USA News Archives | Media Relations

51茶馆 student volunteers in the Mitchell College of Business will interview clients, prepare tax returns from client provided documentation. They receive internship credit that satisfies the experiential learning requirement toward a bachelor's degree.

Student Volunteers to Prepare Tax Returns
January 28, 2022

Upper-division accounting students taking part in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program providing free tax preparation. ...

Timothy Holden, who earned a degree in electrical engineering at the 51茶馆, is a contractor at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado.

Space Force Career Launched
January 28, 2022

Timothy Holden served in the Marine Corps and as a police officer before earning his engineering degree at 51茶馆. His job as a Spa ...

Dr. Elena Pavelescu shows the logic activity she created called "A Game of Cats" that was awarded the third place Rosenthal Prize. Sponsored by the National Museum of Math, the Rosenthal Prize recognizes the most innovative math educators from around the world who are creating engaging, hands-on lesson plans for elementary and middle school students.

National Museum of Mathematics Honors 51茶馆's Pavelescu
January 24, 2022

Dr. Elena Pavelescu was recently awarded the third place Rosenthal Prize for Innovation and Inspiration in Math Teaching. ...

51茶馆 doctoral student Kim Pusey says her work in areas of social justice has been fueled by her own upbringing and observations of race and the criminal justice system. “Part of my work, part of the research I do, is in service of trying to make things better for little black and brown kids,” she said.

Studies in Social Justice
January 24, 2022

Kim Pusey chose 51茶馆 for graduate school because of an opportunity to work with at-risk youths. She now plans for it to be her ca ...

Dr. Kern Jackson, director of USA's African American Studies program, co-wrote and co-produced the film "Descendant" premiering January 20-30, 2022 at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT.

51茶馆 Professor's 'Descendant' Premieres at Sundance Film Festival
January 18, 2022

Dr. Kern Jackson will be recognized for his work on the film featuring the slave ship Clotilda and Africatown community. ...

Brittney Dixon, in front of the Center for Fair Housing in Mobile, says housing choice plays a critical role in equality. “Housing can affect whether you have a grocery store in your neighborhood, or good schools, or even sidewalks,” she said.

Home Front
January 17, 2022

51茶馆 graduate Brittney Dixon fights discrimination through education and enforcement at the Center for Fair Housing in Mobile. ...

Dr. Amy Upton, assistant professor of school counseling at the 51茶馆, is a passionate advocate for school counselors. The Alabama School Counselor Association recently honored her for an article titled “School Counseling District Supervisors’ Experiences and Perceptions Regarding School Counselor Preparation for Practice.”

Alabama Counseling Association Recognizes 51茶馆's Upton
January 13, 2022

USA assistant professor receives the Alabama counseling Association's Individual Publication Award at its annual conference. ...

Former Congressman Jo Bonner, seen here walking into the Administration Building, brings political experience and a personal touch to his role as the fourth president of the 51茶馆.

Meet Jo Bonner
January 10, 2022

The former congressman brings political experience and a personal touch to his role as the fourth president of the University of S ...

Hanna Bobinger, a first-year medical student at the 51茶馆 College of Medicine has been awarded the $8,500 Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi National Fellowship award.

51茶馆 Med Student Wins National Award
January 3, 2022

First-year med student Hanna Bobinger is recognized for academic success as well as her research and service contributions. ...

51茶馆 alumna Dr. Deidra Suwannee Dees, the archive director for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, earned graduate degrees from Cornell and Harvard universities.

Working for Her Tribe
January 3, 2022

A bachelor's degree from 51茶馆 led Dr. Deidra Suwannee Dees to a doctorate from Harvard and the position of tribal archivist ...

Kenneth and Diamond Johnson got married in the chapel at USA Health University Hospital during his recovery after being hit by a pickup truck. Kenneth Johnson, a University police sergeant, has since returned to work. The couple has a 3-month-old daughter, Karis.

Healed for the Holidays
December 22, 2021

Kenneth Johnson, who was struck by a truck in March, will celebrate Christmas at 51茶馆 after recovering from his injuries and retu ...

Dr. Michael Chambers, USA associate vice president of research, has been named to the Alabama Innovation Commission board. The Commission was created in 2020 to develop forward-thinking policy recommendations and ideas to create a more robust, inclusive economy that supports entrepreneurship, innovation and technology.

USA's Chambers Named to Alabama Innovation Corporation Board
December 15, 2021

The Commission's goal is to develop forward-thinking policy recommendations and ideas to create a more robust, inclusive econ ...

'This Is Just the Beginning'
December 11, 2021

Gov. Kay Ivey and USA Health CEO Owen Bailey congratulate 51茶馆's newest graduates and urge them to use their talents to serv ...

