USA News Archive

Angelo Bautista, a 2009 graduate of the University of South Alabama College of Nursing, gives a COVID-19 vaccine earlier this year in the Skid Row community of Los Angles. Skid Row is home to thousands of people who either live on the streets or in shelters for the homeless. Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images.

Pilot Nurses a Dream
June 1, 2021

Angelo Bautista, a 2009 South graduate, worked as a nurse while training to become an airline pilot. During the coronavirus pandem ...

From L-R; Haley Borin, Tuyishimire Neza David, University of South Alabama students Mason Redmond and Catie Martin on a church mission in Gahara, Rwanda in June 2019.

A Passion to Serve
May 26, 2021

A dozen recent South graduates devoted more than 100 hours of community service each through USA's South Serves program. ...

PASSAGE USA is a comprehensive transitioning program focusing on education and employment for students with intellectual disabilities.

South to Host PASSAGE USA Camp
May 25, 2021

PASSAGE USA's Postsecondary Education Preview Overnight Summer Camp for rising sophomores, juniors and seniors is June 15-17. ...

South assistant professor Matt Howard has been researching the use of virtual reality in workplace training since he was in grad school. He has two soon-to-be published articles he believes will have a significant impact in that space.

A New Working Reality
May 21, 2021

University of South Alabama assistant professor Dr. Matt Howard is researching the use of virtual reality in workplace training. ...

Navy Rear Admiral Gayle Shaffer, a 1987 biology graduate of the University of South Alabama, is the first dentist to serve as Deputy Surgeon General.

Setting Sail from South
May 20, 2021

Rear Admiral Gayle Shaffer, a 1987 biology graduate, went on to join the Navy, travel the world and become the first dentist to se ...

For two years, following a 2015 shooting, Kearria Freed was unable to walk unassisted. Last week, she walked across the stage at the University of South Alabama Mitchell Center – one of 2,119 spring and summer degree candidates.

Six Years Later, She Walks
May 11, 2021

Kearria Freed was critically injured and using a wheelchair following a 2015 shooting. With determination, and the help of Pathway ...

A 2021 College of Nursing graduate waves as he walks during spring commencement ceremony.

USA Spring Commencement Ceremonies
May 6, 2021

The University is honoring more than two thousand degree candidates in eight colleges and schools May 6-8 at the USA Mitchell Cent ...

From left are Cathi Jones, assistant director of Fraternity and Sorority Life for USA, Alpha Chi Omega Sorority; 2020-2021 College Panhellenic President Payton Parnell, Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority; 2019-2020 College Panhellenic President Kat Crochet, Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority; 2018-2019 College Panhellenic President Grace Galvin McArdle, Kappa Delta Sorority; NPC Area Advisor Betty Quick, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority; Not pictured: USA Development Officer Aimee Meyers, College of Education and Professional Studies, Global USA, Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority.

Greek Council Creates Endowed Scholarship
May 3, 2021

College Panhellenic Council's gift will be matched by the Mitchell-Moulton Scholarship Initiative making the endowment $50,00 ...

South Celebrates Volunteers During National Volunteer Month
April 29, 2021

Volunteers are being celebrated and featured in impact stories on USA social media throughout the remainder of the month. ...

Dr. Lorraine Ahearn, an assistant professor of multimedia journalism at the University of South Alabama, holds a boom microphone for her interview with a Bayou Le Batre resident who moved there from Vietnam as a child. Ahearn is producing a documentary about the Vietnamese fishing community on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The videographer on many of her interviews is Francisco Cordova, right, a December graduate from the digital cinema and television program.

'Safe Harbor' on the Gulf Coast
April 29, 2021

A documentary produced by Assistant Professor Dr. Lorraine Ahearn will focus on a tight-knit Vietnamese fishing community that has ...

Margaret Sullivan, Vice President, Development and Alumni Relations at USA, Patrick T. Murphy, Jr., Vice President, Alabama Power, Mobile Division and Dr. Andre Green, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs at USA and President of 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile.

