Campbellsville University’s commencement, from Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, left. Also participating were Dr. Joseph L. Owens, chair of the Campbellsville University Board of Trustees, and Dr. Donna Hedgepath, vice president for academic affairs. (Campbellsville University Photo by Drew Tucker)

                                                                                                                                                 Dec. 22, 2015
For Immediate Release

By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Russ Mobley, former state representative for Taylor and Adair counties and former drama professor and director of the Campbellsville University theater, was presented an honorary doctorate of humane letters during Campbellsville University's commencement Dec. 11 in Ransdell Chapel.

Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, said Mobley served as state representative from Kentucky's 51st state legislative district from 2001 to 2009 with “great integrity and honor.”

He was a drama professor at Campbellsville University from 1971 to 2005 and directed more than 100 theater performances during his time at Campbellsville University.

“He positively impacted the lives of thousands of students at Campbellsville University during his tenure as a professor, and he involved numerous members of the community in theater productions. Many would drive from across the Commonwealth to be part of one of his productions and to watch his productions.

“Professor Mobley used the theater arts to teach core values in Christian higher education and his influence extends to thousands of individuals.”

The theater facility was named after him in January 2011 and is known as the Russ Mobley Theater located in the Alumni Building on campus.

Carter was helped in making the presentation by Dr. Joseph L. Owens, chairman of the CU Board of Trustees, and Dr. Donna Hedgepath, vice president for academic affairs.

Carter said the greatest honor that can be granted by any college or university is that of the honorary doctoral degree. The honorary degree, which requires approval by the CU Board of Trustees, is given to those individuals who have displayed excellence in leadership, made extraordinary contributions to humanity, and distinguished themselves in their respective professional fields.

“Mr. Mobley, has certainly met all of these requirements in his tenure at CU, and his leadership as state representative,” Carter said.

Mobley and his family have been active members of the local community and displayed Christian servant leadership in all facets of life.

Mobley, who lives in Campbellsville, is married to Carole Mobley, a retired pharmacist, and they have five children, including three sons, Greg Mobley, a 1979 graduate of Campbellsville University; Jeff Mobley and his wife, Diana, and Joel Mobley and his wife, Mary Beth; two daughters, Stephanie Woodie, a 1981 graduate of Campbellsville University, and Suzanne Bennett, a 1982 graduate of Campbellsville University, and her husband, Joel.  They have 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering over 80 programs of study including 24 master's degrees, seven postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.