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| May 6, 2009 |
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To: Faculty And Staff
From: V. Gordon Moulton |
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| As another academic year draws to a close, it is timely to review the University's accomplishments and consider its future. |
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| Amid global economic challenges that tested all of society's institutions and dealt the University the most severe state funding cuts in its history, USA this year overcame obstacles to remain vibrant and productive. Thanks to your flexibility, resourcefulness and dedication, USA achieved the illusive goal of doing more with less, moving forward in every key mission area - teaching, research, service, and health care. The year has seen many highlights: |
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| * Demand for USA's academic programs remained high, as evidenced by a record fall enrollment of 14,279, including 2,734 graduate students. Student quality set records as well - a result of the dedication of USA's faculty and staff and the strength of its academic programs. Enrollment growth is expected to continue into the new academic year, helping in part to address the institution's financial challenges. |
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| * The Mobile region celebrated the long-anticipated opening of USA's Mitchell Cancer Institute, which is improving the lives of citizens by bringing advanced, research-based cancer treatment to the area. USA continued to meet community health care needs by serving more than a quarter-million patients through its physician practice, USA Medical Center, and Children's and Women's Hospital, which saw substantial physical improvements. |
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| * The University's first comprehensive fund-raising effort, "Campaign USA," was completed, eclipsing its $75 million goal by 25 percent. This $93.5 million in private support will have a transformational impact on scholarships, faculty support, facilities, and a wide range of institutional priorities. I particularly thank our faculty and staff, who gave a record $467,110 to the 2009 annual fund drive, with 70 percent of employees participating. |
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* The University successfully recruited 74 new full-time faculty and filled several key academic leadership positions, including naming longtime Arts and Sciences dean Dr. David Johnson as senior vice president for academic affairs and Dr. Alec Yasinsac as dean of Computer and Information Sciences. |
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| * USA's research and outreach programs continued to advance knowledge through scholarly activity and address a wide range of issues facing the University's global community. Faculty responded to opportunities related to the federal stimulus plan, and record contract and grant activity for the year is anticipated. The USA Technology and Research Park was at full capacity, partnering with 14 firms and housing 553 private, technology-based jobs. |
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| * Given that much of USA's funding for new facilities is from sources that cannot be diverted to address operational shortfalls, the University continued moving forward on long-planned infrastructure improvements, thereby preparing to meet the needs of our academic programs, taking advantage of reduced construction costs and contributing to local economic stability. The Health Sciences Building, the new home for Nursing and Allied Health Professions, is nearing completion, and ground is soon to be broken on the Engineering and Computing Sciences Building. Progress continued on the Moulton Tower and Alumni Plaza project, funded largely through private gifts from alumni and supporters. |
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| * USA continued to enhance student life by making progress on a state-of-the-art recreation center, and, with financial support from students, continued development of intercollegiate football and marching band programs, building on USA's already successful athletic programs. On-campus housing expanded to a record 2,600 through a private partnership that added capacity at no cost to USA. USA named Michael Mitchell, an alumnus and seasoned student affairs professional, as dean of students. |
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| * USA's Baldwin County presence was boosted through expansion of its nursing facilities and installation of patient simulators, among other improvements. |
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| * Finally, and most importantly, graduation will mark the conferring of a record 2,792 academic degrees for the year, bringing USA's historic total to 64,941. |
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| In spite of the year's economic challenges, USA continued to expand its positive impact on the people it serves. The University family has done an outstanding job responding to the economic recession with few complaints and widespread selflessness. I thank you in advance for supporting the continued conservative and sound financial stewardship crucial to weathering the economic downturn. |
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| The institution enters a new academic year by continuing to navigate challenging economic waters, going forth with calm determination and confidence. Demand for USA's programs and services remains high, so the University's number one priority will continue to be preserving its human resources and programs, further expanding our ability to serve. |
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| Times will get better. They always do. Meanwhile, the University must remain ever vigilant to its perennial challenges: securing adequate public funding to sustain an affordable college education for all; assisting all students to be successful through completion of their degrees; continuing to strengthen and diversify USA's faculty and staff; and managing the financial challenges resulting from inadequate public policy related to health care for the uninsured. |
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| I congratulate you on a successful year, and wish you a safe and productive summer. |
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