USA News Archives | Media Relations

Dr. Just Cebrian, a marine science professor at the University of South Alabama, sits atop a mile-long row of concrete blocks placed between Portersville Bay and Little Bay to defend against erosion. The project was initiated after a berm was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2006. The result: Sea grass that was planted has flourished, offering protection against hurricanes and for seafood and wildlife habitats.

Balancing Act: Shoring Up Gulf Shorelines
October 3, 2018

USA scientists integrate ecology and engineering to defend against shifting currents, fast boats, rising seas and sinking land. ...

Dr. Saami Yazdani, associate professor of mechanical engineering, feeds a balloon catheter through a pig artery with, from left, Claire Cawthon and Kathryn Cooper, gap year research assistants, and mechanical engineering major Clifton Huett at Yazdani's lab in the College of Engineering.

Innovation that Leads to Surgical Solutions
October 3, 2018

A health care focus in USA's mechanical engineering department leads to research opportunities and a new way to deliver medic ...

Dr. Caitlyn Hauff, assistant professor of kinesiology and health promotion, and Dr. Geoffrey Hudson, an assistant professor of exercise science, are two of a dozen members of South's Obesity Research Network. Hudson is testing whether a 3D camera, in the background, can accurately measure body fat. Hauff specializes in body image and weight stigma research.

Gaining Knowledge on Losing Weight
October 3, 2018

Thirteen faculty from five USA colleges and schools are combining efforts and expertise through the Obesity Research Network. ...

South Offering New Scholarship for Teachers
October 1, 2018

The Educator Excellence Scholarship, equal to 20 percent of tuition cost, is designed for teachers seeking advanced certification. ...

The sixth annual “Be Jag Healthy” Jag Health and Wellness Day will take place from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the Student Health Center at 5870 Alumni Drive.

South Students Ready to "Be Jag Healthy"
October 1, 2018

The sixth annual 'Be Jag Healthy' Jag Health and Wellness Day will be held Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the Student Health Cent ...

Graduate students Harrison White and Matthew Simmons flank Dr. Carlos Montalvo as they discuss the tradeoff from having two or more miniature satellites, called CubeSats, connected via a tether from an E-Sail. More CubeSats means more tethers and more thrust, but also more chances of tangling.

E-Sailing to the Edge of Space
September 27, 2018

An engineering professor and his students want to find a way to propel spacecraft 12 billion miles from the sun using solar wind. ...

Amanda Watson, left, joins fellow University of South Alabama students Parker McGee and Asia Smith to rehearse the musical “Godspell,” which opens Saturday, Sept. 29.

Theatre USA Opens Season With 'Godspell'
September 26, 2018

The production will run Sept. 28-30 and Oct. 4-6. All performances will be at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. ...

The Mitchell Scholars Class of Spring 2018 endowed a scholarship in tribute to supporter Abraham "Abe" Mitchell, center, for his philanthropic efforts.

Mitchell Scholars 'Pay It Forward'
September 21, 2018

The Mitchell Scholars Class of Spring 2018 endow a scholarship in tribute to longtime supporter Abraham "Abe" Mitchell. ...

Above is a rendering of the Flight Works Alabama aviation experience center to be built next year. The University of South Alabama is partnering with Airbus to provide support in several areas.

USA to Collaborate on Flight Works Alabama
September 20, 2018

An aviation experience center, to be completed in 2019, aims to bolster workforce development and launch aerospace careers. ...

Meredith Diskin, a doctoral student in USA's marine sciences program, tethers shrimp to fishing line and puts them out in the mangroves for her research on the interactions of predators and their prey and how they differ in ecosystems such as salt marshes and mangroves.

Fulfilling a Lifelong Dream in Marine Biology
September 17, 2018

Ph.D. student Meredith Diskin spent her summer on a fellowship at the Smithsonian Marine Station in Florida. ...

Benjamin Pelham, the recipient of the 2018 Dan Piper award by the National Down Syndrome Society, is the first student admitted to the PASSAGE USA program at South, where he also works at the University of South Alabama Bookstore. Here he is with Carol Hudak, his peer mentor and a junior elementary education major.

National Down Syndrome Society Honors USA Student
September 14, 2018

Benjamin Pelham, the first student to be admitted into PASSAGE USA, is the 2018 Dan Piper Award recipient. ...

Recipients of the Alumni Awards display their plaques.

