USA News Archives | Media Relations

Serena Thidasongsavanh works as a nurse in the emergency department at USA Health University Hospital. Compared with other academic medical centers in the United States, the University Hospital emergency department handles some of the most complex and challenging cases requiring the highest level of care.

Hitting the Ground Running - Serena Thidasongsavanh
July 28, 2020

#MyFirstJob: Comfortable shoes and a fast pace keep Serena Thidasongsavanh on her toes as a hospital emergency room nurse. ...

Louis and Melinda Mapp have announced their intentions to donate land in Baldwin County for the future location of a campus for USA Health.

USA Health Baldwin Campus Planned
July 28, 2020

Louis and Melinda Mapp intend to donate eight acres for the campus, which would include primary and specialty care. ...

Jennifer Conrad, left, a University of South Alabama graduate, and Lauren Kapeluck own ellenJAY, a boutique bakery in Midtown Mobile. The two have taken part in South's Real Advice Mentoring Program, RAMP, for help with business planning and growth strategy.

More Than Cookie-Cutter Advice
July 21, 2020

A South mentoring program offers entrepreneurs, like those at ellenJAY bakery, tailored guidance to help their businesses rise. ...

Gaelyn Angus-Barker, who graduated from the University of South Alabama with a degree in mechanical engineering, is in a two-year program at General Motors that includes four six-month rotations in different positions.

Engineer Rolls to General Motors
July 21, 2020

#MyFirstJob: After graduating in May, Gaelyn Angus-Barker heads north for job with the automobile industry in downtown Detroit. ...

April Berry, 4th-year doctoral student at USA

Focused on Her Future
July 20, 2020

Doctoral student April Berry's drive and persistence pays dividends as she hopes to show others they can achieve their dreams ...

Dr. Andre Green, associate vice president of academic affairs and 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile president.

Opening Doors to Opportunity
July 17, 2020

USA and The 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile are collaborating to establish a full-tuition scholarship beginning in Fall 2020. ...

Joe Milter, who graduated in May from the University of South Alabama, works with Dr. Kevin West, background, professor of chemical engineering, in a College of Engineering lab during spring semester. Milter is one of the students who has worked on an antimicrobial fiber research project, collaborated on by West and Drs. Grant Glover, associate professor of chemical engineering, and Terry Ravine, associate professor of biomedical sciences.

South Team Smells Success in Fabrics
July 16, 2020

Commercial applications for antimicrobial material range from germ-free hospital linens to less stinky athletic apparel. ...

Dr. Glen Borchert, associate professor of pharmacology, is collaborating on one of seven externally funded COVID-related research projects underway at the University of South Alabama and USA Health.

Examining a Pathway to Treat COVID-19
July 15, 2020

Researchers in the College of Medicine are examining a novel novel genetic pathway that could lead to new treatments. ...

University of South Alabama engineering students examine an asphalt pavement core sample held by Dr. Shenghua Wu, assistant professor of civil engineering/pavement engineering. The sample was removed from a road made from 100 percent reclaimed asphalt pavement, which is the focus of research by Wu and the students.

Recycle, Reclaim and Repave
July 15, 2020

Dr. Shenghua Wu and his students wanted to test a road made entirely of recycled asphalt. They found one nearby in Florida. ...

Carlos Moore, a municipal judge and attorney in Mississippi, is the first president of the USA Black Alumni Society.

With Changing Views, a New Banner
July 14, 2020

South alumnus Carlos Moore took the Mississippi flag down in his courtroom three years ago. Now, the state has followed suit. ...

Courtney McKeand, whose portfolio is thick with science fiction and fantasy characters, landed a freelance contract after graduating from the University of South Alabama. “I’m thrilled to have found work so quickly and in my field,” she said.

Artist Lives Dream in Fantasy World
July 14, 2020

#MyFirstJob: Courtney McKeand overcame multiple sclerosis to earn art degree at South and land freelance job in science fiction. ...

School of Computing Assistant Professor Dr. David Bourrie landed a $213,000 grant that will significantly increase the University's research and education capabilities.

The Need for Speed
July 9, 2020

Dr. David Bourrie lands a grant that will expand USA's cyber infrastructure and transition to a true high-speed network. ...

Adam Gautier earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer and information sciences at the University of South Alabama. Before finishing school in May, he was chosen graduate student of the year for the School of Computing.

Computer Security Career Takes Off
July 7, 2020

#MyFirstJob: Adam Gautier's degree took him to Huntsville, where he's found challenges, camaraderie and comical space re ...

Ted Amadi returned to his hometown of Chicago to participate in the American Heart Association's Supporting Undergraduate Research Experience.

Biomedical Sciences Student Wins Prestigious Fellowship
July 2, 2020

Senior Ted Amadi earns an American Heart Association's Supporting Undergraduate Research Experience fellowship. ...

Dr. Cameron Chick, who earned a doctorate at the University of South Alabama, is a clinical audiologist at the Georgia Hearing Institute.

