USA News Archives | Media Relations

Capt. Rupert Laco, center, a South doctoral nursing program student is the recipient of the American Nurses Association-California 2016 Florence Nightingale Award. He is seen being briefed about one of his patients. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Air Force.

In the Footsteps of Florence Nightingale
October 26, 2017

South nursing graduate and doctoral student Capt. Rupert Laco is recognized for patient care and his service in the Air Force. ...

Writer Adam Prince will read from his works on Monday, Oct. 30, at the Student Center. The event is free and open to the public.

South to Host Author Adam Prince Reading
October 26, 2017

The event sponsored by the Stokes Center for Creative Writing and the department of English will take place Oct. 30. ...

USA Tau Beta Pi officers, from left, Luis Rodriguez Reveles, recording secretary; Tyler Tow, corresponding secretary; Caleb Barlow, vice president; Kelsey Ferrill, cataloger; and Phiwat Klomkaew, president.

Engineering Honor Society Tops in Nation
October 25, 2017

Tau Beta Pi was recognized for the second time in three years with the R.C. Matthews Outstanding Chapter Award. ...

Austin Everett, a South biology graduate, said he uses his education every day in his job at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. “With the deeper parts of the job, like knowing your animal’s background and physiology, it helps out a huge amount, especially in talking to guests,” he said.

Working Among the Wild Things
October 23, 2017

Austin Everett, a South biology graduate, is excited each day he goes to work as a zookeeper at 'The Little Zoo That Could.&# ...

Biodiversity surveys and sampling at long term monitoring sites in the U.S. Virgin Islands have provided critical data on the seasonal fluctuations of microalgae and toxicity in these reef ecosystems leading to PIRE research. Graduate student Alexis Sabine is seen conducting biodiversity surveys at Flay Cay, U.S. Virgin Islands. Photo courtesy of Robert Brewer.

Tiny Algae Causing Big Problems
October 20, 2017

USA marine scientist will lead an international investigation into coral toxins that threaten seafood consumption safety. ...

The Good Way to Deliver Bad News
October 12, 2017

South researcher Dr. Nicole Amare surveyed her students to determine how much of a buffer is needed before tough conversations. ...

South Student is Part of "Generation Teach"
October 12, 2017

Logan Arnold, a physical education major at South, was selected to teach kids in Massachusetts for several months this summer. ...

USA Celebrates Homecoming 2017
October 10, 2017

New events and special honors for the 50th anniversary Golden Jaguars will highlight this year’s Homecoming festivities. ...

An African-American soldier with the 12th Armored Division, Seventh U.S. Army, stands guard over a group of captured German soldiers. Photo courtesy of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Nazi Germany, Jim Crow Discrimination Topic of Talk
October 10, 2017

'Racial Discrimination & Institutionalized Violence in Nazi Germany and the Jim Crow South' Forum to be held 6-7:30 ...

Tinashe Nyatanga, '12, bought a one-way ticket to Los Angeles after graduation to break into the film industry. Nyatanga, here in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre just a few blocks from his home, is honing his craft with the hopes of directing full-length movies.

Patience, Creativity and a 'Great Eye'
October 6, 2017

Tinashe Nyatanga, '12, bought a one-way ticket to L.A. after graduation and has launched a promising film career. ...

Lindsay Hutcherson, center, participated in a summer research experience at Kansas State University, the alma mater of Dr. Justin Sanders, left, chair and associate professor of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences. "She is very good at working collaboratively with others," said Dr. Jianing Han, right, assistant professor of physics.

First Assignment: Build a Laser
October 2, 2017

Lindsay Hutcherson's project led to a summer research experience, and the physics major recently presented her findings. ...

USA senior German Cruz-Torres, center, a native of Puerto Rico, concentrates on mapping areas of the island during the GeoClub’s Map-a-thon.

Delivering Aid, From Inside a Classroom
September 29, 2017

South faculty and students help in Puerto Rico's recovery by providing a link between satellite maps and computer software. ...

Gov. Kay Ivy appointed three new members to the USA Board of Trustees. They are, from left, Lenus M. Perkins of Birmingham, director of programs for Bhate Environmental Associates; Margie Malone Tuckson of Sandy Springs, Ga., chief financial officer for Tuckson Health Connections; and William Ronald "Ron" Graham of Andalusia, vice president of power supply for PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.

