CEPS Pillars 2020

VOLUME 12 

FALL 2020 

PILLARS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from the Dean 

04 College of Education 

and Professional Studies 

Moving Forward 

Students 

06 Student Awards 

09 Advising Center 

and Student Services 

Community Engagement 

11 Grants and Contracts 

12 Diversity Council 

14 Noyce Scholars 

16 South Alabama Research 

and Inservice Center 

17 AMSTI-USA 

18 USA Literacy Center 

20 PASSAGE USA 

Academics 

22 Counseling and 

Instructional Sciences 

26 Health, Kinesiology, and Sport 

28 Hospitality and Tourism 

Management 

30 Integrative Studies 

32 Leadership and Teacher 

Education 

36 Field Services 

38 Office of Adult Learner 

Services 

40 Faculty and Staff 

Development 

42 Advisory Council 

46 Invest in the College 

47 College Scholarship Recipients 

48 Project 110 (On the Cover) 

52 Annual Report Data 

55 CEPS Alumni Society 

PILLARS 

VOLUME 12 | FALL 2020 

A publication of the University of South Alabama 

College of Education and Professional Studies 

Dean of the College of Education and 

Professional Studies 

Dr. Andi Kent 

Assistant Director of Marketing 

and Communications 

Amber Day 

Assistant Director of Creative Services 

Kim Lovvorn 

Photography 

Mike Kittrell, Elizabeth Gelineau 

Contributing Writers 

Thomas Becnel, Megan Layton, 

Joy Washington 

The mission of the University of South Alabama 

College of Education and Professional Studies 

is to transform our community and expand our 

outreach through a commitment to excellence 

in education and human services, advancement 

of innovative research, and supporting the 

dedicated service of our faculty, staff, students 

and alumni. 

36 South Student 

Teachers Get Creative to 

Complete Requirements 

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA 3

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN 

This past year we opened the Office of Adult Learner 

Services, whose mission is to support nontraditional students 

seeking undergraduate degrees. The Literacy Center 

expanded both on campus and with virtual tutoring sessions. 

Our graduate programs are seeing substantial growth as 

our faculty continue to share the exceptional opportunities 

we provide. Throughout the college, we carefully realigned 

our curriculum to better meet the needs of our constituents. 

Our students participated in delivering virtual and televised 

lessons to children, and our faculty provided exceptional 

professional development to thousands of educators and 

professionals in our region. In every area, our programs 

provided a depth of internship opportunities so our students 

are better prepared for their careers. 

We celebrated our graduates in the Mitchell Center 

in December and virtually in May. We held a college 

awards ceremony, countless faculty meetings and student 

engagement opportunities, both in person and virtually, 

throughout the academic year. We learned the meaning 

of new terms, such as social distancing and COVID-19. 

I am truly constantly amazed by the dedication and 

resilience of our CEPS family to face the opportunities 

that present themselves. 

With a heart of humbleness and gratitude, 

I write this message on behalf of the USA 

College of Education and Professional 

Studies faculty, staff and students. 

Since the 2019 fall semester, we have experienced an 

unprecedented year. We faced unparalleled challenges 

and uncertainty. However, through it all, the strength and 

determination of our Jaguar family has been unwavering. 

We continue to support each other by expanding our 

knowledge and abilities and refining our craft. We look 

forward to expanding avenues of teaching, research 

and development. 

We celebrate collective milestones and the achievements of 

many individuals. Importantly, we are beginning to better 

understand the profound magnitude of diversity, equity and 

inclusion. We strive to develop a community of inclusivity, 

where all voices are heard, valued and respected. Ultimately, 

we embrace challenges as opportunities as our tenacity and 

resilience define our collective character. 

In all of the unexpected happenings in life, we are thankful 

for each of you. We are grateful for your support — knowing 

that you are present and that you continue to share the 

message of the great work happening in the College 

of Education and Professional Studies. We are so very 

appreciative for the difference you make each day, with 

our faculty, staff and students, and in the community. 

After all, together, WE ARE the College of Education and 

Professional Studies. 

As I conclude my message, I want to share with you that 

on September 1, I began serving the University as interim 

provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. In the 

interim, I have left the college in the very capable hands of 

Dr. John Kovaleski. Without a doubt, the future continues to 

be bright for the college, as the collective power of us makes 

us stronger. Yes, WE ARE FAMILY! WE ARE SOUTH! 

Dr. Andi Kent, Dean of the College of Education and 

Professional Studies and Interim Provost and Senior 

Vice President of Academic Affairs 

4 

PILLARS | FALL 2020

Get to Know 

Dr. John Kovaleski 

Dr. John Kovaleski has served the University of South 

Alabama for 30 years. While in the College of Education 

and Professional Studies, Kovaleski served as professor 

and chair in the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and 

Sport. Most recently, he served as associate dean and 

director of graduate studies in the college. As Dr. Andi 

Kent moves to her role as interim provost and senior vice 

president for Academic Affairs for the University, Kovaleski 

will serve as interim dean of the College of Education and 

Professional Studies. 

“I am excited to help further the vision and goals created 

by Dr. Kent through our mission of teaching and learning, 

advancement of knowledge through research and 

scholarship, and leadership in service and outreach,” 

Kovaleski said. “The College of Education and Professional 

Studies remains focused on our vital goals: to empower our 

students to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives and 

to enhance the vitality of the communities that we serve. 

We will provide a premier educational experience while we 

implement several protocols grounded in our paramount 

priority—the health and safety of our students, our faculty 

and staff, and our campus visitors. As we proceed with 

the academic year, we will honor our enduring values— 

especially innovation and courage—while embracing 

these unprecedented challenges with abiding optimism in 

a brighter future. Many students have told us that they value 

the personal educational experiences that we provide at 

USA, where faculty and students are learning partners, 

no matter the challenges!” 

To get involved and stay connected, follow us on social 

media and visit southalabama.edu/colleges/ceps. 

@usaceps @usaceps @usaceps 

“THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES 

REMAINS FOCUSED ON OUR VITAL GOALS: TO EMPOWER OUR STUDENTS 

TO HAVE FULFILLING CAREERS AND MEANINGFUL LIVES AND TO 

ENHANCE THE VITALITY OF THE COMMUNITIES THAT WE SERVE.” 


STUDENTS 

Spotlighting 

Outstanding 

Department Student 

Awardees 

The University of South Alabama College of 

Education and Professional Studies faculty, staff and 

students were honored at the 2020 Spring Virtual 

Awards Ceremony hosted via Zoom. More than 100 

students, faculty, staff, friends and family attended 

the ceremony during the pandemic. 

“We are so glad everyone was able to join us virtually 

during challenging times,” said Dr. Andi Kent, dean 

of the College of Education and Professional 

Studies. “We have countless outstanding students, 

phenomenal faculty and award-winning staff. We 

were so excited to honor those people in a special 

way. It's certainly a different way than we've ever 

honored them before, but we could not let the 

spring semester end without joining together to 

celebrate our outstanding faculty, staff and students.” 

To see a full list of all student awardees, visit page 

8 in the magazine. Faculty and staff awardees are 

featured on pages 40-41. 

Cindy Faith 

Outstanding Student in 

Secondary Education 

Cindy Faith was named the 2020 

Department of Leadership and 

Teacher Education Outstanding 

Student in Secondary Education. 

Faith earned an alternative 

master’s in secondary 

mathematics education from 

the University of South Alabama. 

During her time at South, Faith 

served as a member of Kappa 

Delta Pi and Phi Kappa Phi. She 

currently teaches AP calculus 

and precalculus at Satsuma High 

School. 

“Many students doubt their 

mathematical abilities or even 

believe they can’t do math. I 

believe all students can learn 

math if we teachers find a 

means of instruction that makes 

it relatable, approachable and 

clear to them. I am passionate 

about teaching math because 

math opens doors of opportunity 

for students, and I want every 

one of my students to realize their 

full potential so they are able to 

pursue those opportunities if they 

so choose.” 

Sherrelle Martin, 

Outstanding Educational Media 

and Technology Graduate Student 

Nicholas Fadoir 

Clinical and Counseling Psychology 

Doctoral Program 

Elise Labbe Coldsmith Clinical 

Services Award 

Nicholas Fadoir received the 2020 

Department of Counseling and 

Instructional Sciences Clinical 

and Counseling Psychology 

Doctoral Program Elise Labbe 

Coldsmith Clinical Services 

Award. Fadoir's Ph.D. in Clinical- 

Counseling Psychology will be 

conferred at South in December 

2022. His area of interest include 

trauma, crisis and suicide risk. 

Fadoir has spent the last year 

working at the local nonprofit 

Veterans Recovery Resources as 

a psychotherapist and advocate. 

Additionally, he is the community 

research assistant for Operation 

Deep Dive, a nationwide study 

of community factors in veteran 

suicide. His dissertation examines 

psychospiritual experiences of 

belonging in combat veterans. 

“I AM PASSIONATE 

ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE 

RECLAIM A LIFE OF 

MEANING AND PURPOSE.” 

—Nicholas Fadoir 

“I decided to attend South for 

my Ph.D. to study suicide with 

Dr. Phillip Smith. While here, 

our clinical faculty have been 

generous to put me in positions 

to broaden my skills and care 

for a broad range of people and 

problems. I am passionate about 

helping people reclaim a life of 

meaning and purpose.” 

6 


Dayla Gulledge 

Outstanding Health and Physical 

Education/Teacher Certification 

Undergraduate Student 

“THE THING THAT 

MAKES THE COLLEGE 

OF EDUCATION AND 

PROFESSIONAL STUDIES 

SO UNIQUE ARE THE 

PEOPLE THAT HELPED 

ME THROUGH MY 

CAREER. NO MATTER 

WHAT, I WAS ABLE TO 

GO TO ANY OF THE 

PROFESSORS AND ASK 

THEM FOR HELP. ” 

—Dayla Gulledge 

Dayla Gulledge was named 

the 2020 Department of 

Health, Kinesiology and Sport 

Outstanding Health and Physical 

Education/Teacher Certification 

Undergraduate Student. 

Gulledge recently earned a 

Bachelor of Science in Physical 

Education P-12 Teacher 

Certification. During her time at 

South, Gulledge was a South 

Alabama softball student-athlete. 

She is currently working at the 

Enterprise Early Education Center. 

“The thing that makes the College 

of Education and Professional 

Studies so unique are the people 

that helped me through my career. 

No matter what, I was able to go 

to any of the professors and ask 

them for help. They were always 

willing to answer any question I 

had whether it was big or small. 

Watching Dr. Holden teach each 

of her classes helped me to see 

that I not only wanted to teach, 

but I wanted to inspire and impact 

future generations just like her.” 

Destin Sims 

Hospitality and Tourism 

Management Outstanding 


Destin Sims was named the 

2020 Department of Hospitality 

and Tourism Management 

Outstanding Undergraduate 

Student. Sims recently earned 

a bachelor's in hospitality and 

tourism management. During his 

time at South, Sims was a member 

of the USA HTM Club, HTM 

Ambassador Program, National 

Society of Collegiate Scholars and 

Golden Key International Honor 

Society, all while maintaining 

a 4.0 GPA. Sims is a recipient 

of the Alabama Travel Council 

Scholarship, which is awarded 

at the Governor's Conference on 

Tourism each summer. Sims plans 

to continue working at Wind Creek 

Casino in Atmore and was offered 

a job in the human resources 

department after graduation. 

“I decided to study at South 

because not only is it close to 

home, but it felt like home. It’s 

been an honor to have the ability 

to graduate from USA. Apart from 

classwork, Professor Donaldson 

pushed me past my limits in my 

work ethic and has always been 

able to give me advice through 

her experiences that have made a 

remarkable change in my life. She 

also inspired me through my class 

work as she is working towards 

her Ph.D. while still teaching." 

Molly Hare 

Outstanding PASSAGE 

USA Student 

Molly Hare was named the 2020 


Teacher Education Outstanding 

PASSAGE USA Student. Hare 

earned a certificate as a 

graduate of PASSAGE USA 

(Preparing All Students Socially 

and Academically for Gainful 

Employment), a two-year, nondegree, 

certificate program. This 

program is designed for students 

who need extra support to be 

successful in our community. 

During her time at South, Hare 

served as a member of the Civitan 

Club. She hopes to soon find a job 

working with kids or animals. 

“THE PASSAGE USA 

PROGRAM WAS 

CREATED TO MAKE 

PEOPLE LIKE ME WITH 

SPECIAL NEEDS BECOME 

AS INDEPENDENT 

AS POSSIBLE, TO 

HOPEFULLY LIVE 

INDEPENDENTLY, TO 

FIND A JOB I LOVE, OR 

IF NOT, THEN LOOK FOR 

ANOTHER, BECAUSE 

I AM CAPABLE.” 

—Molly Hare 

“The PASSAGE USA program 

was created to make people 

like me with special needs 

become as independent as 

possible, to hopefully live 

independently, to find a job I love, 

or if not, then look for another, 

because I am capable.” 

Victoria Reese 

Outstanding Educational 

Studies Student 

Victoria Reese was named the 

2020 Department of Integrative 

Studies Outstanding Educational 

Studies Student. Reese is pursuing 

a bachelor's in educational 

studies with a concentration 

in teaching and learning and 

a minor in psychology. Reese 

hopes to become a doula, 

which is a professional who 

provides emotional, physical and 

educational support to a mother 

who is expecting, experiencing 

labor or recently given birth. She 

is also very interested in juvenile 

justice organizations. During her 

time at South, Reese has served 

as a member of USA Spectrum. 

“Studying at South allowed me 

to be close to family during 

college. I am passionate about 

educational studies because I 

believe children are our largest 

investment. Educating them to be 

well-rounded people gives them 

the best chance to live up to the 

greatest potential.” 


2020 Student Awardees 

COUNSELING AND 

INSTRUCTIONAL 

SCIENCES 

Outstanding Clinical 

and Counseling Psychology 

Doctoral Student 

Nicholas Borgogna 

Clinical and Counseling 

Psychology Doctoral Program 

Elise Labbe Coldsmith Clinical 

Services Award 

Nicholas Fadoir 

Clinical and Counseling 

Psychology Doctoral Program 

Jennnifer Langhinrichsen- 

Rohling Clinical Services Award 

Dawn Greathouse 

Dr. Chandru Hiremath 

Memorial Award Instructional 

Design and Development Ph.D. 

Student of the Year 

Shelitha McKissick 

Dr. John E. Morrow Sr. 

Memorial Award Instructional 

Design and Development 

Master’s Student of the Year 

Brandy Rhodes 

Outstanding Clinical Mental 

Health Counseling (M.S.) 

Graduate Student 

Laura Anderson 

Outstanding School Counseling 

(M.Ed.) Graduate Student 

Melissa Haddix 


Media - Library (M.Ed.) 


Aletha Schultze 


Media and Technology (M.S.) 


Sherrelle Martin 

HEALTH, KINESIOLOGY, 

AND SPORT 

Outstanding Exercise Science 


Alyssa Zediker 

Outstanding Exercise Science 

Undergraduate Students 

Caroline “Anna” Griffith 

Andrew Theodore 

Outstanding Health 

and Physical Education/ 

Teacher Certification 


Dayla Gulledge 

Outstanding Sport and 

Recreation Management 


Jason Felts 

Outstanding Sports 

Management Graduate Student 

Ashlee James 

Outstanding Therapeutic 

Recreation Undergraduate 

Student 

Lilana Klinger 

HOSPITALITY AND 

TOURISM MANAGEMENT 


Student 

Destin Sims 

Outstanding Intern of the Year 

Harrison Santini 

INTEGRATIVE STUDIES 

Outstanding Interdisciplinary 


Judy Lynn Getty 



Victoria Reese 

LEADERSHIP AND 

TEACHER EDUCATION 

Outstanding K-6 Teacher 

Education Student Teacher 

Dynae Orso 

Outstanding K-12 Leadership 

Master’s Student 

Lydia Edmonds 

Outstanding Graduate Student - 

Elementary Education 

Kayla Cooper 


Special Education (M.Ed.) 

Laura Taylor 


Special Education (Alt M.Ed.) 

Jonathan “Todd” Cross 

Outstanding Higher Education 

Leadership Master’s Student 

Heath Marker 

Outstanding PASSAGE 

USA Student 

Molly Hare 

Outstanding Secondary 

Education Student Teacher 

Raven McShan 

Outstanding Student - 

Secondary Education 

Cindy Faith 


Student K-6 Teacher Education 

Gillianne Sharp 


Student-Special Education 6-12 

Shawn Schlumpf 

Ashlee James, Outstanding Sports 

Management Graduate Student 

8 


Supporting Students as 

One Team in One Location 

Advising Center and 

Student Services 

Any question, big or small, the University of South Alabama 

College of Education and Professional Studies Office of 

Student Services and the Advising Center are here to help. 

Current, returning and prospective students can schedule 

appointments throughout the year. 

