USA News Archive

South Employees, Retirees Raise $720K
May 16, 2017

The Employee and Retiree Annual Fund is part of South's Upward & Onward comprehensive fundraising campaign. ...

Newly-named Alabama Teacher of the Year Chasity Collier, left, receives a special 50th Anniversary medallion from Dr. Andrea Kent, dean of the University of South Alabama College of Education, during a surprise celebration pep rally at Dawes Intermediate School. Earlier this year, South Alabama’s College of Education celebrated 50 years. Collier teaches fifth-grade science at Dawes Intermediate School.

Alumna Named Alabama Teacher of the Year
May 12, 2017

Chasity Collier, a fifth-grade science teacher at Dawes Intermediate School in Mobile County, graduated from South in 1998. ...

The finalists of the USA Public Speaking Contest are, seated from left, third place winner Faith Wheeler of Murphy High School; first place winner Siddiqah Abdullah of Murphy High School and second place winner Marie Doyle from the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science. Standing from left are USA communications faculty Dr. Reggie Moody, associate professor; Katherine Rigsby, instructor; Megan Sparks, senior instructor; Dr. James Aucoin, professor and chair; and Dr. April Dupree Taylor, assistant professor.

'Advocacy' Highlights Public Speaking Contest
May 11, 2017

Thirty-one 9th-12th graders from five local schools participated in the contest at the University of South Alabama. ...

The Waterman Globe, after being removed from public view since 2015, was on display this year for Commencement activities, including the College of Medicine's convocation ceremony.

The Waterman Globe Makes Its Return
May 10, 2017

After being draped off for repairs for more than a year, South's traditional photo backdrop at Commencement is back. ...

Dr. Doug Haywick, associate professor of geology, shakes the hand of Dr. Andrzej Wierzbicki, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, at Commencement on May 6. Haywick earned a second bachelor's degree after taking classes beginning in 2002.

'Learning Should be a Lifelong Activity'
May 9, 2017

Retiring professor Dr. Doug Haywick walked across the stage at the Mitchell Center to earn his second bachelor's degree. ...

Rod Newsome, a junior at the University of South Alabama, fell in love with the bass in elementary school after a music teacher played the theme from "Jaws." As a student, he's played twice with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra. Photo courtesy of Ben Harper, Mobile Symphony Orchestra.

A Pinch Hitter With a Double Bass
May 9, 2017

Before arriving at South, Rod Newsome was mostly self-taught. He's since played twice with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra. ...

South Graduates' 'Bittersweet' Moment
May 6, 2017

The University recognized more than 2,200 degree candidates at two ceremonies, 50 years after USA's first commencement. ...

USA’s Office of Student Activities recognizes students for outstanding community service during the annual Student Organization Awards Banquet. From left are Shelby Guidry, Animal Rights Alliance, Student Organization of the Year; Veena Danthuluri, Indian Student Association, Program of the Year; Allyson Heng, Student Organization Leader of the Year; Lyndsie Rhoden, Emerging Leader of the Year; and Kellie Caddell, Student-Run Free Clinic, Graduate Student Organization of the Year.

'Innovative Ways to Serve'
May 5, 2017

South holds its annual awards luncheon to honor and showcase student organizations and community service. ...

Greek organization students raised more than $102,000 for philanthropy this year, and dedicated nearly 32,000 hours of logged-in community service. From left, Ross McDonald, president of Pi Kappa Phi, Fraternity Dean’s Cup winner; Derek Pickett, president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., NPHC Fraternity of the Year; Bryanna Hall, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., NPHC Sorority of the Year; Amanda Nadeau, Alpha Omicron Pi, Sorority Dean’s Cup winner; and Sharon Williams, Chi Omega, Sorority Dean’s Cup winner.

USA Greek Community Recognized
May 4, 2017

Sororities and fraternities raised more than $102,000 for philanthropy this year, and dedicated nearly 32,000 service hours. ...

Dr. Peter Wood standing on lawn with trumpet

Two Countries, Two Stages, One Concert
May 3, 2017

South faculty will play with elementary school students in China via live stream in a May 11 free concert open to the public. ...

