Community News

The “Vagina Monologues” performance at the University of South Alabama raised $616 for the Mobile Rape Crisis Center. South Alabama members of the cast recently presented a check to support the center's programs. From left are Catherine Buttrey, Kenishia Jackson, Title IX Coordinator and Associate Dean of Students Dr. Krista Harrell, Kadijah Oliver, Tiffany Martin and Eve Windhorst.

Donations go to Rape Crisis Center
May 17, 2017

Proceeds from the 'Vagina Monologues' are given to combat violence against women and girls. ...

“USA is really honored to be a part of this program, which can become a model locally as well as nationally with everyone working together,” Lynne Chronister, USA vice president for research and economic development, said at a Tuesday news conference with Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, left, and Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft.

South to Host Beach Job Boot Camp
May 16, 2017

The University will train 17- to 24-year-olds for summer employment in partnership with the cities of Mobile and Gulf Shores. ...

Newly-named Alabama Teacher of the Year Chasity Collier, left, receives a special 50th Anniversary medallion from Dr. Andrea Kent, dean of the University of South Alabama College of Education, during a surprise celebration pep rally at Dawes Intermediate School. Earlier this year, South Alabama’s College of Education celebrated 50 years. Collier teaches fifth-grade science at Dawes Intermediate School.

Alumna Named Alabama Teacher of the Year
May 12, 2017

Chasity Collier, a fifth-grade science teacher at Dawes Intermediate School in Mobile County, graduated from South in 1998. ...

The finalists of the USA Public Speaking Contest are, seated from left, third place winner Faith Wheeler of Murphy High School; first place winner Siddiqah Abdullah of Murphy High School and second place winner Marie Doyle from the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science. Standing from left are USA communications faculty Dr. Reggie Moody, associate professor; Katherine Rigsby, instructor; Megan Sparks, senior instructor; Dr. James Aucoin, professor and chair; and Dr. April Dupree Taylor, assistant professor.

'Advocacy' Highlights Public Speaking Contest
May 11, 2017

Thirty-one 9th-12th graders from five local schools participated in the contest at the University of South Alabama. ...

Rod Newsome, a junior at the University of South Alabama, fell in love with the bass in elementary school after a music teacher played the theme from "Jaws." As a student, he's played twice with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra. Photo courtesy of Ben Harper, Mobile Symphony Orchestra.

A Pinch Hitter With a Double Bass
May 9, 2017

Before arriving at South, Rod Newsome was mostly self-taught. He's since played twice with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra. ...

USA’s Office of Student Activities recognizes students for outstanding community service during the annual Student Organization Awards Banquet. From left are Shelby Guidry, Animal Rights Alliance, Student Organization of the Year; Veena Danthuluri, Indian Student Association, Program of the Year; Allyson Heng, Student Organization Leader of the Year; Lyndsie Rhoden, Emerging Leader of the Year; and Kellie Caddell, Student-Run Free Clinic, Graduate Student Organization of the Year.

'Innovative Ways to Serve'
May 5, 2017

South holds its annual awards luncheon to honor and showcase student organizations and community service. ...

Greek organization students raised more than $102,000 for philanthropy this year, and dedicated nearly 32,000 hours of logged-in community service. From left, Ross McDonald, president of Pi Kappa Phi, Fraternity Dean’s Cup winner; Derek Pickett, president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., NPHC Fraternity of the Year; Bryanna Hall, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., NPHC Sorority of the Year; Amanda Nadeau, Alpha Omicron Pi, Sorority Dean’s Cup winner; and Sharon Williams, Chi Omega, Sorority Dean’s Cup winner.

USA Greek Community Recognized
May 4, 2017

Sororities and fraternities raised more than $102,000 for philanthropy this year, and dedicated nearly 32,000 service hours. ...

Dr. Peter Wood standing on lawn with trumpet

Two Countries, Two Stages, One Concert
May 3, 2017

South faculty will play with elementary school students in China via live stream in a May 11 free concert open to the public. ...

David Williams of Mobile, a former Mobile County Public School middle and high school teacher pursuing his Ph.D. in instructional design and development at South, will present his paper on the effective way to use test development theory during the University of South Alabama’s Conference on Teaching and Learning.

Innovative Teaching Strategies Focus of Conference
April 24, 2017

The deadline to register for the University of South Alabama's Conference on Teaching and Learning is Wednesday, April 26. ...

USA students rehearse for the 2017 'La Vie Parisienne Operetta,' which will take place April 21-23.

A French Opera on the Gulf Coast
April 20, 2017

Students take the stage for this weekend's 'La Vie Parisienne,' complete with a saucy millionaire and can-can dancing. ...

Dr. Thomas Rich, associate professor of pharmacology, left, and Dr. Silas Leavesley, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, are co-founders of SpectraCyte, a previous Alabama Launchpad award winner.

South to Host Alabama Launchpad
April 20, 2017

USA, along with the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, will welcome innovative startups April 27 in downtown Mobile. ...

Each year, South graduate and artist Ricky Trione visits classes in the College of Education. A lesson quickly emerges: If a blind man can create boldly colored, vibrant paintings, and sit on the floor of a classroom teaching kindergarteners how to do the same, then teachers can use art to communicate with almost anyone.

In Darkness, Colors Shine Bright
April 14, 2017

South graduate Ricky Trione's medium was pen and ink. When he lost his sight, Trione thought he'd lost art, too. ...

Rachel Chandebise, portrayed by Sadie Bell Freeman, greets husband Victor, portrayed by Kip Hayes, during rehearsals for 'A Flea in Her Ear.'