During the past summer, Student Services, which maintains 

student academic records, relocated to share the same 

office suite as the college’s Advising Center. The Office 

of Field Services, which administers the placements of 

clinical field experiences for graduate and undergraduate 

candidates, is now located in Student Services' old office, in 

the lobby at the main entrance of the college’s building. 

“No one likes having their call transferred from office to 

office or arriving at an office and then learning they are in 

the wrong place,” said Josh Wooden, who is now serving 

as executive director of Student Services for the College of 

Education and Professional Studies. “Having the Advising 

Center and Student Services in the same space makes the 

experience more efficient for our students. In addition, the 

staff in each of these offices brings a wealth of knowledge 

that will create a tremendous resource in one location, not 

only for our students, but also for other staff and faculty in 

our college.” 

The two offices now working as a team in one space 

will provide academic advising and serve as the hub 

for processing academic requests for the college. These 

requests include grade replacements, transient requests, 

change of major, graduation applications, credit 

modification/substitution, TEACH grants, VA benefits 

verification, candidacy applications and all requests related 

to teacher certification. In short, if a student has questions 

and does not know where to go, the staff can help. 

Wooden has worked at the College of Education and 

Professional Studies for more than nine years. Most recently, 

he served as supervisor of the Advising Center, and while in 

that position, became the certification officer for the college. 

Jamie Lett, Graduate Academic 

Records Specialist 

27 Years of Service 

Why are you passionate about 

serving students? I very much enjoy 

helping students reach their goals. 

What is your goal for this year? 

Admit more and more students each 

semester! 

For a new student at South, how 

would you explain what your area 

has to offer? If I do not know 

the answer, I can find the answer to 

any problem! 

Fun fact: I play tennis on several local 

teams and enjoy it very much. 

Josh Wooden, 

Executive Director 

of Student Services 

Kathy Beck, 

Academic Records Supervisor 



serving students? It is exciting to 

work in a university setting and see 

students be educated to become the 

employee/employers of the future, who 

will serve productively for the benefit 

of their families, our community, our 

nation and globally. 

How would you explain what your 

office has to offer? A place where 

students can get answers, to help 

them navigate through their 

curriculum successfully, and where 

they can find out the “how tos” during 

their college years. 

Fun fact: I love any projects 

around the house, especially chalkpainting 

furniture. 

Stephanie Darst, Academic 

Records Specialist 

Seven Years of Service 


serving students? 

They are the future. 

Why are you excited about the 

advising center and student 

services working more closely as 

a team, and how will this benefit 

students? We are a one-stop office 

for student information. Students 

receive information from advisors 

at the front end of their academic 

career, and Student Services provides 

information about graduation and 

teacher certification at the end of their 

time here. 

Fun fact: I enjoy gardening and 

keeping chickens. 


“Education is powerful and transformational for individuals 

and communities,” Wooden said. “Throughout my career 

in higher education, I have had the privilege of witnessing 

this firsthand. South is committed to helping our students 

succeed, and I am proud to contribute to that mission.” 

During Wooden’s time at South, the Advising Center shifted 

from operating as a reactionary unit to a proactive unit. 

“Before, the Advising Center waited for students to initiate 

contact, and now we conduct numerous outreach 

campaigns each semester,” Wooden said. “This is largely 

aided by the purchase of new technology by the University 

that allows for digital notes, online appointment scheduling 

and campaign coordination.” 

In addition to the changes in technology and outreach, 

the Advising Center also facilitated the creation of fouryear 

graduation plans for all CEPS majors. “In each 

appointment, students now work with their advisor to create 

an academic plan that outlines all remaining classes and 

in which semester they plan to take them,” Wooden said. 

“In correlation with these improvements, we have seen an 

increase in the number of students returning each semester 

and an increase in the number of students graduating.” 

The pandemic and subsequent shift to online operations 

caused the two offices to evaluate and revise many forms, 

applications and processes. Their goal will be to continue 

exploring how to provide services more efficiently and be 

more accessible for students. 

Jennifer Fillingim, Credentials 

and Degree Analyst I 


Over the past several years, how 

have you seen your area evolve 

and improve? I’ve enjoyed working 

in Student Services mainly because 

of the great group of people I work 

with. We all seem to have a common 

goal to be effective in helping students 

succeed. 

Why are you excited about the 

advising center and student 

services working more closely 

as a team? I’m hopeful that in 

combining our two departments we 

will be able to continue to provide 

a place where students know they 

can come for accurate answers and 

information. If we don’t know the 

answer, we will point them in the right 

direction. 

Fun fact: I enjoy gardening, mostly 

flowers, and yard work, especially 

in these last few months. I also love 

to read, knit and sew. I have made 

over 100 masks and mailed them to 

family and friends in North and South 

Carolina, Texas and Louisiana. 

Sally Morris, 

Academic Advising Coordinator 

Nine Years of Service 

Advises: Exercise Science, Health 

Education, Health (Non-Teaching), 

Physical Education, Sport and 

Recreation Management, Therapeutic 

Recreation 


serving students? My positive 

experiences with staff at South as an 

undergraduate student ultimately 

led me to want to work in higher 

education, but it’s the students I serve 

now that keep me. I celebrate with my 

students when they pass a challenging 

class, work hard and raise their GPA, 

and ultimately when they cross the 

stage at graduation. 

For a new student at South, how 

would you explain what your area 

has to offer? The Advising Center 

is your liaison to the rest of campus. 

If a student doesn’t know when to 

register for classes, how to approach 

a professor, or why they are in a 

particular course, we are here to help. 

Fun fact: I enjoy traveling and 

spending time with my family. 

Pamela James, Academic Advisor 


Advises: K-6 Teacher Education, 

Secondary Education, Special 

Education, Early Childhood Studies, 

Educational Studies 

Over the past several years, 

how have you seen your area 

evolve and improve? 

I’ve seen more recognition in 

the importance of how academic 

advising provides the required student 

support and how that support impacts 

students’ academic success. 

What is your goal for this year? 

The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely 

required adjustments to how academic 

advising is conducted. So, the goal 

for the future would have to include 

improving and utilizing more 

virtually technological approaches to 

academic advising to continue meeting 

the needs of our students. 

Fun fact: I enjoy vacationing with my 

family in the happiest place on earth. 

Diane Harvey, Academic Advisor 


Advises: Department of Hospitality 

and Tourism Management, 

Interdisciplinary Studies 


serving students? I returned to 

school after many years not knowing 

if I could make it or not. But, I 

proved to myself I could! Earning my 

degrees gave me a sense of pride and 

confidence. This is what motivates me 

to give back to my students. I feel that I 

am my students’ cheerleader and guide. 

What is your goal for this year 

as we continue to look at the 

future? My goals this year are to 

learn how to listen and relate to my 

students more effectively and continue 

to improve my technology skills. 

Fun fact: I enjoy traveling, gardening 

and watching movies! 

10 


COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 

An Update from 

Dr. Andre Green 

Dr. Andre Green, who previously served as associate dean 

in the College of Education and Professional Studies, was 

recently promoted to the role of associate vice president for 

Academic Affairs at the University of South Alabama. 

“This opportunity represents a new challenge in my 

professional career,” Green said. “The College of Education 

and Professional Studies has been good to me, I have 

been good to it, and that will never change. I’ve had 

the opportunity to hold several leadership positions in 

the college, including chair of Leadership and Teacher 

Education and associate dean of the college. All of those 

experiences, both good and bad, have prepared me for my 

new role as associate vice president for Academic Affairs. 

The College of Education and Professional Studies will 

always be near and dear to me, as I grew up in the college 

and learned so much during my tenure.” 

Green began his career at South as an assistant professor. 

He was promoted to the rank of associate professor in 2012, 

to professor in 2015 and served as chair of the Department 

of Leadership and Teacher Education. Green is recognized 

in the field of STEM pedagogy, receiving more than $6 

million in grants and contracts during the most recent fiscal 

year and more than $35 million over the course of 

his career, including numerous awards from the National 

Science Foundation and the Alabama State Department 

of Education. While in his role as associate dean, the 

college enjoyed its most successful year, garnering more 

than $12.9 million. 

As associate vice president, Green will continue to 

oversee the development of the Center for Integrative 

Studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and 

Mathematics (CISSTEM), which facilitates interdisciplinary 

pedagogical research in STEM fields. CISSTEM is designed 

to be a University-based center for integrating research 

and innovation in the teaching and learning of science, 

technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). 

CISSTEM supports partnerships among higher education, 

local education agencies, the business community, 

local philanthropies, and government and human 

service agencies to align the unique expertise and 

capabilities of the partners to create an infrastructure that 

will foster innovative teaching and promote learning in the 

STEM disciplines. 

In his new role, Green also serves as liaison with the Office 

of Research and Economic Development to facilitate other 

research initiatives throughout the University. He also works 

with the Office of Grants and Contracts Accounting to 

facilitate timely and compliant post-award administration of 

Grants and Contracts 

funded research projects. Green has also taken over several 

duties previously assigned to Dr. Harold Pardue, dean of the 

Graduate School and associate vice president for Academic 

Affairs. These responsibilities include administration of 

special academic withdrawal requests, undergraduate 

student complaints, grade grievances, course fee proposal 

reviews, and University curriculum changes. 

The USA College of Education and Professional Studies is 

excited that Dr. James Stefurak, newly appointed interim 

associate dean, will provide leadership for the College of 

Education and Professional Studies' Office of Grants and 

Contracts. Stefurak has worked at South for more than 13 

years, most recently serving as chair of the Department of 

Counseling and Instructional Sciences. 

“Dr. Green’s efforts, in terms of his own grant-making and 

in service of helping College of Education and Professional 

Studies faculty develop and pursue grants, have been 

a historic achievement within the college,” Stefurak said. 

“The college has made significant progress on expanding 

its research, grantmaking and community partnership 

capacities under Dr. Green’s stewardship. I hope to maintain 

and increase the college’s achievements in this area in my 

new role as interim associate dean.” 

To learn more about Stefurak and his most recent 

community partnership, visit page 24. 


Williamson Prep 

Academy Partnership 

When the College of Education and Professional Studies 

began a partnership with Williamson Preparatory Academy, 

Dr. Paige Vitulli had no idea it would lead to a personal 

connection with a Mobile middle-schooler. 

The college’s Diversity Council began with questions about 

how University of South Alabama educators could best 

collaborate with Williamson Prep teachers. Resources 

included community groups such as Big Brothers Big Sisters 

of South Alabama. 

“That was something that really got my attention,” Vitulli said. 

“I liked the idea of focusing on one child. I thought that was a 

natural fit for me.” 

CEPS Diversity Council 

Dr. Joél Lewis Billingsley, head of the Diversity Council, 

said the program started with the idea for a longterm 

partnership with a single school. South educators 

approached the Mobile County Public School System, which 

suggested Williamson Prep, a middle school located in the 

Maysville neighborhood south of Ladd-Peebles Stadium. 

Much of the first year was spent getting to know the school 

faculty. Professors were paired with teachers for regular 

visits. They brought goodie bags, professional support and 

plenty of questions. 

First priority was finding agreement on the most important 

needs of the school. 

“ONE OF THE THINGS SHE’LL TALK 

TO ME ABOUT IS THE VALUE OF HER 

EDUCATION,” VITULLI SAID. 

“SHE WOULD POINT OUT WHEN 

SHE THOUGHT SOMETHING WAS GOING 

RIGHT IN A CLASSROOM, AND WHEN 

SOMETHING WASN’T. SHE’S VERY 

INDEPENDENT, AND I THINK THAT’S 

ONE OF HER BEST QUALITIES.” 

Vitulli once taught elementary school and has two adult 

daughters. Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Alabama 

matched her with a sixth-grader named Andre’a. What 

started with weekly meetings at Williamson has become a 

bond with a ninth-grader getting ready to start high school. 

They share selfies and stories about their lives and family. 

Lighter topics include food and music. Vitulli went to some of 

her middle school basketball games. They worked through 

her frustration in math class. 

“One of the things she’ll talk to me about is the value of 

her education,” Vitulli said. “She would point out when she 

thought something was going right in a classroom, and 

when something wasn’t. She’s very independent, and I think 

that’s one of her best qualities. She’s very stubborn, and I 

love it when she’s stubborn about the right things.” 

“It’s really important to use the word collaboration,” 

said Lewis Billingsley. “We knew we wanted to learn 

from Williamson, too. We made sure that’s what we asked 

for when we approached the school.” 

Kirven Lang, principal of Williamson Prep, has worked with 

many different organizations and agencies in Mobile. Some 

of them came and went. He liked what he heard from South 

about a long-term commitment to his school. 

“A partnership is always a two-way street,” Lang said. 

“They were asking us what we needed and how we could 

be successful.” 

When it came to tutoring and one-on-one reading sessions, 

South educators had a specific request. 

12 


They wanted a classroom. A home for the program. 

Lang was happy to oblige. “It wasn’t the best-looking 

room,” he said, laughing, “but they came in and made it 

into something.” 

That space became the Jaguar-Lion Den, named for the 

mascots of South and Williamson. The walls got a fresh coat 

of paint. A sorority on campus donated rugs and furniture to 

make it cozy and welcoming. Students went in for extra work 

on subjects where they needed help. 

Christopher Lang, a former teacher at Williamson, thought 

the Den made a difference. It looked like an investment in 

the school. Something new, something different, something 

special. 

“They had a room designed just for the kids,” he said. “They 

could develop more personal relationships. It also gave the 

kids an incentive, something to look forward to, and more 

accountability as well.” 

Each year, South and Williamson educators met to reevaluate 

needs at the middle school. It became an ongoing 

conversation. They became more comfortable and 

confident in working together. 

“Being patient enough to emphasize the relationship was 

important,” said Lewis Billingsley. “You want to get in there 

and do something right away, but we needed to go in, listen 

to the teachers and learn what we wanted to do.” 

At Williamson, students and teachers got used to seeing 

professors from South. They were less like visitors and more 

like colleagues. They brought along college students who 

worked in the tutoring program. The partnership expanded. 

Professors from the College of Arts and Sciences went to 

Williamson with a Girls in Math program for middle school 

students. An engineering professor brought a working robot 

to school for a demonstration. 

Student leaders at Williamson, meanwhile, were invited 

to South for campus tours and meetings with students 

and faculty. 

Dr. Andi Kent, dean of the College of Education and 

Professional Studies, said she’s more than satisfied with the 

Williamson partnership. It’s a continuing investment in the 

community. She remains committed to working with the 

Mobile middle school. 

“We had to earn the trust of the faculty and students,” Kent 

said. “We had to show that we meant what we said and this 

was going to be a long-term project. It’s been very powerful, 

but it didn’t happen overnight. It’s been gradual.” 

While helping Williamson students and teachers, South 

professors are bringing back practical knowledge and 

experience. Lessons from middle school. They benefit, too, 

from this two-way street. 

“That’s the inside goal,” Kent said. “It helps us learn and 

understand how different communities work.” 

Vitulli, along with a few other South professors, has enjoyed 

her experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters. They’re working 

with the organization to continue their relationships with 

students after they leave middle school. 

The coronavirus pandemic has become a concern in recent 

months. This is true for the overall partnership, as well as 

individual relationships. 

Vitulli has written Andre’a a few letters, and they’ve met 

in person. The little sister is now taller than the big sister. 

They share ideas for her future. They talk about family and 

neighborhoods, music lyrics and social justice. College 

remains a goal. Schoolwork is important. Grades make a 

difference. 

“I’ve been so thrilled watching her grow,” Vitulli said. “In 

parallel with Lewis Billingsley’s goal for the South-Williamson 

partnership, my goal with Andre’a is to create a long-term 

relationship with a single student.” Each teaches the other 

much about life. The important part is to listen. 


Program Promotes 

a Culture of Family 

The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, 

funded by the National Science Foundation in the USA 

College of Education and Professional Studies, seeks to 

encourage talented science, technology, engineering 

and mathematics (STEM) majors and professionals to 

become K-12 mathematics and science teachers. The 

program provides funds to institutions of higher education 

to support scholarships, stipends and academic programs 

for undergraduate STEM majors and post-baccalaureate 

students holding STEM degrees who commit to teaching in 

high-need K-12 school districts. 

“The U.S. continues to suffer a deficit of qualified teachers 

of mathematics and science,” said Dr. Susan Ferguson, 

Department of Leadership and Teacher Education 

secondary program coordinator and programs advisor who 

serves as the Noyce project director. "The Robert Noyce 

Pathway to Mathematics and Pathway to Science programs 

help undergraduate STEM majors decide whether a career 

in education is something they want to pursue by providing 

a pre-residency experience wherein they shadow mentor 

teachers to see what the classroom looks like from the 

educator perspective.” 

Those who complete the pre-residency experience interview 

before a panel to be selected to receive funding for their 

alternative master’s in education in mathematics or science. 

Noyce scholars become part of a cohort that completes 

the graduate program in four semesters with support from 

faculty, local educators and Noyce alumni. 

“The total package is around $30,000 to pay for a graduate 

program and provides a stipend for students to use toward 

living expenses and materials,” Ferguson said. “In return, 

scholars teach for three years in a high-needs school. 