Alumni Association Honors Faculty, Alumnus
September 11, 2018

The USA National Alumni Association annually recognizes five faculty members and a young alumnus for outstanding achievement. ...

The Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library moved in to new space at the USA Marx Library in 2016. The archives was begun 40 years ago with $2,800 and use of a building at Brookley Field. Among its collections are extensive photo archives of the University and the Mobile area.

40 Years of Hundreds of Years of History
September 10, 2018

Started as a photo archive at Brookley Field, USA's Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library celebrates its own past ...

South Serves Web Portal Launched
September 7, 2018

The portal allows students, faculty, staff and alumni to easily sign up for volunteer opportunities through the United Way. ...

Patrick Dungan, who graduated from USA’s College of Arts and Sciences in 2006, was elected president of the USA National Alumni Association. He is an associate attorney with Adams and Reese, LLP in Mobile and co-owner of AFC Mobile, Mobile's semi-pro men's soccer team.

Alumni Association Elects New Officers, Directors
September 7, 2018

Attorney Patrick Dungan '06 was selected as president of the USA National Alumni Association. ...

Dr. Heather Hall served as interim dean of South's College of Nursing before being named dean.

Hall Named College of Nursing Dean
September 6, 2018

Dr. Heather Hall served as interim dean of the College of Nursing prior to her appointment as dean. ...

Board of Trustees Chair Pro Tempore Ken Simon, far left, along with other trustees recognized the 2018 Board of Trustees Scholar Cody Dunlap, second from right, at their fall meeting. Also attending were, from left, Ada Chaeli van der Zijp-Tan, 2017 recipient; Christian Manganti, 2016 recipient; and Dr. Tony Waldrop, University president.

Second-Gen Jaguar Named Trustees Scholar
September 6, 2018

Baker High School graduate Cody Dunlap, who registered a 35 ACT score and a 4.67 GPA, will study mechanical engineering. ...

The gift from Melinda and Louis Mapp will establish an endowment that will enable Children’s & Women’s NICU staff to identify and offset unforeseen needs within the unit. "We wanted (the endowment) to be large enough that it would produce enough income so the caregivers, when they recognize a need during the year that might not be in the budget, they would have funds available,” Louis Mapp said.

Children's & Women's NICU Gets $1 Million Gift
September 5, 2018

Melinda and Louis Mapp donate $1,055,000 to Children's & Women's Hospital's Hollis J. Wiseman Neonatal Intensiv ...

On-Campus Stadium Campaign Kicks Off
August 31, 2018

Get On Campus is an ambitious fundraising effort to build a stadium that will be ready as early as the 2020 Jags football season. ...

USA Medical Center Now University Hospital
August 31, 2018

USA Health unveils a new name for its Level I trauma center hospital that highlights its teaching and research missions. ...

Fred Kelley turned to exercise to improve his life following a heart attack in 2000. This fall he enrolled at South and is taking online classes toward a college degree.

A Second Chance at Life Points South
August 28, 2018

In the 18 years since his heart attack, Fred Kelley has turned to exercise, and now education, to improve his life. ...

Lime bikes start at fifty cents a ride for South students and employees and can be accessed using the Lime app. The bikes are in downtown Mobile in addition to on campus.

Squeezed for Time? Hop on a Lime
August 23, 2018

Students have a new low-cost and sustainable way to get around campus with the national Lime bike share program. ...

Members of the Jaguar Marching Band were among the students, faculty and staff who helped freshmen move in to their on-campus homes. Here they are in front of Epsilon Hall.

Home Sweet New Campus Home
August 18, 2018

South students, faculty and staff move 1,332 freshmen in to campus housing, including the newly built Camellia Hall. ...

University of South Alabama President Tony Waldrop, left, joins Bishop State Community College President Reginald Sykes, center, and Coastal Alabama Community College President Gary Branch to formally launch the "15 to Finish" campaign, encouraging students to take 15 credit hours each fall and spring semester, and enhance their chances to graduate on time. The three institutions are partnering with the Mobile Area Education Foundation, which has a goal of 75,000 degrees or credentials in the Mobile community by 2030.

South Joins '15 to Finish' Campaign
August 14, 2018

The initiative, a partnership with the Mobile Area Education Foundation and nearby community colleges, encourages students to take ...

Dusty Norris, a graduate of the University of South Alabama’s anthropology program, is using an archaeology tool to record information about one of the artifacts found at the sites of the shotgun houses in areas of downtown Mobile. This preliminary work is being done as plans for the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project moves forward.

