USA News Archives | Media Relations

Nursing student Carole Aomo, performs CPR on a simulated human patient with the assistance of nursing and physician assistant students during a real-time mass casualty drill at the University of South Alabama.

Actors as Victims, Manikins as Patients
April 20, 2018

Nursing and allied health students experience controlled chaos during a drill ending in the soon-to-be expanded simulation lab. ...

University of South Alabama senior design project team members, from left, Ali Alshehri, Martin Aquirre, Jacob Franklin and Emily Robertson review their redevelopment plans for Stewart Park. Theirs was one of four teams of South engineering students whose senior design project was to redesign components of selected city properties in Mobile.

Planning the Rebirth of a City Park
April 17, 2018

Four teams of 17 engineering seniors design projects that could breathe new life into city spaces, including Stewart Park. ...

Dr. Claire Cage, assistant professor of history, was the only Alabama recipient when the NEH recently announced the awards. She will travel to France where she will do research for a book on the history of forensic, or legal, medicine during the early 19th century.

For Early Autopsies, a Trip to France
April 16, 2018

South's Dr. Claire Cage receives a National Endowment for the Humanities stipend to study 19th century forensics. ...

Natalia Trejo, right, received first place in the 2018 High School Public Speaking Contest. Gabriel Robertson, center, came in second, followed by Beata Casiday.

USA Sponsors High School Public Speaking Contest
April 16, 2018

Natalia Trejo of Murphy High School took first place, followed by Gabriel Robertson and Beata Casiday. ...

Dr. Gayle Davidson-Shivers, professor of instructional design and development in the College of Education and Professional Studies, collaborated on the second edition of 'Web-Based Learning: Design, Implementation and Evaluation.'

Professor Co-Authors Web-Based Learning Book
April 16, 2018

Dr. Gayle Davidson-Shivers collaborated on the second edition of 'Web-Based Learning: Design, Implementation and Evaluation.& ...

Dr. David Meola, the Fanny and Bert Meisler Professor of Jewish Studies, holds the journal “Der Jude,” created by Dr. Gabriel Riesser and published in the 1830s to advance Jewish emancipation throughout the German states.

Minor Added in Jewish and Holocaust Studies
April 12, 2018

A new minor in Jewish and Holocaust Studies will be offered beginning this fall in the College of Arts and Sciences. ...

Beverly Kellen, director of operations for the USA Student Health Center, holds a recent edition of the Journal of American College Health featuring USA's Student Health Center.

Student Health Center Spotlighted
April 12, 2018

The health center recently was published on the cover of the Journal of American College Health. ...

USA students, from left, Michael Tanner, Thomas Jefferson Deen IV and Parker McGee prepare for Theatre USA’s production of Shakespeare’s “Pericles,” which opens Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Theatre USA Season Closes With 'Pericles'
April 11, 2018

One of Shakespeare's final plays will close USA's season with its premiere performance on Friday, April 13. ...

Dr. Rodney Rocconi, oncologist at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, evaluated 29 patients with a genetically engineered vaccine made from tumor cells acquired from each patient. The results indicate targeted immunotherapy not only improves outcomes for patients battling recurrent ovarian cancer but incorporating the approach sooner could substantially extend survival.

Promising Results in Ovarian Cancer Vaccine
April 6, 2018

Lead researcher and South oncologist Dr. Rodney Rocconi used targeted immunotherapy in recurrent cancer patients. ...

South computing students, from left, Luke Madison, Kane Hollingsworth, Chase Helms, Brett Graves and Seth Benson will compete in the third annual Department of Energy Cyber Defense Competition.

South Students Compete in National Cyber Defense Competition
April 6, 2018

Computing students will face off with students from other universities in the annual Department of Energy-sponsored competition. ...

South recently elected next year's Student Government Association officers. They are, from left, Jordan Griffin, chief justice; Shaun Holloway, vice president; Grace Newcombe, president; Broderick Morrissette, attorney general; Caleb Santa Cruz, treasurer; and Breanna Healy, student at large.

New Student Government Leaders Elected
April 6, 2018

Grace Newcombe, 21, a junior political science major from Huntsville, Ala., will be the next president. ...

Brittney Highland completed a National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates fellowship in Africa. "I got to see a part of the world I never thought I would get to see, and I made friends from another country.”