Schools get to employ highly qualified teachers, while 

educators complete their program debt free.” 

Peyton Barlow (pictured over, top) is currently pursuing 

an alternative master’s in secondary education with a 

concentration in mathematics through the Noyce Scholars 

Program. She plans to graduate in May 2021. Barlow 

graduated with a bachelor’s in meteorology from South in 

May 2019. 

“I had reached out to one of my meteorology professors 

about potentially transitioning to education after 

graduating,” Barlow said. “He saw a listing in the USA Daily 

Digest about the Noyce program in April 2018 and sent it to 

me. I emailed Dr. Ferguson and the rest is history.” 

Barlow is originally from the Mobile area, and she 

encourages others to consider the Noyce program. 

Noyce Scholars Program 

“If you think your heart belongs in the classroom, but you 

do not have a traditional education background, I would 

encourage you to look into the Noyce program,” Barlow said. 

“You can participate in a pre-residency the semester before 

the program would be set to begin, without any major 

obligations after, to see if this is something you'd like 

to pursue.” 

Barlow is thankful for all the experiences the Noyce program 

has provided so far. “The Noyce Scholars program has 

provided me the opportunity to go back to school to receive 

an education without having to worry about finances,” 

Barlow said. “I was hesitant about going back to receive 

another degree, but the transition to my alternative master's 

program has been easy thanks to the Noyce program. The 

past Noyce students, math and science, are a family and 

are incredibly supportive of those currently going through 

the program.” 

“IF YOU THINK YOUR HEART 

BELONGS IN THE CLASSROOM, 

BUT YOU DO NOT HAVE A TRADITIONAL 

EDUCATION BACKGROUND, I WOULD 

ENCOURAGE YOU TO LOOK INTO 

THE NOYCE PROGRAM.” 

Pamela McPherson (pictured over, bottom) graduated in 

May 2020 as a Noyce Scholar and earned an alternative 

master’s in secondary education with a concentration in 

general science. Prior to going back to school in August 2018, 

McPherson owned a local swim school where she taught 

the Infant Swimming Resource program. 

“After deciding on a career change, I met with Dr. Susan 

Ferguson to decide if the education program at South was 

right for me,” McPherson said. “At that time, I knew that I 

was a teacher at heart, and I was pretty sure I wanted to be 

a secondary STEM educator. Dr. Ferguson explained that 

the Noyce scholarship would pay for my entire education. 

I loved the classroom experience, and I committed to the 

Noyce program the following semester.” 

McPherson returned to the chemistry classroom at South 

almost 20 years after she graduated the first time. She 

earned a bachelor’s in chemistry in 2001, and after 

graduation, she worked as an environmental consultant 

for nine years. 

14 


“It felt so surreal being in the classroom 

again,” McPherson said. “But, my 

chemistry professors made me feel at 

home, again, and they really helped 

me deepen my understanding of 

chemistry. The science content that 

I will be teaching in the classroom 

can be learned from a book, but the 

kindness and empathy that a teacher 

shows their students can only be 

learned from experience. Dr. Guffey 

showed me what it means to be a 

cheerleader and advocate for my 

students. She made me feel like my 

successes were hers too, and I want my 

future students to feel cared for and 

supported like I did while attending this 

program.” 

McPherson said Dr. Andre Green 

and Ferguson have created a “Noyce 

family” that she is proud and honored 

to be part of. “It is clear that they share 

a passion for educating teachers, 

particularly in the STEM field. And that 

passion is contagious.” 

“If any student is interested in becoming 

a Noyce Scholar, they should know that 

the education program is intense, but 

the support that you will receive makes 

it all worth it,” McPherson said. “I am 

thankful for the mentors and friends 

that I have come to know as part of 

this program. I now have a plethora 

of friends with big minds and even 

bigger hearts that I can call on if I need 

anything at all.” McPherson began her 

teaching career at Baker High School 

this fall. 

Anthony Thames (pictured middle) 

earned a master's in secondary 

education with a concentration in 

mathematics from USA in 2015 as 

part of the Noyce Scholars program. 

Thames graduated from South with a 

bachelor's degree in chemistry in 2013. 

“After I graduated, Dr. Forbes, who 

was the chemistry department chair 

at the time, saw me kind of struggling 

with what to do after I graduated with 

my chemistry degree,” Thames said. 

“He told me about a program that 

Dr. Andre Green was leading in the 


Studies. Dr. Forbes sent an introductory 

“IT FELT SO SURREAL 

BEING IN THE CLASSROOM 

AGAIN,” MCPHERSON SAID. 

“BUT, MY CHEMISTRY 

PROFESSORS MADE ME 

FEEL AT HOME, AGAIN.” 

For information on how to get 

started, contact Noyce Project 

Director Dr. Susan Ferguson at 

ferguson@southalabama.edu. 

email to Dr. Green, and from there, 

Dr. Green recruited me to the Noyce 

Scholars program.” 

Thames said he was called to teach. 

“It's funny because all while I was in 

undergrad, my grandfather used to 

tell me all of the time that ‘you love 

kids and you love math, why not get 

into teaching,’” Thames said. “And I 

would always reject the idea because 

‘teachers don't make a lot of money.’ 

As I got older, I started to realize that 

I loved helping my fellow students. 

I loved teaching chemistry labs. I 

loved tutoring, and I loved working 

with young people. Then a light bulb 

just kind of came on, and I said ‘Why 

not get into teaching,’ just like my 

grandfather said.” 

Since graduating as a Noyce Scholar 

from South, Thames has taught 

at Baker High School (2015-2017); 

Hazelwood East High School in 

Spanish Lake, Mo. (2017-2018); and 

Webster Groves High School in Webster 

Groves, Mo. (2018-2020). 

“The Noyce program provided me with 

the teaching skills I needed," Thames 

said. "My undergraduate degree 

gave me the content knowledge that I 

needed for math. The Noyce program 

showed me how to take that content 

knowledge and become not just a 

teacher, but a great teacher.” Thames 

was mentored by several professors 

that he’s still in touch with today. 

“Dr. Andre Green and Dr. Susan 

Ferguson were definitely great 

mentors to me while I was in the 

program, and they both continue to 

be great resources for me to this day,” 

Thames said. “Dr. Green just has a way 

of having those difficult, very honest 

conversations with you, but he does 

it in a way that leaves you feeling 

empowered and encouraged, not 

defeated. Dr. Ferguson did a great 

job of bringing everyone together, 

and she made sure that we all 

fellowshipped together. You are not 

just applying for a program. You are 

applying to a family.” 


SARIC Aids Teachers 

in Distance Learning 

At the South Alabama Research and Inservice Center, the 

coronavirus pandemic has brought new urgency to online 

support for teachers and distance learning for their students. 

“We were dipping our toes in online professional learning at 

the beginning,” said Dr. Stephanie Hulon, director of SARIC, 

“but COVID-19 is forcing us to say, ‘We just want to help. 

How can we help?’” 

SARIC, which was established by the state legislature in 

1984, is one of 11 regional centers in the state. It serves 

more 8,000 public school educators in southern Alabama 

and is funded through a grant from the Alabama State 

Department of Education. 

Across the state, kindergarten through high school teachers 

had to begin teaching classes online. Many turned for 

help to SARIC courses featuring faculty from the University 

of South Alabama College of Education and Professional 

Studies. For one April session, “Early Literacy and Online 

Learning,” 158 educators logged into a Zoom session. Dr. 

Lauren Brannan, a South assistant professor of leadership 

and teacher education, zipped through an hour-long survey 

of tips, programs and teaching techniques. On her computer 

screen, she shared ways to use interactive whiteboard apps 

such as ShowMe, Educreations and Google Classroom. 

“Some of you rock stars are creating all of your own online 

content,” she said. “That’s amazing. I’m hoping today you 

can add to your toolbox for teaching online.” 

Dr. Andre Green, the principal investigator for SARIC at 

South, can see the coronavirus pushing educators out of 

their comfort zones. Change can be challenging. In the long 

South Alabama 

Research and 

Inservice Center 

“I HATE THAT IT’S HAPPENED 

LIKE THIS, BUT YOU CAN SEE 

THE POSSIBILITIES.” 

run, that might be a good thing. “We wouldn’t be doing 

what we’re doing without the pandemic,” he said. “I hate 

that it’s happened like this, but you can see the possibilities.” 

Dr. Pamela Moore, an assistant professor of counseling and 

instructional sciences, worried that new technology and 

working from home will overwhelm some teachers. 

She preaches time management and self care. “When it 

gets to be 24/7, that’s not sustainable,” Moore said. “I catch 

myself doing it, working on an iPad around the house. I 

should not be sending emails at 11 o’clock at night. No.” 

Stan Stokley, principal at Saraland Elementary School, 

appreciates the convenience of online SARIC classes 

for his teachers. He participated in a Zoom training session 

with a South professor. 

“There’s no substitute for that one-on-one relationship with 

student and teacher,” Stokley said. “This has been hard for 

us. It’s hard to keep the attention of an 8-year-old in front of 

a computer screen at home.” 

National Board for Professional 

Teaching Standards Support 

The South Alabama Research and Inservice Center provides support for educators 

pursuing national board certification. Monthly sessions were held last school year in 

three areas within Region 10 including the North National Board Certified Teacher 

(NBCT) Cohort meeting at Jackson Intermediate School; the Central NBCT cohort 

meeting at Saraland City Schools Central Office and Chickasaw City Schools 

Central Office; and the South NBCT cohort meeting at the South Baldwin Center 

for Technology Culinary Arts building in Robertsdale. For more information about 

upcoming sessions, visit southalabama.edu/centers/saric. 

16 


AMSTI-USA 

Creating Opportunities 

for All Region 10 Educators 

The Alabama Math, Science, and 

Technology Initiative, commonly 

referred to as AMSTI, was created by 

the Alabama Department of Education 

to improve STEM (science, technology, 

engineering and mathematics) 

teaching statewide. The goals of 

AMSTI are focused on improving single 

subject STEM knowledge, but also 

to support Alabama’s educators and 

students, in learning STEM through 

doing STEM. 

AMSTI has three basic services: 

professional learning, resources and 

onsite support. Since the COVID-19 

pandemic began, the AMSTI site 

location at the University of South 

Alabama has shifted to utilizing 

innovation and new technology to 

support remote learning. In addition, 

“AMSTI 4 All” has created professional 

learning opportunities available to all 

schools and teachers in Region 10. 

“AMSTI offered remote learning 

opportunities this past summer for 

teachers to continue their development 

in the midst of the pandemic,” said 

Raphaella Archie, assistant director 

of the AMSTI Region 10 master site at 

USA. “AMSTI-USA Region 10 will offer 

an additional suite of virtual math and 

science training options tailored to the 

requests of districts in our region.” 

The Alabama State Department of 

Education issued a “Roadmap to 

Reopening Schools” in June 2020 and 

compiled various resources to assist 

districts with their reopening plans. 

AMSTI sites across the state helped 

compile resources for this document. 

Sites also joined efforts to create 

parent guides to be used as resources 

for the upcoming year. 

“The ‘T’ in AMSTI stands for 

Technology,” Archie said. “With the 

ongoing technological improvements, 

we were working towards making 

more opportunities virtually available 

prior to the pandemic. A large amount 

of the training we receive at AMSTI is 

done in that manner. So, the hardware 

was in place. Identifying what districts 

needed us to assist them with was 

our first priority. Then, we divided and 

conquered by making these requests 

adaptable to a virtual delivery quickly.” 

AMSTI-USA’s primary goal is to ensure 

teachers are provided the support and 

professional development needed to 

execute high quality instruction. 

With the abrupt transition to an online 

platform, teachers had to make critical 

decisions in the matter of minutes. 

“Balancing professional growth with 

professional duties could have become 

challenging,” Archie said. “Ensuring we 

were providing the support needed 

to ensure quality instruction in various 

platforms may have been the biggest 

hurdle. We quickly ascertained 

information and worked alongside 

teachers to address real life scenarios, 

as quickly as possible.” 

“AMSTI OFFERED 

REMOTE LEARNING 

OPPORTUNITIES THIS 

SUMMER FOR TEACHERS 

TO CONTINUE THEIR 

DEVELOPMENT IN THE 

MIDST OF THE PANDEMIC.” 


USA Literacy 

Center 

Transition to Online 

Tutoring for Area K-12 Students 

“My favorite book is ‘Elephant and 

Piggy,’ because I like the funny things 

they say in it,” said Jackson Tucker 

(pictured above), a first-grade student 

at Eichold-Mertz Magnet School of 

Math, Science and Technology in 

Mobile. “Mrs. Joan helps me with my 

homework, and we get to do my sight 

words and read books.” 

Tucker started school in August 2019, 

and his mother wanted to be sure he 

had full support to be successful at the 

magnet elementary school. 

“Jackson went to a pre-K program, and 

I was not sure how he would adapt 

from going from that to a kindergarten 

program at a magnet school,” 

Kimberly Tucker said. “I was always 

told magnet schools are a little more 

challenging, and I did not want him 

to face that challenge without having 

some assistance. I asked some friends 

to recommend resources in 

the community.” 

Tucker is a South alumna and works 

as a nurse manager at USA Health 

University Hospital. She also serves 

as an adjunct instructor for the USA 

College of Nursing. She decided to 

enroll her son in tutoring sessions 

at the USA College of Education 

and Professional Studies Literacy 

Center, where program director Joan 

Holland works with K-12 students 

to individualize plans to improve 

reading and writing skills for students 

throughout the community. 

“JACKSON NOW LOVES 

TO LEARN, AND THAT 

HAS TO DO WITH 

THE PEOPLE AT THE 

LITERACY CENTER.” 

“USA is known for being a center of 

excellence in healthcare and education, 

and I feel that I see the same cuttingedge 

type of care that we try to 

provide at the hospital level here at the 

Literacy Center as well,” Tucker said. 

“Seeing how Mrs. Holland has taken 

the time to individualize Jackson’s care 

plan and focus toward the things he’s 

challenged with, has really improved 

his grades. I can really see the 

difference in my son.” 

USA’s Literacy Center, which opened in 

June 2016, also hosts a fun, interactive 

literacy and video production summer 

camp each June. Holland and Dr. 

Joe Gaston, assistant professor in 

the Department of Counseling and 

Instructional Sciences’ Educational 

Media and Technology program, 

coordinate and teach at the camp. 

“The establishment of the Literacy 

Center is the brainchild of Dean Andi 

Kent,” said Holland, who also serves 

as an instructor for the Department of 

Leadership and Teacher Education. 

“It is designed as a community 

outreach program to provide best 

practice literacy instruction and 

educational support to K-12 students 

and families seeking to acquire 

the skills necessary for success 

in academics. It is also a hub for 

advancing the teaching, research 

and service goals of the College of 

Education and Professional Studies.” 

18 


The center offers individual private 

and small group tutoring sessions 

throughout the year. Holland 

coordinates the program, which also 

provides opportunities for College of 

Education and Professional Studies 

students to gain hands-on experience 

outside the classroom. During the 

pandemic, the center continued to 

provide reading and writing tutoring 

sessions, but moved from in-person 

sessions to virtual sessions via Zoom. 

“After face-to-face tutoring ended 

March 17, we moved to online 

sessions with our clients,” Holland said. 

“Relatively little learning time was lost.” 

Holland is passionate about providing 

individualized support for her students. 

“I LOVE PLANNING FOR 

EACH CLIENT BASED ON 

HIS OR HER INDIVIDUAL 

NEEDS AND INTERESTS.” 

“I love planning for each client based 

on his or her individual needs and 

interests,” Holland said. “As clients 

come to the center, we have to learn 

about how they are taught in their 

regular classrooms as well so we are 

able to support school efforts, while 

adding to our clients’ literacy strategies 

tool belts. I would say working with 

parents to provide home support for 

their children is also at the top of my 

list of reasons I love tutoring. Parents 

are so busy these days, and they need 

specific efficient ideas to help build the 

love of literacy at home. We work to 

make real-life connections for parents 

and their children.” 

Jackson is excited to learn and read 

books like ‘Elephant and Piggy,’ 

because of the individualized 

planning and work that the Literacy 

Center provided. 

“Jackson now loves to learn, and that 

has to do with the people at the 

Literacy Center,” Tucker said. “Now, all 

of a sudden, he really wants to do 

it. They are making it fun for him and 

teaching him at the same time. I can 

tell that his reading has improved 

tremendously.” 

Online Reading & Writing Tutoring 

Virtual sessions for K–12 students!* 

Fall session begins August 24, 2020. 

Monday–Thursday 

8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

Assessment & Parent/Student Orientation: $50 

One-Hour Individual Session: $40 

Sessions are limited. Reserve a spot today! 

For more information or to register, 

visit www.SouthAlabama.edu/literacy 

*Contact us to see if in-person sessions are available. 

LITERACY CENTER: JOAN HOLLAND, DIRECTOR 

JMHOLLAND@SOUTHALABAMA.EDU | (251) 380-2891 


Fulfilling 

the “Need for 

Independence” 

Many young adults want to attend 

college to prepare for a future career. 