Modest Homes, Rich History
August 14, 2018

A USA archaeology team is conducting fieldwork at the site of several shotgun houses; 'These tend to be the forgotten people. ...

Dr. Jonathan Rayner, associate professor of microbiology and immunology and director of the Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, said a new mosquito testing collaboration with the Mobile County Health Department is an extension of a longstanding program centered on sentinel chickens.

South, County Partner in Mosquito Control
August 10, 2018

USA researchers are collaborating with the Mobile County Health Department to screen for viruses including Zika. ...

The Zimlich quintuplets, from left, Amelia Rose, Isabella, Shipley, Sophia and Hallie, were born in 1999 at the University of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital. This August, they will join the Class of 2022 at South.

Quintuplets Enroll at South
August 2, 2018

Amelia Rose, Isabella, Shipley, Sophia and Hallie Zimlich, born at USA Children's & Women's Hospital, join the Class ...

Dr. Blair Saale, assistant professor and assistant director of clinical education, was one of only six physical therapy faculty from around the country chosen for the Parkinson’s Foundation Physical Therapy Faculty Program.

USA Professor Chosen for Parkinson's Faculty Program
July 27, 2018

Dr. Blair Saale recently participated in a distinguished Parkinson's Foundation Physical Therapy Faculty Program. ...

University of South Alabama engineering students Brittany McMillan, Peyton Posey and Evan Mazur are researching storm surge impacts on barrier islands with Dr. Stephanie Smallegan, assistant professor of civil, coastal and environmental engineering. Behind them is the College of Engineering's wave flume, which can be filled with water and manipulated to simulate various wave actions found in landfalling hurricanes.

Dauphin Island vs. The Hurricanes
July 26, 2018

A South professor and her students are analyzing how the island might best withstand the impact of tropical cyclones. ...

SouthFlight emergency air service represents a partnership between USA Health and Air Methods, a privately-owned air medical transport company serving 48 states.

'When Every Second Counts'
July 25, 2018

USA Health launches an air service partnership to transport critically ill patients to the region's only Level 1 trauma cente ...

Former Jaguar athletes, from left, David Freese, Lindsay Schwartz, Ernie Rosseau and Nic Chisolm will be inducted this fall to the USA Athletic Hall of Fame.

Four Jags Selected for Hall of Fame
July 24, 2018

David Freese, Lindsay Schwartz, Ernie Rosseau and Nic Chisolm will be inducted on Nov. 10 to the USA Athletic Hall of Fame. ...

Arlene Mitchell, center left, and Abraham “Abe” Mitchell, center right, were recognized, along with the late Mayer Mitchell, for their philanthropy during a Monday awards ceremony by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. On stage with them are James T. Harris, president of the University of San Diego and chair of the CASE Board of Trustees, and Sue Cunningham, president and CEO of CASE.

Mitchell Family Recognized
July 16, 2018

Abe, Arlene and the late Mayer Mitchell are honored for philanthropy by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. ...

Cataloging the Past for Future Growth
July 12, 2018

A USA archaeology team is doing field work at the future site of the proposed Mobile River bridge and Bayway expansion. ...

From left, Michael Marfice, Perrin Windham and Kyle Clark are the inaugural recipients of a Blue Cross and Blue Shield Scholarship aimed at improving health care in underserved areas.

Expanding Access to Quality Health Care
July 11, 2018

Three medical students receiving Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama scholarships pledge to practice in underserved communities. ...

Researchers and volunteers are hanging lime-green sticky traps in citrus trees near the Dauphin Island Sea Lab to try and catch bugs that are threatening the trees' existence. Dr. David Battiste, assistant professor of chemistry at the University of South Alabama, teams up with Daniel Forbes, a student at Mobile's Davidson High School.

The Tiny Bug That Is Killing Citrus
July 10, 2018

USA chemist Dr. David Battiste and his citrus soldiers are on the hunt to capture the destructive Asian citrus psyllid. ...

University of South Alabama alumna Chasity Collier, a fifth-grade science teacher at Dawes Intermediate School in Mobile

USA Alumna Receives National Teaching Award
July 3, 2018

Chasity Collier, a University of South Alabama alumna has been recognized with a National Presidential Award. ...

Seven Surprises Found in USA's Marx Library
July 3, 2018

Historical detectives will glean insights into politics and culture in the Government Documents Collection. ...