Governor Appoints Three New Trustees
September 29, 2017

Lenus Perkins, Margie Tuckson and Ron Graham join the USA Board of Trustees, while Drs. Steven Furr and Steven Stokes return. ...

Dr. Carol Sawyer, an associate professor of earth sciences, visited Iceland this summer as part of a multi-year project examining various aspects of cold environment land forms,

Cold Landforms Amid Hot Volcanoes
September 27, 2017

Dr. Carol Sawyer's research took her to Iceland to study the relationship between cold weather and the country's terrain ...

From left, Dr. Julee Waldrop, Dr. Krista Harrell and Chandra Brown are among the featured speakers at the Junior League of Mobile’s Focus Women’s Conference at the Mobile Convention Center.

USA Leaders Speak at Women's Conference
September 22, 2017

Dr. Julee Waldrop, Dr. Krista Harrell and Chandra Brown are among the speakers at the Junior League of Mobile's symposium. ...

Students Kassy Ureña Rodriguez, left, and Skyler Hill, right, speak with Dr. Christine Rinne, coordinator of the new Global Engagement Certificate program. Both have expressed an interest in pursuing the certificate.

South Adds Global Engagement Certificate
September 21, 2017

The new program aims to prepare students in any field of study to effectively navigate the global workplace. ...

South Launches Speakers Directory
September 18, 2017

Need an expert to speak to a non-profit or civic group? USA opens a speakers bureau with a searchable online directory. ...

Outfielder Travis Swaggerty earned second-team All-America honors from the American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings and first-team all-Sun Belt Conference accolades during his sophomore year as he helped lead South Alabama to its first SBC Tournament title since 2005.

Playing for USA, and a Nation
September 14, 2017

'Self-made' outfielder and Major League prospect Travis Swaggerty spent the summer representing his country with Team US ...

Dr. Charlotte Pence's first book of poems, “Many Small Fires,” explores her father’s chronic homelessness while simultaneously detailing the physiological changes that enabled humans to form cities, communities and households.

Pence to Deliver Hamner Lecture
September 13, 2017

Dr. Charlotte Pence with the Stokes Center for Creative Writing will discuss her first book of poems, "Many Small Fires." ...

The South Alabama Student Health Center is ready for students to join them for the 2017 'Be Jag Healthy' Health and Wellness Day. From left are Valerie Heidel, supervisor clincial operations, Alexis Banks, president of the Jag Health Team, Feaunte' Preyear, coordinator of health education and quality improvement, and Beverly Kellen, practice director, with SouthPaw and Miss Pawla.

South Helping Students to 'Be Jag Healthy'
September 12, 2017

The Student Health Center will host the fourth annual Jag Health and Wellness Day from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 13. ...

Dr. Laura F. Edwards, the Peabody Family Professor of History at Duke University, will explore the ways the Fourteenth Amendment changed the legal order of Americans’ relationships to rights and the federal government during her speech at the N. Jack Stallworth Lecture in Southern History.

Fourteenth Amendment Focus of Stallworth Lecture
September 12, 2017

Dr. Laura F. Edwards will speak about "The Reconstruction of Rights: The Fourteenth Amendment and Popular Conceptions of Gove ...

The class of 2021 gets their picture taken in the Mitchell Center before Convocation. South marked increases this year in the total number of freshmen from both Alabama and out of state.

Freshman Class Tops in GPA, ACT
September 8, 2017

Retention rates rise, freshmen enrollment up as South enrolls a class with the highest average GPA in University history. ...

This year's University of South Alabama Board of Trustees Scholar, Ada Chaeli van der Zijp-Tan of Madison, Ala., is flanked by 2016 recipient Christian Manganti of Gulfport, Miss., and 2015 awardee Shirley Zhang of Vestavia Hills, Ala. The USA Board of Trustees Scholarship program recognizes the most academically talented student in each incoming freshman class.

USA Board of Trustees Scholar Named
September 8, 2017

Freshman Ada Chaeli van der Zijp-Tan, who arrived at South with a 5.16 high school GPA, is majoring in biomedical sciences. ...

