USA News Archives | Media Relations

Sarah Crass is a University of South Alabama graduate and chief of staff at Medical Teams International, which has international experience with viruses including Ebola. "So we know how to do isolation, patient care and hygiene education. We’re trying to figure this out, serve where we can.”

Pivoting to Address a Pandemic
April 17, 2020

South alumna Sarah Crass helps lead Medical Teams International, addressing COVID-19 challenges in the U.S. and abroad. ...

How to Make Working From Home Work
April 13, 2020

USA Mitchell College of Business management experts share ideas on how to make the most from working at home. ...

USA is home to four of the seven Alabama students selected as 2020 Goldwater Scholars. From left, Richard Fu, Hannah Giannini, Samantha Michlowitz and John Pomerat.

Striking Gold: 4 Named Goldwater Scholars
April 9, 2020

USA maxes out Goldwater Scholarship slots and tops the state with four undergraduates in the 2020 class. ...

South Alabama football Coach Steve Campbell leads freshmen in a cheer during the 2019 Week of Welcome for new students.

Application Fee, ACT/SAT Requirements Waived
April 6, 2020

South also offering a $100 credit for virtual visits to connect with prospective undergraduate students. ...

Raed Alsulami, a University of South Alabama graduate in hospitality and tourism management and assistant manager for the main restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, credits his experiences as a student for his current success. “I feel that the program at USA helped me get to where I am today and provided opportunities for me to maximize my goals in the industry,” he said.

Fusing Southern, Saudi Hospitality
March 30, 2020

One of South's first hospitality and tourism graduates, Raed Alsulami works at a top-ranked restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton, R ...

Lori Baggett, who graduated from the University of South Alabama in 1998 and played on the women's basketball team, has been named managing partner of Carlton Fields' Tampa, Fla., office.

A Legal Mind, a Basketball IQ
March 27, 2020

As managing partner at Carlton Fields, Lori Baggett is showing the leadership she once brought to the classroom and the court. ...

6 Tips for Distance Learning
March 26, 2020

Distance learning can present challenges for students used to a traditional classroom setting. These tips can make it easier. ...

Andy Vickers, a graduate of the University of South Alabama's Mitchell College of Business, opened two F45 fitness training studios and plans to open a third in Pensacola.

Turning Adversity into Opportunity
March 22, 2020

With dreams of wakeboarding derailed, Andy Vickers is using his entrepreneurial skills to help others reach their fitness goals. ...

South alumna Lucy Gafford worked with other artists and students from several Boys & Girls Clubs in 2014 to paint this mural attached to the facade of the old Gayfers' building in downtown Mobile. The mural depicts life in Mobile County and includes USA's Moulton Tower. Today Gafford is executive director of the Mobile Arts Council.

Encouraging Artists to do 'Big Things'
March 21, 2020

Alumna Lucy Gafford sees opportunity growing in Coastal Alabama. Her goal is to retain young artists in that cultural renewal. ...

Dr. Robert Holm, professor of music at the University of South Alabama, plays on a Steinway recently donated to the department of music through a legacy gift by Dr. Jeanne Sylvestre, an emeritus professor of accounting.

They Shared Chopin, Played on Steinway
March 16, 2020

An accounting professor's legacy gift, the Polish composer's Opus 25, No. 1, and a South pianist took center stage at La ...

USA National Alumni Association honored alumni and supporters at the 16th annual Distinguished Alumni & Service Awards. Those recognized were, from left, William J. “Happy” Fulford III, Dr. Joseph F. Busta Jr., Brian J. Cuccias, Merceria Ludgood, John T. Crowder Jr., William B. Burnsed Jr. and James J. “Jake” Gosa.

University Alumni, Supporters Honored
March 5, 2020

Five alumni, a retired USA employee and a county commissioner are recognized by the USA National Alumni Association. ...

Among the street name changes on campus, Jaguar Boulevard is the new name for the road that runs between the Student Recreation Center and Stanky Field.

USA Announces Street Name Changes
March 5, 2020

New street names and updated signs will help students and visitors navigate South's campus and find major facilities. ...

Courtney Bryson, who is completing her clinical work to become a registered nurse and earn an associate degree from Coastal Alabama Community College, is already taking online classes at the University of South Alabama toward a Bachelor's of Science in nursing.

