USA News Archives | Media Relations

The University of South Alabama Board of Trustees recently elected officers for three-year terms. Picked were businessman James H. “Jimmy” Shumock of Mobile as chair pro tempore, Mobile philanthropist and civic volunteer Arlene Mitchell as vice chair and businesswoman Alexis Atkins as secretary.

USA Board of Trustees Elects Officers
June 18, 2019

Jimmy Shumock, Arlene Mitchell and Alexis Atkins were elected to lead the USA Board of Trustees for the next three years. ...

Zane Patterson's official title at Shipshape Urban Farms is account manager. But working at a start-up means pitching in wherever he's needed, and Patterson said he thrives on that culture. "I enjoy the flexibility of entrepreneurship,” he said.

#MyFirstJob: Zane Patterson
June 17, 2019

An account manager at Shipshape Urban Farms, Zane Patterson thrives on start-up culture. 'I get to help shape this business.& ...

Rodriguez awarded NIH diversity supplement
June 14, 2019

Yelitza Rodriguez is a graduate student in the University of South Alabama Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program. ...

Her Majesty Queen Mother Dowoti Desir Hounon Houna II will discuss African-based religious practices at South Alabama. And, her husband the Supreme Spiritual Chief of Vodun Hwendo His Majesty Dada Daagbo Hounon Houna II Guely will share reflections on the Clotilda and how the enslaved were captured. Both are religious leaders who travel and speak globally.

West African Religious Leaders to Speak at South
June 14, 2019

USA will host a free lecture to discuss vodou, a traditional Afro-Haitian religion, and other African-based religious practices. ...

Andrew Conniff, who earned a strategic communication degree from the University of South Alabama in 2017, was named 2019 Photojournalist of the Year by the Alabama Broadcasters Association.

Creating His Own Story, Telling Others'
June 13, 2019

Andrew Conniff, who earned a strategic communication degree from South in 2017, is named 2019 Photojournalist of the Year. ...

Nick Lawkis, who was named executive director for governmental relations at the University of South Alabama, holds two degrees from South and has worked for the University since 2011.

Lawkis Named Executive Director
June 12, 2019

Nick Lawkis, a University advocate in Montgomery and Washington, D.C., since 2015, was tapped to head governmental relations. ...

When Tara Principe enrolled at South, she thought she would return to Road Island after graduation. “But my parents knew by my sophomore year at South that I was not coming back home to live. There’s no snow here, and I am close to the beaches.” Principe began as the marketing and communication director at Distinguished Young Women just four days after graduation. When Tara Principe enrolled at South, she thought she would return to Road Island after graduation. “But my parents knew by my sophomore year at South that I was not coming back home to live. There’s no snow here, and I am close to the beaches.” Principe began as the marketing and communication director at Distinguished Young Women just four days after graduation.

#MyFirstJob: Tara Principe
June 10, 2019

Distinguished Young Women's new marketing director got a rehearsal performance even before she graduated. ...

College of Engineering Dean Named
June 7, 2019

Dr. John M. Usher has been named dean of the USA College of Engineering. He arrives Aug. 1 from Mississippi State University. ...

The 2018 hurricane season will be remembered mostly for hurricanes Michael and Florence, that latter pictured here in an image with elements furnished by NASA. An average Atlantic hurricane season produces 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes.

How to Forecast the 2019 Hurricane Season
June 7, 2019

Sea temperatures, sea-level pressure and monsoons all factor into a hurricane forecast. Here is South's experts' take on ...

Caroline Carithers, a 2019 South graduate who is starting at WKRG-TV5, joins Chief Meteorologist Alan Sealls as a member of the WKRG First Alert Storm Team. Sealls taught Carithers while she was at USA.

#MyFirstJob: Caroline Carithers
June 4, 2019

"I was kind of shocked I got my dream job so quickly, so I'm very excited," says South grad and WKRG-TV5's new ...

Dr. Ken Heck, professor emeritus, and Alex Rodriguez, a technician in Heck's lab, look at seagrass samples from near Port St. Joe, Fla., as part of their research to find ways for replenishing the grasses.

Protecting the Gulf's Underwater Nurseries
May 31, 2019

Propellers, hurricanes and even sea turtles pose a threat to Gulf of Mexico seagrass. South researchers aim to reverse its decline ...

A mural of the Clotilda is painted along Bay Bridge Road in Mobile's Africatown community.

'Resistance, Resilience and Survival'
May 30, 2019

The USA community reflects with joy, sadness, optimism and apprehension on the discovery of the Clotilda in the Mobile Delta. ...

Dr. Kevin White, professor and chair of the department of civil, coastal and environmental engineering, and Jordan Blackmon, sophomore civil engineering major, stand on the edge of one of five landscaped bioinfiltration swales near Meisler Hall. The swales help capture storm water runoff instead of it running off on the surface and eroding soil that eventually deposits into Three Mile Creek.

