USA News Archives | Media Relations

Recent communication graduate Erin Weninegar, 23, is ready to build her film career thanks to the education she received at South Alabama and the help she’s received from alumni.

A Hollywood Experience on the Gulf Coast
December 29, 2015

Film students including Erin Weninegar get a start in the film industry with the help of alumni Drew Hall and Horst Sarubin. ...

Dr. Yaguang Xi, an associate professor of oncologic sciences at MCI, was named the 2015 recipient of the Mayer Mitchell Award for Excellence in Cancer Research.

Helping Unlock the Mysteries of Cancer
December 23, 2015

Dr. Yaguang Xi wasn't content trying to save one life at a time. So he turned from surgery to research, then earned an MBA. ...

Landscaping Manager Gary Carley checks the campus wells daily. Carley and his employees use the wells for irrigation purposes, such as watering grass and flowers, but the well water is also used in the generation of the chilled water used to cool the campus buildings.

University Gets Bigger, Energy Bill Gets Smaller
December 22, 2015

Efficiencies including water wells drilled on campus translate to utility savings and a reduced carbon footprint. ...

close-up of bronze statue of Jaguar in Moulton Tower plaza

University Holiday Schedule
December 18, 2015

Most departments will be closed until January 4; a limited number observe different schedules during the break. ...

USA Announces Dean for the College of Education
December 17, 2015

Dr. Andrea M. Kent has served as interim dean since August and has been a member of the faculty of the college for the past 11 yea ...

Sit in style at football games with the tailgate blanket, which can be purchased for $19.99 from the Jag Alumni Store at www.jagalumnistore.com.

Jag Swag for Last-Minute Gift Ideas
December 16, 2015

The holiday season is upon us! If you are still looking for the perfect gift, the University of South Alabama has you covered. ...

Dr. Richard Ward, associate professor of communications, below, said “Star Wars” excited American moviegoers because it debuted during a historic Hollywood slump and on the heels of Vietnam and Watergate.

'Star Wars' Offered Boost During Hollywood Slump
December 12, 2015

Associate Professor Dr. Richard Ward discusses George Lucas and the impact of 'Star Wars' as 'The Force Awakens ...

U.S. Rep. John Lewis was the commencement speaker for the University of South Alabama's 2015 Fall Commencement. He is joined on stage, from left, by Dr. Tony Waldrop, USA president, and Dr. David Johnson, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

Rep. John Lewis: 'We Are Depending on You.'
December 12, 2015

The Civil Rights icon and Georgia congressman urged graduates to 'use your education as a great tool to change injustice. ...

Katherine Sweet, 21, graduated from the University of South Alabama in fewer than four years. During that time, the Honors Program student spent many hours in the Seaman's Bethel Theatre where the program is centered.

College in Fewer than Four Years
December 11, 2015

Katherine Sweet started down one academic path. Then she discovered philosophy and ended up in Thailand. ...

Raaj Ghosal, a Frederick P. Whiddon Scholar, earned a 3.78 grade-point average while enrolled as an Honors Program student. He will receive his bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences and plans to go to medical school.

Honors Student Ready for Med School
December 10, 2015

Raaj Ghosal graduates with a passion for academics, research and service. His key to success? Maintaining balance. ...

John Waldron enrolled at the University, in part, to set an example for his son.

USA Student Earns Degree 37 Years Later
December 10, 2015

John Waldron walked across the Mitchell Center stage Saturday, ending a journey that was interrupted in 1978. ...

Grant Enfinger, who holds a marketing degree from USA, celebrates at Kansas Speedway in October after winning the 2015 ARCA Racing Series championship.

'There's No Better Music Than 9000 RPM'
December 10, 2015

USA graduate Grant Enfinger, winner of the 2015 Automobile Racing Club of America Racing Series, describes life at 200 mph. ...

U.S. Rep. John Lewis, who has represented Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District since 1986, will address USA graduates at the 2015 Fall Commencement.

Rep. John Lewis to Speak at Fall Commencement
December 8, 2015

The Alabama native, Civil Rights icon and Georgia congressman will address USA graduates on Saturday at the Mitchell Center. ...

USA's chapter of the national engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi has been recognized as the best chapter in the country. Pictured are new students initiated this fall plus some of the current members, which include 70 undergraduate and 19 graduate students.

USA Engineering Honor Society Named Nation's Best
December 7, 2015

The University of South Alabama chapter of Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society, has been recognized by the organiz ...

University of South Alabama employee volunteers celebrated a successful 2015 campaign for the United Way of Southwest Alabama during a reception held Wednesday, Dec. 2. The campaign raised a total of $261,201 for the nonprofit charitable organization.

Jaguars Excel with 2015 United Way Campaign
December 4, 2015

A total of 2,477 employees and retirees of the University contributed $261,201 to the 2015 USA Employee Campaign for the nonprofit ...

USA nursing students, Foundation for Peace staff and others gather outside a church used as a clinic site in the community of Los Mina.

A Nursing Trip Outside the 'Comfort Zone'
December 4, 2015

Students went to the Dominican Republic to provide basic health care services and deliver donations to a special-needs orphanage. ...