Getting a Head Start in Nursing
February 21, 2020

South is collaborating with community colleges to speed the time it takes to earn a Bachelor of Science in nursing. ...

The third installment of the Annual Songwriter Keynote will feature a performance by Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers. Photo: Andy Tennille

Drive-By Truckers' Hood to Perform
February 21, 2020

The March 2 event will include a performance by Patterson Hood, a presentation on roots music and a roundtable discussion. ...

Dr. Heather Hall, dean of the University of South Alabama College of Nursing, has been elected chairperson of the Alabama Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Nursing Dean to Chair State Board
February 20, 2020

Dr. Heather Hall, dean the USA College of Nursing, has been elected chair of the Alabama Association of Colleges of Nursing. ...

Giving Day Graphic that says: 1,1771 Donors, $534,671 Raised, USA Giving Day 2020, Thank You

USA Giving Day Raises $534,671
February 19, 2020

More than 1,700 donors supported scholarships, research, athletics and USA Health programs during the third annual USA Giving Day. ...

Vanessa Quintana is one of the latest South graduates to work under Steve Mussell, right, designing and building Carnival floats. “Steve tells me to put on my Mardi Gras goggles. He wants me to look at a float like someone would at a parade.”

Bringing Artistry to the Streets of Carnival
February 18, 2020

USA alumni keep a tradition alive by designing and building floats for some of Mobile's most iconic Mardi Gras parading group ...

South Stands Against Violence With V-Day 2020
February 14, 2020

USA joins the global movement aimed at ending violence against women and girls during "V-Day: Until the Violence Stops 2020.& ...

Will Rayner, a professional health sciences major from Hoover, Ala., practices on one of the high-tech patient simulators in the new, 39,000-square-foot Simulation Building. The facility is used by South's nursing, allied health and medical students.

Simulated Conditions, Real Results
February 14, 2020

USA healthcare students begin training in the newly opened Simulation Building using high-tech, low-stress manikins. ...

Dr. Tony Waldrop, University of South Alabama president, talks with Beth Thomas, corporate communications manager for Alabama Power, inside the new Alabama Power USA Coastal Weather Research Center. The center provides weather forecasting to more than 100 clients.

Weather Center Gets New Name, Location
February 11, 2020

The Alabama Power USA Coastal Weather Research Center supports business and serves as a training ground for meteorology students. ...

Author Patti Callahan, winner of the prestigious Harper Lee Award, will conduct a writing workshop and discuss her bestselling novel “Becoming Mrs. Lewis” Feb. 13 at the University of South Alabama.

Author Patti Callahan to Hold Workshop
February 11, 2020

The Stokes Center for Creative Writing will host Callahan, who will conduct a writing workshop and discuss her historical novel. ...

Dr. Tony Waldrop, left, president of the University of South Alabama, and Dr. Jesse Smith, president of Jones College, signed an agreement Friday that will expand access to a four-year degree through the Pathway USA program.

Jones College Joins Pathway USA
February 7, 2020

Mississippi's Jones College is the sixth two-year institution to team up with South to expand access to a four-year degree. ...

Stacey Wellborn, a Ph.D. student in business administration at the Mitchell College of Business, said her education is giving her a new perspective. “I have spent the last 20 years working, building businesses, closing businesses and learning lessons,” she said. “Going back to school to pursue my doctorate gives me the opportunity to learn more deeply about why things work — or don’t work.”

Looking at Doing Business Differently
February 4, 2020

Entrepreneur, marketer and Ph.D. student Stacey Wellborn says using data in decision-making has given her a new way of thinking. ...

Ramsey Willis instructs students during a geometry class at Davidson High School in Mobile. Willis majored in business and worked in industry prior to completing his master’s degree in education from South through the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program.

Called to Teach, Supported by South
February 3, 2020

After working in industry, Ramsey Willis used his real-world experience and a USA education to pursue a teaching career. ...

Grace Richardson, a University of South Alabama freshman from Hoover, holds a painting that was part of her Project Aquarius campaign. She earned the Girl Scouts' Gold Award as a result of her work.

South Artist Wins Girl Scout Award
January 28, 2020

Freshman Grace Richardson earns the Girl Scouts' highest honor with a campaign inspired by a visit to the Dauphin Island Sea ...

Dr. Peggy Delmas, an assistant professor in educational leadership spent two years researching the contributions of Catholic sisters in the field of academics, including science.

