USA Honors First-Generation Students and Faculty
Posted on November 9, 2026
The University of South Alabama Office of Community Engagement honored several students and faculty for National First-Generation College Celebration Day on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
The event was held with more than 175 attendees and featured guest speaker and alumna
Dr. Chelsea Douglas, adjunct faculty member in the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Douglas is a public policy scholar, educator and community leader committed to advancing civic engagement and leadership development. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and a Master of Public Administration from the USA College of Arts and Sciences before completing her doctorate at the University of Delaware.
During her speech, 'What Does Resilience Look Like?,' Douglas spoke on the importance of connection, community building and loyalty.
"There's value in being loyal, strong and faithful," Douglas said. "Loyalty determines, strength sustains and faith is connected to what we believe. Remain connected to what you have learned."
She also emphasized the importance of support networks.
"Each of us has been a part of someone's journey," Douglas said. "We honor the collective effort."
USA celebrates its first-generation students through events such as the annual luncheon to support and recognize their unique academic paths.
"We want our first-generation Jaguars to showcase their experiences and share their success with the South community," said Dr. Joél Billingsley, vice president for community engagement. "We hope this special day will inspire and motivate first-generation and all USA students to connect and celebrate their achievements."
- Gracie Hankins, of Biloxi, Mississippi, a second-year graduate student studying biology. She is the daughter of Marisa and Zak Hankins and a graduate of Biloxi High School.
- Dallas Trehern, of Mobile, a second-year graduate student studying history. He is the son of Jackie and Dallas Trehern Sr. and a graduate of Mary G. Montgomery High School.
- James Lawrence III, of Eufaula, Alabama, a senior communication major minoring in health and wellness. He is the son of Jennifer and James Lawrence Jr. and a graduate of Eufaula High School.
- Tomecia Watts, of Mobile, is a sophomore radiologic sciences major. She is the daughter of Sue Watts and Goodman Dortch and a graduate of Williamson High School.
"We encourage our first-generation students to share their stories and inspire each other to continue paving the way for future generations," said Broderick Morrissette, director of community engagement. “We applaud their academic and leadership achievements.”
Trey Johnson, associate director of admissions and recruitment operations; Dr. Anjie Davis, director, USA Simulation Program; and Dr. Christina Baughn, assistant professor of adult health nursing, were also recognized as faculty who had been first-generation students.
Nov. 8 marked the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which has helped millions of first-generation students complete their degrees. USA joins universities across the country in celebrating first-generation students, faculty, staff and alumni.