When Opportunity Holds for Political Unrest
April 3, 2018

Brittney Highland's all-expenses-paid anthropology expedition to Africa was postponed, but well worth the wait. ...

USA Writer-in-Residence Frye Gaillard, right, is filmed by Preston Sullivan in Chattanooga, Tenn., for the documentary "Journey to the Wilderness." Photo courtesy of Mike Letcher.

South Writer's Book Made Into Documentary
April 2, 2018

The film 'Journey to the Wilderness,' based on Writer-in-Residence Frye Gaillard's book, debuted April 5 at the Mar ...

Science writer Elizabeth Kolbert is the author of “The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History,” which won the 2015 Pulitzer Price in general nonfiction. Photo: Nicholas Whitman

Pulitzer Prize Winner to Visit South
March 28, 2018

Science writer Elizabeth Kolbert, who won the award in general nonfiction for her book about mass extinction, will speak April 4. ...

The University of South Alabama community banded together to show that they are #SouthProud during the inaugural USA Giving Day on Thursday, March 22. During the 24-hour fundraising initiative, a total of $364,368 was raised from 957 donors to support Student Success, Excellence in Health Care, USA Athletics and the MacQueen Alumni Center.

$364,368 Raised During USA Giving Day
March 23, 2018

Gifts from the inaugural event will support student success, USA Health, athletics and the MacQueen Alumni Center. ...

The Jaguar Cricket Club finished second in the nation at the American College Cricket National Championships.

Jaguar Cricket Club Finishes Second
March 23, 2018

The Jaguar Cricket Club defeated Yale, Harvard, Texas A&M and others before falling in the title game to Rutgers. ...

Christopher Powell, accompanist with the Mobile Opera, and Dr. Laura Moore, USA associate professor of music and director of Choral Activities, lead singers from three groups in a Wednesday rehearsal before this weekend's performance with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra.

USA Concert Choir to Perform with MSO
March 21, 2018

South singers and other vocal groups will join the Mobile Symphony Orchestra for an anniversary performance, March 24-25. ...

Russians remember the political and economic turmoil in the 1990s and see President Vladimir Putin as the man who restored stability to their daily lives. His succession plans will clarify whether he is a charismatic strong man or a democratically elected leader with authentic support.

What to Watch After a Putin Victory
March 20, 2018

Russian President Vladimir Putin easily won re-election. Here are five complex issues to follow, according to two USA faculty. ...

South Counts Down to 24-Hour Giving Day
March 19, 2018

Donors will have the opportunity March 22 to give to student success, health care, athletics and the MacQueen Alumni Center. ...

Peyton Posey, a University of South Alabama junior who has been named Alabama's civil engineering student of the year, will begin a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship at USA focused on hurricanes and coastal engineering.

Meet State's Top Civil Engineering Student
March 16, 2018

Peyton Posey: Alabama's civil engineering student of the year, community volunteer, honor society inductee and mom. ...

The University of South Alabama on Thursday dedicated the Jag Fitness Trail, a 1.5 mile path that includes three exercise stations.

South Opens Jag Fitness Trail
March 15, 2018

The 8-foot wide, 1.5 mile crushed stone path includes three exercise stations for stretching and strength training. ...

During his tenure at South, Joshua Cogswell’s development team has raised more than $17 million for the University, including $8.4 million for undergraduate scholarships.

Cogswell Named Associate VP for University Development
March 15, 2018

Joshua Cogswell served as the director of university development for the past five years. ...

Dr. Lesley Gregoricka, assistant professor of anthropology, enlists the help of students when she does forensic recovery for local law enforcement. Bottom photo: Gregoricka works a case with the Mobile Police Department where remains were found. The body was of a homeless person who died of natural causes.

Closing Cases by Unearthing the Past
March 13, 2018

Dr. Lesley Gregoricka and her students offer forensics expertise when law enforcement discovers human remains. ...

Dr. Jingshan Huang, left, professor of computer sciences, and Dr. Glen Borchert, an assistant professor of pharmacology and biology, are two USA researchers working in the field of informatics. The two have collaborated on projects.

Making Sense of Big Data
March 12, 2018

USA researchers mine data with targeted questions to develop real-world applications and solve complex problems. ...