Celebrating the Contributions of Catholic Sisters in Academics
January 26, 2020

USA assistant professor's research highlights the contributions of Catholic sisters' careers in education leadership and ...

Julian and Kim MacQeen, center, join South alumni and supporters to cut the ribbon on the MacQueen Alumni Center. The 15,000-square foot-facility is in the center of campus, across from Moulton Tower and Alumni Plaza.

MacQueen Alumni Center Opens on Campus
January 24, 2020

The University's National Alumni Association cuts the ribbon on the center that will serve as home for nearly 85,000 alumni. ...

University of South Alabama engineering students Bryant Baldwin, left, and Rachel Chai, center, are creating a filter to adsorb, or adhere, phosphate from wastewater and/or stormwater, under the guidance of Dr. Arka Pandit, an assistant professor of civil, coastal and environmental engineering at USA.

Stopping a Waste of Useful Waste
January 23, 2020

USA students are recognized for their research on recovering an important nutrient from treated wastewater sludge. ...

Author Edwidge Danticat will discuss her writing on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 5 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. She will also lead a creative writing class during her visit.

USA to Host Author Edwidge Danticat
January 21, 2020

The Haitian-born Danticat will visit Jan. 30. Her latest book, 'Everything Inside,' includes stories of her personal jou ...

South Alabama alumna Tiffany Whitfield started the Tiffany Whitfield Scholarship for Undergraduate Students to help others pursue a degree at South. Whitfield teaches at the American Creativity Academy for Boys in Kuwait.

Living in Kuwait, Investing in South
January 17, 2020

Tiffany Whitfield had a dilemma: What to do with her earnings from teaching abroad. She decided to pay for others' education. ...

Jessica Jones, who earned a earned a Ph.D. in microbiology from South, is set to complete seven marathons on seven continents after winning the Mobile Marathon. She trains on Dauphin Island, where she lives and works.

One Marathon Won, 183 Miles to Go
January 16, 2020

After taking the Mobile Marathon, College of Medicine alumna Jessica Jones readies for her greatest physical challenge. ...

graphic: Office of Adult Learner Services Open House, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., University Commons Room 3901, 75 South University Boulevard, Mobile, Alabama 36608

Open House Set for Adult Learners
January 15, 2020

Interested in returning to college? The Office of Adult Learner Services will hold an open house Feb. 11 to answer questions. ...

Unity and Service Events to Honor MLK
January 15, 2020

South will support activities commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. beginning Jan. 16 leading up to Monday's national holiday. ...

Shelby Merritt, left, and Auriel Moore each were awarded a Gilman Scholarship to study in Russia. “This opportunity to study in Russia has opened a lot of doors for me to help mentor and prepare other students who want to study abroad,” Moore said.

Educating 'Global Citizens' at South
January 10, 2020

USA students are awarded prestigious Gilman Scholarships to study language and culture in countries across the world. ...

University Holiday Schedule
December 19, 2019

Most offices will be closed for the holidays starting Friday, Dec. 20. The University will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2. ...

The University of South Alabama has named Kristin Daniels Dukes to the position of General Counsel.

Dukes Named University General Counsel
December 18, 2019

Kristin Daniels Dukes has been associate university attorney for the past 12 years. ...

Dr. Alvin Williams, distinguished professor and chair of marketing and quantitative methods in the Mitchell College of Business, cautioned graduates against “success myopia” that can lead to disappointment and unwanted stress. “Craft a broader, more expansive definition of success in life,” he said.

Graduates Urged to Follow 'North Star'
December 14, 2019

Dr. Alvin Williams, USA chair of marketing and quantitative methods, cautioned graduates against 'success myopia.' ...

Dr. David Johnson, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs for the University of South Alabama, will chair the board of trustees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Johnson Elected SACSCOC Board Chair
December 12, 2019

Dr. David Johnson will chair the board of trustees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. ...

After working at USA Health University Hospital and as a traveling nurse, Krystal Lockett says she felt called to work with inmates as a nurse practitioner at Fountain Correctional Facility. “I can show them that I care,” she said, “and I feel like they’re receptive to me.”

Fueled by Keto Coffee and True Grit
December 10, 2019

Krystal Lockett juggled a full-time job, family business and sleepless nights while earning a doctorate in nursing practice. ...

