USA News Archives | Media Relations

South and USA Health raised $26,147,447 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021, the largest total in its 58-year history. This record comes on the heels of the nearly $161 million raised during the University's 5-year Upward & Onward fundraising campaign.

USA Celebrates Record Fundraising Year
November 1, 2021

Nearly 4,500 donors help achieve a one-year fundraising record and supporting a wide range of USA and USA Health's missions. ...

South and the national "It's On Us" organization will host Sexual Assault Awareness/Consent Education 101, Bystander Education 101, and Survivor Support 101 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12, at the Student Center Terrace.

USA Offers Sexual Assault Training Sessions
October 29, 2021

South's HEART Project and Title IX office partners with the national nonprofit organization "It's On Us" to ho ...

University of South Alabama Professor Dr. Joseph Currier, seated at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Mobile, where is is a member, said he has felt drawn by his belief in God to psychology, theology and mental health counseling. He is leading a national project that seeks to integrate religious and spiritual competencies in training mental healthcare providers.

Faith in Counseling
October 28, 2021

Dr. Joseph Currier, a psychology professor at South, is leading a national project to integrate religious and spiritual competenci ...

Cooper Forsyth, a geology major from McCalla, Alabama, has plans to go to graduate school and earn a Ph.D. Field research and travel pique his interest.

Down to Earth
October 26, 2021

After working construction, Cooper Forsyth can't imagine having a desk job. He plans for field work and a Ph.D. after earning ...

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announces at an October 15, 2021 press conference that $41 million dollars from Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 will fund 17 separate projects around the State. South’s project, the Healthy Ocean Initiative, will receive $2,018,880 of that total.

School of Marine and Environmental Sciences Receives $2 Million Grant
October 25, 2021

Governor Kay Ivey's office and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources distributes the federal funding. ...

A full slate of activities will highlight South's homecoming week, October 25-30.

USA Ready For Homecoming 2021
October 22, 2021

South will celebrate homecoming week October 25-30, culminating with the Jags' football game against Arkansas State. ...

From left: Priscilla Agyemang, Kennedy Reese and Amiyah Kelly have been awarded the first Leaders in Social Justice and Perseverance scholarship established by the 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile.

Leaders in Social Justice
October 19, 2021

Three USA seniors are awarded the first Leadership in Social Justice and Perseverance Scholarship, established by the University a ...

John Archibald, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and columnist of Alabama Media Group, will be the keynote speaker at the University of South Alabama College of Arts and Sciences Communication Career Day event to be held Thursday, November 4, 2021, at the USA Student Center.

Speakers Set For Communication Career Day
October 19, 2021

Pulitzer-prize winning journalist John Archibald will be the keynote speaker for the event which is open to all majors. ...

The Jaguar Marching Band performs during South's football game against Georgia Southern at Hancock Whitney Stadium, October 14, 2021.

South to Host Inaugural Marching Band Championships
October 18, 2021

More than 2,000 high school musicians will perform in the inaugural South Alabama Marching Band Championships at Hancock Whitney S ...

Logan, left, and Mallorie Collins, twin sisters from Satsuma, Alabama, share a residence hall suite, a major in mechanical engineering and a spirit for cheering on the Jaguars.

Engineering South Spirit
October 14, 2021

Logan and Mallorie Collins, twin sisters from Satsuma, share a major, a residence hall suite and a passion for cheering on Jaguar ...

The new exhibit celebrating 50 years of archeology at South showcases a variety of artifacts year round from the Gulf Coast that covers more than 12,000 years of prehistory and history.

Celebrating 50 Years of Archaeology at South
October 11, 2021

The "50 Years of South Alabama Archaeology: 1970- 2020" exhibit will be on display at the museum until spring 2022. ...

Dr. Kern Jackson specializes in African American and Southeastern United States folklore and oral narrative. He is currently working on a book project titled “Masters, Servants and Mardi Gras: Listening to the Wise Ones’ Personal Narratives.”

Jackson to Present at 19th Annual Hamner Lecture
October 8, 2021

Dr. Kern Jackson, director of South's African American Studies program, will speak at the event in the Marx Library Auditoriu ...

The University of South Alabama Board of Trustees have announcced three finalists for president. From left; Dr. Damon Andrew, Dean and Professor, College of Education, Florida State University; Mr. Jo Bonner, Chief of Staff to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey; Dr. Michael Tidwell, Immediate Past President, The University of Texas at Tyler.

President Finalists Announced
October 7, 2021

The USA Board of Trustees will welcome three candidates to interview as part of the search for the University's fourth presid ...

