USA News Archives | Media Relations

A Mitchell College of Business team of MBA students Rachel Smith, Jaikishan Maru and David Hinson took first place and $4,000 in a recent business case competition at the University of West Florida.

USA MBA Team Takes First
April 23, 2019

Mitchell College of Business students beat out students from Illinois, Kansas, North Carolina and Florida. ...

Senior Raven McShan is one of only 10 recipients of a prestigious teaching assistantship that will take her to France to teach English. Although guidelines for the assistantship state preference for applicants with master’s degrees, McShan’s background of community service and interest in multicultural diversity contributed to her selection.

Combining Two Loves: Teaching and French
April 23, 2019

Honors College senior Raven McShan is awarded a prestigious teaching assistantship that will take her overseas. ...

The 小蝌蚪APP men's and women's tennis teams both took home Sun Belt championship titles. NCAA tournament selection will be held April 29.

USA Tennis Takes Two Titles
April 22, 2019

South Alabama women's and men's tennis teams claim Sun Belt Conference titles to advance to the NCAA tournament. ...

The women's golf team – from left, Caroline Berge, Lexi Worrell, MacKenzie Peyton, Julie Hovland and Siti Shaari, with Coach Matt Luther – claimed the Sun Belt Conference championship when it finished with a season-low 877 combined score at the LPGA International – Hills Course.

Women's Golf Wins Sun Belt Championship
April 18, 2019

The women's golf team advances to the NCAA regional for the first time after claiming its second Sun Belt Championship. ...

Electrical engineering senior Zack Peavy of Citronelle, mechanical engineering senior Kiante Evers of Gulfport, Miss., and computer engineering senior Ariel Pickett of Montgomery are adjusting the vertical travel distance of the robot head for a space station that will be used to grow crops in space. Assisting the students is Dr. Sam Russ, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at the 小蝌蚪APP.

South Supporting NASA's Deep Space Ambitions
April 15, 2019

The University is one of only ten chosen nationwide to design systems, concepts and technologies to go beyond the moon. ...

The Gap Project, a mentoring program, is building better opportunities for middle and high school students through vision board socials, educational and fun activities. South graduate students and Gap Project Board Members from left are Javon Averett, vice president; Chelsia Douglas, secretary and Randy Bumpers, president. Board members not included in the photo are Faith Kilpatrick, communications director; and Ashley Chapman, accounts manager.

'Let's Do Something 小蝌蚪APP It'
April 15, 2019

USA students mentor to close the achievement gap and build opportunities for rural middle and high school students. ...

Image contains the newly elected SGA officers for the 2019-2020 year.

Student Government Leadership Elected
April 12, 2019

Students gathered at the USA Amphitheater to learn the results of South's SGA 2019-2020 election for new leadership. ...

USA’s College of Engineering, located in Shelby Hall, has four academic departments and offers five baccalaureate degrees, four master’s degrees and a doctoral degree in systems engineering.

Honoring a 'World of Difference'
April 9, 2019

South's College of Engineering honors the contributions of alumni, supporters, faculty and staff as it celebrates 50 years. ...

Dr. David Meola, the Bert and Fanny Meisler Assistant Professor of History and Jewish Studies and director of the Jewish and Holocaust Studies Program, will research the involvement of Jewish Germans in the German liberal and democratic movement of the 1830s and 1840s as a Fulbright Scholar.

South Professor Awarded Fulbright
April 5, 2019

Dr. David Meola, director of the Jewish and Holocaust Studies Program, will conduct research in Germany for two summers. ...

USA Athletics announced the naming of the Michelob Ultra Terrace at Hancock Whitney Stadium after a $1 million gift from Budweiser-Busch Distributing Co., Inc.

Michelob Ultra Terrace Announced for Stadium
April 1, 2019

The terrace in the south end zone is named after Budweiser-Busch Distributing donates $1 million to Hancock Whitney Stadium. ...

Twin brothers Ethan Boyd, left, and Thomas Boyd are first-year medical students at the 小蝌蚪APP College of Medicine and athletes on the USA men's track and field team. “With us being so close and doing everything the same, part of that is competing against each other,” Thomas says.

Two Minutes Apart, But Rarely Separated
April 1, 2019

Twin medical students Ethan and Thomas Boyd challenge each other on the field and preparing for class: 'It tends to elevate u ...

Students who need housing and meal support can meet with staff and complete a short application. To qualify for up to 30 days of housing assistance in a South residence hall, the student must have exhausted all financial aid options and be without shelter.