Comic Romp Closes Theatre USA Season
April 4, 2017

Theatre USA will present the classic farce, 'A Flea in Her Ear,' April 14-22. Tickets are on sale. ...

Anthony Richardson has been in business for 28 years. While his grass-cutting services account for the lion’s share of his annual revenue, Richadson said the work is seasonal, leaving a four-month winter lull that has forced him to diversify his offerings.

South Launches Minority Business Accelerator
April 10, 2017

The program is made possible with a $25,000 grant from PNC Bank and the involvement of a consortium of community partners. ...

Congratulating Dr. Keith Blackwell, second from left, on his award from CSX were Andrew Murray, instructor of meteorology and Coastal Weather Research Center hurricane specialist; Dr. Andre Wierzbicki, dean of arts and sciences; Pete McCarty, director of the Coastal Weather Research Center; Dr. Bill Williams, director emeritus; and Dr. Sytske Kimball, chair of meteorology.

Transportation Giant Honors South Meteorologist
April 4, 2017

CSX Corp. recognizes Dr. Keith Blackwell for his Hurricane Matthew forecasting through the Coastal Weather Research Center. ...

Sophomore Anisa Heilman, whose parents are deaf, has co-authored a bill under consideration in the Alabama legislature addressing deaf and hard of hearing language opportunities for children.

Seeking Change, Student Co-Authors Legislation
March 30, 2017

Strategic communications major Anisa Heilman collaborates on a state bill addressing opportunities for deaf children. ...

Benjamin Pelham, who is taking courses at South through PASSAGE USA, works part-time in the Registrar’s Office.

'College Is Possible,' No Limits to Learning
March 24, 2017

Through social and academic preparation, PASSAGE USA is offering the intellectually disabled a path to employment. ...

Dr. James Hevia, professor of history at the University of Chicago, will speak about environmental degradation at South's annual Mahan Lecture.

Mahan Lecture Focus: Environmental Degradation
March 21, 2017

Dr. James Hevia, professor of history, University of Chicago, will speak March 23. The event is free and open to the public. ...

“Don’t create a false environment for your plants,” said Gary Carley, South's landscaping manager. Dig a hole, plant and be confident.

Want Your Yard to Look Like Ours?
March 16, 2017

South's chief landscaper, Gary Carley, offers seven springtime tips for getting your garden in order. No green thumb required. ...

Mechell Daniel, No. 16, plays professional volleyball for OrPo in Finland. At South, the geography major from England made the all-conference team each of her four years with the Jaguars.

'She Just Has That Presence'
March 8, 2017

She's quick, athletic and 6-foot-3. And at South, she had 1,511 kills. Meet Mechell Daniel, Finnish pro volleyball player. ...

Dr. Sanjeev K Srivastava, an instructor in the Health Disparities in Cancer Research Program at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, is the director of cell biology and genetics for Tatva Biosciences, which has a lab in USA's Coastal Innovation Hub. One of Tatva's primary technologies is the development of sun protection creme that uses silver nanoparticles in an effort to block and repair DNA damaged by sun radiation.

South Advancing 'Innovation Ecosystem'
March 2, 2017

Two words — innovation and entrepreneurship — have made a prominent entrance into the local lexicon in recent years. ...

Hospitality, Tourism Leaders to Focus on Workforce
March 1, 2017

The University of South Alabama's Hospitality & Tourism Workforce Summit will be held March 5-6. ...

Avoiding Money Pitfalls in College
February 24, 2017

Seven ways for students to find sound financial footing. Prepare for your car to break down and for retirement. ...

Pi Kappa Phi Receives National Awards
February 20, 2017

Members were awarded the Champion Master Chapter, Outstanding Governance, Outstanding Member Experience, and Outstanding Service and Philanthropy awards. ...

Teach-In to Highlight Democracy Day
February 15, 2017

The University of South Alabama College of Arts and Sciences and the Dean of Students office invite the USA community to participate in a teach-in on "We Are South: Democracy Day," 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17 at the Student Center Plaza ...

Community News Archive

Donations go to Rape Crisis Center May 17, 2017

South to Host Beach Job Boot Camp May 16, 2017

Alumna Named Alabama Teacher of the Year May 12, 2017

'Advocacy' Highlights Public Speaking Contest May 11, 2017

A Pinch Hitter With a Double Bass May 9, 2017

'Innovative Ways to Serve' May 5, 2017

USA Greek Community Recognized May 4, 2017

Two Countries, Two Stages, One Concert May 3, 2017

Innovative Teaching Strategies Focus of Conference April 24, 2017

A French Opera on the Gulf Coast April 20, 2017

South to Host Alabama Launchpad April 20, 2017

In Darkness, Colors Shine Bright April 14, 2017

Comic Romp Closes Theatre USA Season April 4, 2017

South Launches Minority Business Accelerator April 10, 2017

Transportation Giant Honors South Meteorologist April 4, 2017

Seeking Change, Student Co-Authors Legislation March 30, 2017

'College Is Possible,' No Limits to Learning March 24, 2017

Mahan Lecture Focus: Environmental Degradation March 21, 2017

Want Your Yard to Look Like Ours? March 16, 2017

'She Just Has That Presence' March 8, 2017

South Advancing 'Innovation Ecosystem' March 2, 2017

Hospitality, Tourism Leaders to Focus on Workforce March 1, 2017

Avoiding Money Pitfalls in College February 24, 2017

Pi Kappa Phi Receives National Awards February 20, 2017

Teach-In to Highlight Democracy Day February 15, 2017