Dr. Peter Wood, professor of music, said he's been able to take the lessons he's learned by playing the trumpet he built and help students as they practice to become better musicians.

The Call of His Own Trumpet
March 12, 2018

Dr. Peter Wood, professor of music, built his own trumpet with a hammer and sheet metal. It's made him a better musician. ...

Natalie Fox, who earned three degrees at the University of South Alabama, is director of nursing for USA Physicians Group. “I’m excited to be working for an organization like USA that’s really committed to our community and improving the health of the people who live in Mobile."

Finding Her Home at South
March 8, 2018

Dr. Natalie Fox earned three degrees at USA, where today she sees patients and leads nursing operations at USA Physicians Group. ...

Following break-out sessions, students and faculty attending Democracy Day walked to Moulton Tower and Alumni Plaza, where they debriefed and wrapped up discussions.

South Holds Democracy Day Teach-in
March 6, 2018

More than 300 USA students swapped ideas and solutions at the 2018 We Are South: Democracy Day. ...

Herbert A. Meisler has donated $5 million to expand the USA Medical Center’s Trauma Center, which will be renamed the Fanny R. Meisler Trauma Center. Here, the couple stands in front of Meisler Hall shortly after its construction.

Meisler Gifts $5 Million for Trauma Center
March 2, 2018

Capacity at the USA Medical Center facility will more than double, and it will be renamed the Fanny R. Meisler Trauma Center. ...

Recognized at the 14th annual Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards gala were, from left, Stephen Erwin Clements, ’78; Dr. Joseph I. Molyneux, ’70; Dr. Thomas M. Miller, ’77, MD ’81; Thomas Joe Purvis, ’74; and Christopher C. Melton, ’81.

Alumni Honored for Notable Achievements
March 1, 2018

At its awards gala, the USA National Alumni Association celebrated five alumni who are making a difference in their communities. ...

Antonio Carter, an anthropology major, has been selected as an IDEAS scholar by the American Association of Physical Anthropologists.

Anthropology Major Named IDEAS Scholar
February 26, 2018

Antonia Carter was selected as an IDEAS Scholar by the American Association of Physical Anthropologists. ...

Dr. Kyre Lahtinen, assistant professor of finance at the University of South Alabama’s Mitchell College of Business, is the faculty advisor to the Jaguar Investment Fund, South's student-managed investment fund.

Six Investing Tips for a Turbulent Market
February 21, 2018

Want to know how to time the market? Don't bother trying, says South's Dr. Kyre Lahtinen, who instead advocates consiste ...

The library opened in its own building on Sept. 15, 1968, and an extensive addition and renovation was completed in March 2003. It was designated the Marx Library in 2013.

University Libraries Celebrate 50 Years
February 20, 2018

South's libraries begin a year-long celebration that will showcase their resources, future plans and five decades of service. ...

Tilly, left, played by Emily Ericson, and Agnes, played by Abigail St. John, perform in the Theatre USA production of 'She Kills Monsters.'

Theatre USA to Present 'She Kills Monsters'
February 16, 2018

The contemporary comedy will run from Feb. 16 to Feb. 24. Tickets are available. ...

Dr. Krista Harrell is the associate dean of students and Title IX coordinator at the University of South Alabama.

Associate Dean Named to International Board
February 14, 2018

Dr. Krista Harrell will represent South on the Association of College Unions International. ...

Dr. Martin Parsons is the founder and former director of the Research Centre for Evacuee and War Child Studies at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom.

Expert to Discuss War Effects on Children
February 14, 2018

Dr. Martin Parsons will speak Feb. 20 as a guest of the USA Center for the Study of War and Memory. ...

Erick Wricklund, right, a junior music major at the University of South Alabama, plays under the direction of Doc Severinsen, the longtime 'Tonight Show' bandleader. "The man is a legend," Wricklund said. "I learned a lot from it."

Learning From a Music Legend
February 12, 2018

South students and other young musicians are critiqued by longtime 'Tonight Show' bandleader Doc Severinsen. ...

USA Launches Gulf Coast Internship Academy
February 12, 2018

Students will get leadership development, housing and experience in a variety of fields in jobs across south Baldwin County. ...

