South’s College of Education and Professional Studies Kicks Off 60th Anniversary Celebration
Posted on July 29, 2026
The University of South Alabama’s College of Education and Professional Studies has officially launched a yearlong 60th anniversary celebration, marking six decades of preparing educators and other professionals who transform lives and strengthen communities.
To kick off the yearlong recognition, a “Sip and Mingle” reception was held in conjunction with the Alabama State Department of Education’s Annual MEGA Professional Education Conference at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel in downtown Mobile. A video presentation spotlighted the college's achievements along with the college’s signature line, “Leading Today. Impacting Tomorrow.”
“Our college has been dedicated to cultivating educational leaders who drive positive change,” said Dr. Angela Barlow, dean of the college. “We turn 60 on Feb. 1, 2027. We will celebrate our legacy all year long. Kicking off this milestone alongside nearly 300 educators and community members at this reception at the MEGA Conference reflects our shared commitment to the future of education in Alabama.”
President Jo Bonner and Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Andi Kent greeted faculty, staff, alumni, donors and friends.
“Thank you, Dr. Barlow, and thank you all for your support of the University of South Alabama and the USA College of Education and Professional Studies,” Kent said. “What an amazing crowd. We are celebrating decade number six, which is hard to believe. And we are honoring generations of students, faculty, staff and alumni. South is an exciting place to be.”
At the end of the opening remarks, everyone was invited to join fellow alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends for food, fellowship and Jaguar spirit at the college’s tailgates throughout the football season. Additional events are being planned to commemorate the 60th anniversary. Students and alumni are also invited to share their memories and stories.
“I am so proud to be a graduate of the University of South Alabama College of Education and Professional Studies,” said one of the reception’s attendees, alumna Linda J. Friend-Knott. “I taught special education for 25 years. I earned my bachelor’s degree in special education and my educational specialist degree, all from South. I have always received the warmest reception, and everything is consistently high-quality. Whenever I come back to support my alma mater, I am impressed with the growth of the University.”
The college offers a variety of programs, including teacher education, interdisciplinary studies, counseling, instructional design, hospitality and exercise science. The college has awarded more degrees than any other at the University, passing a milestone of 25,000 in December.
Dr. Karen Anderson, director of the Office of Mathematics Improvement for the State Department of Education, praised the university's leadership.
“USA continues to lead and lead well,” Anderson said. “From Dean Barlow up to the administration at South, I have always had positive interactions at South and in the University of South Alabama College of Education and Professional Studies.”