Erosion: Keeping a LID on It
May 20, 2019

USA Engineering is using low-impact development, or LID, to reduce erosion and storm water runoff into Three Mile Creek. ...

Briana Morris completed her third year as a member of the USA soccer program in 2018, where she ranked second on the team in points and tied for third in goals.

Soccer's Morris Picked for Sun Belt Summit
May 16, 2019

Briana Morris has been invited to be a part of the Sun Belt Conference's 2019 Diversity and Inclusion Summit. ...

Mitchell College of Business junior Jack Stover will spend 10 weeks in a summer program in Indonesia. “I’m sure it will be a great, eye-opening experience for me.”

One Summer, a Half a World Away
May 15, 2019

Mitchell College of Business student Jack Stover will spend 10 weeks learning about Indonesian language, culture and chocolate. ...

College of Nursing students welcomed visitors to an open house, a National Nurses Week event where information was provided about the college's nursing programs and curriculum.

South Celebrates National Nurses Week
May 13, 2019

Amid a projected shortage, USA is adding nurses to the 4 million in the U.S., and to the more than 15,000 College of Nursing alumn ...

One of Dr. Gloria Wilson's works is her “Blackademic Project,” an ongoing examination of the intersections of race and academic identity. She designed and constructed a doctoral robe to serve as a metaphor to describe the challenges of negotiating a racialized academic identity.

Art Honors Life, Connects to History
May 13, 2019

South graduate Dr. Gloria Wilson's creativity is inspired by family ties and influenced by those who came before her. ...

University of South Alabama College of Nursing student

Online RN-to-BSN Offered at South
May 6, 2019

Registered nurses can complete the professional courses for a bachelor's degree in one year. Nursing scholarships are availab ...

Ovie Mughelli, an environmental advocate and former NFL fullback, told graduates that "what you do has to be about more than a job, more than a paycheck. Your purpose in life is inside you."

Grads Urged to Live with Purpose, Integrity
May 5, 2019

Former NFL fullback Ovie Mughelli and USA advocate Happy Fulford addressed graduates at Spring Commencement ceremonies. ...

Dillon Blount, left, a senior meteorology major from Pelham, Ga.; Dr. Wesley Terwey, assistant professor of meteorology; and Amber Kulick, a junior meteorology major from Falkville, Ala., participate in the VORTEX weather balloon program that seeks to learn more about tornadoes in order to provide timelier forecasts.

When Storms Approach, Balloons Go Up
May 5, 2019

South faculty and students are participating in a program that aims to learn more about tornadoes, resulting in timelier forecasts ...

South graduated its first class of PASSAGE USA, a two-year program to promote independence for students with intellectual disabilities.

'There Are No Limits for These Students'
May 4, 2019

South graduates first class of PASSAGE USA, a two-year program to promote independence for students with intellectual disabilities ...

Dr. Hank M. Bounds, who will join South's College of Education and Professional Studies this fall, will help guide student and faculty innovators by providing higher educational leadership, resources, connections and expertise.

Bounds Joins College of Education and Professional Studies
May 1, 2019

Dr. Hank M. Bounds, outgoing president of the University of Nebraska, will serve in the department of leadership and teacher educa ...

Natalie Williams will begin her career as a nurse in a local intensive care unit. “I love a good adrenaline rush,” she said. “I love the fast-paced environment of working in the emergency room. I have learned that I can work in intense situations and not be broken by the experience."

At Her Beginning, She Sought End Answers
April 29, 2019

Nursing senior Natalie Williams, driven by the death of her grandfather, focused on palliative care for her Honors College thesis. ...

In addition to earning her degree Saturday, Khamaria Saadiq will receive the military rank of second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Her first station of duty will be the University of Michigan, where she will work as a recruiter.

Has Degree and Officer Bars, Will Travel
April 29, 2019

For Khamaria Saadiq, hospitality and tourism management offers an opportunity to be 'around good ideas' and 'enjoy ...

While at South, Stacy Lynwood Sergeant was involved as a Mitchell Ambassador, in the Catholic Student Association and as a member of the Marketing Club and Kappa Alpha fraternity. He also volunteers at Christ United Methodist Church and has trained his golden retriever, Moose, as a therapy dog.

Continuing the Family's Jaguar Line
April 29, 2019

Stacy Sergeant, a third-generation Jaguar, said a co-op with a shipbuilding company allowed him to make important connections. ...

William J. “Happy” Fulford, left, whose USA career spanned nearly 40 years of service in governmental relations, alumni and development, and Ovie Mughelli, a former football star whose post-NFL career has focused on empowering youth and living an ecologically friendly lifestyle, will address USA graduates during Spring Commencement ceremonies.