Saltwater flooding in a busy intersection in Oahu, HI is the result of sea level rise causing higher tides that back up the stormwater system. This type of flooding is known as "high tide flooding," "sunny day flooding," or "nuisance flooding." It's an example of how sea-level rise is affecting everyday life in coastal regions.

Studying Sea-Level Rise
October 6, 2021

South is part of a research group looking to develop more resilient coastal infrastructure and enhanced coastal ecosystems. ...

Chris Hites, a junior majoring in communications, works as a replay operator with other members of the student ESPN+ broadcast team in the control booth during Saturday's game against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Lights, Jaguars, Action!
October 5, 2021

A student production team brings South sports to a nationwide audience on the ESPN+ network. Some of the crew members are communic ...

From L-R, Paul Sledge and Delmas McCryndle are interviewed by Dr. Kern Jackson and USA student Ruby Staten about growing up on the Five Rivers delta. A $453,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities will help make interviews like this one available to the general public. At the same time, create a structure for courses and internships through which students and faculty can continue to build relationships with the community through oral history.

Huge Boost for the Humanities
October 4, 2021

$453,000 NEH grant is the largest South has ever received for the humanities and will support multiple programs on campus. ...

Dr. Shenghua Zha, assistant professor in the USA College of Education and Professional Studies has recently written a grant to help future teachers learn how to integrate computer science in their K-12 subjects.

Future Teachers to Introduce Computer Science Foundations to K-12 Students
October 1, 2021

NSF grant will help future elementary school teachers improve their subject knowledge, computational thinking and design skills. ...

At Thompson High School, Carter Mandy was on a state championship esports team. He's joined South's team and is majoring in radiologic sciences.

Game Time at South
September 30, 2021

Carter Mandy is a soccer referee, computer builder and esports gamer. At South, he's majoring in radiologic sciences and navi ...

Current Master of Fine Arts in Creative Technology and Practice graduate student Micah Mermilliod’s work will be on display at the upcoming art show. Mermilliod works as a curatorial assistant at the Alabama Contemporary Art Center.

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Technology Art Show
September 28, 2021

Department of Art and Art History will exhibit works of current and former Master of Fine Arts in Creative Technology and Practice ...

University of South Alabama Director of International Education & Study Abroad Dr. Bri Ard has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Award for 2021-2022. The Fulbright Program is considered the largest and most prestigious educational exchange program, providing recent college graduates, graduate students and young professionals the opportunity to continue their education or professional development through research and study in a foreign country

Ard Receives Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award
September 27, 2021

Dr. Bri Ard will teach American Studies at the University of Bucharest and conduct a qualitative research project on Romanian stud ...

Keon Farmer, a nursing major from Pass Christian, Mississippi, says he's learning to play volleyball at the Student Recreation Center. “Whoever comes, comes, and we’ll play from 6:30 to 11 o’clock closing at night. It’s hard core.”

Pass Forward
September 23, 2021

Keon Farmer, a nursing major from Pass Christian, Miss., starts his career at South with a new sport, part-time job and spot on th ...

The pumpkin patch sales are scheduled for Friday, October 1, and Friday, October 22, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Glass Art Building. Glass pumpkins will be priced between $15 to $100, and purchases can be made via cash, check or credit card.

South Students to Host Glass Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser
September 22, 2021

Art students will showcase and sell their work raising funds to help maintain equipment for future glass students. ...

A vase manufactured with a small 3D printer in South’s chemistry building. Larger projects will now be possible after South landed an Economic Development Administration grant. The funding will be used to renovate the Science Laboratory Building and purchase mid-sized 3D printers. The University and local manufacturing companies will now be able to collaborate on research projects, in turn strengthening the local economy and providing students with the skills to work in a booming industry.

Grant To Fund Science Lab Upgrades
September 20, 2021

The Economic Development Administration awards $644,045 to improve South's 3D printing capabilities, including a metal printe ...

Anita Nguyen, an Honors College freshman, says a lot goes into an on-field marching band routine. The experience is energizing.

Up-Tempo
September 17, 2021

Honors College. First Year Council. Jaguar Marching Band. Anita Nguyen, a biomedical sciences major, says managing her busy schedu ...

FeAunte’ Preyear has been promoted to Coordinator of Title IX in the division of Student Affairs at the University of South Alabama. She says her goal is, "to create an environment that is welcoming, accessible, inclusive and free from discrimination.”

FeAunte' Preyear Named Title IX Coordinator
September 16, 2021

Preyear, a South alumna, will be responsible for overseeing the University's compliance with Title IX regulations. ...

