USA News Archives | Media Relations

USA College of Nursing alumna Dawn Downs, a critical care nurse, recently graduated with her nurse practitioner degree from South, which has given her more experience and preparation for her future professional work. Photo courtesy of Dawn Downs.

A South Education, a West Coast Location
July 5, 2017

With a robust online program, USA's College of Nursing has graduates in all 50 states. Meet one: Dawn Downs of California. ...

Canned food for Boxing Out Hunger. Through phase one of the Boxing out Hunger program, the Stanton Road Clinic will distribute 1,000 healthy pre-packaged boxes to food insecure patients that contain an assortment of shelf-stable ingredients such as canned produce, protein, dairy and grains.

South Clinic 'Boxing Out Hunger'
June 29, 2017

USA partners with Feeding the Gulf Coast to improve health by addressing patient food insecurities. ...

Natalie Fox, pediatric nurse practitioner and manager of clinical operations for pediatrics at USA Health, and Dr. Steven Kahn, assistant professor of surgery and a burn, trauma and critical care surgeon.

Tips for Happy, Healthy July Fourth
June 29, 2017

How chalk can protect children from a hot grill, and other tips from USA health providers for a safe Independence Day. ...

Dr. Joel Lewis Billingsley, a faculty member in the College of Education and Professional Studies, presented along with her family a personal historic perspective about the last survivor of the last slave ship that docked in Mobile Bay, as part of a workshop for elementary school teachers. From left, Lewis Billingsley; her father, Robert Lewis; her mother, Paulette Lewis; and her great uncle, Israel Lewis III.

Teacher Training Focuses on Alabama History
June 27, 2017

Presentation on oral history led by USA's Dr. Joel' Lewis Billingsley is a part of the Alabama Bicentennial Summer Insti ...

Overcoming Struggles to Help Others
June 23, 2017

Ron Stallworth slept in his car between class and work. The alumnus has since established a scholarship for others in need. ...

Dr. Kathy J. Cooke, dean of USA's new Honors College standing outside the Bethel Chapel

South Names Dean of New Honors College
June 22, 2017

Dr. Kathy J. Cooke will lead an ambitious initiative to increase honors enrollment and offer additional tracks of study. ...

Former Jag and right-hander Ben Taylor is 0-1 with one save and a 6.59 ERA in 11 relief appearances with the Boston Red Sox.

Seven Former Jags Competing in MLB, MiLB
June 20, 2017

South Alabama players have gone on to teams including the Washington Nationals, Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox. ...

South Brand Internationally Recognized
June 20, 2017

USA's comprehensive branding initiative earns a bronze award in the 2017 Circle of Excellence program. ...

Dr. Sytske Kimball, chair of meteorology, right, discusses research projects with Caroline Kolakoski and Dillon Blount, two of the four South students named as recipients of the prestigious Hollings Scholarships. Caitlin Ford and Sam Sangster are also recipients.

Hollings Scholars in Record Numbers at USA
June 15, 2017

Four South meteorology students are 2017 recipients of the prestigious Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarships. ...

A delegation of USA Student Government Officers, gather in a session of the international Going Global conference in London. From left accompanying the students is Associate Dean and title IX Coordinator Dr. Krista Harrell. Seated next are Josh Crownover, the SGA’s immediate past president, and Shaun Holloway, SGA’s chief of staff.

USA Students Go Global in London
June 14, 2017

A delegation of USA Student Government officers and faculty went to London for the international Going Global conference. ...

Sun Belt Conference's all-sports trophy AKA or Vick Bubas Cup

All-Sports Trophy Comes South Again
June 9, 2017

USA's baseball team won the Sun Belt Conference tournament, giving South the league's Vic Bubas Cup. ...

Returning South Leads to More Career Success
June 9, 2017

The ink on Monica Whatley’s diploma was barely dry before the math and statistics major packed up and moved to Washington, D ...

5 Playground Safety Tips for the Summer
June 7, 2017

With children headed outside, USA's Dr. Jason Richerson offers advice for staying free of fractures, burns and boo-boos. ...

