Office of Community Engagement Tour Supports Community Partners
Posted on July 17, 2026
The University of South Alabama Office of Community Engagement hosted a first-of- its-kind bus tour for faculty and staff to visit Baldwin Preparatory Academy in Loxley, and Bishop State Community College in Mobile. Baldwin Preparatory is a rigorous full-time public high school for students in grades 10-12.
Both Baldwin Preparatory and Bishop State Community College have created academic programs that provide greater opportunities for students to gain real-life, on-the-job experience. USA serves as a community partner.
“The purpose of this tour was to create an opportunity to continue building meaningful relationships between South and our community partners,” said Dr. Joél Lewis Billingsley, vice president for community engagement. “South is dedicated to economic and workforce development and community engagement.”
During the tour at Baldwin Preparatory Academy, the USA group saw collaborative learning environments and workspaces, including 12 career pathway courses of study. Students at the academy learn core subjects, such as English and math, while gaining hands-on experience in health sciences, cybersecurity, teacher cadet, welding, cosmetology/barbering, graphic design/advertising, culinary and more. Students also wear uniforms based on their academic focus.
USA and Baldwin Preparatory have a supportive agreement. USA and Bishop State maintain an articulation agreement for graduates of Bishop State to earn a bachelor’s degree through Pathway USA.