University Readies for Spring Commencement
April 29, 2019

A longtime University leader and an ex-NFL star-turned-environmentalist will address graduates Saturday at the Mitchell Center. ...

The University of South Alabama Greek organizations are awarded the Deans Cup for their outstanding service and leadership. From left, Michael Simmons, president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; Nolan Ricketson, president of Sigma Chi Fraternity; and Albany Wisner of Chi Omega Fraternity.

Greek Community Awarded for Achievements
April 25, 2019

The annual awards ceremony recognized fraternities and sororities for academics, membership, service and campus involvement. ...

A Mitchell College of Business team of MBA students Rachel Smith, Jaikishan Maru and David Hinson took first place and $4,000 in a recent business case competition at the University of West Florida.

USA MBA Team Takes First
April 23, 2019

Mitchell College of Business students beat out students from Illinois, Kansas, North Carolina and Florida. ...

Senior Raven McShan is one of only 10 recipients of a prestigious teaching assistantship that will take her to France to teach English. Although guidelines for the assistantship state preference for applicants with master’s degrees, McShan’s background of community service and interest in multicultural diversity contributed to her selection.

Combining Two Loves: Teaching and French
April 23, 2019

Honors College senior Raven McShan is awarded a prestigious teaching assistantship that will take her overseas. ...

The University of South Alabama men's and women's tennis teams both took home Sun Belt championship titles. NCAA tournament selection will be held April 29.

USA Tennis Takes Two Titles
April 22, 2019

South Alabama women's and men's tennis teams claim Sun Belt Conference titles to advance to the NCAA tournament. ...

The women's golf team – from left, Caroline Berge, Lexi Worrell, MacKenzie Peyton, Julie Hovland and Siti Shaari, with Coach Matt Luther – claimed the Sun Belt Conference championship when it finished with a season-low 877 combined score at the LPGA International – Hills Course.

Women's Golf Wins Sun Belt Championship
April 18, 2019

The women's golf team advances to the NCAA regional for the first time after claiming its second Sun Belt Championship. ...

Electrical engineering senior Zack Peavy of Citronelle, mechanical engineering senior Kiante Evers of Gulfport, Miss., and computer engineering senior Ariel Pickett of Montgomery are adjusting the vertical travel distance of the robot head for a space station that will be used to grow crops in space. Assisting the students is Dr. Sam Russ, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of South Alabama.

South Supporting NASA's Deep Space Ambitions
April 15, 2019

The University is one of only ten chosen nationwide to design systems, concepts and technologies to go beyond the moon. ...

The Gap Project, a mentoring program, is building better opportunities for middle and high school students through vision board socials, educational and fun activities. South graduate students and Gap Project Board Members from left are Javon Averett, vice president; Chelsia Douglas, secretary and Randy Bumpers, president. Board members not included in the photo are Faith Kilpatrick, communications director; and Ashley Chapman, accounts manager.

'Let's Do Something About It'
April 15, 2019

USA students mentor to close the achievement gap and build opportunities for rural middle and high school students. ...

Image contains the newly elected SGA officers for the 2019-2020 year.

Student Government Leadership Elected
April 12, 2019

Students gathered at the USA Amphitheater to learn the results of South's SGA 2019-2020 election for new leadership. ...

USA’s College of Engineering, located in Shelby Hall, has four academic departments and offers five baccalaureate degrees, four master’s degrees and a doctoral degree in systems engineering.

Honoring a 'World of Difference'
April 9, 2019

South's College of Engineering honors the contributions of alumni, supporters, faculty and staff as it celebrates 50 years. ...

Dr. David Meola, the Bert and Fanny Meisler Assistant Professor of History and Jewish Studies and director of the Jewish and Holocaust Studies Program, will research the involvement of Jewish Germans in the German liberal and democratic movement of the 1830s and 1840s as a Fulbright Scholar.

South Professor Awarded Fulbright
April 5, 2019

Dr. David Meola, director of the Jewish and Holocaust Studies Program, will conduct research in Germany for two summers. ...

USA Athletics announced the naming of the Michelob Ultra Terrace at Hancock Whitney Stadium after a $1 million gift from Budweiser-Busch Distributing Co., Inc.

Michelob Ultra Terrace Announced for Stadium
April 1, 2019

The terrace in the south end zone is named after Budweiser-Busch Distributing donates $1 million to Hancock Whitney Stadium. ...

Twin brothers Ethan Boyd, left, and Thomas Boyd are first-year medical students at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and athletes on the USA men's track and field team. “With us being so close and doing everything the same, part of that is competing against each other,” Thomas says.