Mikayla Walters will return to South to earn a master’s degree in chemical engineering: “I love learning and I am eager to learn all I can in my field.”

Shelby Hall Beat Out Cornell, Caltech
May 1, 2017

Mikayla Walters chose South for engineering after visiting campus. She will stay for her master's after a layover in Chile. ...

Winifred George, who will earn her bachelor's in nursing, wants to work in labor and delivery, and, in the near future, return to school for her graduate degree.

'Humbled by Her Experience'
May 1, 2017

Winifred George watched the compassion of nurses when her grandmother died. Now she wants to help bring life into the world. ...

Jacob Blandford and Martha Marie Engeling will earn their master's degrees in two new programs, marine conservation and resource management and sports management, respectively.

New Degree Programs for New Graduates
May 1, 2017

Master of science degrees will be awarded in sports management, along with marine conservation and resource management. ...

Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood will speak at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony, and European Union Ambassador to the United States David O’Sullivan will address graduates at the 2 p.m. ceremony on May 6.

Commissioner, Diplomat to Address Graduates
April 27, 2017

Mobile's Merceria Ludgood and the EU's David O'Sullivan will speak during Spring Commencement ceremonies on Saturda ...

David Williams of Mobile, a former Mobile County Public School middle and high school teacher pursuing his Ph.D. in instructional design and development at South, will present his paper on the effective way to use test development theory during the University of South Alabama’s Conference on Teaching and Learning.

Innovative Teaching Strategies Focus of Conference
April 24, 2017

The deadline to register for the University of South Alabama's Conference on Teaching and Learning is Wednesday, April 26. ...

$100 Million and Counting
April 24, 2017

The University of South Alabama reaches a milestone in its $150 million 'Upward & Onward' fundraising campaign. ...

Julian MacQueen credits South for taking a chance on him 40 years ago. South's new alumni center will be named after his family.

New Alumni Center to Open in 2018
April 24, 2017

The center recognizes donors Julian and Kim MacQueen: 'It's very important for us to create unity in everything we do.&# ...

Abe Mitchell, whose gift created a $50 million matching scholarship initiative, meets with, from left, students Alexys Brown, Christian Manganti, Derek Rowan and Raven McShan.

Expanding Access to Education, Opportunity
April 24, 2017

Abraham Mitchell, whose generous gift initiated a $50 million scholarship initiative, meets with several grateful recipients. ...

Dr. Gretchen Vandiver, 2012 recipient of the DeBakey Scholarship, is shown in Iquitos, Peru on a medical mission trip through the Christian Medical Ministry of South Alabama.

Rural Medicine Practice Made Possible
April 24, 2017

The DeBakey Foundation has provided the USA College of Medicine more than $2 million to support academic scholarships. ...

Natalie Sessions French seated at computer

Jags to Jobs: Natalie Sessions French
April 21, 2017

Jags to Jobs is a LinkedIn series that features University of South Alabama alumni, their careers and how they got to where they a ...

USA students rehearse for the 2017 'La Vie Parisienne Operetta,' which will take place April 21-23.

A French Opera on the Gulf Coast
April 20, 2017

Students take the stage for this weekend's 'La Vie Parisienne,' complete with a saucy millionaire and can-can danci ...

Upgrades to Parking, Pipes, Roads, Roofs
April 20, 2017

Look for an increase in construction on main campus following commencement and lasting through the summer. ...

Dr. Thomas Rich, associate professor of pharmacology, left, and Dr. Silas Leavesley, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, are co-founders of SpectraCyte, a previous Alabama Launchpad award winner.

South to Host Alabama Launchpad
April 20, 2017

USA, along with the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, will welcome innovative startups April 27 in downtown Mobile. ...

Each year, South graduate and artist Ricky Trione visits classes in the College of Education. A lesson quickly emerges: If a blind man can create boldly colored, vibrant paintings, and sit on the floor of a classroom teaching kindergarteners how to do the same, then teachers can use art to communicate with almost anyone.