Alabama Power Foundation donates to Leadership in Social Justice and Perseverance Scholarship
April 29, 2021

The Alabama Power Foundation grant is the largest corporate donation the scholarship has received since its inception in 2020. ...

Fourth Annual USA Giving Day Raises $95,585
South community supports University initiatives, USA Health

Fourth Annual USA Giving Day Raises $95,585
April 28, 2021

234 donors supported South's priorities including scholarships, student emergency funds, social justice initiatives and USA H ...

Dr. Natalie Gassman, an assistant professor of physiology and cell biology at the University of South Alabama, and graduate student Arlet Hernandez left, are conducting experiments and continuing research on the harmful effects of dihydroxyacetone, a molecule produced by electronic cigarettes, at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute.

'A Flamethrower of Chemicals'
April 26, 2021

Vaping remains popular among those seeking to quit tobacco smoking and young people enticed by flavors from watermelon to creme br ...

South will have a new interdisciplinary PhD program in chemical and biomolecular engineering beginning this fall. The program is a result of a group of interdisciplinary faculty building the necessary research and funding capacity to support it.

New Interdisciplinary Ph. D. Program Begins in the Fall
April 26, 2021

Chemical and biomolecular engineering program is expected to be mostly self-supporting through research grants and contracts. ...

Civil rights activist and native Mobilian Bob Zellner will speak at the University of South Alabama about his life’s work of fighting for justice in the freedom movement with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mrs. Rosa Parks and many others.

Civil Rights Legend to Speak at the MacQueen Center
April 22, 2021

Prominent civil rights activist Bob Zellner, a native of Mobile, will speak at the University of South Alabama April 28th, 2021. ...

The HEART Project, a new program to support sexual assault survivors and bring education and awareness to the campus and Mobile community, will launch at the University of South Alabama in June.

Creating a Safe Space for Sexual Assault Survivors
April 21, 2021

South launches a new initiative with the mission of preventing sexual violence on campus and helping sexual assault survivors ...

The Student Government Association officers for 2021-2022 are from top left, clockwise, Grace Sekaya, president; Hope Bae, vice president; Maggie Braun, treasurer; Carly Williams, chief justice; and Neha Piracha, student-at-large.

2021-2022 Student Government Association Officials Elected
April 20, 2021

Grace Sekaya, a junior majoring in international studies and pre-med elected as SGA president for the 2021-2022 academic year. ...

Raghad Sultan, a criminal justice major from Saudi Arabia, is completing an internship with the University of South Alabama Police Department.

To Protect and Solve
April 19, 2021

Raghdad Sultan followed the family tradition of attending USA. Her experience at South is preparing her for a decidedly nontraditi ...

Sara Boone, left, won first place for Best Magazine Page Layout Designer while Breahna Crosslin took 5th place for Best Press Photographer at the "Best of the South 2020" contest. The University's student magazine, Due South won 2nd place for Best College Magazine.

JagMedia Honored for Excellence
April 15, 2021

The University's student-led media department wins two individual awards and one for Due South magazine in recent awards cere ...

Mortar Board Honors South's Top Professors
April 13, 2021

Forty-six faculty members selected for positively influencing their students and going above and beyond to help them succeed. ...

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, K-12 educators were forced to quickly dive into new technology to efficiently communicate with families and continue to teach students. Everyone can agree, media specialists and school librarians are the heart of K-12 schools. Dr. Pamela Moore has continued to provide guidance and inspiration to educators across the U.S. through training, personal phone calls, and teaching in her own virtual classroom.

Leading K-12 Educators Effectively Through a Pandemic
April 12, 2021

USA assistant professor helps guide local K-12 educators in media and technology to effectively teach during the pandemic. ...

Tara Keech, a 2006 graduate of the University of South Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, is the founder of Tarah Keech Coaching, which is focused on helping professionals overcome the challenges of insecurity, anxiety and stress.

Coaching Others to Balance and Reignite
April 12, 2021

Tarah Keech, who earned a psychology degree from South, had to learn to refocus from burnout. Now she's made it her life' ...

Port City Pups owner Bailey Duos, who graduated from South’s entrepreneur program last year, had to adjust expectations when dog boarding dried up during the pandemic. “I definitely matured really fast. I’m a little more careful now,” she said.