Brian Davis Jr., 23, of Mobile, was 

no different. His dream of attending 

college became a reality. He was a 

member of the spring 2019 inaugural 

graduating class of the PASSAGE USA 

program, created by the USA College 

of Education and Professional Studies. 

PASSAGE USA stands for Preparing All 

Students Socially and Academically 

for Gainful Employment. The program 

started at South during the spring 

semester of 2017 and serves students 

ages 18-28 who have been diagnosed 

with an intellectual disability. PASSAGE 

USA is a two-year certificate program 

that helps these students become 

more independent. 

“The PASSAGE USA program didn’t 

limit me,” Davis said. “It gave me 

independence.” 

Dr. Abigail Baxter, professor of 

education and principal investigator 

of the PASSAGE USA grant, said the 

program was created to provide a 

supportive academic environment 

along with internship and career 

opportunities. 

“The overall goal of this program is to 

help students like Brian strengthen 

independent living and social skills,” 

Baxter said. “Brian is a huge success 

story, and what he has achieved is 

exemplary.” 

Within one year of studying at South, 

Davis made a big transformation. He 

wanted to work in a service and retail 

industry, and PASSAGE USA was able 

to secure several different jobs for him. 

This strategy prepared Davis for his 

current job at the Sunset Pointe Publix 

location on the corner of Airport and 

PASSAGE USA 

20 


University in Mobile. Davis started at 

South as a basketball assistant for 

the Jags and also held a position at 

the USA Bookstore. Later, he worked 

with Spectrum Resorts at the Beach 

Club at Fort Morgan, Ala. These 

experiences gave Davis the confidence 

to apply for a job at Publix on his own. 

“HIS SELF-ESTEEM 

IMPROVED, AND HE WAS 

ABLE TO SET GOALS AT 

SOUTH AND ACHIEVE 

THEM. AND, NOW WITH HIS 

JOB AT PUBLIX, 

HE’S MOVING THROUGH 

LIFE ON A MISSION.” 

“I enjoy serving others,” Davis said. “At 

Publix, I started working with the carts 

and helping customers take their 

groceries and items to their vehicles. 

Now, I am a full-time cashier. I also 

wipe down the carts and keep them 

sanitized and ready for customer use.” 

Davis’ next goal is to become a 

manager at Publix. He is grateful to his 

managers, Patrick Goode and Sherita 

Williams, who have supported his 

growth as an employee. 

Davis’ parents, Monica and Brian 

Davis Sr., have been his biggest 

supporters. They were told by a doctor 

that their son would never be able to 

live an independent life and would rely 

on them. Davis now has his driver’s 

license, and he drives himself to and 

from work and other places. 

“His confidence level improved when 

he was a student in the PASSAGE USA 

program,” said mom, Monica Davis. 

“His self-esteem improved, and he was 

able to set goals at South and achieve 

them. And, now with his job at Publix, 

he’s moving through life on a mission.” 

Brian Davis Sr. is also grateful for the 

PASSAGE USA program affording his 

son an opportunity to attend college. 

“While in high school, he attended a 

program that had more of a medical 

focus,” Davis said. “But the PASSAGE 

USA program gave my son many 

options. And, PASSAGE USA has helped 

my son realize his dreams. We are so 

proud of him. Our son is on his way to 

fully being able to take care of himself.” 

Alexandra Chanto-Wetter is the 

assistant director of the PASSAGE 

USA program. She and the team at 

PASSAGE USA help students live their 

dreams of independence. In addition 

to the career skills training, Chanto- 

Wetter works with students to improve 

their time management skills. 

“We taught Brian how to make 

informed choices and helped him 

improve his time management skills,” 

Chanto-Wetter said. “He also learned 

how to order his mocha coffee from 

the nearby McDonalds. Brian’s growth 

along with his parents’ support is 

exponential. We hope his story will 

touch others.” 

PASSAGE USA students are now 

eligible for need-based federal 

financial aid as the University 

of South Alabama has been 

designated a comprehensive 

transition and postsecondary 

program for the first time by the 

U.S. Department of Education. 

Students enrolled in the program 

who are maintaining satisfactory 

academic progress may receive 

Federal Pell Grants, Federal 

Supplemental Educational 

Opportunity Grants and Federal 

Work Study programs. 

“This designation now makes 

our program accessible to more 

families, who might not have 

otherwise had the opportunity 

to attend college," said project 

director Dr. Abigail Baxter. 

PASSAGE USA has been successful 

helping its students experience the 

complete college experience and 

now paying for it can potentially 

be a much lower hurdle. 

“I think this gives credence to our 

program, as it has been reviewed 

nationally and approved,” 

Baxter added. 

To contribute to the PASSAGE USA 

scholarship fund, visit 

giving.southalabama.edu/passage. 


ACADEMICS 

Innovation 

in Instruction, 

Technology 

and Service 

Counseling and 

Instructional 

Sciences 

Dr. Pamela Moore 

Helping people learn and grow is 

the mission of the USA College of 

Education and Professional Studies 

Department of Counseling and 

Instructional Sciences. Five faculty 

members have been creative and busy 

supporting students and educators on 

campus and in the local community. 

Assistant professors in the Department 

of Counseling and Instructional 

Sciences Dr. Pamela Moore and 

Dr. Joe Gaston recently added virtual 

reality technology into their training 

and courses. 

“Providing USA students with exposure 

and preliminary training in virtual 

reality now will help them be better 

prepared for this technology as it 

begins to appear in classrooms in the 

very near future,” said Moore, who 

serves as program coordinator for 

educational media and technology at 

South. “This exposure and training may 

also put our students in positions to be 

leaders in this field within their schools.” 

The department acquired two virtual 

reality headsets and hand controllers 

prior to the pandemic and installed 

software in the team-based learning 

Dr. Joe Gaston April Berry 

classroom that will allow students to 

view what someone is seeing inside 

the headset. 

“What is being seen inside the headset 

can now be projected onto all of the 

main screens in the room,” Gaston said. 

“This will allow our students to learn 

about virtual reality and see some of its 

capabilities without every person in the 

room having to wear the equipment. 

This experience will be incorporated 

into our fall classes that meet face to 

face. We also explored ways in which 

students could utilize the tools through 

remote learning.” 

The two professors hope to establish a 

virtual reality lab in the college that will 

be open to students and faculty from 

across the University, as well as K-12 

teachers and others in the community. 

Dr. Ryon C. McDermott is an associate 

professor in the Department of 

Jennifer Barinas 

Counseling and Instructional Sciences 

and associate director of the combined 

clinical and counseling psychology 

Ph.D. program accredited by the 

American Psychological Association. 

McDermott recently served as a 

mentor to two doctoral students, 

April Berry and Jennifer Barinas, 

who received the Southern Regional 

Educational Board (SREB) fellowship. 

The two students are the first and 

second students at South to ever 

receive this honor. 

“I have mentored April and Jennifer 

in their own respective areas of 

research in the context of our lab, 

the Cultural and Individual Differences 

Lab,” McDermott said. “More 

specifically, I have mentored them 

in study design, grant applications, 

preparing manuscripts for publication 

and advanced statistical techniques 

in an effort to help them develop the 

skills needed to become independent 

researchers.” 

The SREB doctoral scholars 

program aims to increase diversity 

among faculty by supporting 

underrepresented minority students as 

they pursue their doctorate degrees. 

22 


“I WANT TO BRING COMPUTATIONAL 

THINKING INTO MIDDLE SCHOOLS 

AND BROADEN STUDENTS’ VIEW OF 

POTENTIAL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES.” 

The program provides its doctoral fellows with career 

mentorship, networking opportunities, an annual training 

institute and financial support in the form of a $20,000 

annual stipend. 

“This experience will allow me to be able to find employment 

in the field of academia, given SREB’s networking 

opportunities,” said Berry, a fourth-year doctoral candidate 

in the combined clinical and counseling psychology 

Ph.D. program and graduate assistant at the University 

Counseling and Testing Center. “It will also allow me to give 

back and contribute funds in the future to an SREB scholar 

so they can have the chance that I had.” 

Barinas, a second-year doctoral student in the combined 

clinical and counseling psychology program, credits 

McDermott for his guidance and help as a mentor. 

“Dr. McDermott is a great professor and mentor,” Barinas 

said. “He always has your research interests and career 

goals in mind, and truly cares about your growth and 

success. I think that the SREB fellowship would not 

have been possible for me without his advice and 

encouragement.” 

Dr. Shenghua Zha, assistant professor in the Department 

of Counseling and Instructional Sciences, was involved in 

teaching students coding and computation reasoning at 

Williamson Prep Academy in Mobile earlier this year. 

“We engaged students in small group projects where they 

learned to code and generated visuals, music and made 

cars to move,” Zha said. “I taught students how to use BBC 

Micro:bit, a pocket-size computing system, to code. I also 

designed and facilitated the project work.” 

More than 50 students from two classes at Williamson Prep 

participated in this weekly project, which ran from January 

through March 2020. 

“I want to bring computational thinking into middle 

schools and broaden students’ view of potential career 

opportunities,” Zha said. “Current computing tools, like the 

BBC Micro:bit, are ‘low threshold, high ceiling,’ meaning 

they do not require users to have prior knowledge. Yet when 

they have prior knowledge, they can do more. These tools 

enable us to do creative projects with students at young 

Dr. Shenghua Zha 

ages and help them experience the direct application of 

computational thinking skills.” 

The job market has shown a deficit of computing workforce, 

which is a reason many states, including Alabama, require 

computing education in K-12 schools. 

“A teacher education program in this subject area is under 

development,” Zha said. “As a technology educator in 

teacher education, K-12 school experience gives me the 

first-hand evidence that I can use to improve the relevant 

curricula in teacher education. That is why I choose the 

coding and computational thinking subjects to teach.” 

Dr. James Van Haneghan, professor and interim chair in the 

Department of Counseling and Instructional Sciences, also 

led a collaborative project to provide training in robotics 

to students at Williamson Prep Academy. Dr. Prakash 

Duraisamy, assistant professor in the School of Computing 

at South, has an interest in computer vision and robotics and 

served as the primary instructor. 

“Dr. Duraisamy and I have over the last year started to 

look at learning analytics by exploring how computer 

vision could be used to examine student engagement 

in the classroom,” Van Haneghan said. “The Williamson 

collaboration arose out of the need to help students 

recognize the power, and ethical implications, of computer 

vision that can be harnessed through robots to carry out a 

number of different tasks.” 

Duraisamy and Van Haneghan received a $10,000 grant 

from Wells Fargo that allowed them to purchase two 

Misty robots. 


“THE GOAL IS TO HELP PREPARE 

THE STUDENTS FOR A FUTURE 

WHERE KNOWLEDGE OF ROBOTICS 

WILL BE UBIQUITOUS.” 

Dr. James Van Haneghan 

“The Misty robot is described by its originators as a 

developer's robot that can be programmed to do a variety 

of real world tasks,” Van Haneghan said. “For example, it can 

be trained in visual recognition of faces, voice recognition 

and wayfinding. Showing the power of this technology 

to high school students and helping them develop some 

competence with it could motivate the students to pursue 

robotics further after they graduate high school.” 

Van Haneghan and Duraisamy began work with 18 

students at Williamson Prep in February 2020, but were 

unable to continue after COVID-19. They hope to return 

during the 2020-2021 school year, and ultimately, help 

students learn the coding necessary to teach the Misty 

robots meaningful tasks. 

Dr. James Stefurak, interim associate dean in the College of 

Education and Professional Studies and associate professor 

in the Department of Counseling and Instructional Sciences, 

has been working with the Mobile Police Department 

Special Victims Unit to conduct data collection analysis as 

part of the Promise Initiative, a program established to 

address the police department’s Sexual Assault Kits (SAK) 

backlog. Beginning in 2015, the MPD applied for and 

received a series of grants from the Department of Justice to 

fund this initiative, which was named the Promise Initiative 

given its goal to fulfill the promise of justice for victims. 

Stefurak has led a research team for the initiative, which 

includes USA College of Arts and Sciences psychology 

professor Dr. Jennifer Langhinrichsen-Rohling and three 

USA clinical and counseling psychology doctoral students. 

As part of the ongoing grant project, the USA team collects 

data on the victims whose SAKs were never submitted and 

document the reasons the DNA evidence was never utilized, 

as well as study the attitudes, well-being and professional 

practices of police officers as it pertains to sexual assault 

crimes. The research team has presented 11 times at 

national conferences and is currently submitting scholarly 

manuscripts on their findings to journals for publication. 

The “SAK backlog,” as it is generally referred to, is a situation 

in many police departments where sexual assault victims’ 

kits are never submitted for potential DNA matching. 

The Mobile Police Department began this effort to address 

their own SAK backlog in partnership with the University of 

South Alabama. 

“The Department of Justice grants for the Promise Initiative in 

Mobile have funded the process of cataloguing unsubmitted 

SAKs, submitting these kits for testing, putting in place new 

practices to prevent the backlog from reoccurring, and 

promoting trauma-informed investigation practices with 

sexual assault victims,” Stefurak said. 

Dr. James Stefurak 

24 


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Health, Kinesiology, 

and Sport 

the Senior Bowl game were personally involved in an actual 

experience where they helped create a game-day questionnaire 

and administered surveys on-site. This bridged the gap toward 

and allowed for a more developed and deeper understanding 

of the way data may be used in real-life situations.” 

Keshock has worked hard over the last decade to research and 

form relationships with organizations to place students at an 

eclectic assortment of professional, amateur and leisure events. 

Service Learning 

and Externally Funded 

Research Projects 

The College of Education and Professional Studies 

Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport’s mission 

is to enhance theory and practice, scholarship and 

service about, in and through human movement, healthy 

living, physical activity and sport. Faculty in the department 

work hard to fulfill this mission by providing students with 

hands-on experiences through service learning 

and research opportunities. 

Dr. Christopher Keshock, pictured above, is an associate 

professor of sport management in the Department of 

Health, Kinesiology, and Sport. Keshock has worked during 

the past 18 years to place students in more than 200 service 

learning opportunities at sport and recreation events along 

the Gulf Coast. 

“Every year, we investigate the possibility of adding new 

opportunities for our students in the community through 

different sport associations, municipal governing bodies and 

sport commissions,” Keshock said. “We also have a nucleus 

of local partner organizations we continue to work with on 

an annual basis.” 

Keshock started the department’s service learning in 2005 

when graduate students assisted in the collection of survey 

data at the Senior Bowl college all-star football game. 

“I soon realized the reciprocal benefits of this experience in 

our classroom discussions, which took place afterwards,” 

Keshock said. “As part of the course learning objectives to 

recognize different types of research methodologies and 

understand database management, students working 

“One year, we had students assist with the timing and scoring of 

the Air Race Classic, a 4-day cross country female-only airplane 

race, which ended at the local Brookley Field,” Keshock said. 

“Over the last few years, we have formed recurring placement 

of students at events such as the NCAA Sand Volleyball 

Championship, Tri-the-Gulf Triathlon, numerous road races 

organized by Little Red Hen Production, Mobile Storm Sports 

Club and of course our University of South Alabama NCAA 

athletic events.” 

Keshock gained sport management experiences and corporate 

business employment both internationally and domestically 

with IBM, Panalpina World Transportation and Soundcom. He 

has athletic administration experience from working for the 

Dutch Baseball and Softball Federation, World Boys Baseball 

Tournament, various intercollegiate athletic departments and 

youth sport clubs. Keshock started work in the sport industry 

playing professional minor league baseball in the Atlanta Braves 

system and winter baseball in Australia. 

“I have always found it necessary to work while attending school 

and competing in sports to develop the knowledge, skills and 

abilities to become more marketable when the time came to 

stop being an athlete,” Keshock said. “As a child, my brother and 

I would tag along with my father, Dr. John D. Keshock, former 

athletic director at John Carroll University, to assist with the 

school’s many intercollegiate sport event preparations and postevent 

tasks, which when I look back on it triggered my interest in 

the field.” 

During the pandemic, the department hopes to provide students 

with new exposure to conflict resolution, risk management, 

operational adjustments and the important practice of event 

policy making and associated procedures. If students are not 

permitted to be on-site at events, Keshock has discussed the 

possibility of event directors participating in Zoom meetings with 

students and for event directors to assign remote responsibilities 

such as event registration, sponsorship packaging and other 

pre-event planning tasks. 

26 


Dr. Neil Schwarz, pictured below, is 

an associate professor of exercise 

science. Schwarz has three active 

externally funded, industrysponsored 

projects in which he is 

serving as the principal investigator. 

Two of the projects are studying 

the efficacy of dietary supplements 

to attenuate exercise-induced 

skeletal muscle damage and 

inflammation. The first of these 

projects, sponsored by DolCas-Tenshi 

Bioceuticals Inc., in the amount 

of $38,000, is to determine the 

effectiveness of a highly bioavailable, 

patented curcumin supplement. 

The second project, sponsored 

by Horphag Research Inc., in the 

amount of $56,000, is to determine 

the effectiveness of a patented 

French maritime pine bark extract, 

Pycnogenol®. 