USA Hosts Shut Out Human Trafficking Week
November 27, 2015

Five days of events began Tuesday as the University teams up with UNICEF and the National Consortium for Academics and Sports. ...

USA students prepare for future success by learning business etiquette in a seminar offered once a semester by Career Services.

How to Step Up to the (Dinner) Plate
November 25, 2015

When the ink on your diploma is still wet, it's especially important to know which fork to use. Here are eight etiquette tips ...

As assistant vice president for research innovation, Michael Chambers will work with colleges and schools to identify potential innovations that could be commercialized and help build innovation teams across disciplines.

Chambers Appointed Assistant VP
November 25, 2015

The University of South Alabama has hired veteran health care entrepreneur Dr. Michael Chambers as its first assistant vice presid ...

Hannah Beals, a senior in the USA emergency medical services program, listens to radio reports during a disaster drill at Battleship Memorial Park on Nov. 19. Students from the emergency medical services program, the physician assistants program, nursing and the College of Medicine participated in the scenario.

Crisis Scenario: A Calm Amid the Storm
November 20, 2015

USA health care students respond under pressure to a mock explosion and disaster drill at the USS Alabama. ...

Showing off some of the soup bowls created and donated by USA to benefit Art Soup are Eric Jager, visual arts major, and Alana Kruse, ceramics lab assistant.

USA Bowls to Benefit Local Homeless
November 19, 2015

The visual arts department has been creating glazed bowls for Art Soup since 2002. This year potters worked in teams. ...

Dr. Samantha Islam, an associate engineering professor, has worked with the Alabama Department of Transportation to develop statewide operations guidelines on roundabouts. She estimates there are about a dozen under way.

Feel Like You're Going Around in Circles?
November 18, 2015

Roundabouts may be coming to an intersection near you. Dr. Samantha Islam can get you up to speed on what to expect. ...

The University of South Alabama's annual holiday concert will take place Thursday, Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Mitchell Center. It is free and open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and the public.

Join USA for a 'Season of Celebration'
November 17, 2015

The annual holiday concert, presented by the Department of Music, will take place Dec. 3. It is free and open to the public. ...

Consultants Selected for Possible Stadium
November 12, 2015

Three firms will assist with examining the financial, logistical and infrastructural needs associated with a football stadium. ...

Dr. Stockmann, portrayed by Brandon Mallette, finds less than a warm welcome from the town's mayor, portrayed by Morgan Carithers, in the upcoming USA Theatre production of "Enemy of the People."

Theatre USA Celebrates 50th Anniversary
November 11, 2015

'An Enemy of the People' begins Friday and runs through this weekend and next at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. ...

Picou Named Distinguished Professor
November 11, 2015

Dr. Steve Picou, founder and director of the University of South Alabama Coastal Resource and Resiliency Center, is recognized for ...

Homecoming 2015 in Pictures
November 9, 2015

Weekend events included a parade and pep rally, followed by the big game and the presentation of the homecoming court. ...

South Alabama's soccer team will advance to the NCAA tournament after the program won the Sun Belt Conference Tournament title. The Jags have scored 22 goals in their last five matches.

Three-Peat! Soccer Wins Sun Belt Title
November 9, 2015

For the third consecutive year, the Jags won the Sun Belt Conference Tournament title and will advance to the NCAA Tournament. ...

Stephanie and Ryan Robinson, photographed here in Haiti, said helping communities do for themselves is critical for long-term success

Clean Water in Haiti Just the Start
November 5, 2015

Alums Stephanie and Ryan Robinson arrived on the island five years ago. They found new purpose, and friendship, along the way. ...

Der Skandal: 7 Next Steps for VW
November 4, 2015

As Volkswagen looks to protect its brand, Professor Alvin Williams suggests ways the German automaker can regain trust. ...

The University of South Alabama women's cross country team picked up the program's fourth Sun Belt title, with a total of 46 points.

USA Wins Women's Cross Country Title
November 3, 2015

The team earned its first Sun Belt Conference championship since 1993; David Barnett was named the Coach of the Year. ...

Distinguished Young Women display their University of South Alabama caps while holding up Jaguar T-shirts following a scholarship signing ceremony. They are, from left, Jamie Morelan, Caitlyn Penter, Cassidy Dangler, Kelly Welsh, Tara Principe, Nicole Lusk and Maire Nakada.

Scholarship Signing Held for DYW Students
November 2, 2015

The 2015 national winner of the Distinguished Young Women program enrolled at South, as did a record number of statewide winners. ...

Alabama School of Mathematics and Science students Amanda Peterson, left, and Anna Wright have spent the fall working as research collaborators in Dr. David Forbes’ laboratory in USA’s chemistry department.

Still in High School, Already in a USA Lab
November 2, 2015

Alabama School of Mathematics and Science students collaborate with USA researchers in finding a treatment for pancreatic cancer. ...

view from above group of graduates in caps and gowns

USA Announces New Office of Scholarship Services
October 30, 2015

The University has launched the Office of Scholarship Services to help coordinate and track available scholarships and make the in ...