'A Year That Won't Soon Be Forgotten'
April 1, 2021

South business graduates and professors describe how a crisis such as the coronavirus pandemic drives companies and nonprofits to ...

USA sophomore Trinity Walker made the most of engaging with guest speakers in her Career Planning course leading to opportunities to write for a national publication and landing an internship with a company in her area of study.

Opening Her Own Doors to Opportunity
April 1, 2021

South Hospitality and Tourism Management major makes her own luck by identifying opportunity and pursuing it passionately. ...

The research of Dr. Mohamed Shaban, assistant professor of electrical engineering at the University of South Alabama, focuses on using brain waves — shown here in this photo illustration — to reveal cognitive impairment as a result of Parkinson's Disease.

Deep Learning Opens New Possibilities in Parkinson's Treatment
March 26, 2021

Computer-assisted analysis focusing on brain waves could help physicians detect and manage cognitive impairment in the early stage ...

Healthcare CEO Learned Flexibility at South
March 26, 2021

Wilson Thomas studied management and political science for a degree in interdisciplinary studies. His career in hospital administr ...

Cory Quint, 2020 President of the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo and Crystal Hightower, senior research lab manager at the University of South Alabama School of Marine and Environmental Sciences.

Supporting the School of Marine and Environmental Sciences
March 25, 2021

The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo and the Coastal Conservation Association Alabama each donate to the newly-established school. ...

Students, faculty, staff and the public are invited to visit the University of South Alabama's spring art gallery through May 7, 2021.

Art and Art History Department Hosts Spring Galleries
March 23, 2021

Students' work featuring various mediums and art styles highlighting skills and techniques learned at South will be on displa ...

A Perfect Match
March 23, 2021

South's Clinical and Counseling Psychology doctoral program continues to match students with ideal internship opportunities. ...

USA Led Initiative Lands $4.85 Million Grant
March 22, 2021

Funding will be used to establish a technical assistance and training programs for innovative wastewater treatment solutions. ...

University of South Alabama assistant professor of chemistry Dr. T. Grant Glover is part of a collaborative effort with researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Chicago and General Electric to design and develop a portable device that produces drinking water out of thin air.

Making Drinking Water Out of Thin Air
March 18, 2021

USA engineering professor Grant Glover is part of a groundbreaking research project to address global water scarcity. The result c ...

A recent economic impact analysis conducted by the University for South Alabama Center for Real Estate and Economic Development determined that DISL generates an overall annual economic impact of $56 million for the state of Alabama, and $54 million to the lower Alabama region.

DISL Delivers $56 Million Economic Impact to Alabama
March 16, 2021

A recent study conducted by the University of South Alabama finds the Dauphin Island Sea Lab to be an economic powerhouse. ...

USA administrators present a check for the Leadership in Social Justice and Perserverance scholarship. Left to right: Dr. Andre Green, Dr. Paul Frazier, Dr. Angela Coleman, Dr. Mike Mitchell and USA President Dr. Tony Waldrop.

USA Leaders Contribute $35,000 to Social Justice Scholarship
March 16, 2021

With dollar for dollar matching through the Mitchell Moulton Scholarship Initiative, the gift will have a total impact of $70,000. ...

The 2021 ACUI Legacy Leader is Dr. Krista Harrell, associate dean of students and Title IX coordinator at the University of South Alabama.

Harrell Receives Prestigious Professional Award
March 16, 2021

USA's associate dean of students and Title IX coordinator Krista Harrell is named the 2021 ACUI Legacy Leader. ...

A Discussion on Islamic Thought
March 15, 2021

Dr. Asma Afsaruddin, professor of Middle Eastern languages and cultures is the featured speaker in the Mahan lecture series. ...

Plans for South's School of Marine and Environmental Sciences call for additional faculty, renovated classroom space and new academic programs. “The school capitalizes on our strategic location on the Gulf Coast, and allows us to expand opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students,” said Dr. Andi Kent, interim provost and senior vice president.