In Darkness, Colors Shine Bright
April 14, 2017

South graduate Ricky Trione's medium was pen and ink. When he lost his sight, Trione thought he'd lost art, too. ...

Dr. Steve Lim, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the College of Medicine, said he hopes his research will advance current atherosclerosis therapies from preventative to treatable.

$1.5 Million Grant to South Professor
April 13, 2017

Dr. Steve Lim's research is on cell signaling that contributes to atherosclerosis, a chronic vascular inflammatory disease. ...

DayZero team members headed to the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition finals include, from left, Nathan Herron; Ryan Creel; Tristen Higginbotham; Garrett Smith; DeMarcus Williams; Chris Patrick; Dr. Todd Andel, professor of computer science; Thanh Nguyen and William Holder.

South Heads to National Cyber Defense Finals
April 12, 2017

Members of DayZero advance after winning the top slot in the Southeast Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition. ...

Rachel Chandebise, portrayed by Sadie Bell Freeman, greets husband Victor, portrayed by Kip Hayes, during rehearsals for 'A Flea in Her Ear.'

Comic Romp Closes Theatre USA Season
April 4, 2017

Theatre USA will present the classic farce, 'A Flea in Her Ear,' April 14-22. Tickets are on sale. ...

Anthony Richardson has been in business for 28 years. While his grass-cutting services account for the lion’s share of his annual revenue, Richadson said the work is seasonal, leaving a four-month winter lull that has forced him to diversify his offerings.

South Launches Minority Business Accelerator
April 10, 2017

The program is made possible with a $25,000 grant from PNC Bank and the involvement of a consortium of community partners. ...

Introducing the newly elected 2017-2018 University of South Alabama SGA officers: From left, Kevin Aria, treasurer; Taylor Davis, chief justice; Carl A.Thomas, president; Elizabeth Hernandez, vice president; and Joshua Robertson, attorney general.

SGA Officers Elected For 2017-18
April 7, 2017

Carl A. Thomas, 21, has been selected as president; Elizabeth Hernandez, 20, will be next year's vice president. ...

Ben is a very impressive researcher who does an excellent job of managing his time between classes, research, student leadership and tutoring," says Dr. Kevin West, associate professor of chemical engineering, here with chemical engineering junior and Goldwater Scholar Ben Siu.

Stop What You're Doing and Be Awesome
April 7, 2017

Chemical engineering major Benjamin Siu takes his mentor's advice, and is awarded a Goldwater Scholarship along the way. ...

Congratulating Dr. Keith Blackwell, second from left, on his award from CSX were Andrew Murray, instructor of meteorology and Coastal Weather Research Center hurricane specialist; Dr. Andre Wierzbicki, dean of arts and sciences; Pete McCarty, director of the Coastal Weather Research Center; Dr. Bill Williams, director emeritus; and Dr. Sytske Kimball, chair of meteorology.

Transportation Giant Honors South Meteorologist
April 4, 2017

CSX Corp. recognizes Dr. Keith Blackwell for his Hurricane Matthew forecasting through the Coastal Weather Research Center. ...

Senior Madison Tuttle and graduate student Robert “Bobby” Faulk each is the recipient of prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.

Honors Senior, Graduate Earn NSF Fellowships
April 3, 2017

Madison Tuttle and Bobby Faulk are among eight South students to receive the prestigious scholarship award since 2011. ...

rows of students facing front of classroom - some with laptops open

Education Has a New Name at South
March 30, 2017

The College of Education, celebrating 50 years, is expanding under the name College of Education and Professional Studies. ...

Sophomore Anisa Heilman, whose parents are deaf, has co-authored a bill under consideration in the Alabama legislature addressing deaf and hard of hearing language opportunities for children.

Seeking Change, Student Co-Authors Legislation
March 30, 2017

Strategic communications major Anisa Heilman collaborates on a state bill addressing opportunities for deaf children. ...

Margaret Murray Sullivan, chosen as South's Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, has served in numerous leadership positions with the University. She was instrumental in the conception of a cancer institute at USA and spearheaded the Mitchell Cancer Institute feasibility study in 2000.