“Both studies require participants 

to undergo an exercise protocol 

to induce muscle damage and 

inflammation followed by serial 

assessments of blood markers of 

muscle damage and inflammation, 

soreness, edema and muscle function 

over several days,” Schwarz said. 

The third project is studying 

the effects of eight weeks of 

supplementation with a patented 

form of butyrate, called CoreBiome®, 

on gastrointestinal symptoms, 

microbiota composition and blood 

markers of systemic inflammation 

and gastrointestinal function. The 

project is funded by Compound 

Solutions, Inc., in the amount of 

$196,000. 

“Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid 

formed from dietary soluble fiber by 

the bacteria that live in our colon,” 

Schwarz said. “Butyrate is purported 

as beneficial for the health of our 

gut by acting as a fuel source for 

our intestinal cells. Butyrate is also 

implicated in the regulation of 

systemic inflammation and oxidation 

among other functions, including 

skeletal muscle metabolism.” 

“A MAJOR PROBLEM 

WITH THE NUTRITION 

AND EXERCISE SCIENCE 

INDUSTRY IS THE WAY 

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS 

ARE PORTRAYED AS A 

MAGIC PILL OR PANACEA.” 

The project sponsored by DolCas-Tenshi 

Bioceutical is currently in the data analysis 

phase. Blood samples from this study 

were analyzed in the biochemical and 

molecular biology lab in the Health, 

Kinesiology, and Sport building on 

campus at South earlier this year. 

“During the blood analysis process, 

I served as the directed studies faculty 

mentor for Sri Prahadeeswaran, a 

biomedical sciences graduate from South 

who is now a student at the UAB School of 

Medicine,” Schwarz said. “The opportunity 

to help with blood analyses allowed Sri to 

apply laboratory techniques learned in 

his biochemistry laboratory course at 

USA to generate real-world data to be 

used for publication in a peer-reviewed 

research journal.” 

Recruitment of participants and data 

collection for the projects sponsored 

by Horphag Research and Compound 

Solutions are expected to begin during 

the fall semester. 

Schwarz has worked at the University 

for more than six years. His passion 

for research and exercise science has 

driven his involvement in more than five 

externally funded grant projects and 

many more internally funded and nonfunded 

projects. 

“I became interested in exercise, 

particularly resistance exercise, during 

high school,” Schwarz said. “My earliest 

experiences with structured exercise 

were as part of training for basketball. 

During this time, I found myself becoming 

increasingly interested in how exercise 

can cause physiological and structural 

changes in the human body.” Schwarz 

received his undergraduate degree in 

nutritional sciences, which helped him 

appreciate the intimate link between diet 

and exercise. 

“A major problem with the nutrition and 

exercise science industry is the way 

dietary supplements are portrayed as 

a magic pill or panacea,” Schwarz said. 

“Many times, the claims made to support 

the use of certain dietary supplements 

or nutritional strategies are based on 

plausible theoretical constructs for how 

they may augment health or exercise 

performance. However, our bodies consist 

of complex physiological processes that 

don’t always respond in accordance with 

these theories. It is crucial that dietary 

supplements and nutritional strategies 

are empirically tested for effectiveness 

and safety.” 


Hospitality 

and Tourism 

Management 

Bringing Southern 

Hospitality to Saudi Arabia 

Raed Alsulami (pictured right) is one 

of the first two graduates to receive 

a degree in hospitality and tourism 

management at the University of South 

Alabama. Alsulami was promoted to 

assistant manager earlier this year 

for the main restaurant at the Ritz- 

Carlton Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 

called the Al Orjouan, the top-ranked 

restaurant by TripAdvisor in the city 

capital of Saudi Arabia. 

Alsulami always dreamed of being a 

leader in the hospitality and tourism 

industry. He credits a friend who 

suggested the University of South 

Alabama when the hospitality and 

tourism management degree program 

was first announced. Even though 

home was Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the 

weather in Mobile was familiar and 

Alsulami was up for the challenge. 

He moved to Alabama in August 

2012 and began his journey as a 

student at South. 

While at the University, Alsulami 

knew he needed to gain handson 

experience early on and took 

advantage of the department’s 

internship program by working at 

The Grand Marriott Hotel & Resorts in 

Point Clear. 

“The USA hospitality and tourism 

management department always 

recognizes and offers students unique 

and wonderful experiences,” Alsulami 

said, recognizing the director of the 

Hospitality and Tourism Workforce 

Innovation Alliance. “Dr. Evelyn 

Green invested so much time in 

my development as a student and 

professional. I remember one day, 

Dr. Green extended her office hours 

just to give me more energy about 

the field and tell me how amazing I 

would do. Also, I cannot forget when 

I saw Dr. Robert Thompson’s proud 

look on his face at graduation as I 

represented one of the first of two HTM 

graduates. I try to stay in touch with my 

USA professors, and I always receive 

positive career mentoring through my 

LinkedIn platform with Dr. Thompson, 

even to this day.” 

More than 70 students have graduated 

from the University with a bachelor’s in 

hospitality and tourism management 

since the department’s creation in fall 

of 2015. 

“Hospitality and tourism is one of the 

largest and fastest-growing sectors 

in the world, and as a result, there is 

incredible workforce demand for our 

industry regionally, nationally and 

globally,” said Thompson, chair of 

hospitality and tourism management. 

“Our scholar-practitioner faculty are 

focused on imparting workforce 

readiness education for successful 

workplace immersion of our students 

wherever they reside. As a result, 

our department is one of the fastest 

growing on campus.” 

Alsulami has set an example for current 

and future hospitality and tourism 

management students, and it is his 

passion to encourage others to study 

hard as he did to become leading 

professionals across the world. 

“HOSPITALITY AND 

TOURISM IS ONE OF THE 

LARGEST AND FASTEST- 

GROWING SECTORS 

IN THE WORLD.” 

“The future of leading the hospitality 

segment globally is on your way down 

the road,” Alsulami said. “Get ready to 

accept challenges, and do not forget to 

have fun.” 

Alsulami’s short-term goals include 

launching a new software called 

Taskeen, which provides property 

management capabilities that help 

reach all operational needs of hotel 

service. His long-term goals include 

writing his first book that explains 

how Arabian hospitality-based 

concepts dramatically enhance 

international standards with a 

unique flavor of service. 

28 


Mobile Strong in 

Hospitality and 

Tourism Certification 

The city of Mobile is known for 

Southern hospitality, where every 

visitor is treated like family and the 

spirit of service embodies the phrase 

‘neighbors helping neighbors.’ 

“It was in this spirit that Mobile Mayor 

Sandy Stimpson reached out to his 

partners, the University of South 

Alabama and Visit Mobile, to create 

uplifting and upskilling training 

opportunities for our ‘neighbors’ in 

the hospitality and tourism industry 

who were gravely impacted by the 

COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Robert 

Thompson, chair in the Department of 

Hospitality and Tourism Management. 

Hospitality and Tourism 

Workforce Summit 

Leaders of the Gulf Coast’s hospitality 

and tourism industry discussed ways 

to increase and train the area’s 

workforce during the University of 

South Alabama’s 4th Annual Hospitality 

and Tourism Workforce Summit held 

March 2020 at the Mississippi Gulf 

Coast Community College (MGCCC) 

Jefferson Davis campus in Gulfport. 

The workforce summit was organized 

by the USA Hospitality and Tourism 

Workforce Innovation Alliance, a unit 

of the USA Office of Research and 

Economic Development supported 

by the College of Education and 

Professional Studies. MGCCC, an 

educational partner for USA’s 

Hospitality and Tourism Management 

program and Pathway USA, co-hosted 

the event. Themed “Through the 

Looking Glass: A Futuristic Outlook on 

Hospitality and Tourism Workforce,” the 

summit focused on industry trends and 

technologies that will affect change 

in workforce competencies, talent 

recruitment, training and development, 

and workforce retention and 

sustainability in the Gulf Coast region. 

More than 200 hospitality executives 

and professionals attended the event, 

which included a Serving Southern 

Hospitality: A Customer Service 

Excellence certification through USA; 

an opening keynote address by 

Laura Lee, senior vice president of 

human resources for MGC Resorts 

International, Las Vegas; a closing 

keynote address by Ben Koff, president 

and owner of Hidden Upside, Las 

Vegas; and various panel and 

breakout sessions. In addition, 

industry chefs worked with culinary 

students from Mississippi and Alabama 

coastal high schools and community 

colleges to mentor and showcase 

future culinary talents. 

The USA Hospitality and Tourism 

Workforce Innovation Alliance 

designed the Mobile Strong in 

Hospitality and Tourism Certification 

to help workers who had either been 

furloughed or laid off due to the 

pandemic to take advantage of the 

down-time to reflect on their career 

goals. The certification provided 

free-of-charge learning opportunities 

to more than 100 participants who 

were able to earn a certificate of 

completion from South by completing 

five online courses. Courses included 

information on topics such as talent 

risk and good fit assessment, new 

career paths, hospitality and tourism 

job offerings, tourism knowledge 

about Mobile, and self-care to 

financial wellness. In addition, 

participants who took the “Culture 

and Tourism in Mobile” course 

earned a Mobile Strong Ambassador 

certificate of recognition from 

Visit Mobile. 

A virtual job, education information 

and networking fair was held 

at the conclusion of the Mobile 

Strong certification training. The 

event showcased Mobile industry 

partners, highlighted employment 

opportunities, shared information 

about organizations and what they 

are looking for in regard to employees 

in the post-COVID-19 world. 


Integrative 

Studies 

Internship Capstone 

Students Excel During 

Pandemic 

The USA College of Education and Professional Studies 

Department of Integrative Studies offers an internship 

capstone course for students in the interdisciplinary studies 

and educational studies bachelor’s programs. The internship 

course offers a unique, real-world opportunity for students 

to develop managerial and interpersonal skills, balanced 

between theory and practice. 

“The purpose of the internship experience is to allow for 

the application of these concepts and give the student 

supervised practical experience in a setting related to 

the student's professional and personal goals and 

ambitions,” said Dr. Eric Moody, assistant professor of 

interdisciplinary studies. 

Interns in the integrative studies program gain experiences 

through a variety of organizations. Recently approved 

internships have been with non-profits, local government 

agencies and local and regional businesses. The flexibility 

inherent in the program allows students to explore and 

secure a wide-range of internship site possibilities. 

Sheldonna Chappell (pictured above) is an educational 

studies August 2020 graduate and recently completed an 

internship at the Waterfront Rescue Mission in Mobile. 

“Moving from Fort Payne, Ala., to Mobile was a very 

interesting experience because I came down here knowing 

absolutely no one,” said Chappell, who played basketball, 

volleyball and ran track at Fort Payne High School. “I knew 

of people on the track team at South, but I didn’t actually 

have a friendship. To me, it is the best thing that I have ever 

done. I got to experience and make friends that I didn’t 

know I would.” 

While in high school, Chappell was MVP three years in 

track, state champ in the 100 meter dash and played on 

the all-conference winning basketball team. While at South, 

Chappell ran on the track team for two years and served as 

a student coach for two years. 

“Being a student-athlete at South was so liberating,” 

Chappelll said. “Just being able to wear the uniform and to 

continue the sport that I love so much was so much fun.” 

“BOTH OF MY AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES 

HAVE AFFECTED ME IN A LOT OF 

DIFFERENT WAYS PHYSICALLY AND 

MENTALLY. I’VE HAD TO WORK THROUGH 

A LOT TO BE WHERE I AM TODAY.” 

Chappell was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in 

2014 called Sjogren’s. Last year, she battled with her health 

and had an abdominal wall that required major surgery. 

“I didn’t really get many results, but the one thing I found 

out is I also have an autoimmune disease called lupus,” 

Chappell said. “Both of my autoimmune diseases have 

affected me in a lot of different ways physically and 

mentally. I’ve had to work through a lot to be where I am 

today. Last year, I had to go home because I had so many 

surgeries, and it helped my mind refocus on my grades and 

what I wanted to do after I got out of college.” 

Chappell started her internship at the Waterfront Rescue 

Mission earlier this summer, and completed her experience 

virtually through the pandemic. 

30 


“I was able to help with financial 

literacy, job literacy and some 

regular literacy,” Chappell said. 

“I made videos to help the men at 

the facility learn how to balance a 

checkbook and how to use Indeed 

in a proper way to find jobs. Even 

though I want to be a K-6 teacher, 

I also learned the diligence of how 

to speak to and teach adults.” 

Chappell hopes to start graduate 

school at South in the fall and wants 

to be involved in athletics as a coach 

in the future. “I think coaches have a 

special place in many of their athletes' 

lives and they help children more than 

they realize. Coaching is a way to 

teach but to also help and guide 

young people.” 

Katy Holt (pictured below) graduated 

August 2020 with a bachelor’s degree 

in interdisciplinary studies and 

completed an internship with the 

City of Gulf Shores SPARC program. 

The SPARC concept is designed for 

Strengthening Potential through 

Arts, Recreation and Culture by 

providing youth a safe and supportive 

environment. Staff members are 

devoted to carrying out the SPARC 

mission while delivering fun, hands-on 

experiences for youth in the community. 

The beginning of Holt’s internship 

was filled with painting, organizing 

chairs, desks and supplies. However, 

the pandemic brought challenges for 

the experience. 

“On June 17, we got the news that 

SPARC would not happen this summer,” 

Holt said. “I was so bummed and 

concerned that I would not be able to 

continue with the internship. Amanda, 

the director of the program, was 

amazing. She kept me busy within the 

same department working on afterschool 

programs for the upcoming 

school year and planning for next 

summer's camp field trips 

and activities.” 

Holt began her college journey in 2001 

at Troy and moved back to Gulf Shores. 

Years later, she decided to attend 

South Alabama to finish her degree. 

“My internship taught me to ‘roll with 

the punches,’” Holt said. “I learned 

that scheduling for children's summer 

camps and education is extremely 

time consuming and important. I have 

learned that teamwork is vital when 

coming up with new and exciting 

activities for youth programs.” 

Holt plans to be a business 

development manager with a rental 

management company. 

“I was not a traditional college student,” 

Holt said. “I am 36 years old, with two 

children and a loving husband. 

My free time is active to say the least.” 

Holt said COVID-19 has changed 

everything in her life, both 

professionally and educationally. 

“The pandemic has taught us that we 

are all a lot stronger than we were 

before this all started. The uncertainty 

has been extremely challenging and 

has made me appreciate things that I 

did not think about before. I appreciate 

the director of my internship site. She 

was amazing in finding daily tasks to 

help me fill my hours. I know that it 

was all worth it and feel excited for 

the future.” 

“IT HAS TAUGHT US 

THAT WE ARE ALL A 

LOT STRONGER THAN 

WE WERE BEFORE 

THIS ALL STARTED. 

THE UNCERTAINTY 

HAS BEEN EXTREMELY 

CHALLENGING AND HAS 

MADE ME APPRECIATE 

THINGS THAT I DID NOT 

THINK ABOUT BEFORE.” 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT 

THE INTEGRATIVE STUDIES 

INTERNSHIP CAPSTONE 

COURSE, VISIT 

SOUTHALABAMA.EDU/IST 


COVID-19 Challenges 

Educators to be Innovative 

in Hard Times 

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged educators throughout the 

world. The College of Education and Professional Studies reached out 

to Department of Leadership and Teacher Education alumni to share 

their experiences and words of encouragement. 

Courteney Thompson (pictured right) graduated in 2017 from the 

College of Education and Professional Studies with a bachelor’s in 

elementary education (K-6) and collaborative teacher education. 

Thompson is currently a graduate student at South in the elementary 

education program. She has taught kindergarten at Griggs Elementary 

for three years. 

“THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE WAS NOT 

ONLY TAKING CARE OF MY STUDENTS, 

BUT PREPARING WELL PLANNED 

LESSONS TO BROADCAST ONLINE AND 

ON TELEVISION FOR KINDERGARTEN 

STUDENTS IN MOBILE COUNTY.” 

Thompson shared that her school adjusted during the pandemic 

according to their students' specific needs. “We know our students and 

parents very well, and we knew that we needed more than one way to 

provide them with instruction and resources during this pandemic. Along 

with blended learning instruction, we also offered a weekly STAR TV that 

provided updates and information for parents during this time. We also 

utilized great tech apps such as Google Classroom and SeeSaw.” 

During the spring semester, Thompson taught on mcpssTV, an 

opportunity for local students in grades Pre-K through 11 to watch 

lessons taught by master teachers online and on TV. Thirty of 

Thompson’s lessons were broadcast on Comcast (channel 15), AT&T 

U-verse (on-demand channel 99), Mediacom (channel 81), Roku boxes, 

Fox 10’s channel 10.6, WJTC’s UTV 44, and MCPSS Facebook Live. 

“The biggest challenge was not only taking care of my students, but 

preparing well-planned lessons to broadcast online and on television 

for kindergarten students in Mobile County,” Thompson said. “Shortly 

after broadcasting started, we received emails from parents who were 

watching in Baldwin County and even in neighboring states. It was 

critical to make sure every lesson was purposeful and provided an 

attainable learning target.” 