The University of South Alabama has officially opened its new Honors College, with 248 academically talented students enrolled. Opening ceremonies were held today at the Seaman’s Bethel building, a historic structure that serves as the Honors College headquarters.

Honors College Officially Opens
September 7, 2017

Nearly 250 academically talented students enrolled in the Honors College, housed in the renovated historic Seamen's Bethel. ...

South Partners in 'Empowering Change'
August 30, 2017

USA and community organizations launch a series of educational, cultural and social events focused on inclusion. ...

USA Developing Next Gen Forensic Tools
August 28, 2017

South partnering with universities and industry to create the Center for Advanced Research in Forensic Science. ...

Nicholas Brownlee, front, met with music students during a visit to South, where he was taught as a student by Dr. Thomas Rowell, right, director of the USA Opera House.

South Grad, Opera Star ... Pro Truck Racer?
August 25, 2017

Nicholas Brownlee, '12, returns to South for a one-night concert, meets with students and talks about his love of racing. ...

Stephanie Johnson graduated from the University of South Alabama College of Education and Professional Studies and is a 23-year veteran educator. "Mediocrity is not an option for our children," she said.

Meet Georgia's 'Turnaround Principal'
August 24, 2017

USA alum Stephanie Johnson, a finalist for National Principal of the Year, has a knack for resurrecting struggling schools. ...

Dr. Craig Pearce, center, is the co-author of the new book “Twisted Leadership” and the Ben May Distinguished Professor in the Mitchell College of Business at the University of South Alabama.

Are You Getting Leadership Wrong?
August 22, 2017

Probably so, says the Mitchell College of Business' Dr. Craig Pearce, whose new book emphasizes six ways to improve outcomes. ...

Dr. Arthur E. “Art” Frankel, right, has been named the inaugural holder of the Arlene and Mayer Mitchell Chair in Medical Oncology. Frankel is joined by Arlene Mitchell and Dr. Michael A. Finan, director of MCI.

Arlene and Mayer Mitchell Oncology Chair Named
August 17, 2017

Dr. Arthur E. "Art" Frankel has been named the inaugural holder of the Arlene and Mayer Mitchell Chair in Medical Oncolo ...

During Monday's eclipse, the entire North American continent will be in the moon’s shadow. However, the darkest part of the shadow, where the sun is completely blocked out by the moon, will occur only along a 70-mile wide band stretching from Oregon to South Carolina. Photo credit: Evan Zucker

Solar Eclipse: What You Need to Know
August 17, 2017

You've already been told not to look directly at the sun. Here's what else you should know before Monday's celestia ...

Ismael Khouma, left, and Nate Carr, are freshmen roommates in the newly created International House, a living community at South for students interested in global engagement.

International House, Haus, Huis, Maison
August 16, 2017

Nearly two dozen American and international students interested in global engagement now call the same residence hall home. ...

South volunteers participated in the 2017 Jaguars Care: WOW Day of Service

New School Year Begins With Service
August 14, 2017

Jags begin a new tradition by taking time out to volunteer on campus and across the community during a morning of service. ...

Move-in Day at South kicks off the University’s “Week of Welcome and Beyond,” two weeks of special events on campus.

Video: Move-In Day 2017
August 12, 2017

Student volunteers, along with faculty and staff, do some heavy lifting to get more than 1,200 freshmen into their homes. ...

Nicholas Brownlee, '12, will be performing in a one-night-only concert to benefit the University’s Opera Theatre program at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, in the USA Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.

Rising Opera Star Coming Home to South
August 11, 2017

Nicholas Brownlee, '12, who has quickly risen to the "A-list" of young opera singers, will perform Friday, Aug. 25. ...

Gov. Kay Ivey, center, tours the University of South Alabama Medical Center and talks with Sam Dean, hospital administrator, before announcing a $4 million bond issue to renovate and expand the hospital’s Level 1 Trauma Center.

Medical Center Awarded $4M for Trauma Center
August 9, 2017

Gov. Kay Ivey visits South to announce funds for renovating and expanding the region's only Level 1 trauma center. ...

The 28-year-old Yaa Gyasi, a native of Ghana, grew up in Huntsville. Her writing debut "Homegoing" captured international attention when publisher Alfred A. Knopf paid $1 million for the manuscript.

