Name Change for South’s Baldwin County Campus
Posted on April 29, 2026
The University of South Alabama announced today the renaming of its Baldwin County Campus to USA By the Bay. The University purchased the property in 1992, and it has served as a picturesque setting for classes and programs since.
Situated in scenic Fairhope, Ala., the campus offers college-level courses, educational outreach, continuing and professional educational opportunities and degree-completion programs. The most recent semester featured 36 different courses and an enrollment of 423.
“The University of South Alabama is able to serve a broader community, making opportunities more accessible for Baldwin County residents and beyond,” said USA Vice President and Provost Dr. Andi Kent. “USA By the Bay is an appropriate description of our beautiful Fairhope campus.”
The property, previously the St. James Episcopal Church, includes 15,000 square feet on approximately two acres of land. It includes an auditorium that is home for the USA by the Bay speaker series, the Fairhope Film Festival and other events. In addition to college courses, the campus is a premier venue for continuing education programs, workshops, retreats, receptions and community events.
“As the University of South Alabama continues to provide courses, programs and events at our campus in Fairhope it is truly exciting to name this campus "USA by the Bay,” said Dr. Richard Carter, associate vice president for global engagement. “The name is reflective of the magical beauty of the campus's location and setting.”
The campus is conveniently located only one block from Fairhope Avenue or Church Street tucked away under majestic oak trees. You can often find students along with local community members enjoying the quiet, tranquil outdoor seating with a gentle breeze off the bay.