LEADERSHIP AND 

TEACHER EDUCATION 

32 


Photo courtesy of Mobile County Public Schools 


South alumnus Eddie Tyler has served as superintendent 

for Baldwin County Public Schools since 2015. Tyler is 

a veteran of Baldwin County Public Schools, having 

served 25 years in the school system before he became 

superintendent of the Eufaula City School System in 

February 2012. In his tenure as an educator, Tyler has served 

as a teacher, bus driver, assistant coach, athletic director, 

and head football, baseball, soccer, tennis and track coach. 

He has also served as an assistant principal for seven years, 

a high school principal for five years, and for four years, 

prior to Eufaula, as assistant superintendent of the Baldwin 

County School System. 

Tyler worked at the end of the 2019-2020 school year as an 

encouraging leader to move instruction fully online. “First, 

Baldwin County Public Schools have been blessed to have 

a school board that understands the importance of oneon-one 

technology. If all students had not had a device to 

use at home, our job would have been much more difficult. 

Additionally, our teachers went above and beyond. They 

scheduled ‘office time’ for parents and called all students 

once a week to provide instructional help. It has definitely 

been a team effort from all levels within our system.” 

Managing WiFi access for students was the greatest 

challenge for Tyler during the last school year. “To 

make sure every child had the same opportunity, my 

curriculum team prepared paper packets for middle and 

high school students. That way, if a child did not have the 

internet access or if they simply felt more comfortable with 

the paper option, it was available. We also purchased 

workbooks for K-6 students.” 

Stephanie Moye is a South alumna and Noyce Scholar who 

currently serves as a math teacher and assistant volleyball 

coach at Saraland High School. Moye shared her 

experiences and the challenges she overcame during the 

quick switch to online learning in March 2020. 

“It was an interesting adjustment trying to teach my students 

solely through online resources,” Moye said. “We were asked 

to personally contact each student to check on them and 

discuss the remainder of the year. We were asked to attempt 

this contact multiple times. While this was a big job to tackle, 

I am so thankful we did this. I was able to know how each 

student was doing personally and explain expectations and 

resources for the remainder of the year. We also mailed 

everything to each student.” 

Moye teaches “Algebra 2 with Trigonometry” and “Dual 

Enrollment Elementary Statistics,” which can be challenging 

courses for students. She was creative in finding tools to 

teach students math online via Zoom. “I was able to help 

them in real time and answer specific questions, not just 

record a lesson and hope it made sense. Then, I learned 

about screensharing. I was able to teach my students 

through a shared screen with a document camera. 

“I ALWAYS TELL MY STUDENTS 

THAT MY TEACHING MANTRA IS 

‘BE FLEXIBLE,’ BUT I TRULY SEE 

HOW FLEXIBLE OUR FACULTY 

AND STUDENTS CAN BE AND THE 

EXTENT TO WHICH FACULTY HAVE 

GONE TO ENSURE THAT QUALITY 

INSTRUCTION CONTINUES.” 

I would be talking to them, working a problem, and looking 

at their faces on small screens. They would be able to hear 

me, watch what I was doing at that moment, and ask 

questions. It was as close to a real classroom experience 

as we could get. ” 

Dr. Jeremiah Newell, a South alumnus who serves as 

superintendent of Mobile Area Education Foundation 

Public Charter Schools, said his team at Acceleration 

(ACCEL) Day and Evening Academy also worked creatively 

to overcome challenges during the pandemic. ACCEL Day 

and Evening Academy is a school that utilizes blended 

learning to help students move at their own pace. While the 

pandemic came as an unexpected disruption to normal 

operations, the faculty and staff quickly redeployed laptops 

and designed virtual learning courses. 

“Over the course of just a few days, we were able to 

reconnect with 100 percent of our scholars,” Newell said. 

“We tracked engagement weekly and found that 83 

percent of our students were completing work on time. 

I am proud to say that our course passage did not drop 

during the pandemic, and we saw a record graduation 

rate for the school year. This happened because our team of 

educators were dedicated to student success, and we had 

clear systems of communication to keep everyone on the 

same page.” 

ACCEL is Alabama’s first tuition-free public charter 

school that serves high school students in grades 9-12 

from Mobile, Baldwin and Washington counties. Many 

of the students at ACCEL have struggled to be engaged in 

the traditional school environment, and the staff works 

hard to keep students motivated by creating a warm, 

supportive atmosphere. 

34 


Byrd said the transition to fully online 

courses brought new challenges of 

engaging students in constructivist 

mathematical learning. 

“We know every student,” Newell 

said. “We know their goals and their 

challenges, and we take a personal 

interest in seeing each child find 

success. Translating this school 

environment to the virtual setting was 

the biggest challenge. Our teachers 

and counselors were constantly calling, 

emailing, text messaging and hosting 

live class sessions and one-on-one 

counseling sessions to keep that warm 

environment present for students 

during these stressful times.” 

Leadership and Teacher 

Education Courses 

Move Fully Online 

During Pandemic 

Many courses in the USA College 

of Education and Professional 

Studies were offered online prior to 

the pandemic. However, courses 

like “Teaching Mathematics,” require 

hands-on, inquiry-based learning 

experiences and are typically taught 

in person. 

“Most of our faculty do not teach 

exclusively online, and we have 

multiple sections of many courses,” 

said Dr. Susan Santoli, chair of the 


Teacher Education. “A total of 97 

sections of courses were moved 

online during the spring 2020 semester, 

which involved 558 students. This past 

summer, 47 sections of courses were 

offered fully online.” 

Transitioning courses online so quickly 

was a challenge for the department, 

and faculty worked hard to provide 

quality instruction. 

“Courses in the art and music education 

programs were moved online, and 

there are really exceptional challenges 

in doing that,” Santoli said. “The USA 

Innovation in Learning Center was just 

remarkable in the quick response in 

assisting faculty to online instruction 

and to the new course management 

system, and we had tremendous 

support from our dean.” 

“Teaching Mathematics” focuses on 

research-based, effective methods 

of teaching mathematics to K-6 

students. Throughout the course, 

teacher candidates apply principles 

and theories of teaching mathematics 

to design and implement mathematics 

lessons and integrated STEM lessons in 

the elementary classroom. 

“The central focus of these lessons is 

to develop conceptual understanding, 

procedural fluency, and mathematical 

reasoning through the use of handson, 

inquiry-based learning,” said Dr. 

Kelly Byrd, assistant professor in the 


Teacher Education. “This is modeled 

during class meetings with the use 

of concrete and virtual mathematics 

manipulatives and tools to solve reallife 

problems working collaboratively in 

small groups.” 

“Every class meeting that was 

scheduled for the remainder of the 

semester included the modeling of 

and engaging students in lessons 

focused on mathematical problemsolving 

using concrete manipulatives 

like base-10 blocks, fraction strips, 

geoboards, etc., analyzing student 

work to plan for instruction, and 

each class working collaboratively 

in small groups. I transitioned class 

PowerPoints to interactive Google 

Slides for each class presentation, 

allowing individuals and groups to 

share their work. I brought home each 

type of concrete manipulative that we 

were planning to use in the classroom. 

I modeled concepts using the concrete 

manipulatives, added pictures to 

my Google Slides, then used virtual 

manipulatives during the synchronous 

Zoom class meetings.” 

Since this transition to fully online, 

Byrd has participated in numerous 

online professional development 

opportunities focused on digital 

learning tools such as Nearpod, Pear 

Deck, FlipGrid and Google Classroom. 

She worked to integrate new tools 

into her online ‘Instructional Planning’ 

course this past summer, and said she’s 

realizing how much more engaging 

fully online classes can be. 

“I always tell my students that my 

teaching mantra is ‘be flexible,’ but I 

truly see how flexible our faculty and 

students can be and the extent to 

which faculty have gone to ensure that 

quality instruction continues,” Santoli 

said. “I read an article that discussed 

developing ‘agile’ instruction, which 

can occur in different modes and 

mediums to adjust to life circumstances, 

and I believe that our agility is 

extraordinary. I cannot thank our 

faculty enough for their commitment 

during this time.” 


FIELD SERVICES 

South Student 

Teachers Get 

Creative to 

Complete 

Requirements 

COVID-19 presented a challenge for 

University of South Alabama College 

of Education and Professional Studies 

spring 2020 graduating students 

who typically partner with local K-12 

teachers to complete hands-on 

teaching experiences in person as part 

of their degree requirements. 

“The students at South maintained 

composure and focus during this time,” 

said Jennifer Simpson, director of the 

USA Office of Field Services. “Though 

there were challenges early on while 

determining the best course of action 

for continuing and completing their 

pre-service training, our students 

worked diligently to prepare and 

present lessons in tandem with their 

cooperating teachers.” 

USA student teachers learned 

to incorporate varied student 

engagement platforms such as 

Nearpod and Pear Deck into their 

online lesson design and worked to 

gain familiarity with Google 

Classroom, Freckle and other 

organizational tools with which they 

could assist cooperating teachers and 

their students. 

“USA student teachers developed 

lessons through recorded and 

live presentations that could be 

shared with classroom teachers for 

dissemination to larger audiences 

or even to diverse small groups of 

children,” Simpson said. “To replicate 

the classroom setting, pre-service 

teachers hung anchor charts 

around their apartments, collected 

manipulatives from items around 

their homes and utilized the toys and 

collectibles of their own children as 

teaching tools.” 

36 


Mobile County Public Schools partnered with the College 

of Education and Professional Studies to provide an 

opportunity for four South student teachers to co-teach 

lessons on live television with cooperating teachers from 

local schools. Adriana Gregory (K-6 Teacher Education), 

Gilliane Sharpe (K-6 Teacher Education), Jimmerlee 

Williams (K-6 Teacher Education) and Kelsea Kyser 

(Secondary Education) were selected to participate through 

nominations from USA faculty and field supervisors. These 

students earned their bachelor’s degrees in May 2020. 

“We are excited about this partnership between Mobile 

County Public School System and the University of South 

Alabama,” said MCPSS Superintendent Chresal D. Threadgill. 

“We feel this opportunity allowed USA teacher interns to have 

real-life experience during this unprecedented time 

in education.” 

The four South students taught lessons on mcpssTV, and 

the lessons were broadcast on Comcast (channel 15), AT&T 

U-verse (on-demand channel 99), Mediacom (channel 81), 

Roku boxes, Fox 10’s channel 10.6, WJTC’s UTV 44 and MCPSS 

Facebook Live. 

“I am thankful for this experience because, even though it 

was not under the best circumstances, it shows the county's 

willingness to reach as many students as possible by 

televising the lessons for students who may not be getting 

them otherwise,” said Gregory, who worked Kristin Mahtani, 

a curriculum specialist with MCPSS. 

Gregory prepared for her presentation by virtually meeting 

and planning with Mahtani the week prior to going live. 

Gregory presented a math lesson to fifth graders based on 

adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. 

“Mrs. Mahtani suggested that I show two different strategies 

to solve these problems,” Gregory said. “For this reason, 

I included both the number line strategy as well as the 

standard algorithm for solving addition or subtraction 

equations with unlike denominators. I started with a little 

brain teaser to help refresh and challenge the students' 

minds. Although they have done fraction work in the past, 

I'm sure it has been a while since they've done what we did 

during our lesson.” 

Sharpe worked with Ashley Nolan, a South alumna that 

serves as a second grade teacher at Griggs Elementary. 

The two taught a second grade reading lesson, which 

included reading the book “Peanut Butter and Cupcake" 

(pictured left). 

“I enjoyed having the opportunity to collaborate with Gilliane 

Sharpe on a second grade reading lesson,” Nolan said. 

“There is nothing like being thrown in front of a camera to 

make you step outside of your comfort zone as an educator, 

and Gilliane did a phenomenal job.” 

“I AM THANKFUL FOR THIS 

EXPERIENCE BECAUSE, EVEN 

THOUGH IT WAS NOT UNDER 

THE BEST CIRCUMSTANCES, 

IT SHOWS THE COUNTY'S 

WILLINGNESS TO REACH 

AS MANY STUDENTS AS 

POSSIBLE BY TELEVISING 

THE LESSONS FOR STUDENTS 

WHO MAY NOT BE GETTING 

THEM OTHERWISE.” 

“Mrs. Nolan and I talked about friendship to launch our 

lesson,” Sharpe said. “Next, we read the book, questioning 

students in order to prepare them for the ‘game’ following 

the book. Upon completing the book, we focused our 

attention to the board where we had a Candyland board set 

up. As we took turns moving through the game, each stop 

had a comprehension question. These questions allowed us 

to recount the story and finally, determine the lesson of the 

book. After the lesson, Mrs. Nolan and I did cupcake cheers 

to friendship. This was the lesson that Peanut Butter, the 

main character in the book, learned in the story.” 

The future of online and virtual learning is unknown, 

but South graduates are prepared for many situations. 

“The potential of online and virtual presentations is limitless,” 

Simpson said. “Our students can feel confident streaming 

lessons to groups of students who may be unable to 

physically attend school, supporting the education of those 

homebound or hospitalized through cooperative efforts 

with a homebound educator. Certainly, nothing can take 

the place of face-to-face connections with students, but our 

students were able to see teachers who make students feel 

as if they are right there with them, all while maintaining 

relationships and encountering classroom activities with the 

praise and affirmation needed to ensure students succeed.” 


Office of Adult 

Learner Services 

University-Wide 

Support for 

Adult Learners 

The University of South Alabama 

created the Office of Adult Learner 

Services (OALS) in 2018 to serve 

non-traditional, adult learners in 

applying for admission and financial 

aid, making University community 

connections, selecting a major, 

locating advisors, navigating online 

learning and completing the process 

for graduation. OALS, although 

housed in the College of Education 

and Professional Studies, serves as 

a University-wide initiative to reach 

adults pursuing any degree program 

at South. 

“WE WANT TO HELP 

EVERY STUDENT 

IDENTIFY THE 

EDUCATIONAL 

EXPERIENCE THAT WILL 

FIT WITH THEIR LIFE 

AND WORK FOR THEM 

TO BE SUCCESSFUL.” 

“We had so much interest in the 

office’s services and have supported 

many students since 2018,” said Dr. 

Paige Vitulli, chair of the Department 

of Integrative Studies who served as 

interim director of OALS until October 

2019. ”I’m so happy to have a 

full-time director in place to reach 

more students.” 

According to Bob Charlebois (pictured 

above), the current director of OALS, 

the office serves a diverse student 

body providing guidance and support 

that is tailored to each student. “We 

provide adult and non-traditional 

students with a supportive entry or reentry 

point into higher education. 

Two major reasons that adults do 

not return to school are either a bad 

previous experience with higher 

education or just general fear of 

being unprepared or out of place.” 

Charlebois said he works to provide 

concierge services to meet the 

individual needs of each student. 

“A retiree deciding to complete his or 

her bachelor’s degree for personal 

enrichment needs different support 

than a 23-year-old who has children, 

works full time and seeks a bachelor’s 

degree in order to get ahead at work 

or to get a higher paying job. We want 

to help every student identify 

the educational experience that will 

fit with their life and work for them to 

be successful.” 

OALS has adopted the motto of 

‘Navigate, educate, graduate.’ 

Their goal is to support adult and 

non-traditional students with the 

answers and resources they need 

from initial contact until they walk 

across the stage at graduation. 

Alpha Sigma Lambda 

Honor Society 

The USA Chapter of Alpha Sigma 

Lambda is not only the oldest, 

but also the largest, chapter-based 

honor society for full and part-time 

students. Its purpose is to recognize 

academically outstanding adult 

and non-traditional students in 

higher education. 

Rosie Rogers (over, left) graduated 

May 2020 as a member of Alpha 

Sigma Lambda and earned a 

bachelor’s degree in hospitality and 

tourism management. When Rogers 

found out that her previous college 

credits would be transferable and 

that South had created a hospitality 

program, she jumped at 

the opportunity. 

“Even at my age, I have an insane 

desire to have my parents be proud 

of me,” Rogers said. “My only regret 

is that my father did not live to see 

me graduate. Words cannot describe 

the joy and pride of my 89-year-old 

mother when she saw me in my cap 

and gown. Plus, I wanted to show my 

children what the value of a college 

degree can do for you.” 

38 


Rogers said she never felt like the 

odd person out. “I always blended right 

in. But I never received any special 

treatment because of my age. 

I was required to complete 

assignments just like everyone else. 

I spent many late nights yawning, 

drinking coffee and getting papers 

typed and ready for submission.” 

Rogers is a word processing 

specialist in the Department of 

Radiology at USA Health and works 

as a part-time concierge in the Club 

Lounge at the Renaissance Riverview 

Plaza Hotel in downtown Mobile. “This 

degree will show my employer that 

I am a determined person. It takes 

dedication, determination and guts 

to decide to go back to college after 

more than 30 years. It shows that I am 

willing to put in the work necessary to 

get the job done.” 