Jags to Jobs image with Capt. Sean Scarcliff standing with NASA building in the background

Jags to Jobs: Sean Scarcliff
June 6, 2017

Sean Scarcliff, a space operations officer for the U.S. Army, earned his master's degree in history from South in 2010 after ...

Dr. Nicole Carr, right, associate vice president for Student Academic Success, teamed with Dr. Kathy Thompson and Dr. Andre Green of the College of Education and Professional Studies to secure a grant that further supports South's Pathway USA program.

Pathway USA Gets National Recognition
June 5, 2017

The program that improves access among two-year college students to a degree at South receives Gates Foundation funding. ...

three smoke stacks with smoke billowing out

A Paris Primer: What Happens Now?
June 2, 2017

Following the U.S. exit from the Paris Agreement, South's Dr. Scott Glaberman says there are five things you should know. ...

The USA National Alumni Association recognized five members of the South community on Thursday for outstanding achievements. From left are Dr. Pat C. Covey, founding dean of USA’s Pat C. Covey College of Allied Health Professions; Lee Covey, founder of the Collegiate Housing Foundation; James L. “Jim” Busby, ’83, founder of Drobotik Sciences; and Dr. John S. Meigs Jr., ’79, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Not pictured is retired U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral William “Dean” Lee, '79.

Alumni, Service Leaders Recognized
June 1, 2017

The USA National Alumni Association honored five members of the South community for outstanding achievements. ...

Nick Barton, a junior finance major from Alabaster, will spend part of his summer raising money for people with disabilities during Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity's national philanthropy, "Journey of Hope."

A 'Journey of Hope,' on Two Wheels
June 1, 2017

Junior Nick Barton, after biking 900 miles in Florida, will serve as crew chief in a Pi Kappa Phi fundraiser across the U.S. ...

The Jags' win over Georgia Southern marks South Alabama's 11th Sun Belt Tournament title, and its first since 2005.

Jags Win Sun Belt Championship
May 29, 2017

South Alabama's defeat of Georgia Southern marks the program's 11th conference title, and its first since 2005. ...

6 Ways to Avert the Next WannaCry
May 26, 2017

What you should know, and what South's School of Computing is doing, to ward off malware and other disruptive cyber attacks. ...

Graduate student Ramon Deanda, left, junior Lauren Carroll and Professor Tony Wright show some of the hand-print tiles that will be on display at Medal of Honor Park's playground.

South, Children Leave Imprint at Playground
May 23, 2017

Tony Wright, two of his students and hundreds of children create ceramic handprint tiles for display at Medal of Honor Park. ...

Arriving at USA by Way of the NFL
May 19, 2017

Jeremy Towns traded in shoulder pads for a white medical coat to join his new teammates in South's College of Medicine. ...

Thomas Merrigan, a 2000 chemistry graduate, has always had a side project. One turned into Grayle, a water filter and purifier bottle now sold in 250 stores in the United States. Photo courtesy of Thomas Merrigan.

A (One-Press) Push for Innovation
May 17, 2017

Travis Merrigan's busy week: Quit job, got married, moved to Seattle and began full bore developing the Grayl water bottle. ...

The “Vagina Monologues” performance at the University of South Alabama raised $616 for the Mobile Rape Crisis Center. South Alabama members of the cast recently presented a check to support the center's programs. From left are Catherine Buttrey, Kenishia Jackson, Title IX Coordinator and Associate Dean of Students Dr. Krista Harrell, Kadijah Oliver, Tiffany Martin and Eve Windhorst.

Donations go to Rape Crisis Center
May 17, 2017

Proceeds from the 'Vagina Monologues' are given to combat violence against women and girls. ...

“USA is really honored to be a part of this program, which can become a model locally as well as nationally with everyone working together,” Lynne Chronister, USA vice president for research and economic development, said at a Tuesday news conference with Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, left, and Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft.

South to Host Beach Job Boot Camp
May 16, 2017

The University will train 17- to 24-year-olds for summer employment in partnership with the cities of Mobile and Gulf Shores. ...

South Employees, Retirees Raise $720K
May 16, 2017

The Employee and Retiree Annual Fund is part of South's Upward & Onward comprehensive fundraising campaign. ...