The Mitchell College of Business is committed to the University’s focus on excellence, lifelong learning, and the education of the whole person.

MCOB AACSB REACCREDITATION
July 3, 2018

The Mitchell College of Business at the University of South Alabama has been reaccredited by the leading accrediting body for busi ...

University of South Alabama graduate Dana Faye Housch moved to Dresden, Germany, in 2009 and founded a nonprofit organization called German Lessons for Refugees. Photo courtesy of Dana Faye Housch.

Lessons in English, German and Tolerance
June 27, 2018

South graduate Dana Faye Housch found her home in Dresden, Germany. She's now helping refugees do the same. ...

Answers to South Stadium Questions
June 22, 2018

Why build a stadium? Why should it be a public-private venture? What would happen to Ladd-Peebles? Answers to these, and more. ...

Julian and Kim MacQueen, owners of Innisfree Hotels, said a recent trip around the world was more than a vacation. "We were looking for new ways of hospitality as well as new ways hospitality was part of each community," he said.

'Around the World in 80 Stays'
June 19, 2018

For people who flew around the world in a private jet, alumni Julian and Kim MacQueen are incredibly grounded. ...

Dr. Alec Yasinsac, left, dean of South’s School of Computing, and Michael Chambers, USA assistant vice president for research innovation, lead a spring workshop in Birmingham as part of South's grant to advance research to real-world applications.

Marketing 101 for Researchers
June 14, 2018

South is helping researchers across the nation move innovation out of labs to real-world applications for consumers. ...

Dr. Kevin White, chair of USA's department of civil, coastal and environmental engineering, recently co-authored a summary paper that begins to map a path forward to improving wastewater management in Alabama's Black Belt.

'We Can Tackle This Problem'
June 14, 2018

Dr. Kevin White is calling attention -- and bringing solutions -- to poor wastewater management in Alabama's Black Belt. ...

Dr. Karen Fagan, left, director of USA Health’s pulmonary and critical care division, and Dr. Natalie Bauer, an associate professor of pharmacology at USA, are two of the more than 40 faculty members who work with the USA Center for Lung Biology. “I couldn’t move my work forward in this way without collaborating the way I have with Dr. Fagan, and that’s why I think the USA Center for Lung Biology provides an excellent environment for practicing translational medicine,” Bauer said.

Medicine From Bench to Bedside
June 14, 2018

The USA Center for Lung Biology has success in investigating lung disease, then translating that knowledge to serve patients. ...

Poarch Creeks Donate $500,000
June 11, 2018

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians' gift will fund the Chief Calvin W. McGhee Grand Ballroom at the MacQueen Alumni Center. ...

South's Travis Swaggerty was picked 10th in the first round of Major League Baseball's draft. Asked after his selection what gave him the most "swag," he responded: "Doing everything for my team.”

Pirates Take Swaggerty With 10th Pick
June 5, 2018

South outfielder Travis Swaggerty, chosen in the first round, is one of six Jags selected in the Major League Baseball draft. ...

The life and legacy of Clotilda survivors of Africatown will be included in the first feature documentary film with the collaborative efforts of faculty from the University of South Alabama and Spring Hill College. Discussing resources for the documentary are, from left, Dr. Joel’ Lewis Billingsley, producer; Dr. Kern Jackson, co-producer; Ryan Noble, director; and Dr. Pamela R. Moore, co-producer.

'We Needed to Tell This Story'
June 4, 2018

USA and Spring Hill College faculty are collaborating on a documentary film project focused on the settlers of Africatown. ...

Plans for a football stadium on South's campus includes seating for 25,000 and an end zone terrace with high-top tables. South's Board of Trustees authorized site work on Friday.

Green Light for Stadium Site Work
June 1, 2018

South's Board of Trustees authorized preliminary work on a campus football stadium, pending confirmation of funding. ...

Sara Boone is a junior in South's Honors College. "The College is not just for future doctors or engineers. It’s also for students like me," she said.

Expansion Diversifies Honors College
May 24, 2018

South's Honors College is nearly a year old and is thriving on attracting students for an interdisciplinary experience. ...

Stephanie Eads-Williamson has made it her life's work to save stray animals, and some of those end up at her home on Dog River, where she lives with her husband, Garrett Williamson.

Her World Has Gone to the Dogs
May 21, 2018

Stephanie Eads-Williamson, '92, left a job in pharmaceutical sales to pursue her calling — saving stray animals, at eve ...