USA News Archives | Media Relations

Expanded Focus for Real Estate Center
August 16, 2016

Headed by Dr. Reid Cummings, USA's Center for Real Estate and Economic Development seeks active role in Gulf Coast growth. ...

The 小蝌蚪APP's Class of 2020 on Monday, Aug. 15, 2016, at the USA Mitchell Center.

Class of 2020 Greeted with 2016 Convocation
August 15, 2016

New students get survival tips and go on an imaginary Pokémon hunt across campus with USA President Tony Waldrop. ...

Video: Move-In Day 2016
August 13, 2016

Members of the South community lift boxes and carry bags to help ensure a good first day on campus for the newest Jaguars. ...

Dr. David Nelson, chair of mechanical engineering, said there were no undergraduates doing research in his department 15 years ago. "Now, we have 25-to-30 each year," including students like Kelly Welsh.

'Do Research and You Can't Go Wrong'
August 11, 2016

Kelly Welsh made a last-minute decision to attend South. She followed her instincts, and then found her home in the lab. ...

Meghan Zuhowski, Blake Waters and Jeremiah Sims starred last season in the musical, 'Schoolhouse Rock Live!,' at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center.

New Year, New Season for Theatre USA
August 9, 2016

Four performances — a musical, a thriller, a fable and a comedy — will take place at South's Laidlaw Performing A ...

male speaker before classroom of students

A Desire to Educate, But Not Teach
August 4, 2016

South now offers an undergraduate degree for students who want a career in education outside a classroom setting. ...

South Launches New Events System
August 1, 2016

An upgraded calendar and management system will enable comprehensive listings and online event bookings. ...

Dr. Stephanie Jett, left, visiting assistant professor of psychology, shares Pokémon Go tips with Susan and Chandler Grimsley at Moulton Tower, where students and others flock to hunt for Pokémon. Susan Grimsley is a 2012 graduate of South with a master's degree in accounting.

Heads Down, New Communities Build Up
July 29, 2016

South psychologist and Pokémon Go buff Dr. Stephanie Jett expects the augmented reality game will spur academic studies. ...

Dr. Richard Carter has more than 17 years of experience as an administrator in higher education, with particular expertise in degree completion programs, international education and recruiting, military and veteran outreach, and the delivery of online programs for non-traditional learners.

Dean Selected for Continuing Education
July 28, 2016

Dr. Richard Carter will begin Sept. 1 as dean of the School of Continuing Education and Special Programs. ...

Dr. Doug Haywick, associate professor of geology, said Mother Nature does not have it out against human, "but the constant changes that occur in the environment work around-the-clock to challenge every living organism."

5 Ways the Earth Is Trying to Kill Us
July 27, 2016

'It's bad news when you are on the receiving end of a mass extinction,' concedes USA geologist Dr. Doug Haywick. ...

Jessica Adams started her career as a deputy sheriff for the Pinellas County Jail in Clearwater, Fla., before entering nursing.

Have HIV-Testing Kits, Will Travel
July 22, 2016

Jessica Adams, a doctoral nursing student, will volunteer with a medical team at a September music festival in Uganda. ...

Dr. Jon Simmons, associate professor of surgery at the College of Medicine, balances being a trauma surgeon with an equally passionate curiosity for researching new ways to better treat patients.

Investigating New Treatment in Trauma
July 20, 2016

Dr. Jon Simmons explores why fatalities often can be pinned on an inflammatory response that causes organ failure. ...

Kinsley Knapp, a nursing student, received two scholarships to attend what’s considered one of America’s premier conferences for college women, the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders.

Empowering Women, Developing Leaders
July 18, 2016

Kinsley Knapp, a nursing major, gets a D.C. lesson on public policy, social change and maintaining a competitive edge. ...

Emily Martin, left, and Tu Anh, work on encryption assignments during GenCyber Camp held at USA's School of Computing. They and other rising 9th Graders at Davidson High School participated in the week-long program.

Connecting Math, Science and a Paycheck
July 15, 2016

High school students learn about cyber security and career opportunities during a week-long program at South. ...