Audiologist Hears Call as Dr. Chick
June 30, 2020

#MyFirstJob: Cameron Chick turned a South education and a Macon internship into a job at the Georgia Hearing Institute. ...

Dr. Jeremiah Henning, an assistant professor of biology, contributed to a paper published this week that studied the representation of women and people of color in biology textbooks.

Finding Role Models in Textbooks
June 26, 2020

Biology texts are doing better at representing women and scientists of color, but still fall short, says USA associate professor. ...

South Releases Reopening Plan
June 26, 2020

Social distancing, face masks, COVID-19 screening, web-blended classes and a staggered move-in are included in the guidelines. ...

Mansa El played on the USA women's basketball team from 2010-2013. She now coaches boys basketball in Texas. “Having a hand in preparing them for life, that’s a pretty good feeling,” she said.

Challenging Players, and Expectations
June 24, 2020

Former Jag Mansa El is a rarity in basketball — a female coach of a boys team. She prepares her players for the game, and li ...

Preston White, a senior nursing major from Decatur, Ala, is one of eight volunteers in the Jag Student Support Network. The peer-to-peer organization helps students handle stress and cope with personal and academic issues.

USA Starts Peer Student Support Network
June 23, 2020

Jag Student Support Network trains students to help peers handle stress and cope with personal and academic issues. ...

Martavious Hails, a spring 2020 computer science graduate, works on a NASA team that uses satellite information to improve short-term weather forecasting.

South, then North and to Space
June 22, 2020

#MyFirstJob: Martavious Hails joined a NASA team in Huntsville that uses satellite imagery to improve weather forecasting. ...

Dr. Charlotte Pence, Director of Stokes Center for Creative Writing wins Fellowship from the Alabama Arts Council.

USA's Pence Receives Fellowship
June 18, 2020

Alabama Arts Council awards fellowship to Dr. Charlotte Pence as her latest book of poems is scheduled for release. ...

Amara Baltimore, a spring graduate of the Mitchell College of Business, is just 22 years old, but she’s already conducting audits and interviewing taxpayers in her first job with the Alabama Department of Revenue.

The Nonconfrontational, Sympathetic Auditor
June 15, 2020

#MyFirstJob: With a $10 backdrop, Amara Baltimore looks for thousands in lost revenue for the state of Alabama. ...

Virtual visits give students a glimpse of the University of South Alabama campus through information sessions, videos and stories. Anna Wentworth, right, of Mobile, an incoming freshman who plans to major in secondary education, talks with Adrienne Gannon, assistant director of new student recruitment.

Getting to Know USA Virtually
June 12, 2020

More than 500 prospective students have connected with academic recruiters for virtual visits. Schedule your appointment. ...

Members of the University of South Alabama Jaguar Marching Band perform the USA fight song together, one-by-one.

South!, in 70 Different Places
June 9, 2020

Members of the Jaguar Marching Band — plus a dog who helps keep time — perform the USA fight song together, one-by-one ...

Caleb Santa Cruz, a communication studies graduate, works as a youth pastor at Summit Church, which is constructing a new church building in Foley.

A Career, and a Church, Under Construction
June 9, 2020

#MyFirstJob: Caleb Santa Cruz, a communication studies graduate, heads back home to begin a job as a youth pastor. ...

PASSAGE USA graduated its first class in 2019. The program's students are now eligible for federally funded financial aid.

PASSAGE USA Students Eligible for Federal Aid
June 9, 2020

PASSAGE USA program gives students with intellectual disabilities opportunities to attend college and experience campus life. ...

Tuition to Remain Level for 2020-21
June 5, 2020

South's Board of Trustees leaves tuition unchanged for the second consecutive year; housing costs will also remain flat. ...

Dr. Miranda Byrne-Steele, at her iRepertoire lab in Huntsville, leads a team of team of researchers exploring coronavirus therapies. “It’s taken years and years of experience and technology development, and we’re applying it in a rapid way,” she said.

South Alumna Explores COVID-19 Therapies
June 3, 2020

Chemistry graduate Dr. Miranda Byrne-Steele leads a team of researchers working on therapies at a Huntsville biotechnology firm. ...

The Student Government Association officers for 2020-21 are, clockwise from top left, Tia Nickens, president; Brantley “Brant” A. Cook, vice president; Jacob Green, treasurer; Allera Padgett, attorney general; Cana Brown, student-at-large; and Sarah Hemelt, chief justice.

USA Announces 2020-21 SGA Officers
June 2, 2020

USA students elect Tia Nickens, a secondary education major, as SGA president. Brantley "Brant" A. Cook is vice presiden ...

Veteran broadcaster Lance Crawford has joined South's Office of Marketing and Communications as director of media relations.

Crawford Named Director of Media Relations
June 1, 2020

Veteran broadcaster Lance Crawford is joining South's Office of Marketing and Communications and will handle media relations. ...

USA Health has been developing its plans for a free-standing Emergency Department since 2018.

Emergency Department Planned for West Mobile
May 19, 2020

USA Health is building a free-standing emergency department at Hillcrest and Old Shell roads. ...

