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Message from the President

Dr. Tony Waldrop

The mission of the University of South Alabama is to make a difference in the lives of those we serve through promoting discovery, health and learning. At South, we strive to achieve this mission through the establishment of, and adherence to, five institutional strategic priorities:

  • Student access and success
  • Enhancement of research and graduate education Global engagement
  • Excellence in healthcare
  • University-community engagement

Everything we do at South, including management of financial resources, is with these priorities in mind.
As the University continues to grow, it is through a sound financial position that our priorities can be accomplished. Despite the economic challenges

of the past several years, the financial position of the University of South Alabama, as demonstrated in this financial report, remains strong. This financial strength allows us to continue to serve the citizens of the state of Alabama and beyond by providing top quality academic, research, healthcare and public service programs.

With a Fall 2019 enrollment of 14,834, the academic profile of our students continues to improve and has never been stronger than it is right now. This continued improvement is a testament to the strength of our programs, the quality and dedication of our faculty and staff, and the loyalty and spirit of our alumni. Similarly, USA Health continues its growth and dedication to the well-being of our patients.

Along with the growth in our academic programs, campus life is constantly being enhanced and improved as evidenced by an ever-increasing demand for on-campus student housing. More than 200 diverse student clubs and organizations engage students in campus life. Student leadership development is a continued area of focus in all areas of student life at the University,  and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs actively engages students in conversation and activities that encourage dialog among all students. Our student-athletes continue to excel both on the field and in the classroom.

USA students also give back to the community. Hundreds participate in community-service activities throughout the year, such as the annual MLK Day of Service, which offers numerous opportunities to help.

This is an exciting time for the University of South Alabama. As we continue to strive to make South more vibrant, more involved and more global, I affirm to you that my focus and the focus of the entire University will be solidly fixed on these objectives and on our students.

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President