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 impressive coaching résumé, including roles at Butler, the University of South Alabama, and the University of the Incarnate Word. Most recently, he served as head coach at the University of Mobile, leading the program to the 2025 NAIA National Tournament and back-to-back 20-win seasons.Archey and his wife, Amanda, have two daughters who attend UMS-Wright.

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 shape their teaching practices!

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, the progress, and the powerful ways our community is investing in the future. Be sure to give it a listen to hear how we are "Impacting Every Student, Every Day!"#clearpathforpotential

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 GameCaroline Sherman - Internship with District Attorney's OfficeLily Hooks - Coastal BrushstrokesCapyln Reed - Paris/LondonVisit 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 [email protected].

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. He held senior planning and joint leadership positions across the Pacific and Korea, commanded the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group worldwide, and later served in senior education and training oversight roles. A graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, and Naval War College, he earned multiple master’s degrees and accumulated over 3,675 flight hours. Highly decorated for his service, he retired in 2018, transitioned into private-sector leadership, and now works as a keynote speaker.

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 want to be a guest yourself? Drop a line in the comments or email [email protected].#clearpathforpotential #theWRIGHTwaypodcast

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 [email protected].#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).