Top USA Researchers Ranked
Posted on November 9, 2026
Thirteen University of South Alabama faculty earned spots on Stanford University’s latest global ranking of the top 2% of most-cited scientists. The index evaluates researchers based on their lifetime citation impact and standardized metrics across a diverse range of disciplines.
South’s honorees span six academic colleges, reflecting the University’s research strength. Leading the University’s representation is Dr. Joe F. Hair, distinguished professor of marketing and director of the Mitchell College of Business Ph.D. program, who placed among the top 50 global scholars.
Other honorees include:
- Dr. Matt Howard, professor and chair of Marketing, Supply Chain Management and Analytics, Mitchell College of Business.
- Dr. Burke Johnson, professor emeritus, College of Education and Professional Studies.
- Dr. Joyce Pittman, associate professor; Dr. Sharon Fruh, professor and associate dean; College of Nursing.
- Dr. John W. Foster, professor emeritus; Dr. Mikhail Alexeyev, associate professor; Dr. Michael Elliott, associate professor; and Dr. Stephen Schaffer, professor emeritus; Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine.
- Dr. Joseph M. Currier, professor; Dr. James H. Davis Jr., professor; and Dr. Lesley A. Gregoricka, professor; College of Arts and Sciences.
- Dr. Kenneth Heck, professor, Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences.
