USA News Archive

William B. “Bill” Burnsed Jr., a 1972 graduate of the University of South Alabama, worked as a telephone company engineer for 20 years before starting Burnsed Oil Co. Inc. He donated $1.5 million to the College of Engineering's department of mechanical engineering, which will be named after him.

$1.5 Million Gift for College of Engineering
March 19, 2019

William B. Burnsed Jr. Department of Mechanical Engineering named; 'South best fit my needs,' says alumnus donor. ...

Commission on Higher Ed Approves Ph.D. in Business Administration
March 19, 2019

The change to Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration reflects the evolution of South's graduate program. ...

Seventy-seven senior medical students from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine gathered Friday in the Grand Ballroom at the Mobile Convention Center to open their letters from the National Resident Matching Program and find out where they will be continuing their medical education.

Match Day 2019: Signed, Sealed, Delivered
March 17, 2019

Senior medical students from the College of Medicine open letters revealing where they will continue their education. ...

The $5 million naming gift for Abraham A. Mitchell Field is a challenge gift that will facilitate additional donations to Hancock Whitney Stadium. “It is my hope that others will be as inspired as I am about the future of the University of South Alabama,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell Offers Challenge; Field Named
March 15, 2019

South announces Abraham A. Mitchell Field at Hancock Whitney Stadium after longtime supporter commits $5 million. ...

The University of South Alabama National Alumni Association honored four alumni and a Mobile businessman for outstanding accomplishments. There are, from left, Sr. Marilyn Joyce Aiello, O.P., M.D.; Ralph A. Hargrove; Caleb Crosby, ’03; Dr. Edward A. Panacek, COM ’81; and Tanya Fratto Blair, ’83.

USA National Alumni Association Honors Five
March 14, 2019

Four alumni and a businessman, recognized for achievements and service, take the stage at the alumni association's annual gala. ...

Grand Rapids, Mich., Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, standing in front of the skyline of Michigan's second-largest city, graduated summa cum laude in 1997 with a degree in psychology and criminal justice. “When I was going through my undergraduate studies, I did not imagine I would be running for office someday,” she said.

She Leads Michigan's Second-Largest City
March 13, 2019

At South, Rosalynn Bliss '97 wasn't considering a career in politics. Then she became Grand Rapids' youngest mayor in 132 years. ...

Don't hit snooze on that alarm clock, said Dr. William A. Broughton, a professor of internal medicine at USA Health College of Medicine. Broughton, a sleep specialist, said waking at your normal time can help you adjust to Daylight Savings Time.

5 Ways to Cope with the Time Change
March 8, 2019

It may be tempting, but don't hit snooze or take naps this weekend. You'll be better off on Monday, says a USA sleep specialist. ...

Dr. Kate Brown, professor of history in the science, technology and society department of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will be the speaker at the 2019 Mahan Lecture on March 14. The lecture is free and open to the public.

MIT Professor to Speak on Nuclear Power
March 6, 2019

Dr. Kate Brown will address questions about nuclear power and its potentially catastrophic effects on humanity and the environment ...

Critically Acclaimed Songwriter to Perform at Laidlaw
March 6, 2019

The concert will feature Josh Ritter, singer and author of The New York Times best-seller "Bright's Passage." ...

Dr. Susan LeDoux, associate dean for medical education and student affairs at the USA College of Medicine, noted that South's medical students

'Committed to Student Success and Excellence'
March 1, 2019

South's College of Medicine again achieves the highest level of accreditation available; Class of 2018 scores in the top quartile. ...

Retired astronaut Larry DeLucas, payload specialist for the space shuttle Columbia in its 1992 Spacelab mission, is the featured speaker on Thursday, March 7 during USA's Space Week.

Space Week Launches at South
February 28, 2019

An indoor drone competition, research workshops, NASA speakers and a former astronaut highlight the week. ...

Dr. Kern Jackson is an assistant professor of English and the director of USA's African-American Studies Program.

Highlights in African-American Studies
February 26, 2019

From the "Black Experience" course to a 2016 teach-in, here are nine moments in USA's African-American Studies Program. ...

Top 7 Astronomical Events This Year
February 22, 2019

This year's blood moon captured the public's attention, to space and on social media. South's expert lists what's next. ...

Associate professor Dr. John Lanicci, whose research focuses on extreme weather events, placed 36 rain gauges around the area of the Kennedy Space Center. He found the amount of annual rainfall varied as much as 16 inches over an area approximately one-eighth the size of Mobile County.