Michael House (below, middle) earned 

a bachelor’s degree in marketing 

with a concentration in supply chain 

management from South in May 2020 

as a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda. 

House had previous work experience 

in truck dispatching and transportation 

and felt a supply chain management 

degree would help further advance his 

career in logistics. 

“I chose South because of the great 

reputation they have in the northern 

Gulf Coast region, flexibility in class 

schedules and affordability,” 

House said. 

“IT TAKES DEDICATION, 

DETERMINATION AND 

GUTS TO DECIDE TO 

GO BACK TO COLLEGE 

AFTER MORE THAN 30 

YEARS. IT SHOWS THAT 

I AM WILLING TO PUT IN 

THE WORK NECESSARY 

TO GET THE JOB DONE.” 

House encourages others who are 

considering a bachelor's degree. 

“Go for it. South has some of the most 

knowledgeable and caring instructors.” 

House is from Mobile and currently 

works as the yard supervisor at 

European Metal Recycling. He 

hopes his degree leads to career 

advancement in either industrial 

management or logistics. 

House credits his instructors for 

being encouraging and helpful 

along the way. “I had three classes 

with Dr. Zach Finney. He always had 

the best analogies and examples that 

made concepts easy to understand 

and remember.” 

Emmalee Winston (below, right) 

earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise 

science from South in May 2020 as 

a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda. 

Winston chose exercise science to learn 

more about her current field of work. 

“As a massage therapist, I am very 

interested in human movement, 

specifically the mechanics and 

physiology behind it,” Winston said. 

“I chose South because of its stellar 

programs, small class sizes, and 

proximity to my home.” 

Winston is from Biloxi and works as the 

lead massage therapist at Senses Spa 

at IP Casino. 

“South is a great university with 

wonderful, caring professors and not 

too far from lovely beaches,” Winston 

said. “This degree gives me a strong 

base of knowledge and greater 

understanding in my current career 

field, with greater opportunities to 

expand upon said knowledge.” 

Winston has several memorable 

experiences from her time at South, 

and one day stands out to her the most. 

“My most memorable experience at 

South was when Dr. Gurchiek brought 

his basset hound named Magdalene 

to class on an exam day. It really made 

my day.” 

To learn how to become a member of the 

USA Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor 

Society, contact advisor Bob Charlebois at 

rjcharlebois@southalabama.edu. 


Faculty and Staff 

Welcoming 

New Faculty 

DR. JOSHUA KELLER 

Health, Kinesiology, 

and Sport 

DR. DANNY MCCARTY 



Meet the College’s 2020 

Faculty and Staff Awardees 

Vicky Burtt received the USA College of 

Education and Professional Studies 2020 

Gerry Jean Clark Exemplary Staff Award. 

Burtt has worked at South for 19 years 

and in the College of Education and 

Professional Studies for the last 13 years. 

She is dedicated and committed, always 

having a smile on her face. 

“Vicky offers valuable input and has 

exceptional interpersonal skills with 

students, faculty and staff,” said Jennifer 

Simpson, Burtt's supervisor in the Office 

of Field Services. “She is always willing 

to assist faculty and staff beyond her 

own duties. She maintains the utmost 

professional standards in the Office of 

Field Services and has helped our office 

run efficiently and smoothly as we process 

between 350 and 450 placements each 

semester. Vicky is, without a doubt, one of 

the most capable assistants with whom 

I’ve worked.” 

Dr. Abigail Baxter received the USA 


Studies 2020 Faculty of Excellence Award. 

Baxter joined the college in 1998. She is 

a professor of special education in the 

Department Leadership and Teacher 

Education. Along with serving as program 

coordinator and engaging in on-going 

teaching, research and service, Baxter 

made yet another significant contribution 

to the college and University as creator 

and administrator of PASSAGE USA. The 

more than $2 million grant was the first of 

its kind in Alabama to offer an opportunity 

for students with intellectual disabilities to 

attend college. 

“Baxter works tirelessly to promote and 

oversee the grant and program logistics,” 

said Dr. Linda Reeves, assistant professor 

in the Department of Leadership and 

Teacher Education. “The PASSAGE USA 

program has made a positive impact, 

not only in the lives of the students who 

have completed the two-year certificate 

program, but also in the peer mentors, 

parents of PASSAGE students and 

members of the community.” 

Dr. Caitlyn Hauff received the USA 


Studies 2020 Faculty of Excellence Award. 

Hauff joined the college in 2017 and 

currently serves as an assistant professor 

in the Department of Health, Kinesiology, 

and Sport. In addition to her teaching, 

she has been intensely involved in 

curriculum development and has been 

very productive in her research activity 

on body imagery, resulting in numerous 

publications, research presentations 

locally and around the globe, and in 

external funding. 

Hauff is collaborative, working with 

colleagues both in her department and 

across the University. She is engaged on 

a national level with scholars in her field 

as she serves as the editor of the Journal 

of Sport Behavior and associate editor for 

the Performance Enhancement Health 

Journal. In addition, she is a leader in the 

University's wellness initiatives, including 

Jag Fit. 

“The diversity and content of Dr. Hauff's 

academic and research record are amply 

meritorious for this award,” said Dr. Shelly 

Holden, chair of the Department of Health, 

Kinesiology, and Sport. 

40 


Honoring Recent 

College Retirees 

ALEX BARTER 

Health, Kinesiology, and Sport 

16 years of service 

ANITA PERRETTE 

Advising Center 


DR. KARYN TUNKS 

Leadership and 

Teacher Education 


DR. RON STYRON 



Eight years of service 

“On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students, thank you for your selfless contributions 

to the college. Your years of service are valued and appreciated by many. You will be 

missed, but we wish you the best in this next chapter of your life.” 

—Dr. Andi Kent, Dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies 

Dr. Peggy Delmas received the USA 


Studies 2020 Lisa Mitchell Buckstein 

Faculty Development Award. The 

purpose of this award is to foster the 

development of innovative projects or 

research of interdisciplinary character 

that demonstrate a positive impact on 

the academic community with a notable 

contribution to their field. 

Delmas serves as an assistant professor 

in the Department of Leadership and 

Teacher Education. Her research that 

received recognition is titled "The 

Impact of Gender and Religion on the 

Experiences of Catholic Sister Scholars in 

U.S. Public Higher Education." The purpose 

of this qualitative phenomenological 

study is to understand how gender and 

religion are experienced by Catholic sister 

scholars in U.S. public higher education. 

“This research documents the experiences 

of Catholic sisters who teach or administer 

in public universities and colleges, a 

perspective that is currently missing 

from the literature of lived experiences of 

women faculty in the U.S.,” Delmas said. 

“Using in-depth interviews and archival 

data, this study seeks to explore the role 

that gender and religious identity have 

in the academic careers of 30 Catholic 

sisters employed in institutions of public 

higher education. Findings suggest that 

religious identity negatively affected the 

experiences of Catholic sisters who were 

employed in public higher education from 

the 1960s to the 1980s. These findings 

have implications for the campus climate 

of today’s public universities and colleges 

with regard to religious diversity.” 

Dr. Kelly Byrd (above) and Dr. Susan 

Ferguson (right) received the USA 


Studies 2020 Lisa Mitchell Buckstein 

Faculty Development Award for their 

project titled "Mending Math and 

Science Potholes to Pave the Road to 

Middle School STEM Success through a 

Culturally Relevant Teacher Development 

Framework." 

Byrd is an assistant professor of 

Elementary Math Education in the 

Department of Leadership and Teacher 

Education. Ferguson is an associate 

professor of English for Speakers of Other 

Languages (ESOL) and English 

Education in the Department of 

Leadership and Teacher Education and 

serves as the director of the Robert Noyce 

Pathway to Science and Pathway to 

Mathematics programs. 

Their project intends to support teachers 

in academic areas within the STEM 

disciplines in elementary education at 

a local Title I school, where there is a 

deficit of content knowledge, through 

an informal, extracurricular approach 

to learning that can be replicated with 

students in the context of the typical 

classroom setting. 

“We are working in the coming months 

with the partner teachers at Prichard 

Prep to establish the best professional 

development timeline to meet their 

needs based on the current COVID 

crisis,” Ferguson said. “We are ecstatic 

about working with them because 

of our passion for mathematics and 

science and identified need to expand 

STEM education at the elementary 

level. The outcome will be evident in 

the foundational readiness and STEM 

mindedness of elementary grades 

students as they advance to middle 

school, with a longitudinal goal for those 

involved educators to promote STEM 

through both classroom and communitybased 

activities for the advancement of 

STEM learning throughout the region.” 


DEVELOPMENT 

42 


A Story of Love and 

Passion for Giving 

Pam Patterson has worked in public education for more than 45 years. 

She graduated from high school in Birmingham and always knew she 

wanted to be a teacher. She attended the University of Alabama at 

Birmingham for her undergraduate degree, the University of Alabama 

for graduate school and earned additional certifications in education at 

the University of South Alabama. She has worked in the USA College of 

Education and Professional Studies for the past 14 years. 

“WE HAD SEASON TICKETS TO SOUTH 

BASKETBALL GAMES WHILE THEY 

WERE GROWING UP, AND WE’VE 

IMMERSED OURSELVES IN THE 

COMMUNITY EVER SINCE.” 

ADVISORY 

COUNCIL 

“We moved to Mobile about 30 years ago, and we had two boys,” Patterson 

said. “We had season tickets to South basketball games while they were 

growing up, and we’ve immersed ourselves in the community ever since.” 

The Pattersons have been married for more than 45 years. 

“We kind of hit it off on a Friday night, had a little Fourth of July at the lake 

on the following Monday and began dating,” said Eric Patterson, Pam’s 

husband. “Pam was in a hurry to get married and get through school. She 

finished high school at Briarwood, earned her degree from UAB, and at the 

age of 19, she was back at Briarwood teaching.” 

“I figured I better hurry so I could grab him,” Pam said. 

The Patterson family has a true passion for giving back to their community, 

wherever they may be. Eric worked for Alabama Power Company in 

Birmingham for four years, transferred to northwest Alabama, then moved 

to Tuscaloosa and lived there for a number of years before moving to 

Mobile in 1989. 

“I have been blessed by a great company,” said Eric, who served as a 

division manager. “Alabama Power is involved in the community, period. 

It’s been a blessing that I've had a company that encouraged us to be 

engaged and involved in the community. And as I say, it's because of 

Alabama Power that we do and get engaged in so many ways.” 

Pam’s career was not dependent on staying in one particular place, 

and she was able to move to continue her passion for teaching, while 

supporting her husband’s career. 


“I tell my students, ‘I was made to be a kindergarten teacher,’” 

Pam said. “I feel just as strongly as people are called to the 

ministry that I was called to teaching. And that path just 

worked because I could move with Eric very easily when he 

moved and fall back into teaching.” 

When the Pattersons moved to Mobile, Pam started working 

at Morningside Elementary, which served a very diverse 

population of students, as most of her career has been in 

diverse schools. 

“I taught there for 15 years, and during that time of teaching, 

I also was on various committees,” Pam said. “I worked with 

our school in developing our Title I project and did training 

for Mobile County school teachers. I retired in 2004 and 

started working with the New Teacher Academy with Mobile 

County Public Schools. In 2006, I accepted a position at 

South supervising student teachers, and in 2012, I started 

working in the Office of Field Services.” 

Eric has served on the USA College of Education and 

Professional Studies Advisory Council since 2016 and 

currently serves as the advisory chair. In 2018, he made a 

donation to South to create the “Pamela Lynne Patterson 

Endowed Scholarship in Education.” 

“Being part of the advisory council has deepened that 

appreciation and love for giving,” Eric said. “Everything we're 

talking about right now starts with Mr. Abe Mitchell and his 

willingness to help match giving toward undergraduate 

scholarships for the University. Everything that we're talking 

about centers around Mr. Mitchell, and I just can't say 

enough to thank him for what he's done to make things like 

we were able to do possible because of his generosity.” 

Eric surprised his wife with the creation of the scholarship. 

He hopes the scholarship will honor Pam’s work and 

dedication to the field of education. 

“Pam knew nothing about it, and I didn’t want her to be 

involved in it at all,” Eric said. “I wanted to find some way 

to honor this lady. I mean, as I said before, she could have 

made millions of dollars doing other things. She's absolutely 

brilliant. She was valedictorian at Briarwood High School.” 

“When I told her about it, the first thing she did was start 

crying and crying. That was reward enough right then and 

there to know that it meant a lot to her, and it did because 

of all that she's invested in her life. It was a way to honor 

her and honor all the things she's done. As I say, if she could 

have, she would have been extremely successful in anything 

else in the world and made a whole lot more money. But, 

this is something that she loved and it was important to her.” 

The Pattersons know how difficult it is financially for 

undergraduate education students in their last semester of 

college. While completing student teaching in schools, it’s 

difficult for students to work. 

“I TELL MY STUDENTS, ‘I WAS MADE TO 

BE A KINDERGARTEN TEACHER.' 

I FEEL JUST AS STRONGLY AS PEOPLE 

ARE CALLED TO THE MINISTRY THAT 

I WAS CALLED TO TEACHING." 

“And we do have a number of back-to-school students and 

a lot of them need to work because they have families, so 

I wanted our scholarship to be able to help students with 

tuition in their last semester,” Pam said. “I'm just so thrilled 

that someone can benefit from this, because I was on 

an academic scholarship in college and I know. We were 

married while I was in college, and it was a godsend for us. 

I'm just thrilled that we can do that for someone else. Again, 

paying it forward.” 

Eric’s involvement in education has not only stemmed from 

his wife's involvement with education, but also his time with 

Alabama Power. While working with the company in Mobile, 

Eric also worked with the Mobile Area Education Foundation. 

“We have supported schools throughout my career in various 

places throughout the state,” Patterson said. “So, as I've 

moved around, I have been involved with school systems 

because of Alabama Power’s encouragement and our 

personal belief in being involved with schools.” 

The Pattersons have also supported Distinguished Young 

Women. Eric served as president of the board for two years 

and Pam served as executive director of the organization for 

three years. 

“The primary focus of Distinguished Young Women is 

to provide scholarships for young women to attend 

colleges and universities across the country,” Pam said. 

“Distinguished Young Women is such a beneficiary of 

University of South Alabama scholarships. More than 25 

young women from various states have attended South on 

scholarships received through this program.” 

“We've been very heavily involved with that organization and 

just again, another one of those benefits of education and 

another of those things that I love about South Alabama, 

because Eric and I love Distinguished Young Women. South’s 

involvement has just been a model for many universities in 

the state.” 

44 


Eric is still involved in fundraising for Distinguished Young 

Women and serves as the chairman of the scholarship 

foundation. The two are very active members at their 

church, and Eric coached and served on the board 

for Cottage Hill Little League. He also helped with the 

establishment of the first senior center in Mobile, previously 

named Mary Abbie Berg Senior Center, with Arlene 

Mitchell in 1990. 

USA College of 

Education and 

Professional Studies 

Advisory Council 

“Our boys and their children have learned some things also 

about passing it on,” Eric said. “And everything about me 

is centered around my faith and the Lord has blessed me 

way beyond anything I could have ever imagined with 

family and everything else. And so here's another way to 

try to help somebody else along the way, to pass along 

some of the good things that we've been blessed with.” 

The Patterson family has truly embraced the University of 

South Alabama during their time in Mobile. 

“The University has been good to us,” Eric said. “We enjoy 

the time we spend with folks from the University and, 

you know, we're just very grateful for what the University 

means to Alabama as well as the Mobile area. And, I can't 

wait for football season!” 

Mobile County Public Schools Superintendent 

Chresal Threadgill was named the District 1 

Superintendent of the Year by the School 

Superintendents of Alabama. 

Carolyn Akers 

Executive Director 

Mobile Area Education 

Foundation 

Gigi Armbrecht 

AT&T (Retired) 

Frank Barrow 

Director of Army Instruction 

Mobile County Public Schools 

Travis Bedsole Jr. 

Attorney (Retired) 

David Clark 

President/ CEO 

Visit Mobile 

Rufus Hudson 

Vice President-Commercial 

Banking 

Regions Financial 

Betty Huff 

Senior Consultant 

AACRAO Consulting 

Dr. Aaron Milner 

Superintendent 

Saraland City Schools 

Eric Patterson 

Advisory Council Chair 

Alabama Power (Retired) 

Martha Peek 



(Retired) 

Paige Plash 

Co-Owner 

Encore Rehabilitation, Inc. 

Jeanne Sanderford 

School Counselor (Retired) 

Terrance Smith 

Director 

Mobile Innovation Team 

Mark Spivey 

Vice President-Commercial 

Banking 

Truist Bank 

Chresal Threadgill 



Eddie Tyler 


Baldwin County Public Schools 


Scholarship 

Recipient Spotlight 


Clinical Mental Health Counseling 

Class of 2020 

INVEST IN THE COLLEGE 

"The Dr. Vaughn Millner Endowed Scholarship in 

Counseling has allowed me to pursue my studies 

in clinical mental health counseling with less 

stress about finances and the ability to focus on 

my coursework and internship. I am very thankful 

for Dr. Millner's generosity. The experiences at 

South have been wonderful and I feel that I am 

prepared to step into my field with the education 

and expertise necessary to truly make a difference 

with my clients. In the future, I hope to continue 

growing my knowledge and understanding of the 

field through pursuing LPC licensure, as well as 

additional training and certifications. I am excited 

to be starting my career locally as a therapist with 

Lifelines Counseling Services." 