South Launches School of Marine and Environmental Sciences
March 15, 2021

Plans call for new undergraduate and graduate programs to complement the existing degrees that have been offered by the department ...

The Jaguar Investment Fund meets weekly in the John B. Saint Financial Analysis Center at the Mitchell College of Business. Its success, rising above $1 million and beating the S&P 500, has led to an additional investment from the University, with profits funding scholarships.

1 Million Reasons to be Bullish
March 9, 2021

With the Jaguar Investment Fund rising above seven figures, doubling in value and beating the S&P 500, student fund managers s ...

USA Trustees Announce President Search Committee
March 5, 2021

Board of Trustees begin search for the University's next president as Dr. Tony Waldrop will retire at the end of June. ...

South Collaborates With Mobile Jewish Film Festival
March 2, 2021

The Mobile Jewish Film Festival joins more than 60 other events across the country in showcasing some of the best independent film ...

Beginning in the 2021 fall semester, students can look forward to returning to in-class instruction.

South Plans For Traditional Fall Schedule
March 1, 2021

The University announces a transition back to a normal course schedule with face-to-face classes, along with student meetings, act ...

Grant Skinner and Sarai Garraway, both juniors and South Strong Ambassadors at the University of South Alabama, meet with fellow students recently outside the Student Center to talk about the importance of following precautions to keep people safe from COVID-19.

Ambassadors Bring Positive Energy, Critical Message
March 1, 2021

The South Strong Ambassadors are using peer encouragement, social media and Jag swag in promoting COVID-19 practices to keep peopl ...

Amre Davis, a Vigor High School student who is taking courses at the University of South as part of the Start South dual enrollment program, starts her schoolwork as early as 4 a.m. “I get up, set up my laptop, maybe have a bowl of cereal, and get going on my assignments,” she said.

High Schoolers Get a Jump Start with Start South
February 22, 2021

The dual enrollment program allows high school students to begin taking college classes at half the cost, while reducing the time ...

Researchers from the William B. Burnsed Jr. Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering Department. From L-R; Michael Johnson, MS student and Graduate Research Assistant, Nazim Uddin, MS student and Graduate Research Assistant, Prof. Kuang-Ting Hsiao display a unidirectional ZT-CFRP Prepreg sample produced in Hsiao’s lab and a ZT-CFRP Composite Panel manufactured from stacks of ZT-CFRP prepregs.

Developing Next Generation Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers
February 22, 2021

USA lands a large grant and partners with private industry to develop improved carbon fiber reinforced polymers for commercializat ...

NBC 15 Chief Meteorologist and USA adjunct instructor Alan Sealls has achieved multiple firsts in his more than three decade career in television.

Forecasting the Weather and Making History
February 18, 2021

South adjunct instructor Alan Sealls has broken through numerous ethnic barriers to become one of nation's top meteorologists ...

With Mardi Gras canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, South alumnae Suzanne Sarver, left, and Courtney Harris, right, joined with Mitchell College of Business Ph.D. student Stacy Wellborn to begin the Mobile Porch Parade. Wellborn's home features monsters from the children’s book, “Where the Wild Things Are.”

South Graduates Lead Mobile Porch Parade
February 13, 2021

With Mardi Gras parades canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, two alumnae and a Ph.D. candidate find a new way to celebrat ...

Dr. Tony Waldrop will step down as president later this year. “It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve as president of the University of South Alabama, and to work alongside an outstanding group of talented and dedicated faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and administrators,” he said.

USA President Tony Waldrop to Retire; National Search to Commence
February 11, 2021

The retirement of Dr. Tony Waldrop later this year follows a seven-year tenure marked by substantial growth and enhancements to th ...

Alayna Reid, a nursing student at the University of South Alabama, participates in the COVID-19 vaccination effort at the Mobile Civic Center. Nursing students are assisting USA Health providers in operating the county's largest vaccination site.

South Healthcare Students Join COVID-19 Vaccination Effort
February 10, 2021

At the Mobile Civic Center, where hundreds of people are rolling up their sleeves each day, students are getting to work — d ...