Marylyn L. Gafford said her interest in a globally focused career began at home. “Once we started hosting exchange students,” she said, “I knew I wanted a more global career.”

A Global Perspective Shaped at Home
December 10, 2019

Marylyn Gafford speaks Spanish and Russian and has traveled abroad. Her globally minded focus started with a single visitor. ...

Carson Davidenko will begin a career at FedEx after an internship where he shadowed the president of one of its divisions. “I didn’t even know what to think when they first offered me the internship," Davidenko said, "but my dad, he basically said, ‘Hey, listen, kid, this is a big thing.’”

After Changing Majors, He Boarded a Jet
December 10, 2019

Carson Davidenko's internship with FedEx Freight and its CEO led to a job offer for the future physician turned business majo ...

Fernando Guérard, a graduate student at the University of South Alabama, watches as his sculpture of Chief Calvin McGhee is being cast in bronze at the Fairhope Foundry. “This man, his humbleness and his honesty, I really connected with,” Guerard says.

'Everything He Did, He Did For His People'
December 9, 2019

Graduate student Fernando Guérard delved into archives as part of his research in creating a sculpture of Chief Calvin McGh ...

Ruby Bryan, a University of South Alabama student, joined Dr. Kathy Cooke, Honors College dean, and Dr. Kern Jackson, director of the African American Studies Program, for an interview on the Eastern Shore as part of an oral histories program. The interviews will be shared with the public in local library programs early next year.

Collecting History Through Conversation
December 9, 2019

An Honors College initiative is sending students and faculty into the Mobile-Tensaw Delta to record stories of its people. ...

Dr. Jonathan Rayner, associate professor of microbiology and immunology, and director of the Laboratory of Infectious Diseases at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, works in his lab. Researchers at the College of Medicine are collaborating with members of the Yale School of Public Health and its West Nile 4K Project to reconstruct a picture of how the virus has spread and adapted.

South Teams Up With Yale on Mosquitoes
December 9, 2019

The ultimate goal of the West Nile 4K Project and research at USA is to develop life-saving vaccines and therapeutics. ...

Dr. Kendrea Garand, an assistant professor of speech pathology in the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions, works with a volunteer control subject to collect data on swallowing against data collected from an ALS patient. The goal of her research is to improve treatment options for those who suffer from dysphagia.

Taking On One of Life's Interrupters
December 9, 2019

At South, an emerging leader in dysphagia research is investigating treatments for people who have difficulty swallowing. ...

Dr. Alvin J. Williams, a nationally recognized chair of marketing and quantitative methods in the University of South Alabama’s Mitchell College of Business, will deliver the fall University Commencement Ceremony address.

South Readies for Fall Commencement
December 6, 2019

Dr. Alvin Williams, professor in the Mitchell College of Business, will speak following individual college and school ceremonies. ...

The community is invited to attend the "Celebrate the Season" holiday concert at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6, at the USA Mitchell Center.

'Celebrate the Season' With South
November 22, 2019

The department of music will host its annual holiday concert Dec. 6 on campus. The community is invited to this free event. ...

Graphic: Black Alumni Society Awards. Benefiting Student Emergency Assistance Funds. Feb. 15, 2020. USA Student Center Ballroom. South Alabama National Alumni Association.

Black Alumni Society Requests Nominations
November 21, 2019

Nominations will be accepted through Dec. 18. The awards ceremony is set for Feb. 15, 2020. ...

Dr. Chris Lawrey, assistant professor of economics and finance in the Mitchell College of Business at the University of South Alabama, said the best time to start planning for the holidays in January. “After the holidays, assess your spending and create a budget for next year, then open a savings or Christmas Club account and set up automatic payments to that account every pay period,” he said

Six Ways to Shop Smarter This Year
November 21, 2019

South's Dr. Chris Lawrey recommends advance financial planning to keep your wallet from shrinking two sizes too small. ...

Devin Epps, a 2018 graduate of the Mitchell College of Business, works as a food stylist on contract with the Food Network and is in the process of building his own company. “I see myself as a storyteller, and hopefully that will translate into whatever I'm drawn to.”

From 'Shirtless Chef' to Food Network Stylist
November 20, 2019

Devin Epps, a USA marketing graduate, hustles from Nashville to New York to build his brand as a 'tenacious' entrepreneu ...