Housing Program to Aid Students
March 29, 2019

Thirty-day housing assistance for students with no other options will allow them to concentrate on what matters — their stud ...

Jacob Corbett, left, and Taylor Shepherd, center, are two of the six Mitchell College of Business students on a team that won the 2018 University Portfolio Challenge. Dr. Reid Cummings, director of USA’s Center for Real Estate and Economic Development, and the team’s mentor, right, taught the Finance 446 class each of the students took.

South Team Wins Real Estate Competition
March 27, 2019

Six Mitchell College of Business students beat out teams from 47 competing universities. Scholarship prize money will be matched. ...

William B. “Bill” Burnsed Jr., a 1972 graduate of the 小蝌蚪APP, worked as a telephone company engineer for 20 years before starting Burnsed Oil Co. Inc. He donated $1.5 million to the College of Engineering's department of mechanical engineering, which will be named after him.

$1.5 Million Gift for College of Engineering
March 19, 2019

William B. Burnsed Jr. Department of Mechanical Engineering named; 'South best fit my needs,' says alumnus donor. ...

Seventy-seven senior medical students from the 小蝌蚪APP College of Medicine gathered Friday in the Grand Ballroom at the Mobile Convention Center to open their letters from the National Resident Matching Program and find out where they will be continuing their medical education.

Match Day 2019: Signed, Sealed, Delivered
March 17, 2019

Senior medical students from the College of Medicine open letters revealing where they will continue their education. ...

The $5 million naming gift for Abraham A. Mitchell Field is a challenge gift that will facilitate additional donations to Hancock Whitney Stadium. “It is my hope that others will be as inspired as I am about the future of the 小蝌蚪APP,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell Offers Challenge; Field Named
March 15, 2019

South announces Abraham A. Mitchell Field at Hancock Whitney Stadium after longtime supporter commits $5 million. ...

The 小蝌蚪APP National Alumni Association honored four alumni and a Mobile businessman for outstanding accomplishments. There are, from left, Sr. Marilyn Joyce Aiello, O.P., M.D.; Ralph A. Hargrove; Caleb Crosby, ’03; Dr. Edward A. Panacek, COM ’81; and Tanya Fratto Blair, ’83.

USA National Alumni Association Honors Five
March 14, 2019

Four alumni and a businessman, recognized for achievements and service, take the stage at the alumni association's annual gal ...

Grand Rapids, Mich., Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, standing in front of the skyline of Michigan's second-largest city, graduated summa cum laude in 1997 with a degree in psychology and criminal justice. “When I was going through my undergraduate studies, I did not imagine I would be running for office someday,” she said.

She Leads Michigan's Second-Largest City
March 13, 2019

At South, Rosalynn Bliss '97 wasn't considering a career in politics. Then she became Grand Rapids' youngest mayor ...

Don't hit snooze on that alarm clock, said Dr. William A. Broughton, a professor of internal medicine at USA Health College of Medicine. Broughton, a sleep specialist, said waking at your normal time can help you adjust to Daylight Savings Time.

5 Ways to Cope with the Time Change
March 8, 2019

It may be tempting, but don't hit snooze or take naps this weekend. You'll be better off on Monday, says a USA sleep spe ...

Dr. Kate Brown, professor of history in the science, technology and society department of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will be the speaker at the 2019 Mahan Lecture on March 14. The lecture is free and open to the public.

MIT Professor to Speak on Nuclear Power
March 6, 2019

Dr. Kate Brown will address questions about nuclear power and its potentially catastrophic effects on humanity and the environment ...

Dr. Susan LeDoux, associate dean for medical education and student affairs at the USA College of Medicine, noted that South's medical students "perform at the highest level on national exams designed to assess student knowledge and competency.”

'Committed to Student Success and Excellence'
March 1, 2019

South's College of Medicine again achieves the highest level of accreditation available; Class of 2018 scores in the top quar ...

Retired astronaut Larry DeLucas, payload specialist for the space shuttle Columbia in its 1992 Spacelab mission, is the featured speaker on Thursday, March 7 during USA's Space Week.

Space Week Launches at South
February 28, 2019

An indoor drone competition, research workshops, NASA speakers and a former astronaut highlight the week. ...

Dr. Kern Jackson is an assistant professor of English and the director of USA's African-American Studies Program.

Highlights in African-American Studies
February 26, 2019

From the "Black Experience" course to a 2016 teach-in, here are nine moments in USA's African-American Studies Prog ...

A photo of the Jan. 20 "blood moon," taken shortly before 11:15 p.m. using a Canon EOS 5D in west Mobile.