VP Picked for Development, Alumni
March 29, 2017

Margaret Murray Sullivan steps in as the University advances its ambitious $150 million Upward & Onward fundraising campaign. ...

Dr. Madhuri Mulekar, professor and chair of mathematics and statistics, is the recipient of a nearly $7,000 Clare Boothe Luce Scholarship that will provide full tuition, accommodations, meals and travel for her to attend a two-week leadership institute.

Mulekar Selected to Attend Leadership Institute
March 27, 2017

Dr. Madhuri Mulekar, professor and chair of mathematics and statistics, received a scholarship for the two-week program. ...

Benjamin Pelham, who is taking courses at South through PASSAGE USA, works part-time in the Registrar’s Office.

'College Is Possible,' No Limits to Learning
March 24, 2017

Through social and academic preparation, PASSAGE USA is offering the intellectually disabled a path to employment. ...

Britt Named to World Languages Board
March 24, 2017

Senior instructor Kristy Britt was elected to the board of directors of the Alabama World Languages Association. ...

Video: What South Means to You
March 23, 2017

One year after the "We Are South" brand launch, South students share their voices to finish the rally cry "We Are . ...

Jake Magnin, instructor for South’s first drone certification course, discusses technical aspects of the federal drone certification test with students.

He Takes South Classes, Then Leads One
March 22, 2017

Jake Magnin got a degree in psychology, before flying planes, before enrolling in engineering, before leading a drone course. ...

Dr. Daniel Cameron will be among the honorees recognized at the American Cancer Society’s Black-Out Ball on March 31 in Fairhope.

An Oncologist with an Engineering Degree
March 21, 2017

Dr. Daniel Cameron had a wife and three children when he left his job as an aerospace engineer. Now he fights cancer at MCI. ...

Dr. James Hevia, professor of history at the University of Chicago, will speak about environmental degradation at South's annual Mahan Lecture.

Mahan Lecture Focus: Environmental Degradation
March 21, 2017

Dr. James Hevia, professor of history, University of Chicago, will speak March 23. The event is free and open to the public. ...

Dr. Krista Harrell, IFC adviser, second row, fourth from left, and Brendon Garrity, IFC president, second row, fifth from left, received second place among a record number of teams in the Student-Adviser category at the recent Southeastern Interfraternity Conference.

IFC President, Adviser Place in Competition
March 21, 2017

Brendon Garrity and Dr. Krista Harrell earn recognition in the Leadership Academy Case Study competition. ...

“Don’t create a false environment for your plants,” said Gary Carley, South's landscaping manager. Dig a hole, plant and be confident.

Want Your Yard to Look Like Ours?
March 16, 2017

South's chief landscaper, Gary Carley, offers seven springtime tips for getting your garden in order. No green thumb required ...

University of South Alabama alumna Vanessa Reyner started her agency, VMR, at a breakfast table. Her business has since expanded, combining a trio of talents, ideas and personalities at a downtown Mobile office.

A Business Begun at the Breakfast Table
March 15, 2017

South graduate Vanessa Reyner started small, but soon expanded her 'purpose-driven' marketing agency to meet client need ...

South Alabama students, from left, Anesha Lee, Ebony Johnson and Meghan Sergeant presented papers in the Health Sciences section of the Alabama Academy of Science competition. Sergeant won first place and Johnson won second place. The AAS held its 94th annual meeting on South's campus, attended by more than 250 scientific experts, science faculty and teachers, and college and high school students.

South Students Get Top Science Awards
March 13, 2017

The awards were given for paper and poster presentations at the 94th annual meeting of the Alabama Academy of Science. ...

Leigh Delaney-Tucker, senior instructor of biology and life sciences, and Dr. Cris Hollingsworth, associate professor of English, bottom photo, are two of 10 faculty members who were selected to participate in the Active Learning Initiative pilot project to increase student performance in the classroom and online.

Redesigned Courses Promote Active Learning
March 9, 2017

South's Active Learning Initiative is in the second year of a pilot program: 'This process has improved student outcomes ...