2020 Mobile County Public Schools Teachers of the Year. From L-R; Anna Mouton, Clark-Shaw School of Math, Science and Technology. Julie Neidhardt, Hutchens Elementary School. Deborah Pippen, Citronelle High School.

South Alumnae named Teachers of the Year
February 9, 2021

A trio of women, who earned degrees from South have now been named the best of the best in the Mobile County Public Schools. ...

USA student 2nd Lt. Zachary LaJoie, a recent graduate, received his military commission after completing the USA Army ROTC program last fall. LaJoie’s parents Steve and Bonnie pin his bars onto the uniform during the ceremony.

Perseverance Pays Off
February 8, 2021

2nd Lt. Zachery LaJoie receives his military commission from the U. S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, ROTC at South. ...

The University's Black History Month events were planned by USA Black Student Union with the support of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.

Celebrating the History and Heritage of Black Americans
February 3, 2021

South celebrates Black History Month with virtual events, observing University and CDC COVID-19 guidelines for safety. ...

Full News Archive

Pilot Nurses a Dream June 1, 2021

A Passion to Serve May 26, 2021

South to Host PASSAGE USA Camp May 25, 2021

A New Working Reality May 21, 2021

Setting Sail from South May 20, 2021

Six Years Later, She Walks May 11, 2021

USA Spring Commencement Ceremonies May 6, 2021

Greek Council Creates Endowed Scholarship May 3, 2021

South Celebrates Volunteers During National Volunteer Month April 29, 2021

'Safe Harbor' on the Gulf Coast April 29, 2021

Alabama Power Foundation donates to Leadership in Social Justice and Perseverance Scholarship April 29, 2021

Fourth Annual USA Giving Day Raises $95,585 April 28, 2021

'A Flamethrower of Chemicals' April 26, 2021

New Interdisciplinary Ph. D. Program Begins in the Fall April 26, 2021

Civil Rights Legend to Speak at the MacQueen Center April 22, 2021

Creating a Safe Space for Sexual Assault Survivors April 21, 2021

2021-2022 Student Government Association Officials Elected April 20, 2021

To Protect and Solve April 19, 2021

JagMedia Honored for Excellence April 15, 2021

Mortar Board Honors South's Top Professors April 13, 2021

Leading K-12 Educators Effectively Through a Pandemic April 12, 2021

Coaching Others to Balance and Reignite April 12, 2021

'A Year That Won't Soon Be Forgotten' April 1, 2021

Opening Her Own Doors to Opportunity April 1, 2021

Deep Learning Opens New Possibilities in Parkinson's Treatment March 26, 2021

Healthcare CEO Learned Flexibility at South March 26, 2021

Supporting the School of Marine and Environmental Sciences March 25, 2021

Art and Art History Department Hosts Spring Galleries March 23, 2021

A Perfect Match March 23, 2021

USA Led Initiative Lands $4.85 Million Grant March 22, 2021

Making Drinking Water Out of Thin Air March 18, 2021

DISL Delivers $56 Million Economic Impact to Alabama March 16, 2021

USA Leaders Contribute $35,000 to Social Justice Scholarship March 16, 2021

Harrell Receives Prestigious Professional Award March 16, 2021

A Discussion on Islamic Thought March 15, 2021

South Launches School of Marine and Environmental Sciences March 15, 2021

1 Million Reasons to be Bullish March 9, 2021

USA Trustees Announce President Search Committee March 5, 2021

South Collaborates With Mobile Jewish Film Festival March 2, 2021

South Plans For Traditional Fall Schedule March 1, 2021

Ambassadors Bring Positive Energy, Critical Message March 1, 2021

High Schoolers Get a Jump Start with Start South February 22, 2021

Developing Next Generation Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers February 22, 2021

Forecasting the Weather and Making History February 18, 2021

South Graduates Lead Mobile Porch Parade February 13, 2021

USA President Tony Waldrop to Retire; National Search to Commence February 11, 2021

South Healthcare Students Join COVID-19 Vaccination Effort February 10, 2021

South Alumnae named Teachers of the Year February 9, 2021

Perseverance Pays Off February 8, 2021

Celebrating the History and Heritage of Black Americans February 3, 2021