Top 7 Astronomical Events This Year
February 22, 2019

This year's blood moon captured the public's attention, to space and on social media. South's expert lists what ...

Associate professor Dr. John Lanicci, whose research focuses on extreme weather events, placed 36 rain gauges around the area of the Kennedy Space Center. He found the amount of annual rainfall varied as much as 16 inches over an area approximately one-eighth the size of Mobile County.

What's the Rainfall Count? It Depends
February 21, 2019

Dr. John Lanicci's research suggests rainfall measurements can vary widely, a potential vulnerability for stormwater infrastr ...

Southpaw and Pawla holding Giving Day Hearts

USA Giving Day Raises $314,390
February 15, 2019

The South community showed its love for the University and USA Health during USA Giving Day on Thursday, February 14. ...

Chris Blankenship graduated from South with a degree in political science and criminal justice. His love of all things outdoors propelled him to become commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Conserving Natural Resources for Alabama
February 13, 2019

Chris Blankenship combines his love of the outdoors with his education at South to manage the state's natural resources. ...

USA Arts & Sciences Dean Dr. Andrzej Wierzbicki speaks at the announcement of an Early Acceptance Program for USA students who want to attend Auburn’s Harrison School of Pharmacy after graduation.

South, Auburn Expand Pharmacy Partnership
February 12, 2019

High school seniors who enroll at South can receive conditional acceptance to AU's pharmacy school through a new program. ...

The work of Dr. Thomas C. Myers, a USA rheumatologist and self-taught wood turner, will be be on display Feb. 11-March 15 in the art gallery in the 小蝌蚪APP’s department of visual arts. “When I was growing up, if my dad wanted something, he would build it. He always had books about art in our house. I grew up watching him work and learning from him,” said Myers.

The Doctor Is In (the Art Studio)
February 11, 2019

Dr. Thomas Myers, a USA rheumatologist and self-taught wood turner, often can be found at his lathe when not seeing patients. ...

Senior chemistry students Madison McBroom, left, of Huntsville and Amanda Tanner of Cantonment, Fla., listen as Dr. William Richert talks about their research with ionic liquids in the field of 3D printing.

Developing a Printer Worth Its Salt
February 5, 2019

Ionic liquids, or liquid salt, may one day be used in 3D printing. Dr. Matthew Reichert is exploring the possibilities. ...

Andrea Dennis, a graduate of the 小蝌蚪APP’s College of Education and Professional Studies, is the principal at Scarborough Middle School, where she was recognized statewide for her work.

South Alum Recognized Tops Statewide
February 5, 2019

Andrea Dennis is recognized as Alabama's middle school principal of the year for her leadership at Scarborough Middle School. ...

Fiction writer Jamie Quatro will talk about her writing on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the University's Student Center. The event is sponsored by USA’s Stokes Center for Creative Writing.

Acclaimed Author Jamie Quatro to Speak at USA
February 1, 2019

Fiction writer Jamie Quatro will talk about her writing Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. in the Student Center Terrace Room. ...

David Green, a physical therapy student, and Callie Braggs, a physician assistant student, were two of the more than 270 South volunteers to offer assistance and provide services at Project Homeless Connect.

A Lesson in 'Humility and Compassion'
January 25, 2019

South students and faculty volunteer at Project Homeless Connect to provide clients with medical care and other resources. ...

Dr. Thomas Shaw, director of USA Polling, and Dr. Jaclyn Bunch, associate director, have conducted surveys on everything from health care and public policy to schoolchildren’s summer vacations.

Survey Says ... USA Polling Group
January 25, 2019

In a lab in South's Humanities Building, pollsters blend art and science to get accurate answers from the other end of the ph ...

Jessica Gwinn, a Ph.D. student at South, samples herbivorous fish and algae on a rig south of Dauphin Island in July 2018. Gwinn's work was part of an international research project of ciguatera lead by the 小蝌蚪APP.

No Taste, No Smell and No Effective Treatment
January 25, 2019

A USA marine scientist is leading an international research study of ciguatera, the world's most prevalent seafood-toxin illn ...

Omar Tahri, left, a civil engineering junior from Morocco, works side by side with Assistant Professor Dr. Shenghua Wu in the asphalt lab. “It’s really nice to be hands on with materials that you are making predictions about and see your ideas become reality,” Tahri said.

In Search of Making Blacktop Green
January 24, 2019

University researchers are testing cooler temperatures to make asphalt production safer and more environmentally friendly. ...