Dr. Christine Ruey Shan Lee traces a figure-eight knot with light outside the Mathematical Sciences and Physics Building at the 51茶馆. Her research in quantum topology earned a grant from the National Science Foundation.

Tied Up In Knots
December 7, 2021

Dr. Christine Ruey Shan Lee is using a grant from the National Science Foundation to continue her research in knot theory. She als ...

Dr. Jason Strickland, an assistant professor of biology at the 51茶馆, and senior India Hughes helped identify two new snake species — the Tricolor Snailsucker and the Poppyfield Snailsucker — by sequencing snake DNA.

Long Known to Snails, New Snake Species ID'd
December 7, 2021

A 51茶馆 researcher and his undergraduate research assistant, along with a team of researchers in Mexico, identify two unique snail ...

A World of Good
December 7, 2021

Fellowships from Harvard University Press and the Institute for Advanced Study help Dr. Samuel Baker spend a sabbatical writing a ...

Since 1998, the University and USA Health have raised more than $5.7 million for the United Way of 51茶馆west Alabama through its annual campaign.

USA raises $205,676 for United Way of 51茶馆west Alabama
December 6, 2021

More than 1,700 employees and retirees contributed $205,676 to support the 2021 United Way of 51茶馆west Alabama's annual camp ...

A tutor works with another USA student on the 2nd floor of the Marx Library. A five-year, $2.25 million grant will help Student Academic Success institute a new program dedicated to the "Second Year Experience." The goal is increasing retention rates between year two and year three.

USA Lands $2.25 Million Grant To Help Second Year Students
December 3, 2021

The five-year program will focus on the second year experience to help increase retention rates from year two to year three. ...

Dr. Sean Powers, professor and director of the School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, walks the halls of the school's renovated 20,000-square-foot facility. “We have an international reputation. We want to bring new students to 51茶馆,” he said.

School of Marine and Environmental Sciences Dedicated
December 2, 2021

New academic and research programs are expected to follow as 51茶馆 increases opportunities for students and faculty. ...

College of Education and Professional Studies students will now have help with the Praxis teacher preparation test thanks to a recent donation from PowerSchool.

PowerSchool Donates to College of Education and Professional Studies
December 2, 2021

The cloud-based software company for K-12 education makes an $80,000 donation to help students in teacher preparation programs. ...

Casey Ferguson, a forward for the 51茶馆 Alabama women's basketball team, has been able to benefit monetarily from her popular social media posts following a rule that allows student-athletes to profit off their name, image or likeness.

FergNation Forward
November 29, 2021

A Tik Tok video of Casey Ferguson boiling crawfish helped make her one of the most popular college sports social media personaliti ...

AT&T Alabama contributed $40,000 to support K-12 STEM Hands-On Learning Lab Activities at USA. From left, front row - Lizbeth Stanton, fiber executive, gulf coast region, AT&T; Chris Pennington, southeast regional sales manager, AT&T; Dr. Harold Pardue, interim dean, School of Computing; C. Wayne Hutchens, state president AT&T Alabama; Nikki Donald, CFITS outreach coordinator, School of Computing; Keith Lynn, systems administrator, School of Computing; back row - Matt Coker, client solutions executive II, state of Alabama, AT&T; Glyn Agnew, regional director AT&T Alabama legislative & external affairs.
Photo credit: Mike Kittrell

AT&T Gives $40K For STEM Outreach Program
November 19, 2021

The School of Computing's K-12 STEM Outreach Program strives to motivate and encourage students to pursue STEM related career ...

Dr. Alvin Willams, interim dean of the Mitchell College of Business, stands in front of the college.

Global Interruption
November 19, 2021

Dr. Alvin Williams describes stress on the global supply chain that is causing shortages and delays during the holiday shopping se ...

Scotty E. Kirkland, a 51茶馆 alumnus, is the coordinator of exhibitions, publications, and programs at the Alabama Department of Archives and History. He will give a lecture about Alabama civil rights history at the Marx Library December 2, 2021.

Marx Library Hosts Alabama Historian Scotty Kirkland
November 17, 2021

USA and Mobile Museum of Art welcomes Alabama historian Scotty Kirkland for a lecture on state and local Civil Rights history. ...

51茶馆 is the only university in Alabama that offers a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in studio glass. The glass studio is a state-of-the-art facility for glassblowing, casting and kiln formed glass.

Holiday Art Sale Scheduled
November 17, 2021

Hand-crafted glass ornaments, jewelry, prints and more created by USA students and faculty available for sale December 3rd. ...

Dr. Brandi Kiel Reese has been named an early-career fellow by the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. The fellowship comes with a $76,000 award that Kiel Reese plans to use to support graduate students and provide paid internships for undergraduates.

