Where Bold Begins: South Announces $400 Million Capital Campaign
Posted on April 23, 2026
With an ambitious vision for the future, the University of South Alabama launched a $400 million capital campaign, “Where Bold Begins,” to expand educational opportunities, advance innovation and enhance patient care. The announcement was made during a celebratory on-campus event at the Student Center on Thursday, April 23.
“We stand today on a foundation of vision and resolve as the Flagship of the Gulf Coast,” said President Jo Bonner. “This campaign is our declaration that we will not only honor the legacy of our past; we will use it to build a future of limitless possibilities.
“Progress begins when someone chooses to be bold. An investment in the University of South Alabama is a direct investment in human potential, medical innovation and the economic vitality of our region and the world for generations to come.”
The campaign, the largest in the University's history, lists nearly a dozen strategic priorities that support academic excellence; research and discovery; student opportunity and success; and health, healing and human impact. Among the priorities, South aims to raise funding for:
- USA Health, the region’s only academic health system;
- the construction of the new Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine building, which is nearing completion;
- the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, in addition to critical needs across other academic units;
- international engagement, including study abroad opportunities;
- the new Geri and Gordon Moulton Jaguar Marching Band Complex, which opened this spring; and
- South’s expanding focus on educational opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities for the military community.
Thursday’s celebration also marked an official announcement that the University plans to build a new home for the College of Education and Professional Studies in a more central location. Currently, the college is in University Commons, a former shopping center on the southeast corner of University Boulevard and Old Shell Road. “Where Bold Begins” will rally support for a new home in the heart of campus.
“Teachers are critically important as they make every other profession possible. As its former dean, I am especially pleased to share that this fundraising campaign will support our transformative goal of bringing the College of Education and Professional Studies home,” said Dr. Andi M. Kent, executive vice president and provost.
Thursday’s celebration began as members of the Jaguar Marching Band streamed into the atrium and broke into the University fight song as they joined up with mascots SouthPaw and Miss Pawla and members of the USA cheer team, who energized the standing-room-only crowd of donors, University leadership, government representatives, alumni and students. The Southerners, the University’s official ambassadors, lined the central staircase of the area. Others watched online as a livestream carried the celebration beyond campus.
“It’s been really exciting getting ready for this,” said Southerner Kirstin French, decked out in a navy skirt suit and bright red heels — a contrast to the male Southerners’ red blazers and bow ties. “This is our last big group event for the year. It's really nice to see how far the University has come, how far we've grown and to get to celebrate this together.”
The launch of “Where Bold Begins” marks the public phase of a campaign that has already raised $360 million toward its goal.
University of South Alabama Trustees Meredith Mitchell Hamilton and Jimmy Shumock were named as “Where Bold Begins” co-chairs. Trustees Arlene Mitchell, Dr. Steven Stokes and Jim Yance will serve as honorary chairs. Leadership committee members include Alexis Atkins, Shadia Anderson, Kate Bourgeois, Neil Christopher, Stephen Clements, Mike Condon, Clyde Higgs, Dr. Laurie Owen, Ronnie Stallworth, Doug Whitmore and Dr. Mike Wojciechowski.
“Where Bold Begins” marks South’s first capital campaign since 2020, which exceeded its 5-year, $150 million goal by nearly $12 million.
University alumni and friends are able to offer support in a variety of ways by visiting Southalabama.edu/WhereBoldBegins