The 25,000-seat Hancock Whitney Stadium, to be completed by 2020, will be located on the west side of campus, adjacent to the Jaguar Training Center, Football Fieldhouse and football practice fields.

South, Hancock Whitney in Stadium Partnership
January 15, 2019

University and bank officials announce the naming of Hancock Whitney Stadium; construction to be complete by 2020. ...

Dr. David Meola, the Bert and Fanny Meisler Assistant Professor of History and Jewish Studies at South Alabama, will host a question-and-answer session following one of the featured films on campus, “The Last Suit."

South Partners on Jewish Film Festival
January 14, 2019

Three films will be screened at the John W. Laidlaw Performing Arts Center on South's campus; USA students admitted free. ...

A nearly $500,000 grant awarded to USA will strengthen and help expand existing programs in international studies and modern and classical languages and literature. “This is the first time South and the College of Arts and Sciences have received this type grant," said Dr. Christine Rinne, associate professor of German and the principal investigator on the grant.

South Wins Grant to Expand Global Studies
January 7, 2019

The nearly $500,000 grant will enhance language offerings and global health and international studies opportunities. ...

Postponed College? New Resource Available
January 7, 2019

The Office of Adult Learner Services will hold an open house Jan. 15 for people who want to go back to school to earn their degree ...

Mobile Bay Magazine's 40 under 40 selections include ten leaders who are South alumni or employees. Clockwise from top left: James Evans, Melanie Rose, Kevin Jackson, Laventrice Ridgeway, Lee Grimm Jr., Harry Brislin IV, Jennifer Conrad, Moh’d Khushman, Joseph Jermaine Roberson and Benjamin Hoeb.

South Picks Up Ten in 40 Under 40
January 7, 2019

USA alumni and employees highlight the annual Mobile Bay Magazine feature that spotlights young community leaders. ...

While a student at South, Edmond Naman, now a Mobile Circuit Court Judge, took a theater class that would end up critical to his success. “It was really that department that I think had a real big impact later because so much of my job is going out in the public and conveying messages. Going out to children and families and trying to make a clear case for what I’m trying to do and how I’m trying to change their lives.”

A Judge Who Cares Builds a NEST
January 2, 2019

Circuit Judge Edmond Naman co-founded a group to mentor at-risk youth. He picked up his power of persuasion as a student at South. ...

Now I Know Anything Is Possible
December 22, 2018

Alvina Pruitt got help navigating her way to Europe. She found independence paddling across an Italian lake. ...

I'll Never Forget This Place
December 22, 2018

Jan-Louw Kotze was recruited from South Africa as a track and field student-athlete. He's worn his path mostly barefoot. ...

'It's the Greatest Decision I've Ever Made'
December 22, 2018

Xiaoyan Liu's career was taking off. She quit and, within two weeks, packed her bags and flew to the United States. ...

University Holiday Schedule
December 19, 2018

Most 小蝌蚪APP departments will be closed until Jan. 2, 2019; a limited number observe different schedules. ...

USA Writer-in-Residence Frye Gaillard told graduates they must find a way to cross barriers and heal divisions. "We have got to learn once again to listen," he said in his Fall Commencement address. Gaillard's latest book is “A Hard Rain: America in the 1960s, Our Decade of Hope, Possibility and Innocence Lost.”

Relearn the Art of Creative Disagreement
December 16, 2018

Author Frye Gaillard urged graduates to protect democracy by finding a 'path toward honest dialogue in confronting problems.& ...

Anna Dudley has the unique distinction of being the third generation of her family to graduate from South with an accounting degree from the Mitchell College of Business. "It just felt right for me," she said of enrolling at USA.

Family Accrues Third Accounting Graduate
December 10, 2018

Anna Dudley follows the path of her mother and grandmother in earning an accounting degree from the Mitchell College of Business. ...

LaTya McCall, a nursing graduate, founded the BIG Club at South, which supports the Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Alabama. She looks forward to continuing to serve in a big sister role.

Service, Focus and Promoting Excellence
December 10, 2018

LaTya McCall was dedicated in her pursuit of a nursing degree. But her college legacy of service was built outside of class. ...

Clay Davidson, a retired public accountant who earned a master's degree from South in 2008, returned to get his Ph.D. “I’m certainly a good bit older than most of the students, but the intelligence and the drive of all the people I met and worked with was impressive,” he said.

Achievement, Plus a Healthy Dose of Ribbing
December 10, 2018

Clay Davidson hopes his Ph.D. will bring him admiration from his children — and maybe a little quiet from his three brothers ...