Adesina Tony Dada, left, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, works with Ximena Horness, a graduate student in accounting, to prepare his tax return as part of a program available to South students, faculty and staff.

Easier Than Completing The EZ Form
February 8, 2018

Jags get help filing their income taxes while Mitchell College of Business students gain experience through an internship. ...

Mobile native Michael Knight is the author of two novels, three collections of short stories and a book of novellas. He is scheduled to speak Thursday, at 5 p.m. in the Student Center.

Stokes Center for Creative Writing Hosts Author Michael Knight
February 6, 2018

Knight, author of 'The Typist,' will speak Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Student Center. ...

Electrical engineering students Victoria Antell, left, and Emaleigh Sargent were part of the USA Capstone Project team that modified a toy vehicle on behalf of a handicapped child. They’re holding a relay board used to reverse polarity for the wheel motors, which allows for forward and reverse drive direction.

Turning Toy into Tool for Senior Project
February 5, 2018

South mechanical and electrical engineering students retrofit a toy vehicle into a test drive for handicapped children. ...

USA Board of Trustees Chair Pro Tempore Kenneth O. Simon, who was South's first African American Student Government Association president, and whose mother, Lavonne Simon, was USA's first African American graduate, will participate in a Feb. 6 forum as part of a series of events celebrating Black History Month. Simon was the keynote speaker at the spring 2016 Commencement.

USA Celebrates Black History Month
February 1, 2018

Events include a keynote speech by Board of Trustees Chair Pro Tem Kenneth Simon, USA's first African American SGA president. ...

McCarron Named Associate VP for Medical Affairs
January 31, 2018

In her new role, McCarron will oversee development efforts for the entire health system. ...

Jonathan Hursh, '04, founded Utopia, a design and urban planning firm, to help the world’s biggest cities harness the power of their most downtrodden inhabitants. "It’s a radically different world that’s coming our way,” he said.

More Than Imagining a Utopia
January 29, 2018

Jonathan Hursh, '04, founded an urban innovation firm focused on reimagining slums after a decade of working in them. ...

William Crittenden, a fourth-year College of Medicine student, discusses logistics at Project Homeless Connect with Dr. Margaret Moore-Nadler, chair of USA’s Health and Wellness Committee and associate professor of community mental health in the College of Nursing at South.

'This Is the Heart of Our Mission'
January 26, 2018

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

USA researchers Dr. Jonathon Audia, right, and Dr. Diego Alvarez recently developed a model of bacterial sepsis and pneumonia that can aid in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

USA Researchers Aid in Superbug Fight
January 22, 2018

Two College of Medicine faculty have designed a model to study a pneumonia- and sepsis-causing antibiotic-resistant bacteria. ...

Shannon Shelley-Tremblay, the director of USA's Office of Community Engagement, previously served as executive director of the South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program, community manager for Lifelines Counseling Services, program manager for USA’s Youth Violence Prevention program and as an attorney and special education teacher.

University-Community Engagement Gets Boost
January 19, 2018

As head of USA's Office of Community Engagement, Shannon Shelley-Tremblay will guide volunteer outreach and service learning. ...

Dr. David Meola is the Bert and Fanny Meisler Assistant Professor of History and Jewish Studies at the University of South Alabama.

Seven Films of Jewish Significance
January 16, 2018

South's Dr. David Meola shares his thoughts on impactful cinema as the Mobile Jewish Film Festival gets underway. ...

South Joins Citywide MLK Celebrations
January 10, 2018

USA students, faculty and staff will participate in three days of events commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ...

Fifteen members of the University of South Alabama community were selected by Mobile Bay Magazine to its annual 40 Under 40 list of people who demonstrate leadership, professional excellence and a commitment to the local community.

Fifteen Picked for 40 Under 40
January 8, 2018

Fifteen USA alumni, faculty and staff are highlighted in Mobile Bay Magazine's annual list of who's who under 40 years o ...

Dr. Sean Powers, right, chair of marine sciences at the University of South Alabama, is part of a $12 million independent study that includes 21 scientists from 12 institutions who will seek to determine how many red snapper live in the Gulf of Mexico.

New Count for Gulf Red Snapper
January 4, 2018

USA's Dr. Sean Powers is part of a $12 million independent study that could affect hotly debated fishing regulations. ...