What's the Rainfall Count? It Depends
February 21, 2019

Dr. John Lanicci's research suggests rainfall measurements can vary widely, a potential vulnerability for stormwater infrastructur ...

Southpaw and Pawla holding Giving Day Hearts

USA Giving Day Raises $314,390
February 15, 2019

The South community showed its love for the University and USA Health during USA Giving Day on Thursday, February 14. ...

Green Honored by ROI Institute
February 14, 2019

Dr. Evelyn Green is recognized for a program that provides summer jobs and work experience for Mobile youth. ...

Chris Blankenship graduated from South with a degree in political science and criminal justice. His love of all things outdoors propelled him to become commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Conserving Natural Resources for Alabama
February 13, 2019

Chris Blankenship combines his love of the outdoors with his education at South to manage the state's natural resources. ...

USA Arts & Sciences Dean Dr. Andrzej Wierzbicki speaks at the announcement of an Early Acceptance Program for USA students who want to attend Auburn’s Harrison School of Pharmacy after graduation.

South, Auburn Expand Pharmacy Partnership
February 12, 2019

High school seniors who enroll at South can receive conditional acceptance to AU's pharmacy school through a new program. ...

V-Day Events Planned
February 12, 2019

South joins the movement aimed at ending violence against women through "V-Day: Until the Violence Stops" events. ...

The work of Dr. Thomas C. Myers, a USA rheumatologist and self-taught wood turner, will be be on display Feb. 11-March 15 in the art gallery in the University of South Alabama’s department of visual arts. “When I was growing up, if my dad wanted something, he would build it. He always had books about art in our house. I grew up watching him work and learning from him,” said Myers.

The Doctor Is In (the Art Studio)
February 11, 2019

Dr. Thomas Myers, a USA rheumatologist and self-taught wood turner, often can be found at his lathe when not seeing patients. ...

Senior chemistry students Madison McBroom, left, of Huntsville and Amanda Tanner of Cantonment, Fla., listen as Dr. William Richert talks about their research with ionic liquids in the field of 3D printing.

Developing a Printer Worth Its Salt
February 5, 2019

Ionic liquids, or liquid salt, may one day be used in 3D printing. Dr. Matthew Reichert is exploring the possibilities. ...

Andrea Dennis, a graduate of the University of South Alabama’s College of Education and Professional Studies, is the principal at Scarborough Middle School, where she was recognized statewide for her work.

South Alum Recognized Tops Statewide
February 5, 2019

Andrea Dennis is recognized as Alabama's middle school principal of the year for her leadership at Scarborough Middle School. ...

Fiction writer Jamie Quatro will talk about her writing on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the University's Student Center. The event is sponsored by USA’s Stokes Center for Creative Writing.

Acclaimed Author Jamie Quatro to Speak at USA
February 1, 2019

Fiction writer Jamie Quatro will talk about her writing Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. in the Student Center Terrace Room. ...

Honors Research Sheds Light on Student Nutrition
January 28, 2019

Nursing student Jillian McCardle devoted her senior honors project to food insecurity and linking South students to available reso ...

Clarinet Music at a 'Crossroads'
January 28, 2019

Kip Franklin, assistant professor of clarinet, has released his debut solo CD, 'Crossroads: Twenty-First Century Music for Clarine ...

Historian Offers Insight Into Blue-Collar Conservatism
January 28, 2019

The subject of Assistant Professor of History Timothy Lombardo's first book is Philadelphia's Frank Rizzo. ...

David Green, a physical therapy student, and Callie Braggs, a physician assistant student, were two of the more than 270 South volunteers to offer assistance and provide services at Project Homeless Connect.

A Lesson in 'Humility and Compassion'
January 25, 2019

South students and faculty volunteer at Project Homeless Connect to provide clients with medical care and other resources. ...

Dr. Thomas Shaw, director of USA Polling, and Dr. Jaclyn Bunch, associate director, have conducted surveys on everything from health care and public policy to schoolchildren’s summer vacations.

Survey Says ... USA Polling Group
January 25, 2019

In a lab in South's Humanities Building, pollsters blend art and science to get accurate answers from the other end of the phone. ...

Jessica Gwinn, a Ph.D. student at South, samples herbivorous fish and algae on a rig south of Dauphin Island in July 2018. Gwinn's work was part of an international research project of ciguatera lead by the University of South Alabama.

No Taste, No Smell and No Effective Treatment
January 25, 2019

A USA marine scientist is leading an international research study of ciguatera, the world's most prevalent seafood-toxin illness. ...

