USA News Archives | Media Relations

A photo of the Jan. 20 "blood moon," taken shortly before 11:15 p.m. using a Canon EOS 5D in west Mobile.

Top 7 Astronomical Events This Year
February 22, 2019

This year's blood moon captured the public's attention, to space and on social media. South's expert lists what ...

Associate professor Dr. John Lanicci, whose research focuses on extreme weather events, placed 36 rain gauges around the area of the Kennedy Space Center. He found the amount of annual rainfall varied as much as 16 inches over an area approximately one-eighth the size of Mobile County.

What's the Rainfall Count? It Depends
February 21, 2019

Dr. John Lanicci's research suggests rainfall measurements can vary widely, a potential vulnerability for stormwater infrastr ...

Southpaw and Pawla holding Giving Day Hearts

USA Giving Day Raises $314,390
February 15, 2019

The South community showed its love for the University and USA Health during USA Giving Day on Thursday, February 14. ...

Chris Blankenship graduated from South with a degree in political science and criminal justice. His love of all things outdoors propelled him to become commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Conserving Natural Resources for Alabama
February 13, 2019

Chris Blankenship combines his love of the outdoors with his education at South to manage the state's natural resources. ...

USA Arts & Sciences Dean Dr. Andrzej Wierzbicki speaks at the announcement of an Early Acceptance Program for USA students who want to attend Auburn’s Harrison School of Pharmacy after graduation.

South, Auburn Expand Pharmacy Partnership
February 12, 2019

High school seniors who enroll at South can receive conditional acceptance to AU's pharmacy school through a new program. ...

The work of Dr. Thomas C. Myers, a USA rheumatologist and self-taught wood turner, will be be on display Feb. 11-March 15 in the art gallery in the University of South Alabama’s department of visual arts. “When I was growing up, if my dad wanted something, he would build it. He always had books about art in our house. I grew up watching him work and learning from him,” said Myers.

The Doctor Is In (the Art Studio)
February 11, 2019

Dr. Thomas Myers, a USA rheumatologist and self-taught wood turner, often can be found at his lathe when not seeing patients. ...

Senior chemistry students Madison McBroom, left, of Huntsville and Amanda Tanner of Cantonment, Fla., listen as Dr. William Richert talks about their research with ionic liquids in the field of 3D printing.

Developing a Printer Worth Its Salt
February 5, 2019

Ionic liquids, or liquid salt, may one day be used in 3D printing. Dr. Matthew Reichert is exploring the possibilities. ...

Andrea Dennis, a graduate of the University of South Alabama’s College of Education and Professional Studies, is the principal at Scarborough Middle School, where she was recognized statewide for her work.

South Alum Recognized Tops Statewide
February 5, 2019

Andrea Dennis is recognized as Alabama's middle school principal of the year for her leadership at Scarborough Middle School. ...

Fiction writer Jamie Quatro will talk about her writing on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the University's Student Center. The event is sponsored by USA’s Stokes Center for Creative Writing.

Acclaimed Author Jamie Quatro to Speak at USA
February 1, 2019

Fiction writer Jamie Quatro will talk about her writing Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. in the Student Center Terrace Room. ...

David Green, a physical therapy student, and Callie Braggs, a physician assistant student, were two of the more than 270 South volunteers to offer assistance and provide services at Project Homeless Connect.

A Lesson in 'Humility and Compassion'
January 25, 2019

South students and faculty volunteer at Project Homeless Connect to provide clients with medical care and other resources. ...

Dr. Thomas Shaw, director of USA Polling, and Dr. Jaclyn Bunch, associate director, have conducted surveys on everything from health care and public policy to schoolchildren’s summer vacations.

Survey Says ... USA Polling Group
January 25, 2019

In a lab in South's Humanities Building, pollsters blend art and science to get accurate answers from the other end of the ph ...

Jessica Gwinn, a Ph.D. student at South, samples herbivorous fish and algae on a rig south of Dauphin Island in July 2018. Gwinn's work was part of an international research project of ciguatera lead by the University of South Alabama.

No Taste, No Smell and No Effective Treatment
January 25, 2019

A USA marine scientist is leading an international research study of ciguatera, the world's most prevalent seafood-toxin illn ...

Omar Tahri, left, a civil engineering junior from Morocco, works side by side with Assistant Professor Dr. Shenghua Wu in the asphalt lab. “It’s really nice to be hands on with materials that you are making predictions about and see your ideas become reality,” Tahri said.

In Search of Making Blacktop Green
January 24, 2019

University researchers are testing cooler temperatures to make asphalt production safer and more environmentally friendly. ...

The 25,000-seat Hancock Whitney Stadium, to be completed by 2020, will be located on the west side of campus, adjacent to the Jaguar Training Center, Football Fieldhouse and football practice fields.

South, Hancock Whitney in Stadium Partnership
January 15, 2019

University and bank officials announce the naming of Hancock Whitney Stadium; construction to be complete by 2020. ...

Dr. David Meola, the Bert and Fanny Meisler Assistant Professor of History and Jewish Studies at South Alabama, will host a question-and-answer session following one of the featured films on campus, “The Last Suit."