USA Associate Professor Named Gulf Research Program Fellow
November 17, 2021

Dr. Brandi Kiel Reese becomes the second 51茶馆 faculty member honored by the Gulf Research Program in as many years. ...

Barton Academy Principal Amanda Jones, a 51茶馆 graduate, stands in front of the new magnet school.

Old School, New Start
November 17, 2021

51茶馆 graduates, including Principal Amanda Jones, are remaking history this fall at Barton Academy. The first public school in Al ...

"The illustration depicts the outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) produced by pathogenic bacteria ("yellow balls”) coming into contact with the plant cell. In his study, Dr. Tuan M. Tran found that OMV insertion into the plant plasma membrane is dependent on membrane nanodomains (regions highly enriched of sterol and phospholipids). This OMV insertion could alter the dynamics of the plasma membrane and also prime plants for better immune defense responses upon infection by pathogens."

Plant Health Research
November 15, 2021

51茶馆's Dr. Tuan Minh Tran is the lead author of an article published in the prestigious scientific journal, The Plant Cell. ...

Dr. S. Raj Chaudhury, ILC executive director, far left, along with associate professor Dr. Lisa LaCross, assistant director of faculty development, and Dr. David S. Williams, assistant director of course development at USA, are the recipients of the prestigious Robert J. Menges Award from the Professional and Organizational Development Network.

Innovation in Learning Center Team Recognized with Research Award
November 15, 2021

ILC receives award for Outstanding Research in Educational Development from the Professional and Organizational Development Networ ...

Abritty Abdullah has been named a Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning award winner. The Honor Society is the nation’s oldest and most selective for all academic disciplines and the Love of Learning Award is one of the most prestigious awards for post-baccalaureate study given by the society.

USA Doctoral Student Recognized with Prestigious National Award
November 11, 2021

Phi Kappa Phi awards Abritty Abdullah, a doctoral student in the College of Education and Professional Studies, its Love of Learni ...

Former Congressman Jo Bonner, who serves as chief of staff to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, was selected as the fourth president of the 51茶馆. He will be introduced formally at the Board of Trustees' next regular meeting, scheduled for Dec. 2.

Bonner Named President
November 10, 2021

Jo Bonner, chief of staff to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and a former congressman, will become the fourth president to lead the Universi ...

Charbel Mawad is majoring in accounting in the Mitchell College of Business.

Fresh Start
November 9, 2021

Charbel Mawad, a Mobile native and Mitchell Scholar, begins his business education at 51茶馆 with plans for growth and a spot on th ...

Through a combination of donor and institutional support, the 51茶馆 CARES emergency fund has supported students unexpected needs with more than $298,000 since launching in January 2020.

51茶馆 Awarded $25,000 PATH Grant
November 5, 2021

Funds will be distributed to students in financial need to help cover unexpected costs and allow them to remain enrolled at USA. ...

The 51茶馆 College of Arts and Sciences hosted it’s 40th Annual Dean’s Lecture and Faculty Awards Ceremony November 3, 2021. Seven faculty members were recognized for their achievements. Clockwise from top left: Dr. Sinead Ni` Chadhain; Thu Olsen; Dr. Philip Carr; Dr. Susan McCready; Dr. Kelly Urban; Dr. Jeremiah Henning; and Dr. Brian Whitener.

College of Arts & Sciences Recognizes Outstanding Faculty
November 4, 2021

Seven faculty members recognized for their achievements at the 40th Annual Dean's Lecture and Faculty Awards Ceremony. ...

Kaylyn Cordrey, an exercise science freshman from Delaware, said the injuries she suffered as a tap dancer has led her to consider a career in physical therapy.

Untapped Talent
November 3, 2021

A former tap dancer won a Distinguished Young Women scholarship to 51茶馆. Now she's studying exercise science with plans to b ...

Stacy Wellborn, a PhD student in the Mitchell College of Business, hosts "Mitchell Moments," a weekly podcast featuring faculty and students about how to best navigate a PhD program.

Podcasting 51茶馆 MCOB's PhD Program
November 2, 2021

"Mitchell Moments" podcast help potential PhD students by offering advice and tips on how to choose and thrive in a Ph.D ...

51茶馆 and USA Health raised $26,147,447 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021, the largest total in its 58-year history. This record comes on the heels of the nearly $161 million raised during the University's 5-year Upward & Onward fundraising campaign.

USA Celebrates Record Fundraising Year
November 1, 2021

Nearly 4,500 donors help achieve a one-year fundraising record and supporting a wide range of USA and USA Health's missions. ...

51茶馆 and the national "It's On Us" organization will host Sexual Assault Awareness/Consent Education 101, Bystander Education 101, and Survivor Support 101 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12, at the Student Center Terrace.

