Staff/Contact
| Contact Us | |
|---|---|
| Julie M. Estis, PhD, CCC-SLP Interim Associate Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness jestis@southalabama.edu (251) 461-1590 |
Julie M. Estis, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Interim Associate Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness and Executive Director of Academic Enhancement at the University of South Alabama, applies assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation principles to advance strategic student learning initiatives and SACSCOC accreditation efforts. She enthusiastically leads the University of South Alabama’s LevelUP: Uniquely Prepared for What Comes Next Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). This campus-wide, accreditation-related initiative enhances students’ career readiness competencies through reflection, integrative learning, and skill development, preparing them to confidently transition to the workforce or graduate education. With substantial experience in SACSCOC accreditation, she has organized, written, and reviewed institutional compliance narratives, including the decennial reaffirmation and fifth-year interim reports. Her expertise in site-visit planning, compliance reporting, and QEP leadership has been instrumental in achieving successful accreditation outcomes. She has been invited to serve as a QEP Lead Evaluator in early 2025. Dr. Estis combines interdisciplinary collaboration, effective communication, and data-informed decision-making to foster a culture of continuous improvement that enhances outcomes for students, faculty, and the university community. |
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Katherine Friedrich, PhD |
Dr. Kathy Friedrich joined the USA family as the Director of Institutional Effectiveness in January of 2024. Dr. Friedrich has held similar positions at Tennessee Technological University, Trinity University in San Antonio, the Art Institute of Houston, and the College of the Mainland in Texas. Dr. Friedrich received her doctoral degree in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University with a specialization in Research, Measurement and Statistics. She also holds a masters degree in Educational Psychology and bachelors in Mathematics and Psychology. An army brat who grew up traveling the world, Dr. Friedrich is partial to the gulf coast, an area her family has called home for generations. When not working, Dr. Friedrich spends her time crocheting, reading and gardening. |
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Casey Cascio, PhD |
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Dana Abrams, MPA |
Dana Abrams is originally from Calvert, Alabama and joined the Office of Institutional Effectiveness in the Fall of 2022. Dana received her bachelors in Political Science with a minor in English and Masters of Public Administration at the University of South Alabama. Her research thesis work focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments across universities. She has formally served as an intern for the Office of Development and a graduate research assistant for the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice. She is currently an instructor for the PSC 130 course/Start South program. |
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Alison Gay Wood |
Alison Gay Wood is originally from Pennsylvania and graduated from Temple University with a BA in History. She began her career as a Museum Educator and Social Studies Teacher in Virginia before transitioning to university administrative support at Yale University. After moving to Mobile in 2017, Alison worked in South's Department of History and the Academic Advising & Transfer Services office before joining the Institutional Effectiveness team. Alison loves exploring the nature trails and beaches along the Gulf Coast and is an avid women's soccer fan who has attended three World Cups. |