Dr. Phil Carr, Chief Calvin McGhee Endowed Professor of Native American Studies, gives a hands-on archaeology lesson to Kolby Rayborn and Kylee Langham during Art and Archaeology Day.

'No Dinosaurs, No Whips, and No Crystal Skulls'
July 13, 2016

Children from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians arrive on campus and get a non-Hollywood lesson in archaeology. ...

Tiffany Williams, sitting in her Los Angeles studio, said she is by nature a shy person but “learned that you only get one life, and I was determined to make the best of it.”

Focused and Living Beyond Her Dreams
July 12, 2016

For South grad Tiffany Williams, a Los Angeles casting and reality show producer, hard work and a little risk-taking pays off. ...

The College of Education and Educational Talent Search at the 小蝌蚪APP recently partnered to introduce the arts into a math and science summer program for middle and high school students. Danielle Johnson, Mary G. Montgomery High School, left, and Yekina Adams, Pillans Middle School, view the Gees Bend quilt exhibit at the Alabama Contemporary Arts Center.

Critical to STEM Success — the Arts
July 11, 2016

Summer program supports blending arts into science, technology, engineering and math for a well-rounded K-12 education. ...

Each Saturday, South students like Michael Geter, a computer science major, learn job basics in a unique partnership between the University and the Beach Club Resort in Gulf Shores.

Gulf Shores Summer Internship or Bust
July 7, 2016

South students learn servant leadership and the ins and outs of the hospitality business for money and industry experience. ...

小蝌蚪APP graduate Nicholas Brownlee was one of two American singers to make the finals at the 35th International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition, and the only bass-baritone in the final round.

'The Pride I Am Feeling is Like No Other'
July 6, 2016

South alum Nicholas Brownlee wins prestigious international singing competition – then has to get back on stage for an encor ...

Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library opens at Marx Library

USA Archives Completes Move to Main Campus
July 1, 2016

The Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library opens with 10,000 square feet on the third floor of Marx Library. ...

Dr. Joel Erdmann, on the field at TD Ameritrade Park before a game at the NCAA College World Series, has been USA's athletic director since 2009.

As World Series Closes, So Does AD's Role
June 30, 2016

Dr. Joel Erdmann's committee picked and seeded the teams whose play ultimately led to Coastal Carolina's win in Omaha. ...

Catherine Zivanov, who was in South's Honors Program, will begin studying at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in July.

USA Graduate Wins Prestigious Fellowship
June 30, 2016

Catherine Zivanov, 22, is the first 小蝌蚪APP student to win the Phi Kappa Phi Marcus L. Urann Fellowship. ...

The Literacy Center at the 小蝌蚪APP College of Education opens with two camps this summer. Joan Holland, center director, top left, and Dr. Andrea Kent, dean of the College of Education, top right, observe Hillary McNeal, elementary and special education major at South, help Calista Swope from Collier Elementary School with a reading assignment.

Beating the Summer Reading Slump
June 27, 2016

The College of Education opens a literacy center with two camps and tutoring to build critical learning skills. ...

Mitchell College of Business Assistant Dean Dr. Alex Sharland, left, and Dean Dr. Bob Wood said uncertainty following the Brexit referendum is upsetting global economic markets.

The Beginning of the End of the UK?
June 24, 2016

South's Mitchell College of Business experts break down three knowns and three unknowns following the Brexit vote. ...

Maire Nakada, a nursing student and 2015 winner of the Distinguished Young Women competition, has made herself an abassador for her university, in addition to her representing the national scholarship program.

One Year Later, Taking a Leadership Role
June 23, 2016

Maire Nakada, a South nursing student and 2015 Distinguished Young Woman, promotes 'being your best self.' ...

Dr. Robert Holm, professor of music at the 小蝌蚪APP, has been teaching Natalie Newton piano lessons since she was 12.

Piano Camp Keeps the Music Alive
June 21, 2016

One of the participants was Natalie Newton, a repeat camper who began playing at age 7 on a Radio Shack keyboard. ...

Kelab Williamson, 小蝌蚪APP Noyce Scholar; Dr. Andre Green, interim associate dean, chair and professor in the department of leadership and teacher education in the USA College of Education; and Tami May, graduate of South’s Noyce Scholars program celebrate the success of the first annual Robert Noyce Regional Conference.

