Leveling up learning: Local students explore healthcare at USA
Posted on April 29, 2026 by Lindsay Hughes
Fourth graders from Covenant Academy of Mobile stepped outside their usual classroom
routine for a day of discovery at the University of South Alabama, where hands-on
activities and interactive lessons brought the world of healthcare to life.
A collaboration between the Whiddon College of Medicine, the Covey College of Allied Health Professions, and the College of Nursing, the field trip introduced students to a range of healthcare careers. The event was coordinated by Laventrice Ridgeway, Ed.D., Katie Williams, D.O., and Marcina Lang.
The day began with an imaginative presentation, “The Quest of the Guardians and Crafters,” led by Frank Lucas, Ed.D., and Alani Rodgers, Ed.D., designed to introduce students to the Whiddon College of Medicine’s M.D. and Ph.D. programs in an engaging way.
“We knew that to keep their attention, we had to speak their language, so we turned the whole thing into a video game quest,” Lucas said.
The presentation opened with the college’s origin story, featuring photos of the medical school’s first graduating class, before inviting the students to choose their character — the Guardian (M.D.) or the Crafter (Ph.D.). Guardians were described as frontline caregivers using tools like stethoscopes to help patients, while Crafters were curious inventors in the lab developing “power-ups” like new medications. The presentation emphasized that no hero works alone, highlighting Healers (nurses) and Alchemists (pharmacists) who are part of the team at Superhero Headquarters (USA Health hospitals).
Rodgers said the fourth graders’ enthusiasm made the experience especially meaningful. “The students were exceptionally smart, highly interactive, and brought a level of energy and curiosity that made the presentation both fun and engaging,” she said, noting their thoughtful questions showed genuine interest in medicine and science.
“We told them they are already ahead of the game by staying in school, making good grades, and being kind,” Lucas said. “They had so many smart questions, and by the end, everyone was fired up to join the Whiddon College of Medicine Class of 2040.”
Building on that excitement, students rotated through hands-on sessions where they practiced basic safety skills and learned CPR techniques with Charles Erwin, Ed.D., from Allied Health and Shanda Scott, DNP, from Nursing. The visit concluded with an interactive game on healthcare careers led by Adam Barnes from USA Career Development.
The students left campus with Jag swag in hand and a renewed sense of curiosity about where their own journeys might lead.