Newly-named Alabama Teacher of the Year Chasity Collier, left, receives a special 50th Anniversary medallion from Dr. Andrea Kent, dean of the University of South Alabama College of Education, during a surprise celebration pep rally at Dawes Intermediate School. Earlier this year, South Alabama’s College of Education celebrated 50 years. Collier teaches fifth-grade science at Dawes Intermediate School.

Alumna Named Alabama Teacher of the Year
May 12, 2017

Chasity Collier, a fifth-grade science teacher at Dawes Intermediate School in Mobile County, graduated from South in 1998. ...

The finalists of the USA Public Speaking Contest are, seated from left, third place winner Faith Wheeler of Murphy High School; first place winner Siddiqah Abdullah of Murphy High School and second place winner Marie Doyle from the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science. Standing from left are USA communications faculty Dr. Reggie Moody, associate professor; Katherine Rigsby, instructor; Megan Sparks, senior instructor; Dr. James Aucoin, professor and chair; and Dr. April Dupree Taylor, assistant professor.

'Advocacy' Highlights Public Speaking Contest
May 11, 2017

Thirty-one 9th-12th graders from five local schools participated in the contest at the University of South Alabama. ...

The Waterman Globe, after being removed from public view since 2015, was on display this year for Commencement activities, including the College of Medicine's convocation ceremony.

The Waterman Globe Makes Its Return
May 10, 2017

After being draped off for repairs for more than a year, South's traditional photo backdrop at Commencement is back. ...

Dr. Doug Haywick, associate professor of geology, shakes the hand of Dr. Andrzej Wierzbicki, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, at Commencement on May 6. Haywick earned a second bachelor's degree after taking classes beginning in 2002.

'Learning Should be a Lifelong Activity'
May 9, 2017

Retiring professor Dr. Doug Haywick walked across the stage at the Mitchell Center to earn his second bachelor's degree. ...

Rod Newsome, a junior at the University of South Alabama, fell in love with the bass in elementary school after a music teacher played the theme from "Jaws." As a student, he's played twice with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra. Photo courtesy of Ben Harper, Mobile Symphony Orchestra.

A Pinch Hitter With a Double Bass
May 9, 2017

Before arriving at South, Rod Newsome was mostly self-taught. He's since played twice with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra. ...

South Graduates' 'Bittersweet' Moment
May 6, 2017

The University recognized more than 2,200 degree candidates at two ceremonies, 50 years after USA's first commencement. ...

USA’s Office of Student Activities recognizes students for outstanding community service during the annual Student Organization Awards Banquet. From left are Shelby Guidry, Animal Rights Alliance, Student Organization of the Year; Veena Danthuluri, Indian Student Association, Program of the Year; Allyson Heng, Student Organization Leader of the Year; Lyndsie Rhoden, Emerging Leader of the Year; and Kellie Caddell, Student-Run Free Clinic, Graduate Student Organization of the Year.

'Innovative Ways to Serve'
May 5, 2017

South holds its annual awards luncheon to honor and showcase student organizations and community service. ...

Greek organization students raised more than $102,000 for philanthropy this year, and dedicated nearly 32,000 hours of logged-in community service. From left, Ross McDonald, president of Pi Kappa Phi, Fraternity Dean’s Cup winner; Derek Pickett, president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., NPHC Fraternity of the Year; Bryanna Hall, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., NPHC Sorority of the Year; Amanda Nadeau, Alpha Omicron Pi, Sorority Dean’s Cup winner; and Sharon Williams, Chi Omega, Sorority Dean’s Cup winner.

USA Greek Community Recognized
May 4, 2017

Sororities and fraternities raised more than $102,000 for philanthropy this year, and dedicated nearly 32,000 service hours. ...

Dr. Peter Wood standing on lawn with trumpet

Two Countries, Two Stages, One Concert
May 3, 2017

South faculty will play with elementary school students in China via live stream in a May 11 free concert open to the public. ...

Mikayla Walters will return to South to earn a master’s degree in chemical engineering: “I love learning and I am eager to learn all I can in my field.”

Shelby Hall Beat Out Cornell, Caltech
May 1, 2017

Mikayla Walters chose South for engineering after visiting campus. She will stay for her master's after a layover in Chile. ...