Inspiring Educators to Create Bright Futures
June 17, 2016

The Southeast Regional Robert Noyce Connections Conference highlighted South's commitment to K-12 education. ...

The first produce of the season is being harvested from the garden, located on the west side of campus.

USA Gets Growing with Campus Garden
June 13, 2016

The farm-to-table movement is growing on the USA campus, thanks to students and University-wide support. ...

Vanguard Staff is Finalist in the Region

Vanguard Staff Wins Journalism Awards
June 10, 2016

Alyssa Newton, former Vanguard editor-in-chief, won first place in multiple categories at a national journalism competition. ...

Jaguars Competing in National Track Finals
June 8, 2016

Trio returns to NCAA championships looking to earn All-America honors. ...

"Team Zambia" Produces Life Lessons for Students
June 6, 2016

USA engineering students designed an irrigation system using existing technology to help villagers grow sustainable crops. ...

Kenneth O. Simon, right, a Birmingham attorney, was elected chair pro tempore of the 小蝌蚪APP Board of Trustees, while businessman James H. “Jimmy” Shumock of Mobile was elected vice chair. Arlene Mitchell, a Mobile philanthropist and civic volunteer, not pictured, was elected secretary.

USA Board of Trustees Elects New Officers
June 3, 2016

Attorney Kenneth O. Simon, businessman James H. Shumock and philanthropist Arlene Mitchell were selected for three-year terms. ...

Agnes Tennenbaum, seated, the last known Holocaust survivor in Mobile, visited the USA Marx Library in 2014 for a donation to the Agnes Tennenbaum Holocaust Library Collection. Joining her, from left, Rickie Voit, co-chair, Mobile Jewish Film Festival; Tennenbaum’s son, Henry Schwarzberg and his wife, Diane; Dr. Richard Wood, dean, USA Libraries; and Jerry Darring, curator, Alabama Gulf Coast Holocaust Library. Tennenbaum died on Memorial Day.

A New Installment for Holocaust Collection
June 2, 2016

The selection of titles is named for Holocaust survivor and Mobile resident Agnes Tennenbaum, who died on Memorial Day. ...

60 Percent of South Employees Pledge Gifts
June 1, 2016

The 小蝌蚪APP raised more than $628,000 during its 2016 Employee and Retiree Annual Fund as part of the Upward & ...

USA meteorology students, from left, Kashawn Sinkler, Peyton Barlow, Cameron Young, Adam Olivier, Alysa Carsley and Jonathan Chance toured a Hurricane Hunters plane during the Gulf Coast Hurricane Awareness Tour on May 19 at Brookley Field.

Prepare for Homegrown Hurricanes
May 31, 2016

USA hurricane expert Dr. Keith Blackwell says the return of La Niña increases the chances of storms forming in the Caribbea ...

The Battle over Peleliu partial book cover

War and Memory Podcast Debuts
May 27, 2016

South's Frye Gaillard interviews the author of "The Battle over Peleliu"; Chair of English Dr. Steve Trout edits bo ...

Gastric lavage, a non-lethal technique, is used to gather the remains of birds and other food from captured tiger sharks. From left are Cody Eggenberger, former intern in the USA Fisheries Ecology Lab; Mariah Livernois, incoming USA graduate student; and Dr. Marcus Drymon, USA research assistant professor. Photo by David Hay Jones.

Want to Know What This Shark Eats?
May 27, 2016

The tiger shark's off-the-menu pick is revealed when USA shark experts are featured in a National Geographic program. ...

Johnny Depp plays the Mad Hatter in Hollywood's latest producation of the 'Alice in Wonderland' trilogy.

The 'Wonderfully Weird' Tales of 'Alice'
May 26, 2016

The latest movie may be visually impressive, says a USA expert, but expect significant deviation from Lewis Carroll's trilogy ...

During the 2016 Student Organizations Leadership Awards luncheon, students were recognized for their outstanding service. Congratulating the award recipients are Ravi Rejendra, immediate past president of the Student Government Association, front row far left, and Ashley Ford, far right, SGA student-at-large member.