Mechell Daniel, No. 16, plays professional volleyball for OrPo in Finland. At South, the geography major from England made the all-conference team each of her four years with the Jaguars.

'She Just Has That Presence'
March 8, 2017

She's quick, athletic and 6-foot-3. And at South, she had 1,511 kills. Meet Mechell Daniel, Finnish pro volleyball player. ...

As chief operating officer, Owen Bailey is responsible for the management and operation of the University of South Alabama hospitals and outpatient centers.

Bailey Named CEO of USA Health
March 7, 2017

The veteran health care leader served as COO of the University's academic health care system since March 2016. ...

Katherine Free, 17, of Hoover, takes Russian classes from her home in Hoover. “With Russian, you have to put in the effort to speak out loud in order to perfect your accent," she said. Photo courtesy of Phil Free.

Lessons from Across the World, Across the State
March 3, 2017

Seventeen-year-old Hoover ballerina, who took the stage this month in Birmingham, perfects her Russian online at South. ...

Full News Archive

South Employees, Retirees Raise $720K May 16, 2017

Alumna Named Alabama Teacher of the Year May 12, 2017

'Advocacy' Highlights Public Speaking Contest May 11, 2017

The Waterman Globe Makes Its Return May 10, 2017

'Learning Should be a Lifelong Activity' May 9, 2017

A Pinch Hitter With a Double Bass May 9, 2017

South Graduates' 'Bittersweet' Moment May 6, 2017

'Innovative Ways to Serve' May 5, 2017

USA Greek Community Recognized May 4, 2017

Two Countries, Two Stages, One Concert May 3, 2017

Shelby Hall Beat Out Cornell, Caltech May 1, 2017

'Humbled by Her Experience' May 1, 2017

New Degree Programs for New Graduates May 1, 2017

Commissioner, Diplomat to Address Graduates April 27, 2017

Innovative Teaching Strategies Focus of Conference April 24, 2017

$100 Million and Counting April 24, 2017

New Alumni Center to Open in 2018 April 24, 2017

Expanding Access to Education, Opportunity April 24, 2017

Rural Medicine Practice Made Possible April 24, 2017

Jags to Jobs: Natalie Sessions French April 21, 2017

A French Opera on the Gulf Coast April 20, 2017

Upgrades to Parking, Pipes, Roads, Roofs April 20, 2017

South to Host Alabama Launchpad April 20, 2017

In Darkness, Colors Shine Bright April 14, 2017

$1.5 Million Grant to South Professor April 13, 2017

South Heads to National Cyber Defense Finals April 12, 2017

Comic Romp Closes Theatre USA Season April 4, 2017

South Launches Minority Business Accelerator April 10, 2017

SGA Officers Elected For 2017-18 April 7, 2017

Stop What You're Doing and Be Awesome April 7, 2017

Transportation Giant Honors South Meteorologist April 4, 2017

Honors Senior, Graduate Earn NSF Fellowships April 3, 2017

Education Has a New Name at South March 30, 2017

Seeking Change, Student Co-Authors Legislation March 30, 2017

VP Picked for Development, Alumni March 29, 2017

Mulekar Selected to Attend Leadership Institute March 27, 2017

'College Is Possible,' No Limits to Learning March 24, 2017

Britt Named to World Languages Board March 24, 2017

Video: What South Means to You March 23, 2017

He Takes South Classes, Then Leads One March 22, 2017

An Oncologist with an Engineering Degree March 21, 2017

Mahan Lecture Focus: Environmental Degradation March 21, 2017

IFC President, Adviser Place in Competition March 21, 2017

Want Your Yard to Look Like Ours? March 16, 2017

A Business Begun at the Breakfast Table March 15, 2017

South Students Get Top Science Awards March 13, 2017

Redesigned Courses Promote Active Learning March 9, 2017

'She Just Has That Presence' March 8, 2017

Bailey Named CEO of USA Health March 7, 2017

Lessons from Across the World, Across the State March 3, 2017