Winifred George, who will earn her bachelor's in nursing, wants to work in labor and delivery, and, in the near future, return to school for her graduate degree.

'Humbled by Her Experience'
May 1, 2017

Winifred George watched the compassion of nurses when her grandmother died. Now she wants to help bring life into the world. ...

Jacob Blandford and Martha Marie Engeling will earn their master's degrees in two new programs, marine conservation and resource management and sports management, respectively.

New Degree Programs for New Graduates
May 1, 2017

Master of science degrees will be awarded in sports management, along with marine conservation and resource management. ...

Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood will speak at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony, and European Union Ambassador to the United States David O’Sullivan will address graduates at the 2 p.m. ceremony on May 6.

Commissioner, Diplomat to Address Graduates
April 27, 2017

Mobile's Merceria Ludgood and the EU's David O'Sullivan will speak during Spring Commencement ceremonies on Saturda ...

David Williams of Mobile, a former Mobile County Public School middle and high school teacher pursuing his Ph.D. in instructional design and development at South, will present his paper on the effective way to use test development theory during the University of South Alabama’s Conference on Teaching and Learning.

Innovative Teaching Strategies Focus of Conference
April 24, 2017

The deadline to register for the University of South Alabama's Conference on Teaching and Learning is Wednesday, April 26. ...

$100 Million and Counting
April 24, 2017

The University of South Alabama reaches a milestone in its $150 million 'Upward & Onward' fundraising campaign. ...

Abe Mitchell, whose gift created a $50 million matching scholarship initiative, meets with, from left, students Alexys Brown, Christian Manganti, Derek Rowan and Raven McShan.

Expanding Access to Education, Opportunity
April 24, 2017

Abraham Mitchell, whose generous gift initiated a $50 million scholarship initiative, meets with several grateful recipients. ...

Julian MacQueen credits South for taking a chance on him 40 years ago. South's new alumni center will be named after his family.

New Alumni Center to Open in 2018
April 24, 2017

The center recognizes donors Julian and Kim MacQueen: 'It's very important for us to create unity in everything we do.&# ...

Dr. Gretchen Vandiver, 2012 recipient of the DeBakey Scholarship, is shown in Iquitos, Peru on a medical mission trip through the Christian Medical Ministry of South Alabama.

Rural Medicine Practice Made Possible
April 24, 2017

The DeBakey Foundation has provided the USA College of Medicine more than $2 million to support academic scholarships. ...

Natalie Sessions French seated at computer

Jags to Jobs: Natalie Sessions French
April 21, 2017

Jags to Jobs is a LinkedIn series that features University of South Alabama alumni, their careers and how they got to where they a ...

USA students rehearse for the 2017 'La Vie Parisienne Operetta,' which will take place April 21-23.

A French Opera on the Gulf Coast
April 20, 2017

Students take the stage for this weekend's 'La Vie Parisienne,' complete with a saucy millionaire and can-can danci ...

Upgrades to Parking, Pipes, Roads, Roofs
April 20, 2017

Look for an increase in construction on main campus following commencement and lasting through the summer. ...

Dr. Thomas Rich, associate professor of pharmacology, left, and Dr. Silas Leavesley, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, are co-founders of SpectraCyte, a previous Alabama Launchpad award winner.

South to Host Alabama Launchpad
April 20, 2017

USA, along with the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, will welcome innovative startups April 27 in downtown Mobile. ...

Each year, South graduate and artist Ricky Trione visits classes in the College of Education. A lesson quickly emerges: If a blind man can create boldly colored, vibrant paintings, and sit on the floor of a classroom teaching kindergarteners how to do the same, then teachers can use art to communicate with almost anyone.

In Darkness, Colors Shine Bright
April 14, 2017

South graduate Ricky Trione's medium was pen and ink. When he lost his sight, Trione thought he'd lost art, too. ...

Dr. Steve Lim, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the College of Medicine, said he hopes his research will advance current atherosclerosis therapies from preventative to treatable.

$1.5 Million Grant to South Professor
April 13, 2017

Dr. Steve Lim's research is on cell signaling that contributes to atherosclerosis, a chronic vascular inflammatory disease. ...