Omar Tahri, left, a civil engineering junior from Morocco, works side by side with Assistant Professor Dr. Shenghua Wu in the asphalt lab. “It’s really nice to be hands on with materials that you are making predictions about and see your ideas become reality,” Tahri said.

In Search of Making Blacktop Green
January 24, 2019

University researchers are testing cooler temperatures to make asphalt production safer and more environmentally friendly. ...

The 25,000-seat Hancock Whitney Stadium, to be completed by 2020, will be located on the west side of campus, adjacent to the Jaguar Training Center, Football Fieldhouse and football practice fields.

South, Hancock Whitney in Stadium Partnership
January 15, 2019

University and bank officials announce the naming of Hancock Whitney Stadium; construction to be complete by 2020. ...

Dr. David Meola, the Bert and Fanny Meisler Assistant Professor of History and Jewish Studies at South Alabama, will host a question-and-answer session following one of the featured films on campus, “The Last Suit.

South Partners on Jewish Film Festival
January 14, 2019

Three films will be screened at the John W. Laidlaw Performing Arts Center on South's campus; USA students admitted free. ...

Mobile Bay Magazine's 40 under 40 selections include ten leaders who are South alumni or employees. Clockwise from top left: James Evans, Melanie Rose, Kevin Jackson, Laventrice Ridgeway, Lee Grimm Jr., Harry Brislin IV, Jennifer Conrad, Moh’d Khushman, Joseph Jermaine Roberson and Benjamin Hoeb.

South Picks Up Ten in 40 Under 40
January 7, 2019

USA alumni and employees highlight the annual Mobile Bay Magazine feature that spotlights young community leaders. ...

Postponed College? New Resource Available
January 7, 2019

The Office of Adult Learner Services will hold an open house Jan. 15 for people who want to go back to school to earn their degree ...

A nearly $500,000 grant awarded to USA will strengthen and help expand existing programs in international studies and modern and classical languages and literature. “This is the first time South and the College of Arts and Sciences have received this type grant,

South Wins Grant to Expand Global Studies
January 7, 2019

The nearly $500,000 grant will enhance language offerings and global health and international studies opportunities. ...

While a student at South, Edmond Naman, now a Mobile Circuit Court Judge, took a theater class that would end up critical to his success. “It was really that department that I think had a real big impact later because so much of my job is going out in the public and conveying messages. Going out to children and families and trying to make a clear case for what I’m trying to do and how I’m trying to change their lives.”

A Judge Who Cares Builds a NEST
January 2, 2019

Circuit Judge Edmond Naman co-founded a group to mentor at-risk youth. He picked up his power of persuasion as a student at South. ...

'It's the Greatest Decision I've Ever Made'
December 22, 2018

Xiaoyan Liu's career was taking off. She quit and, within two weeks, packed her bags and flew to the United States. ...

I'll Never Forget This Place
December 22, 2018

Jan-Louw Kotze was recruited from South Africa as a track and field student-athlete. He's worn his path mostly barefoot. ...

Now I Know Anything Is Possible
December 22, 2018

Alvina Pruitt got help navigating her way to Europe. She found independence paddling across an Italian lake. ...

University Holiday Schedule
December 19, 2018

Most University of South Alabama departments will be closed until Jan. 2, 2019; a limited number observe different schedules. ...

USA Writer-in-Residence Frye Gaillard told graduates they must find a way to cross barriers and heal divisions.

Relearn the Art of Creative Disagreement
December 16, 2018

Author Frye Gaillard urged graduates to protect democracy by finding a 'path toward honest dialogue in confronting problems.' ...

Anna Dudley has the unique distinction of being the third generation of her family to graduate from South with an accounting degree from the Mitchell College of Business.

Family Accrues Third Accounting Graduate
December 10, 2018

Anna Dudley follows the path of her mother and grandmother in earning an accounting degree from the Mitchell College of Business. ...

LaTya McCall, a nursing graduate, founded the BIG Club at South, which supports the Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Alabama. She looks forward to continuing to serve in a big sister role.

Service, Focus and Promoting Excellence
December 10, 2018

LaTya McCall was dedicated in her pursuit of a nursing degree. But her college legacy of service was built outside of class. ...

Clay Davidson, a retired public accountant who earned a master's degree from South in 2008, returned to get his Ph.D. “I’m certainly a good bit older than most of the students, but the intelligence and the drive of all the people I met and worked with was impressive,” he said.

Achievement, Plus a Healthy Dose of Ribbing
December 10, 2018

Clay Davidson hopes his Ph.D. will bring him admiration from his children — and maybe a little quiet from his three brothers. ...