South Partners on Jewish Film Festival
January 14, 2019

Three films will be screened at the John W. Laidlaw Performing Arts Center on South's campus; USA students admitted free. ...

A nearly $500,000 grant awarded to USA will strengthen and help expand existing programs in international studies and modern and classical languages and literature. “This is the first time South and the College of Arts and Sciences have received this type grant," said Dr. Christine Rinne, associate professor of German and the principal investigator on the grant.

South Wins Grant to Expand Global Studies
January 7, 2019

The nearly $500,000 grant will enhance language offerings and global health and international studies opportunities. ...

Postponed College? New Resource Available
January 7, 2019

The Office of Adult Learner Services will hold an open house Jan. 15 for people who want to go back to school to earn their degree ...

Mobile Bay Magazine's 40 under 40 selections include ten leaders who are South alumni or employees. Clockwise from top left: James Evans, Melanie Rose, Kevin Jackson, Laventrice Ridgeway, Lee Grimm Jr., Harry Brislin IV, Jennifer Conrad, Moh’d Khushman, Joseph Jermaine Roberson and Benjamin Hoeb.

South Picks Up Ten in 40 Under 40
January 7, 2019

USA alumni and employees highlight the annual Mobile Bay Magazine feature that spotlights young community leaders. ...

While a student at South, Edmond Naman, now a Mobile Circuit Court Judge, took a theater class that would end up critical to his success. “It was really that department that I think had a real big impact later because so much of my job is going out in the public and conveying messages. Going out to children and families and trying to make a clear case for what I’m trying to do and how I’m trying to change their lives.”

A Judge Who Cares Builds a NEST
January 2, 2019

Circuit Judge Edmond Naman co-founded a group to mentor at-risk youth. He picked up his power of persuasion as a student at South. ...

Now I Know Anything Is Possible
December 22, 2018

Alvina Pruitt got help navigating her way to Europe. She found independence paddling across an Italian lake. ...

I'll Never Forget This Place
December 22, 2018

Jan-Louw Kotze was recruited from South Africa as a track and field student-athlete. He's worn his path mostly barefoot. ...

'It's the Greatest Decision I've Ever Made'
December 22, 2018

Xiaoyan Liu's career was taking off. She quit and, within two weeks, packed her bags and flew to the United States. ...

University Holiday Schedule
December 19, 2018

Most University of South Alabama departments will be closed until Jan. 2, 2019; a limited number observe different schedules. ...

USA Writer-in-Residence Frye Gaillard told graduates they must find a way to cross barriers and heal divisions. "We have got to learn once again to listen," he said in his Fall Commencement address. Gaillard's latest book is “A Hard Rain: America in the 1960s, Our Decade of Hope, Possibility and Innocence Lost.”

Relearn the Art of Creative Disagreement
December 16, 2018

Author Frye Gaillard urged graduates to protect democracy by finding a 'path toward honest dialogue in confronting problems.& ...

Anna Dudley has the unique distinction of being the third generation of her family to graduate from South with an accounting degree from the Mitchell College of Business. "It just felt right for me," she said of enrolling at USA.

Family Accrues Third Accounting Graduate
December 10, 2018

Anna Dudley follows the path of her mother and grandmother in earning an accounting degree from the Mitchell College of Business. ...

LaTya McCall, a nursing graduate, founded the BIG Club at South, which supports the Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Alabama. She looks forward to continuing to serve in a big sister role.

Service, Focus and Promoting Excellence
December 10, 2018

LaTya McCall was dedicated in her pursuit of a nursing degree. But her college legacy of service was built outside of class. ...

Clay Davidson, a retired public accountant who earned a master's degree from South in 2008, returned to get his Ph.D. “I’m certainly a good bit older than most of the students, but the intelligence and the drive of all the people I met and worked with was impressive,” he said.

Achievement, Plus a Healthy Dose of Ribbing
December 10, 2018

Clay Davidson hopes his Ph.D. will bring him admiration from his children — and maybe a little quiet from his three brothers ...

Frye Gaillard, writer-in-residence at the University of South Alabama, will deliver the fall commencement address on Saturday, Dec. 15, in the Mitchell Center.

Fall Commencement: What You Need to Know
December 10, 2018

Get helpful information on where to park near the Mitchell Center, who will be speaking and how to watch the ceremony online. ...

Gov. Kay Ivey and Bert Meisler, center, broke ground Tuesday on the Fanny Meisler Trauma Center at University Hospital.

Ground Broken on Trauma Center Project
December 4, 2018

The Fanny Meisler Trauma Center at University Hospital is planned for 2020. USA's Level 1 facility is the only one in the reg ...

Dr. Paul A. Frazier has been named chief diversity and inclusion officer at the University of South Alabama. He arrives from Texas Tech University.

USA Hires Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
December 3, 2018

The addition of Dr. Paul Frazier reflects the University's commitment to diversity and inclusion as institution-wide prioriti ...