Student Organizations Honored for Service, Leadership
May 25, 2016

The 小蝌蚪APP held its Student Organizations Awards luncheon to showcase and honor organizations and individuals ...

Robert “Bobby” Faulk, left, received an honorable mention this year from the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program. Boni Yraguen and Robert Mines both received fellowships. Each did undergraduate research at the 小蝌蚪APP, as did fellowship awardee Patrick Poirson, not pictured.

Rooted in a 'Culture of Undergraduate Research'
May 24, 2016

USA finds National Science Foundation success with three fellowship awardees and one honorable mention. ...

Megan Sparks, communication instructor, teaches a public speaking class during the Maymester session. One of her students said the flexibility is allowing him to complete his coursework sooner than expected. Nearly 500 students are enrolled in 88 Maymester courses.

A Full Semester in Only Three Weeks
May 23, 2016

Maymester offers students greater ability to graduate in four years; nearly 500 enrolled for the inaugural session. ...

Dr. John Smith, left, USA executive vice president; Jinni Frisbey, USA associate athletic director of sports medicine and senior woman administrator; and Sun Belt Commissioner Karl Benson are pictured with the Bubas Cup, which was awarded to South Alabama for the second year in a row.

Repeat Performance: Jags Awarded Bubas Cup
May 23, 2016

South received the Sun Belt honor for athletic performance; the Jaguars also ranked tops in a key academic indicator. ...

South students and faculty participate in the USA in Russia Study Abroad program in the summer of 2015.

Record Number Ready for Study Abroad
May 18, 2016

More than 100 South students will travel out of the country this summer for unique educational and cultural experiences. ...

Marcus Houtzager, Lien Hoang, Caleb Cochran, Minh Lu, Michael Pham, David Sauers, Marzieh Atigh and Fariborz Bayat show off the aircraft they built for the Design/Build/Fly competition.

Design/Build/Fly – And Learn
May 16, 2016

Engineering students with different backgrounds come together to build two radio-controlled aircraft and compete in Kansas. ...

Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Dr. Michael Mitchell, center, congratulates Dean’s Cup winners Sigma Chi Fraternity and Chi Omega Fraternity for women. Joining Mitchell are Drew Tranchina of Sigma Chi and Caitlin Jackson of Chi Omega.

South Honors Greek Community for Outstanding Achievement
May 16, 2016

Fraternities and sororities at the 小蝌蚪APP were honored for outstanding service, leadership and academic achie ...

Matt Spivey's decision to put roots in Trinity Gardens gives him credibility he would not otherwise have. “Mr. Spivey is part of the community,” said Chastang Middle School Principal Sonya Floyd.

Matt Spivey: Teacher, Coach and Neighbor
May 16, 2016

South alumnus and 'foster child' of Mobile's Trinity Gardens neighborhood finds focus at Chastang Middle School. ...

South's women's track and field program won its first outright Sun Belt Conference Outdoor Championship, totaling 132 points. USA shared the crown in 1999 with Louisiana Tech.

Jags Take Track and Field Championship
May 16, 2016

With South totaling 132 points, it is the women's program's first outright Sun Belt Conference Outdoor Championship. ...

Alicia Duke speaks to students at Dothan's Cloverdale Elementary School about The Little Heroes project. Duke returned to her hometown in April to announce that donated food would help children through the end-of-the-year testing period. Photo courtesy of the Dothan Eagle, photographer Danny Tindel.

Committed to Helping Her Hometown
May 10, 2016

Alicia Duke left for college, but she remained determined children from her elementary school would not go home hungry. ...

A study by two USA professors found that sea surface temperature helps explain the variation in body size of the Galapagos marine iguana, and island colonization patterns have influenced the varying body shapes.

The Evolution of the Galapagos Iguana
May 10, 2016

Research by two South professors suggests that island colonization patterns have influenced varying body shapes. ...

Dr. Eric Williams said USA College of Nursing faculty members were instrumental in encouraging and inspiring him to succeed.

Determined to Leave a Legacy of Service
May 10, 2016

USA alumnus Dr. Eric Williams, president of the National Black Nurses Association, has a robust agenda. ...