Frye Gaillard, writer-in-residence at the University of South Alabama, will deliver the fall commencement address on Saturday, Dec. 15, in the Mitchell Center.

Fall Commencement: What You Need to Know
December 10, 2018

Get helpful information on where to park near the Mitchell Center, who will be speaking and how to watch the ceremony online. ...

Gov. Kay Ivey and Bert Meisler, center, broke ground Tuesday on the Fanny Meisler Trauma Center at University Hospital.

Ground Broken on Trauma Center Project
December 4, 2018

The Fanny Meisler Trauma Center at University Hospital is planned for 2020. USA's Level 1 facility is the only one in the region. ...

Dr. Paul A. Frazier has been named chief diversity and inclusion officer at the University of South Alabama. He arrives from Texas Tech University.

USA Hires Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
December 3, 2018

The addition of Dr. Paul Frazier reflects the University's commitment to diversity and inclusion as institution-wide priorities. ...

It's the Most Wonderful Time
November 30, 2018

South will host its free holiday concert, open to the community, on Dec. 6 at the USA Mitchell Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ...

Weather Research Center to Relocate
November 29, 2018

A gift from Alabama Power Company will facilitate a move for the center, whose 100-plus commercial clients includes the utility. ...

Bryan Stevenson, author and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, will speak at the University of South Alabama at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28 in the Mitchell Center. Photo/Nina Subin.

Bryan Stevenson to Speak at USA
November 26, 2018

The social justice leader, author and driving force behind the Legacy Museum will give a public presentation Nov. 28. ...

Full News Archive

$1.5 Million Gift for College of Engineering March 19, 2019

Commission on Higher Ed Approves Ph.D. in Business Administration March 19, 2019

Match Day 2019: Signed, Sealed, Delivered March 17, 2019

Mitchell Offers Challenge; Field Named March 15, 2019

USA National Alumni Association Honors Five March 14, 2019

She Leads Michigan's Second-Largest City March 13, 2019

5 Ways to Cope with the Time Change March 8, 2019

MIT Professor to Speak on Nuclear Power March 6, 2019

Critically Acclaimed Songwriter to Perform at Laidlaw March 6, 2019

'Committed to Student Success and Excellence' March 1, 2019

Space Week Launches at South February 28, 2019

Highlights in African-American Studies February 26, 2019

Top 7 Astronomical Events This Year February 22, 2019

What's the Rainfall Count? It Depends February 21, 2019

USA Giving Day Raises $314,390 February 15, 2019

Green Honored by ROI Institute February 14, 2019

Conserving Natural Resources for Alabama February 13, 2019

South, Auburn Expand Pharmacy Partnership February 12, 2019

V-Day Events Planned February 12, 2019

The Doctor Is In (the Art Studio) February 11, 2019

Developing a Printer Worth Its Salt February 5, 2019

South Alum Recognized Tops Statewide February 5, 2019

Acclaimed Author Jamie Quatro to Speak at USA February 1, 2019

Honors Research Sheds Light on Student Nutrition January 28, 2019

Clarinet Music at a 'Crossroads' January 28, 2019

Historian Offers Insight Into Blue-Collar Conservatism January 28, 2019

A Lesson in 'Humility and Compassion' January 25, 2019

Survey Says ... USA Polling Group January 25, 2019

No Taste, No Smell and No Effective Treatment January 25, 2019

In Search of Making Blacktop Green January 24, 2019

South, Hancock Whitney in Stadium Partnership January 15, 2019

South Partners on Jewish Film Festival January 14, 2019

South Picks Up Ten in 40 Under 40 January 7, 2019

Postponed College? New Resource Available January 7, 2019

South Wins Grant to Expand Global Studies January 7, 2019

A Judge Who Cares Builds a NEST January 2, 2019

'It's the Greatest Decision I've Ever Made' December 22, 2018

I'll Never Forget This Place December 22, 2018

Now I Know Anything Is Possible December 22, 2018

University Holiday Schedule December 19, 2018

Relearn the Art of Creative Disagreement December 16, 2018

Family Accrues Third Accounting Graduate December 10, 2018

Service, Focus and Promoting Excellence December 10, 2018

Achievement, Plus a Healthy Dose of Ribbing December 10, 2018

Fall Commencement: What You Need to Know December 10, 2018

Ground Broken on Trauma Center Project December 4, 2018

USA Hires Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer December 3, 2018

It's the Most Wonderful Time November 30, 2018

Weather Research Center to Relocate November 29, 2018

Bryan Stevenson to Speak at USA November 26, 2018