Dr. Joe Gaston, University of South Alabama assistant professor of educational media and technology, demonstrates how to prepare online classes, including the use of QR codes so students can scan and access audio and video lessons.

Supporting 'Rock Star' Teachers
May 18, 2020

COVID-19 has forced K-12 teachers out of comfort zones and into distance learning. That brings new opportunities. ...

Dr. Bob Wood has been dean at the University of South Alabama Mitchell College of Business since 2014.

Wood Named Dean of the Year
May 14, 2020

Dr. Bob G. Wood, dean of the Mitchell College of Business, is recognized by Beta Gamma Sigma. ...

Jack Stover, a summer graduate completing a double major in international business and Spanish, has kept an active schedule during his time at the University of South Alabama. “My extracurricular activities have been just as important to me as my academic work,” he says.

Not Enough Hours in the Day
May 9, 2020

Double major in business and Spanish. Fraternity president. Internships and study abroad. Jack Stover has been busy. ...

Mary Catherine Cazalas conducted research as a graduate assistant in the Swallowing Disorders Initiative Lab in the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions. She won the College’s Dean’s Award for her academic and research work.

Dean's Award, Discipline, Determination
May 9, 2020

Mary Catherine Cazalas's pursuit of a graduate degree in speech pathology brought her back to 'the best city in the worl ...

Bryant Baldwin plans to continue his research in biomechanical engineering at the University of South Alabama after spring commencement. “I want to complete the project we’ve been working on,” he says.

'Completionist' Finds Way to Engineering
May 9, 2020

Bryant Baldwin is a problem solver. At South, he discovered a solution to his varying interests: mechanical engineering. ...

Ricky Green, an information technology instructor at the University of South Alabama, uses 3D printers to produce parts that will be put together to make face shields for healthcare workers.

USA DIYers Innovate on PPE
May 8, 2020

South faculty join a nationwide do-it-yourself movement to guard against a shortage of personal protective equipment. ...

Dr. Nycole Oliver, a two-time graduate of the University of South Alabama College of Nursing, practices at Baptist Health Family Clinic in Fort Smith, Ark., and helps staff her town’s coronavirus testing site.

Among Her Roles, Deliverer of COVID-19 Results
May 6, 2020

USA nursing graduate Dr. Nycole Oliver is an instructor, advocate and COVID-19 tester. She also calls patients with the results. ...

Members of the Jaguar Marching Band record a virtual performance of “South,” the University of South Alabama fight song.

Finding Harmony, and a Good Wi-Fi Signal
May 5, 2020

Accustomed to playing together, South faculty and students find creative ways to bridge the distance caused by COVID-19. ...

Chastang-Howard Recognized for Excellence
May 4, 2020

Pamela Chastang-Howard is honored with the National Collegiate Honors Council Award for Administrative Excellence. ...

A few days before they left Peru, where they were in lockdown due to the novel coronavirus, a group of Study Abroad students from the University of South Alabama took a group photo with fellow students from Augusta State, University of Georgia and Lenoir-Rhyne University. The USA students are, top row, Zach McCleery, far left; Laura Thompson, fourth from the left; Laurel Collins, sixth from the left; and Jasmine Furguson, bottom row, far left. Joel Ellzie, an instructor in USA’s department of emergency medical services, is in the top center of the photograph next to Collins.

'This Might Actually Be a Thing'
May 1, 2020

A group of South students were in Peru when the novel coronavirus shut down its borders. This is the story of how they got out. ...

Fall Reopening Planned at USA
May 1, 2020

The University is making plans to reopen campus and resume in-person classes and residential living for the Fall 2020 semester. ...

The University of South Alabama will hold a virtual, online commencement ceremony on May 9 to honor spring and summer degree candidates.

South to Hold Virtual Commencement
May 1, 2020

The awarding of the degrees will take place 11 a.m., May 9. The ceremony will stream on the homepage and social media. ...

Dr. Alvin Williams, chair of marketing and quantitative methods at the University of South Alabama, said "in pandemic mode, supply chains must become even more flexible to accommodate the rapid rate of change."

COVID-19 to Supply Lessons on Supply Chain
April 27, 2020

Dr. Alvin Williams, marketing and quantitative methods chair, offers insight on the novel coronavirus's impact on supply chai ...

Barry Coleman, who endowed a scholarship in grandmother's name, becoming one the youngest major gift donors to the College of Nursing, earlier this semester met the scholarship's first recipient, Jennifer Dowling.

'He Simply Will Not Accept Failure'
April 27, 2020

Barry Coleman endows scholarship in grandmother's name, becoming one the youngest major gift donors to the College of Nursing ...

John Ding, who earned a master's in business administration from the University of South Alabama's Mitchell College of Business, is an aircraft engineer at Airbus and part of a team making medical masks for USA Health using 3D printers. Photo courtesy of Airbus.

Airbus, South Team Up on Medical Masks
April 20, 2020

Airbus, working with the University and USA Health, has put its 3D printers to work manufacturing masks for hospitals and clinics. ...

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. ...