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Office of Student Affairs

Welcome from the Associate Dean

Dr. Laventrice RidgewayWelcome! Whether you are taking your very first steps toward a career in medicine, navigating the rewarding intensity of medical school, or collaborating with us as a faculty or staff partner, we are genuinely glad you are here.

At the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, your journey is at the heart of everything we do. We recognize that becoming a physician is about far more than mastering medical knowledge — it is a deeply transformative personal and professional experience. That is why our approach is rooted in seeing and supporting you as a whole person. From your initial welcome through your graduation and beyond, our mission is to cultivate an environment where you have the guidance, resources, relationships, and opportunities you need to truly thrive.

Your well-being and success are our primary focus. We provide compassionate, accessible, and responsive support tailored to your unique academic, personal, professional, financial, and wellness needs. Whether you need a trusted advocate, a sounding board, or targeted guidance, we are here to listen, support your individual needs, and seamlessly connect you with the tools you need to navigate medical school with confidence.

Moreover, medical education is a collaborative journey, and you are never in it alone. Our office serves as a trusted connector linking you with dedicated faculty mentors, staff, specialized programs, and institutional resources. From recruitment and orientation through academic advising, career development, residency matching, and graduation, we work to build clear pathways and meaningful relationships that guide you through every milestone.

Finally, a rich medical education extends well beyond the classroom and clinic. We are dedicated to fostering a welcoming community and a true sense of belonging through vibrant student life, leadership opportunities, programs, and events that enrich your experience. Behind the scenes, we continually create and refine the systems, policies, and processes that ensure you can engage fully in both your education and your community.

We invite you to explore our webpage, connect with our team, and make full use of the resources designed to support you. Our doors are always open, and we are honored to partner with you as you fulfill your potential and prepare to become a compassionate physician and leader in healthcare.

Warmly,

Dr. Laventrice S. Ridgeway, LPC, ACS, NCC
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine 

Our Values

The Whiddon College of Medicine Office of Student Affairs is committed to supporting, connecting, and engaging students throughout the full journey of medical education. We value a student-centered approach that recognizes the whole person and creates an environment where every student can access the guidance, resources, relationships, and opportunities needed to thrive. We are guided by three core values: 

Support Icon

SUPPORT
We meet students where they are.

We provide compassionate, responsive, and accessible support for students’ academic, personal, professional, financial, and wellness needs. We listen, assist, advocate, and connect students with the resources they need to succeed. 

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CONNECT
We build pathways and relationships.

We serve as a trusted connector among students, faculty, staff, programs, and resources. We guide students through each stage of their medical education — from recruitment and orientation through advising, career development, residency matching, graduation, and beyond. 

Engage icon

ENGAGE
We create meaningful experiences and community.

We foster a sense of belonging and participation through student life, events, programs, and opportunities that enrich the medical school experience. We create and sustain the systems, policies, and processes that allow students to engage fully in their education and community. 

 
Above all, we value compassion, accessibility, collaboration, responsiveness, and student success. We strive to be a resource for every student and to create a Student Affairs experience that is welcoming, connected, and supportive from the beginning of medical school through graduation and beyond.

Offices and Programs

Advising icon
Career Advising
Financial Aid icon
Financial Aid
Records icon
Student Records
Wellness icon
Wellness Program

Signature Events

Resources

Connect With the Student Affairs Team

Laventrice S. Ridgeway, Ed.D. profile picture Laventrice S. Ridgeway, Ed.D.
Associate Dean of Student Affairs lsridgeway@southalabama.edu
(251) 460-7174
Becky Smith, Ph.D. profile picture Becky Smith, Ph.D.
Director, Health & Wellness beckysmith@southalabama.edu
(251) 460-7051
Frank L. Lucas, Ed.D. profile picture Frank L. Lucas, Ed.D.
Director, Student Records & Engagement flucas@southalabama.edu
(251) 460-7402


Stephanie Roote, MLA profile picture Stephanie Roote, MLA
Associate Director of Financial Aid sroote@southalabama.edu
(251) 460-7918
Karen Braswell profile picture Karen Braswell
Supervisor, Clinical Education kbraswell@southalabama.edu
(251) 471-7145
Sierra Huff-Brown profile picture Sierra Huff-Brown
Assistant Registrar schuff@southalabama.edu 
(251) 460-7180


LaToya M. Gamble, MBA profile picture LaToya M. Gamble, MBA
Coordinator, Clinical Education lgamble@southalabama.edu
(251) 471-7873
Gracie Overstreet, MBA profile picture Gracie Overstreet, MBA
Senior Program Coordinator gracieoverstreet@southalabama.edu
(251) 460-7851
Stacey R. Parrish profile picture Stacey R. Parrish
Program Coordinator
(251) 460-7174