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Message from the Dean

Bob WoodThe first week of fall classes is drawing to a close.  I will spare you the usual long, hot South Alabama summer complaints; I will note that it has been very wet this summer.  All in all, a good summer for the College.

We kicked off the semester with our annual Convocation ceremony followed by an Open House in the Mitchell College.  As is our tradition, we welcomed our students back with “Doughnuts with the Dean” on Wednesday and Thursday.  Also in keeping with tradition, we invited the University of South Alabama Police Department to join us in welcoming the students back to campus.

On Thursday, we kicked off our 50th Anniversary celebration with a Celebratory Toast for students, faculty, alumni, and other guests. We also held the first of our 50th Anniversary Alumni Gathering at Fairhope Brewing Company in Fairhope. A full calendar of events is available on our website. We have scheduled a series of the gatherings and other events across the Southeast in September and October culminating in our 50th Anniversary Gala on October 28th.  At the Gala, we will recognize “IMPACT”—a group of individuals that have helped make the College what it is today.

As part of our celebration, we debuted Anniversary Ale, a golden ale brewed for the College by Fairhope Brewing Company.  A special thanks to Fairhope Brewing’s managing partners Brian Kane and Jim Foley and their employees for joining in our celebration.  Both Brian and Jim serve on advisory councils for the College.  The College is offering a limited edition 50th Anniversary growler to hold the Ale or any other beverage.  We will have them at each of the alumni events. For information, click here. 

Our Faculty Fall Retreat was held on Friday.  At the retreat, we recognized three faculty members for their accomplishments; Dr. Ermanno Affuso was named Professor of the Year, Dr. Matthew Howard was recognized as Researcher of the Year, and Mrs. Ellen Madden was named Instructor of the Year.  In addition, Dr. Treena Finney was recognized as the Frank R. Urbancic Faculty Fellow.  This biennial award is given to the Mitchell College faculty member whose efforts in teaching, scholarship, and service exemplify excellence.

This semester has started fast; we hope to slow down in December.  We welcome you to join our celebration.