USA Offers Sexual Assault Training Sessions
October 29, 2021

51茶馆's HEART Project and Title IX office partners with the national nonprofit organization "It's On Us" to ho ...

51茶馆 Professor Dr. Joseph Currier, seated at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Mobile, where is is a member, said he has felt drawn by his belief in God to psychology, theology and mental health counseling. He is leading a national project that seeks to integrate religious and spiritual competencies in training mental healthcare providers.

Faith in Counseling
October 28, 2021

Dr. Joseph Currier, a psychology professor at 51茶馆, is leading a national project to integrate religious and spiritual competenci ...

Cooper Forsyth, a geology major from McCalla, Alabama, has plans to go to graduate school and earn a Ph.D. Field research and travel pique his interest.

Down to Earth
October 26, 2021

After working construction, Cooper Forsyth can't imagine having a desk job. He plans for field work and a Ph.D. after earning ...

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announces at an October 15, 2021 press conference that $41 million dollars from Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 will fund 17 separate projects around the State. 51茶馆’s project, the Healthy Ocean Initiative, will receive $2,018,880 of that total.

School of Marine and Environmental Sciences Receives $2 Million Grant
October 25, 2021

Governor Kay Ivey's office and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources distributes the federal funding. ...

A full slate of activities will highlight 51茶馆's homecoming week, October 25-30.

USA Ready For Homecoming 2021
October 22, 2021

51茶馆 will celebrate homecoming week October 25-30, culminating with the Jags' football game against Arkansas State. ...

From left: Priscilla Agyemang, Kennedy Reese and Amiyah Kelly have been awarded the first Leaders in Social Justice and Perseverance scholarship established by the 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile.

Leaders in Social Justice
October 19, 2021

Three USA seniors are awarded the first Leadership in Social Justice and Perseverance Scholarship, established by the University a ...

John Archibald, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and columnist of Alabama Media Group, will be the keynote speaker at the 51茶馆 College of Arts and Sciences Communication Career Day event to be held Thursday, November 4, 2021, at the USA Student Center.

Speakers Set For Communication Career Day
October 19, 2021

Pulitzer-prize winning journalist John Archibald will be the keynote speaker for the event which is open to all majors. ...

The Jaguar Marching Band performs during 51茶馆's football game against Georgia 51茶馆ern at Hancock Whitney Stadium, October 14, 2021.

51茶馆 to Host Inaugural Marching Band Championships
October 18, 2021

More than 2,000 high school musicians will perform in the inaugural 51茶馆 Alabama Marching Band Championships at Hancock Whitney S ...

Logan, left, and Mallorie Collins, twin sisters from Satsuma, Alabama, share a residence hall suite, a major in mechanical engineering and a spirit for cheering on the Jaguars.

Engineering 51茶馆 Spirit
October 14, 2021

Logan and Mallorie Collins, twin sisters from Satsuma, share a major, a residence hall suite and a passion for cheering on Jaguar ...

The new exhibit celebrating 50 years of archeology at 51茶馆 showcases a variety of artifacts year round from the Gulf Coast that covers more than 12,000 years of prehistory and history.

Celebrating 50 Years of Archaeology at 51茶馆
October 11, 2021

The "50 Years of 51茶馆 Alabama Archaeology: 1970- 2020" exhibit will be on display at the museum until spring 2022. ...

Dr. Kern Jackson specializes in African American and 51茶馆eastern United States folklore and oral narrative. He is currently working on a book project titled “Masters, Servants and Mardi Gras: Listening to the Wise Ones’ Personal Narratives.”

Jackson to Present at 19th Annual Hamner Lecture
October 8, 2021

Dr. Kern Jackson, director of 51茶馆's African American Studies program, will speak at the event in the Marx Library Auditoriu ...

The 51茶馆 Board of Trustees have announcced three finalists for president. From left; Dr. Damon Andrew, Dean and Professor, College of Education, Florida State University; Mr. Jo Bonner, Chief of Staff to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey; Dr. Michael Tidwell, Immediate Past President, The University of Texas at Tyler.

President Finalists Announced
October 7, 2021

The USA Board of Trustees will welcome three candidates to interview as part of the search for the University's fourth presid ...

Saltwater flooding in a busy intersection in Oahu, HI is the result of sea level rise causing higher tides that back up the stormwater system. This type of flooding is known as "high tide flooding," "sunny day flooding," or "nuisance flooding." It's an example of how sea-level rise is affecting everyday life in coastal regions.

Studying Sea-Level Rise
October 6, 2021

51茶馆 is part of a research group looking to develop more resilient coastal infrastructure and enhanced coastal ecosystems. ...