It's the Most Wonderful Time
November 30, 2018

South will host its free holiday concert, open to the community, on Dec. 6 at the USA Mitchell Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ...

Weather Research Center to Relocate
November 29, 2018

A gift from Alabama Power Company will facilitate a move for the center, whose 100-plus commercial clients includes the utility. ...

Bryan Stevenson, author and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, will speak at the University of South Alabama at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28 in the Mitchell Center. Photo/Nina Subin.

Bryan Stevenson to Speak at USA
November 26, 2018

The social justice leader, author and driving force behind the Legacy Museum will give a public presentation Nov. 28. ...

South Alabama Faculty Named Clinical Scholars

of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Faculty Awarded Robert Wood Johnson Grant
November 16, 2018

Three-year grant supports Veterans Recovery Resources program to assist with mental and physical wellness for veterans. ...

Maj. Jason Downey, a 2002 graduate of the University of South Alabama, has been named chief enforcement officer for the Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Protector of Alabama's Marine Resources
November 15, 2018

Alumnus Jason Downey, who earned a degree in sociology, leads the state division that enforces laws on Alabama's waterways. ...

South is marketing JagFit@South to its employees to improve health and well-being.

JagFit@South Health and Wellness Effort Takes Shape
November 13, 2018

University-wide effort will promote healthy lifestyle choices for USA employees. ...

Rendering of future USA football stadium

USA Plans 2020 Football Stadium Opening
November 10, 2018

Board approves next phase of construction for 25,000-seat, on-campus football stadium, first game scheduled for Sept. 12, 2020. ...

Dr. Mark Yampolskiy, assistant professor in the School of Computing pictured with 3D printing device

The Vulnerability of 3D Printing
November 2, 2018

The use of 3D printing has grown rapidly, and its products are used commercially and by the government. But are they safe? ...

'Game On' for USA Homecoming 2018
November 2, 2018

After a week of festivities, South's Homecoming will culminate with the Jags taking on Louisiana-Monroe on Nov. 10. ...

Grant to Improve Sexual Assault Response
October 30, 2018

In Alabama, there are fewer than 12 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. USA will offer training to make sure that changes. ...

6 Things to Know About Vampires
October 26, 2018

Vanquishing vampires is tricky, but you can stall them, says USA bioarchaeologist and resident vampire expert Dr. Lesley Gregorick ...

Visiting Writer to Talk 'Scary Stories'
October 25, 2018

Genre-bending author Stephen Graham Jones will speak Oct. 29. ...

County Commits $2.5 Million to Stadium
October 22, 2018

The pledge will create the Mobile County Center for Academic Success, which will be located within the administration building. ...

University of South Alabama President Tony Waldrop, left, and Pensacola State College President Edward Meadows sign documents officially joining the two institutions as part of South's "Pathway USA" program that streamlines the transition to USA for transfer students who earn their associate’s degree from Pensacola State.

Pathway USA Expands to Pensacola State College
October 19, 2018

Program to increase access to a four-year degree and attract transfer students to South moves into Escambia County, Fla. ...

Student volunteers unload the largest donation ever for the Donor to Diner food pantry at South. The donations came from Ahavas Chesed Synagogue.

Food Pantry Receives Largest Donation Ever
October 17, 2018

Ahavas Chesed Synagogue members donated food they collected during Yom Kippur to South for students with food insecurities. ...

Sam Sangster, Peyton Barlow and Dillon Blount, senior meteorology majors at USA, were awarded American Meteorological Society scholarships.

USA Meteorology Students Receive Top Awards
October 17, 2018

Peyton Barlow, Dillon Blount and Sam Sangster were awarded American Meteorological Society scholarships. ...

Graduate student Yvonne LeBrun prepares to hang the art for the Cross Connections 2018 International Exhibit of Design & Illustration.The exhibit runs through Oct. 31.

International Art Exhibit Opens at South
October 16, 2018

Works of students from 10 institutions of higher education around the world will open Oct. 18 and continue through Oct. 31. ...

The Julian and Kim MacQueen Alumni Center, which will serve as the permanent home for South’s more than 80,000 alumni, is projected to be completed by Spring 2020.

Ground Broken on Alumni Center
October 12, 2018

The Julian and Kim MacQueen Alumni Center will serve as the permanent home for South's more than 80,000 alumni. ...

Sixty local first responders received medals and were recognized Thursday during the gala "A Night Honoring Heroes." The event raises funds for the Fanny Meisler Trauma Center, the region's only Level 1 Trauma Center, at University Hospital.

First Responders Honored at Gala
October 12, 2018

More than 700 people attended 'A Night Honoring Heroes,' which raises support for the region's only Level 1 Trauma ...

Maj. Christopher Dyke, USA alumnus and an aerial weather reconnaissance officer for the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron "Hurricane Hunters,” reviews weather data collected during a storm flight. The Hurricane Hunters fall under command of the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Marnee A.C. Losurdo)

All in a Day's Work: Flying into Hurricanes
October 8, 2018

Hurricane Hunter and South alum Chris Dyke heads into the storms that others flee as a major in the Air Force's 403rd Wing. ...