Two Minutes Apart, But Rarely Separated
April 1, 2019

Twin medical students Ethan and Thomas Boyd challenge each other on the field and preparing for class: 'It tends to elevate u ...

Students who need housing and meal support can meet with staff and complete a short application. To qualify for up to 30 days of housing assistance in a South residence hall, the student must have exhausted all financial aid options and be without shelter.

Housing Program to Aid Students
March 29, 2019

Thirty-day housing assistance for students with no other options will allow them to concentrate on what matters — their stud ...

Jacob Corbett, left, and Taylor Shepherd, center, are two of the six Mitchell College of Business students on a team that won the 2018 University Portfolio Challenge. Dr. Reid Cummings, director of USA’s Center for Real Estate and Economic Development, and the team’s mentor, right, taught the Finance 446 class each of the students took.

South Team Wins Real Estate Competition
March 27, 2019

Six Mitchell College of Business students beat out teams from 47 competing universities. Scholarship prize money will be matched. ...

William B. “Bill” Burnsed Jr., a 1972 graduate of the University of South Alabama, worked as a telephone company engineer for 20 years before starting Burnsed Oil Co. Inc. He donated $1.5 million to the College of Engineering's department of mechanical engineering, which will be named after him.

$1.5 Million Gift for College of Engineering
March 19, 2019

William B. Burnsed Jr. Department of Mechanical Engineering named; 'South best fit my needs,' says alumnus donor. ...

Seventy-seven senior medical students from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine gathered Friday in the Grand Ballroom at the Mobile Convention Center to open their letters from the National Resident Matching Program and find out where they will be continuing their medical education.

Match Day 2019: Signed, Sealed, Delivered
March 17, 2019

Senior medical students from the College of Medicine open letters revealing where they will continue their education. ...

The $5 million naming gift for Abraham A. Mitchell Field is a challenge gift that will facilitate additional donations to Hancock Whitney Stadium. “It is my hope that others will be as inspired as I am about the future of the University of South Alabama,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell Offers Challenge; Field Named
March 15, 2019

South announces Abraham A. Mitchell Field at Hancock Whitney Stadium after longtime supporter commits $5 million. ...

The University of South Alabama National Alumni Association honored four alumni and a Mobile businessman for outstanding accomplishments. There are, from left, Sr. Marilyn Joyce Aiello, O.P., M.D.; Ralph A. Hargrove; Caleb Crosby, ’03; Dr. Edward A. Panacek, COM ’81; and Tanya Fratto Blair, ’83.

USA National Alumni Association Honors Five
March 14, 2019

Four alumni and a businessman, recognized for achievements and service, take the stage at the alumni association's annual gal ...

Grand Rapids, Mich., Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, standing in front of the skyline of Michigan's second-largest city, graduated summa cum laude in 1997 with a degree in psychology and criminal justice. “When I was going through my undergraduate studies, I did not imagine I would be running for office someday,” she said.

She Leads Michigan's Second-Largest City
March 13, 2019

At South, Rosalynn Bliss '97 wasn't considering a career in politics. Then she became Grand Rapids' youngest mayor ...

Don't hit snooze on that alarm clock, said Dr. William A. Broughton, a professor of internal medicine at USA Health College of Medicine. Broughton, a sleep specialist, said waking at your normal time can help you adjust to Daylight Savings Time.

5 Ways to Cope with the Time Change
March 8, 2019

It may be tempting, but don't hit snooze or take naps this weekend. You'll be better off on Monday, says a USA sleep spe ...

Dr. Kate Brown, professor of history in the science, technology and society department of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will be the speaker at the 2019 Mahan Lecture on March 14. The lecture is free and open to the public.

MIT Professor to Speak on Nuclear Power
March 6, 2019

Dr. Kate Brown will address questions about nuclear power and its potentially catastrophic effects on humanity and the environment ...

Dr. Susan LeDoux, associate dean for medical education and student affairs at the USA College of Medicine, noted that South's medical students "perform at the highest level on national exams designed to assess student knowledge and competency.”

'Committed to Student Success and Excellence'
March 1, 2019

South's College of Medicine again achieves the highest level of accreditation available; Class of 2018 scores in the top quar ...

Retired astronaut Larry DeLucas, payload specialist for the space shuttle Columbia in its 1992 Spacelab mission, is the featured speaker on Thursday, March 7 during USA's Space Week.

Space Week Launches at South
February 28, 2019

An indoor drone competition, research workshops, NASA speakers and a former astronaut highlight the week. ...

Dr. Kern Jackson is an assistant professor of English and the director of USA's African-American Studies Program.

Highlights in African-American Studies
February 26, 2019

From the "Black Experience" course to a 2016 teach-in, here are nine moments in USA's African-American Studies Prog ...