South Homecoming Events Announced
October 29, 2015

A 'Fired Up' bonfire on Monday kicked off a week of events 'Building Our Legacy.' The Jaguars take on the Vand ...

What's Wrong With Low Gas Prices?
October 29, 2015

Nothing when refueling at the pump, but there are other factors to consider as prices remain below $2 a gallon. ...

Southern Light recently completed a $5 million, Tier 3 data center at USA. From left are Paul Bullington, Southern Light CFO; Bill Sisson, president and CEO of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce; Eric Daniels, Southern Light COO; Andy Newton, Southern Light president and CEO; Lynne Chronister, USA vice president for research and economic development; Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson; Roy Franklin, Southern Light Data Center operations manager; and Davis Pilot, Southern Light operations strategic analyst.

USA Technology & Research Park Grows With Southern Light
October 28, 2015

Southern Light recently completed a $5 million, Tier 3 data center at USA that can hold more than 150 data racks consuming 800 kil ...

More than 300 University of South Alabama students from various disciplines listened to Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle speak Tuesday as the Mitchell College of Business kicked off its Executive Leadership Series.

Austal President: 'Fit the Company's Culture'
October 27, 2015

Craig Perciavalle encourages USA students to intern and learn about the companies where they want to work. ...

Ethan Hamilton, far right, joined other college students from the United States in a study abroad program in Cuba.

A View from Cuba: USA Student Studies Abroad
October 26, 2015

"They didn't want to talk about politics much. They were way more interested in American baseball," said senior Eth ...

Dr. Alan Taylor will speak at the 2015 Stallworth Lecture on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Two-Time Pulitzer Prize Winner to Speak at USA
October 23, 2015

The University's Ninth Annual N. Jack Stallworth Lecture will present Dr. Alan Taylor, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and the ...

JagTran Changing Routes; Student Parking Added
October 23, 2015

JagTran will make significant changes to their Blue and Green routes. Also, more than 100 underutilized employee parking spaces ha ...

Dr. Ylenia Chiari, right, assistant professor of vertebrate ecology, measures the size of the shell of a Eastern Santa Cruz Tortoise.

USA Faculty Help Name New Tortoise Species
October 22, 2015

The Eastern Santa Cruz Tortoise on the Galapagos Islands is a distinct species that will require closer attention. ...

Dr. Brian Axsmith, a University of South Alabama professor of biology, speaks at his presentation, "It Ain’t Easy Seeing Green: Preventing Plant Blindness," held Tuesday at the OK Bicycle Shop.

A Cashew is a Fruit, and other Plant Trivia
October 21, 2015

'It Ain't Easy Seeing Green,' second in a three-part USA series, is held at a downtown pub. Final installment set f ...

Dr. Robert Hanks, USA director of counseling and testing services, says taking care of your body - through adequate sleep, eating well and regular exercise - is a good way for students to reduce stress levels. The Student Recreation Center offers fitness classes, personal training, cardio and weight lifting equipment, a rock wall, two pools, racquetball and basketball courts and an indoor soccer field. Enrolled students are admitted at no cost with their student ID.

9 Ways Students Can Relieve Stress
October 19, 2015

USA's director of counseling has tips for relieving anxiety and balancing life, including finding time to exercise and laugh. ...

Dr. Lucrcia de Hernandez, a faculty member at the Universidad Francisco Marroquin School of Medicine in Guatemala, is joined by fellow faculty members from the UFM School of Medicine as they tour the Clinical Skills Lab at USA.

Educators Immersed in Team-Based Learning
October 16, 2015

Six faculty members from the Universidad de Francisco Marroquin in Guatemala shared experiences with USA faculty. ...

student physicians with patient in clinic

Student-Run Clinic Provides Care to Homeless
October 15, 2015

The University of South Alabama hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the student-run free clinic at 15 Place, a homeless shelter i ...

Dr. Tony Waldrop, president of the University of South Alabama, set a world record when he ran the indoor mile in just 3:55 while a student at the University of North Carolina. This photo appeared on the March 11, 1974, issue of Track & Field News.

Can You Run Faster Than USA's President?
October 15, 2015

Spoiler alert: No. But students and staff can predict their own times - and see how close they can get - at the Rec Center. ...

$150 Million Goal Set for USA Campaign
October 13, 2015

Upward & Onward will support the University's five strategic priorities. More than $73 million already has been raised. ...

James Contratto, associate director of student activities-university programs in the Division of Student Affairs, raised $2,300 for the American Cancer Society while finishing the Bank of America Chicago Marathon with a new personal record time of 4:14:46.

Student Affairs Rep Beats Cancer, Marathon
October 12, 2015

Associate Director James Contratto finishes 'ROCKstrong!' in Chicago while raising $2,300 for the American Cancer Societ ...

This exhibit of Mobile’s Colonial era is one of many that area residents will see Oct. 17 when the USA Archaeology Museum shares Native American games, hunting techniques and a variety of attractions during International Archaeology Day.

Public Invited to International Archaeology Day Events
October 12, 2015

Learn to play chunky, make a necklace and guess the use of artifacts at the USA Archaeology Museum on Oct. 17. ...