Student Success Summit
Location: Mitchell Center
Date: August 22, 2026
Time: 9:00am to 1:00pm
Lunch and refreshments will be provided!
The Student Success Summit is a kickoff event that empowers second- and third-year students with the tools, strategies, and connections needed to thrive academically, personally, and professionally throughout the new academic year. The Summit is a collaborative effort between Student Academic Success, faculty, staff, alumni, campus partners, and student leaders, all working together to support student success. The goal is to foster leadership, mentorship, belonging, and student engagement while connecting students with the resources and relationships that promote persistence, success, and graduation.
Highlights of the Summit Include:
- An inspiring keynote speaker
- Empowering sessions focused on mentorship and leadership
- Student perspectives on what it means to be a thriving Jaguar
- Opportunities to connect with campus resources and support services
- Lunch with fellow Jaguars
Don’t miss this chance to invest in your journey—register today. We can’t wait to grow with you!
Keynote Speaker
Chandra Brown Stewart is the Executive Director of Lifelines Counseling Services, where she has served since 2005, leading efforts to provide crisis support, counseling, education, and resources to individuals and families across southwest Alabama. A graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, she earned her master’s degree in community counseling from the University of South Alabama and now serves the university as a trustee. Chandra is a recognized community leader whose honors include USA’s Lisa Bethea Kavanaugh 40 Under 40 Award, AL.com’s Women Who Shape the State, and USA’s Distinguished Community Service Alumni Award. She is also co-founder of the Society of Clotilda and serves in numerous civic and community leadership roles. Drawing from her own educational and professional journey, Chandra encourages students to embrace change, seek support, build on their strengths, and remember that success is rarely a straight line.
Full Bio
2025 Summit
Students at the University of South Alabama got a blueprint for a successful college career at the 2025 Student Success Summit.
2024 Summit
The University of South Alabama Student Academic Success, the Black Faculty and Staff Association and Second Year Experience will host the 2024 Student Success Summit.
2023 Summit
The University of South Alabama Black Faculty and Staff Association and the USA Mitchell College of Business are hosting the second annual Education Retention Summit from 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, April 1, at the Mitchell Center Grand Globe Lobby. The summit is free and open to all South Alabama students.
Student Testimony
"Attending the Student Academic Success Summit led me to having a brighter view of college and extracurriculars. Many engaging discussions were made, but the one that stuck to me most was the one about PURPOSE. Finding a meaning behind your actions would uncover your impact to the world. Furthermore, the Summit gave me the opportunity to connect with individuals that opened doors to various stepping-stones, and having hands-on resources with it all. Undoubtedly, this experience impacted my footprint I’ve left for all."
- Tamia Johnson
Resources to Help You on Your Jaguar Journey