Dr. Haidee Custodio, an infectious disease pediatrician and associate professor of pediatrics at USA Health, is enrolled in the University of South Alabama Spanish for Healthcare Professionals Graduate Certificate Program, hoping to become proficient in Spanish to better serve her non-English speaking patients.

Breaking Through the Language Barrier
September 15, 2021

A new graduate certificate program prepares current and future healthcare professionals to serve Spanish-speaking patients. ...

Zuleima Russell, a senior majoring in biology, attends the University of South Alabama with her daughter, Erica Howell, and son, Randall Russell.

Jaguar Mom
September 13, 2021

Zuleima Russell, a senior studying biology, shares the South campus with a son in computer science and a daughter studying mechani ...

The Colleges of Nursing, Arts and Sciences, and Education and Professional Studies at the University of South Alabama, have joined forces to better serve at-risk youth and teens who are dealing with mental health issues in Mobile and surrounding areas. From left are interprofessional team members Dr.Candice Selwyn, research assistant professor in Nursing; Dr. Kimberly Williams, associate professor in Nursing and project director for the grant; Dr. Shanda Scott, assistant professor in Nursing and director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Dr. Kimberly Zlomke,co-project director and professor in Arts and Sciences. Not pictured are Dr. Yvette Qualls Getch, co-project director and associate professor in Education and Professional Studies; Dr. Kirsten E. Pancione, project coordinator and assistant professor in Nursing; Dr. Bettina Riley, associate professor in Nursing, and Dr. Brian David Johnson, assistant professor in Nursing.

South Receives Grant to Expand Behavioral Health Services and Workforce
September 10, 2021

$1.8 million will help expand and improve mental health services for at-risk youth and teens in Mobile and the Gulf Coast region. ...

South receives a $15,000 grant to establish a faculty-led program in Dijon, France. The University also aims to become a leader in study-abroad access for students with disabilities.

South Wins Grant for Study Abroad Accessibility
September 10, 2021

The grant will subsidize an affordable option for students interested in studying French language, culture and business in France. ...

Connor Holm, a freshman biomedical sciences major in the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions, was recently awarded the University of South Alabama Board of Trustees Scholarship.

Satsuma Grad Awarded Trustees Scholarship
September 9, 2021

Connor Holm, a member of South's Honors College, shifts into college life with plans to do research, study medicine and enjoy ...

Nate Riech competed for the track and field team at the University of South Alabama in 2015-16. He will compete at the 2020 Summer Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

Jaguar Wins Gold in Tokyo
September 9, 2021

South graduate and runner Nate Riech used a childhood injury to fuel a competitive spirit that propelled him to first place in the ...

Ardent supporters of education and engineering, Drs. John and Sally Steadman hop their $3.8 million gift to South's College of Education helps generations of future engineering students pursue their dreams.

Helping Others Engineer Their Dreams
September 3, 2021

Longtime educators Drs. John and Sally Steadman pledge a $3.8 million gift to South's College of Engineering to benefit stude ...

John Quinones, ABC News correspondent and host of the television show "What Would You Do?" will speak at the University of South Alabama's Mitchell Center on Friday, October 1, 2021.

Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist to speak at Mitchell Center
August 31, 2021

ABC News correspondent and host of "What Would You Do" John Quinones is the keynote speaker during South's Alumni W ...

Three USA alumni were elected as new members of the National Alumni Association Board of Directors. Pictured from top (L-R) John Galanos, Mary Beth Massey and Mike Odair.
Additionally the USA National Alumni Association announced it's 2021 Faculty Excellence awards.
Pictured middle (L-R) Dr. Stephanie Smallegan, Nan Young Perez Uribe and Dr. Bret Webb.
Bottom (L-R) FeAunté Preyear, Dr. Kevin White and Nicholas Brownlee

USA National Alumni Association Recognizes Outstanding Faculty
August 27, 2021

Five USA faculty members are recognized for their achievements as well as one young alumnus. Three alumni also elected to USA Nati ...

Muralist and University of South Alabama graduate Andy Scott's latest work is on the side of the USA Student Center — a bright mural in Pantone 281 and 193.

Mobile Muralist
August 27, 2021

South graduate Andy Scott makes his mark with retro signs and bold murals, including a USA Student Center painting that will serve ...

An underwater camera on a remote operated vehicle in the Gulf of Mexico captured this school of greater amberjack near a pyramid deployed by the State of Alabama to provide fish habitat.

Tracking Amberjack
August 25, 2021

South leads a 'Dream Team' of Gulf Coast researchers in an $11.7 million greater amberjack study that could have signifi ...