Alabama Author Picked for Common Read
August 9, 2017

The highly acclaimed and best-selling historical fiction novel "Homegoing" is the writing debut of Yaa Gyasi. ...

Autumn Baxter, Davidson High School, listens as Chris Flight of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab talks about what she found while snorkeling in the grass beds at St. Andrews Park in Florida.

'Emerging Scholars' Link Environmental, Human Health
August 7, 2017

Mobile County high school students get hands-on experiences on South's campus and at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. ...

USA Student Broderick Morrissette is a mentor to Vigor High School student Carrington Bush, a participant in South’s Upward Bound Program. The program recently received a $1.2 million dollar grant to continue for the next five years.

Mentoring the Next Generation of Jags
August 4, 2017

South's Upward Bound program is giving high school students the skills needed to succeed before getting to campus. ...

Dr. Michael Francis earned his Ph.D. in 2013 from the USA College of Medicine and completed his postdoctoral training at the University’s Center for Lung Biology.

South Alum Receives $800K NIH Grant
August 3, 2017

The research of Dr. Michael Francis, who earned his Ph.D. at the College of Medicine, focuses on a deadly vascular disease. ...

USA Gives Teens Primer on Cybersecurity
August 2, 2017

Students at Mobile's Davidson High School participated in the 3rd Annual GenCyber Camp at Shelby Hall. ...

Dr. Heather Hall, who was named interim dean of the USA College of Nursing, earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from South and her Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Hall Named Interim Nursing Dean
August 1, 2017

Following a nationwide search, Dr. Heather Hall has been named interim dean of the USA College of Nursing. ...

Anna Kate Greer, a freshman from Ocean Springs, Miss., studied abroad in Russia under the direction of Dr. Nick Gossett, assistant professor of modern and classical languages and literature.

Next Stop After Orientation: Moscow
August 1, 2017

With plans to major in Russian, Anna Kate Greer took the opportunity to get a jump start abroad with other South students. ...

Lana Henfield-Johnson earned her master’s of nursing degree in informatics from the College of Nursing at the University of South Alabama. She also was inducted into the Zeta Gamma Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, Inc.

'Whatever You Do, Don't Give Up'
July 28, 2017

She faced setbacks and struggles. But nothing would stop Lana Henfield-Johnson from earning her graduate nursing degree. ...

Dr. Richard Carter, USA's associate vice president for global engagement, and his wife, Angela, have established the Dr. Richard and Angela Carter Global USA Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship enhances South's institutional priority of global engagement.

Carters Endow First Global USA Scholarship
July 28, 2017

The Dr. Richard and Angela Carter Global USA Endowed Scholarship supports international education and global engagement. ...

Some members of a newly formed steering committee for USA Health's advanced practice providers met recently at USA Medical Center to discuss strategies for sharing information about the specific roles advanced practice providers have in the 3,800-employee health system.

Support for Advanced Practice Providers
July 26, 2017

At USA Health, medical professionals are joining together to best meet the needs of the University's hospitals and clinics. ...

Lisa Schibelius, a master's student in mechanical engineering, is the lead person on the FAST lab's quadrotor project, which gathers atmospheric data along the Gulf Coast.

At South, Research Reaches New Heights
July 20, 2017

With Airbus in town, interest in USA's FAST program is taking off. 'We are engineers and want to build something tangibl ...

Gráinne O’Dea attended the University of South Alabama on a track and field scholarship and graduated with two degrees before taking a job at Pace Sports Management in London.

Keeping Up With the World's Fastest Human
July 14, 2017

South alum Gráinne O'Dea helps manage the careers of some of the world's top track and field athletes, including ...

Attending the two-week summer Research Opportunities for Noyce Alumni professional development training are Dr. Susan Martin, associate professor of Leadership and teacher education, and program coordinator at the University of South Alabama; Ramsey Willis, a math teacher at Davidson High School; and Cathey Ho, a science teacher at Semmes Middle School.

Helping Teachers Help Their Students
July 13, 2017

USA Noyce Scholars will take lessons from research-based professional development, along with a stipend, back to their schools. ...

Dr. Steve Trout, professor and chair of English, specializes in literary modernism, war literature and American cultural studies.

Trout Earns MidAmerica Award
July 12, 2017

The English department chair received the award for distinguished contributions to the study of Midwestern literature. ...