South's Macario Kelley has been named a Public Company Accounting Oversight Board scholar. He is one of 253 students from U.S. colleges and universities to receive a $10,000 scholarship for the 2021-2022 academic year.

South Accounting Major Receives A National Scholarship
August 19, 2021

Macario Kelley lands a $10,000 scholarship from Public Company Accounting Oversight Board for the 2021-2022 academic year. ...

Mollie Wade, outside Children's of Alabama where she got a job as a nurse, is starting her career on the night shift. “I think I’ve always been a night owl,” she says. “It’s kind of my place.”

Hitting the Ground Running - Mollie Wade
August 19, 2021

Mollie Wade, a graduate of South's Honors College, is bringing her education and a new set of sneakers to her nursing job at ...

Dr. Danny McCarty, an assistant professor in the department of counseling and instructional sciences, article, titled “Experiential Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Reflective Process,” is now the third most-read article ever published in the Journal of Constructivist Psychology.

USA Professor's Recent Article Widely Read
August 13, 2021

South assistant professor Danny McCarty's recent article is the third most-read article ever published in the Journal of Cons ...

University of South Alabama students during Move-In Day.

Jaguars Pounce On Fall Semester
August 13, 2021

South greets freshmen and returning students with a Week of Welcome and Beyond calendar full of everything from scavenger hunts an ...

DeVonte’ Dixon, a South meteorology graduate, took at job at Fox 55 News in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and will be an on-air weekend meteorologist.

Meteorologist Follows Forecast to Fort Wayne
August 9, 2021

DeVonte' Dixon, influenced by the deadly tornado outbreak of April 2011, heads north for broadcasting job at Fox 55 News in I ...

Dr. John Lehrter, associate professor of marine science, pilots a boat through Mobile Bay, where he and graduate Chris Mikolaitis took water samples to measure the health of its marine ecosystem.

Bay Watch
July 29, 2021

South marine scientists monitor environmental trends throughout Mobile Bay in a multi-year program that seeks to prevent decline o ...

University of South Alabama students, from left, Liz Seiler, Ian Singley and De’Asia Aaron each earned a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship.

SURF Students Get Feet Wet
July 28, 2021

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships offer South students an introduction to academic analysis and communication. There' ...

Mike Fletcher and Amber Simpson, a pair of Mobile County public school science teachers, do lab work during a six-week summer program for high school educators at the University of South Alabama.

Back to the Lab
July 28, 2021

South welcomes local science educators to a summer research experience program for middle and high school teachers. ...

The College of Nursing EMPOWER Project Director, Dr. Shanda Scott, assistant professor and director of diversity, equity and inclusion was part of a a team that secured a $1.9 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to support the advancement of diversity in the nursing field.

College of Nursing Receives $1.9 Million Grant to Boost Nursing Diversity
July 28, 2021

The grant will fund a new initiative known as the EMPOWER project advancing USA's goal of educating a more diverse nursing wo ...

Dr. Jeremiah Henning, assistant professor of biology, will study how nutrient addition and disturbance events such as hurricanes alter plant communities and how ecosystems function. The research could have important implications for coastal areas, such as Dauphin Island, where Henning will conduct some of his research.

Too Much of a Good Thing
July 28, 2021

Fertilizer may increase plant size or make your grass greener this summer, but possibly at the cost of biological diversity, accor ...

Representatives from the University of South Alabama and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College announced Friday an initiative that will expand access for MGCCC students to enter South's Early Acceptance Program for nursing.

South, MGCCC Collaborate on Nursing Program
July 23, 2021

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College nursing students can get a jump start on earning their bachelor's degree, saving bot ...

Darcey D’Amato recently took a job as a systems engineer in the aerospace division at Boeing. Her advice to students preparing for a job search: “I tell everybody: Go to conferences. Go to career fairs. Talk to recruiters.”

Career Launch
July 22, 2021

Satellite projects at South helped an engineering graduate land an internship with the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab and a position with ...

Kyle Samuel gained a great deal of sports broadcasting experience, working on Jag TV and ESPN+ productions, while a student at the University of South Alabama.

Racing Start
July 13, 2021

A South graduate uses his college broadcasting experience to land a job doing graphics and editing for NASCAR coverage at Fox Spor ...

David Furman, Director of Information Security & Risk Compliance at the University of South Alabama, was selected by a committee of Research Administrator peers, after the program received well over 100 nominations from around the globe.

A Rising Star In Research Administration
July 9, 2021

USA's David Furman was selected to Society of Research Administrators International's 'Future of the Field' re ...