Giving Priorities 

Financial support dramatically impacts the lives 

of students in the College of Education and 

Professional Studies. Your support allows us to 

transform our community and expand our outreach 

through a commitment to excellence in education 

and human services. 

Three areas of priority for 

the college include: 

Student Scholarships 

The enrollment, education and graduation of 

outstanding students is of paramount importance to 

the College of Education and Professional Studies. 

Employers and other external constituents benefit from 

inspired graduates entering the workforce. In order 

to attract these students, the College of Education 

and Professional Studies must offer competitive 

scholarships. The Mitchell-Moulton Scholarship 

Initiative matches any endowed undergraduate 

scholarship gift dollar-for-dollar. 

Community Engagement 

Studies have shown that community engagement 

improves learning outcomes, improves critical thinking 

and increases ability to apply classroom knowledge 

of real-world problems. The College of Education and 

Professional Studies provides community engagement 

opportunities for our students, faculty and staff like the 

Literacy Center, Williamson Prep and court systems 

among other opportunities. Support from our donors 

would allow for the college to continue to provide 

service and engagement to our community. 

Study Abroad 

Students and faculty in the College of Education and 

Professional Studies have had the opportunity to 

participate in a variety of study abroad programs over 

the years. The experience gained through studying 

abroad by appreciating other cultures, overcoming 

challenges of living in other countries and gaining a 

valuable understanding of our world can enhance 

lives. Although we may not be able to travel to other 

countries currently during the pandemic, your gifts will 

allow us to provide students and faculty with virtual 

opportunities. Funding for our virtual opportunities 

will allow more students to participate and gain 

invaluable experiences with our world partners. 

To give to the listed priorities, please visit giving. 

southalabama.edu or contact College of Education and 

Professional Studies Development Officer Aimee Meyers at 

ameyers@southalabama.edu. 

46 


2019-2020 College of Education and 

Professional Studies Scholarships 

Akridge-DeVan Family Endowed 

Scholarship in Education 

Kelsea Kyser 

Akridge-DeVan Family Endowed 


Macey Spencer 

Alane and Mark Hoffman Special 

Education Certification Scholarship 

Caitlin Robison 

Alfred F. Delchamps Sr. 

Memorial Scholarship 

Anthony Jackson 

Barbara Phillips Endowed Award for 

Special Education Teachers 

Gillian Eighmy 

Betty and Richard Wold Education 

Administration Endowed Scholarship 

Aaron Rowbotham 

Burette S. Tillinghast Jr. Graduate 

Scholarship in School Counseling 

Melissa Haddix 

Captain Allen U. Graham 


Janna Vise 

Captain George A. Manders Endowed 

Fund in Interdisciplinary Studies 

Lacey Watson 

Carol and Jim Statter Endowed 

Scholarship for Literacy Education 

Madison Green 

Charles and Virginia Thompson 

Endowed Scholarship in Hospitality 

Marley Page 

College of Education Scholarship 

Joshua Crowley 

Don Winterton Endowed Scholarship 

for Science Education 

Robert Coke 

Dr. Elizabeth F. Martin and Dr. Wilma 

M. Scrivner Scholarship 

Kashama Miller 

Dr. Evelyn Kwan Green Endowed 

Scholarship in Hospitality and Tourism 

Marley Page 

Dr. Vaughn Millner Endowed 

Scholarship in Counseling 


Dr. Richard L. Hayes Endowed 

Scholarship in School Counseling 

Kaylen Cruse 

Ed Bunnell Adult Degree 

Program Scholarship 

Cameron Shaw 

Gaillard-Neville Reynolds Scholarship 

for PASSAGE USA 

Grace Green 



Travis Weekley 



Timberly Beckham 



Georgia Davis 

Harold Bickel Memorial Scholarship 

in Education 


Harvel A. Owens Endowed Scholarship 

in Education 

Allison Pickett 

Helping Hands Development Award 

Alaysia Davis 

Hospitality Advisory Board Leadership 

Endowed Scholarship 

Macey Spencer 

J. Howe and Annie Bell Hadley 


Kashama Miller 

Jeanne M. Sanderford Scholarship 

Madison Ernest 

Jim and Liz Connors Hospitality 

Management Scholarship 

Destin Sims 

Joycelyn Franklin Finley 

Trailblazer Scholarship 

Cameron Shaw 

John Hadley Strange Scholarship 

Brheannon Horton 

Josephine Wood Tillinghast Endowed 


Mandy Antwine 

Keasler/Spillers Scholarships 

Mandy Antwine 

Lavonne Simon Endowed Book Award 

Corey Broughton 

Lavord and Doris Crook Endowed 

Scholarship 

Lane Sims 

Linda Reaves Endowment for 

Educators in Science and Mathematics 

Hannah Naylor 

Lisa Mitchell Bukstein Developing 

Students Scholarship 

Caitlin Robison 

Malcolm R. Howell Endowed 


Corey Broughton 

Mobile Area Lodging Association 

Scholarship 

Nicole Russell 

Mobile County Foundation for 

Public Higher Education Scholarship 

for Excellence 

Georgia Howell 

Pamela Lynne Patterson Endowed 


Hollie Thomas 

Patricia Kelly Lofton Endowed 

Scholarship for Teachers 

Morgan Walden 

Paula Lawkis-Bruton Memorial 


Tara Cooke 

PNC Bank Endowed Scholarship in 

Early Childhood Education 

Devaughn Hardrick 

Ralph Jones Memorial Scholarship 

Kaitlyn Moody 

Robert Hopkins Memorial Endowed 


Martine Alger 

Ronald A. Styron Sr. Memorial 


Paul Agnew 

Rotary Club of Mobile Scholarship 

Jennifer Lazarus 

Ruth M. Gwinn-Heitman Endowed 

Scholarship 

Adrienne McSwain 

Spectrum Resorts Scholarship 


Student Leaders in Education 

Scholarship 

Jacob Green 

The Daniel Foundation of Alabama 

Endowed Scholarship for Teachers 

Katherine Lesley 

The Daniel Foundation of Alabama 

Endowed Scholarship for Teachers 

Savannah Zbinden 

The Nancy Gaillard Love of Teaching 

Scholarship 

Lauren Bunn 

Thomas Corcoran Scholarship in 

Interdisciplinary Studies 

Cameron Shaw 

Tiffany K. Whitfield Book Scholarship 

for Education Students 

Morgan Walden 

Tom Wood Tillinghast Endowed 


Rachel Cargill 

Travis M. Bedsole Jr. and Susan 

D. Bedsole Endowed Scholarship 

in Education 

Laurie Graves 

Valerie R. Morgan Memorial 

Scholarship in Graduate Education 

Eric James 

White-Spunner Endowment 


Amiriam Watson 

William Chamberlain Technology 

Teaching Award 

Gillian Eighmy 

Williams Charitable Foundation 

Book Award 

Anna Griffith 

Wind Creek Hospitality Endowed 

Scholarship in Hospitality and 

Tourism 

Destin Sims 


South Professor Shares 

Legacy of Strength and 

Perseverance in Africatown 

Documentary 

Dr. Joél Lewis Billingsley, according to oral history, is a sixth-generation 

descendant of Cudjo Lewis, one of the last survivors of the slave ship 

Clotilda. Lewis Billingsley grew up listening to stories about the former 

enslaved Africans who started a community called Africatown. 

This was not the history she learned in school. 

“I’VE BEEN DOING RACE WORK, 

DIVERSITY WORK, FOR SOME TIME. 

IT’S BECOME PART OF WHO I AM. AND 

THIS HAS BECOME AN OPPORTUNITY 

FOR US TO ENGAGE IN WAYS WE HAVEN’T 

BEEN ABLE TO BEFORE.” 

These were more like inspirational accounts of heroic people who survived 

incredible hardship, then found a way to preserve their West African 

identity along Mobile Bay. 

“When I look back, I think about how much that shaped who I am,” said 

Lewis Billingsley, an associate professor in the College of Education and 

Professional Studies. “I was learning about who these people were, how 

strong they were, how they survived being captured by another tribe, 

and the journey all the way over to America. I was taught about their 

strength, their perseverance, their ability to function in a community with 

white people, and what it meant to be African, to look different and speak 

different, and still be able to build a community of their own.” 

PROJECT 110 

Three years ago, she began work on a documentary, 

“110: The Last Enslaved Africans Brought to America,” with 

director Ryan Noble, a professor at Spring Hill College. The project 

is funded by the Alabama Humanities Foundation, Mobile County 

Commissioner Merceria Ludgood and many other generous donors. 

The Clotilda, which landed at Mobile in 1860, was the last known slave 

ship to illegally transport Africans to the United States. Lewis, who died 

in 1935, was a founder of the Africatown community north of downtown 

Mobile on the Mobile River. 

What began as a historical documentary became more of a personal 

journey for Lewis Billingsley, a native of Mobile. The documentary led her 

to trace her ancestry and consider how she would like to serve the efforts 

48 



of the community and descendants. Recalling the uplifting 

stories she heard as a child meant confronting the horrific 

realities of slavery. It was difficult work during a difficult time. 

“It’s important to see this through the right lens of everpresent 

history,” she said. “It’s hard to see a reflection of 

who you are being mistreated. For me, it is traumatic. 

Watching the news is traumatic. Being on social media 

sometimes is traumatic.” 

Dr. Angelia Bendolph, a friend and former colleague at 

South, worked with Lewis Billingsley on a school curriculum 

to go along with the documentary. They share an interest in 

the power of language used to describe Africans who were 

kidnapped and transported to America. 

For example, they avoid referring to people as “slaves.” They 

prefer “enslaved persons,” which describes their experience, 

what happened to them, rather than reducing them to 

objects or property. 

“It’s important for her to capture the humanity of her 

ancestors,” Bendolph said. “This is not history from a clinical 

background. When you’re talking about people from your 

family, it’s different. It does something to you. It takes on a 

different meaning.” 

Reluctant historian 

Noble met Lewis Billingsley just after she had done a 

film series of race dialogues called “Mobile in Black and 

White.” As soon as he learned she was a descendant of 

Cudjo Lewis, he wanted to make a film with her about 

Africatown history. She said no. He knew the importance 

of the story and continued to ask. She finally agreed to help 

produce a documentary. 

“She told me later that at first she wasn’t ready to go 

there,” Noble said in June. “She wasn’t ready for the pain 

and trauma that she would have to put herself through to 

research the story, reinterpret the story, tell the story. I think 

she struggled with it a lot. We had a big interview with her 

just two weeks ago.” 

Getting her to appear on camera in the documentary 

required more convincing. Again, she was adamantly 

against the idea. Again, she relented. 

The experience of Lewis Billingsley offers a contemporary 

filter for the historical life of Cudjo Lewis. “Being able to 

tell his experience through her experience,” Noble said. “It 

became super-obvious that this was the story.” 

The director still marvels at the remarkable life and 

times of Cudjo Lewis. He is reminded of the Kunta Kinte 

character from “Roots,” the famous Alex Haley novel and 

television miniseries, but with a lifespan that is even more 

all-encompassing. 

“He went through the entire experience,” Noble said. “Being 

captured, being sold, coming across the Atlantic, being a 

slave in the United States, being emancipated, and then 

going through Reconstruction, going through Jim Crow. He 

went through basically every aspect of the African-American 

experience as one single human being, from being in Africa 

to dying in 1935, which is kind of close to modern America.” 

There are plenty of historical photographs of Lewis, along 

with a 15-second snippet of film of him in Africatown. He was 

a leader of an unusual community where former enslaved 

persons shared property, language and customs. People 

were curious about him. 

In 1914, a Mobile writer named Emma Langdon Roche wrote 

about Lewis in her book, “Sketches of the South.” In 1927, 

Lewis was interviewed by Zora Neale Hurston, the African- 

American novelist and folklorist. She wrote a book about him, 

“Barracoon: The Story of the Last ‘Black Cargo,’ that was only 

published in 2018. 

“THIS IS NOT HISTORY FROM A 

CLINICAL BACKGROUND. WHEN 

YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE 

FROM YOUR FAMILY, IT’S DIFFERENT. 

IT DOES SOMETHING TO YOU. IT 

TAKES ON A DIFFERENT MEANING.” 

Noble and Lewis Billingsley hope a new film will spark 

interest and lead to more research about Cudjo Lewis 

and Africatown. Post-production work on the 90-minute 

documentary, now known as “Project 110,” includes editing, 

fundraising and negotiations with distributors such as 

public television. 

“We have this ongoing joke about when this film is going to 

be done,” Noble said, laughing. “It’s shifted so many times.” 

Family history in Mobile 

Lewis Billingsley grew up in Mobile near Dauphin Island 

Parkway. After her family moved to West Mobile, she 

graduated from Davidson High School in 1993. As a little girl, 

she visited Africatown for annual festivals. 

“It was like a different world, a different experience,” she said. 

“The women were always outside on the front porch, cooking 

or doing crafts. I was like, ‘Who are these people? What’s 

happening? These are our cousins?’” 

50 


At birthdays and family gatherings, she went to her 

grandparents’ house. “All the children would sit on the floor 

in a circle,” she said. “Together we would make music with 

wooden sticks, draw African art and listen to Uncle Israel tell 

stories about Cudjo Lewis.” 

Her education continued at the University of South Alabama, 

where Lewis Billingsley earned a bachelor’s degree in 

human resources management in 1997. She received an 

associate degree from Bishop State Community College in 

culinary arts in 2000. In 2002, she returned to South to earn 

a master’s degree and Ph.D. in instructional design and 

development. In 2006, she began teaching at South. 

Along the way, she earned a Bukstein Foundation 

Scholarship for Developing Faculty in Education and won 

a Top Professor Award from the National College Senior 

Honor Society. She participated in the Leadership Alabama 

program and was featured in Mobile Bay Magazine’s 40 

Under 40 issue. She was a fellow at the Gulf Coast Center for 

Law & Policy and has been named a Young Professionals 

Alabama Social Justice Champion of Mobile. 

Her community outreach efforts on race in Mobile with 

“Mobile in Black and White,” were revisited this summer 

through a panel series. This work has included partnerships 

with Mobile United and the City of Mobile. 

The recent history of racial injustice in America pivoted in 

May with the death of George Floyd after a Minneapolis 

policeman kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. 

Protests spread across the nation and around the world. 

Lewis Billingsley, like so many others, saw public opinion shift. 

Confederate monuments came down and racial awareness 

went up. The political mood changed. 

“We only get these opportunities every now and then,” she 

said. “I’ve been doing race work, diversity work, for some 

time. It’s become part of who I am. And this has become an 

opportunity for us to engage in ways we haven’t been able 

to before, and had to really fight for. I’m hopeful that this 

door stays open.” 

Two years ago, when “Barracoon,” was finally published, 

she welcomed the attention for Cudjo Lewis and Africatown. 

Then, last year, it was confirmed that the wreckage of the 

slave ship Clotilda had been discovered in the Mobile- 

Tensaw Delta. For Lewis Billingsley, this piece of news was 

both a confirmation of history and an emotional trigger. 

“When they found the ship, I had mixed feelings,” she said. 

“On one hand, it was like, wow, this is real. On the other hand, 

it was like this really is real, meaning that the story was true 

and these horrific things did happen to people. That was a 

stark realization at the time.” 

TO GIVE TO PROJECT 110, CONTACT COLLEGE 

OF EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES 

DEVELOPMENT OFFICER AIMEE MEYERS AT 

AMEYERS@SOUTHALABAMA.EDU OR VISIT 

GIVING.SOUTHALABAMA.EDU/PROJECT110. 

Cudjo Lewis is pictured above. Photo courtesy of the Erik 

Overbey Collection, The Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and 

Manuscript Library, University of South Alabama. 

Years of work on “Project 110” has given her a different 

perspective. Reckoning with history, especially the history 

of slavery, can be a painful process. She prays about 

forgiveness to continue doing her work. 

“I think I’ve grown,” Lewis Billingsley said. “I’ve learned a 

lot more about vicarious, secondary trauma, when you 

experience something through the lives of other people. 

I had no idea what that was, so I’m excited to be on the 

other side of it, or at least knowing how to move through 

it. I had no idea about the impact of learning history when 

it’s horrible. If nothing else, I’ve learned the importance of 

thinking of others as they are learning.” 


CINS 

Chi Sigma Iota 

Counseling Honor Society, 

Instructional Design & 

Developmental Graduate 

Student Organization, 

Clinical & Counseling 

Psychology Graduate 

Student Organization 

HTM 

Eta Sigma Delta - 

International Hospitality 

Management Honor Society 

HKS 

Therapeutic Recreation Club, 

Sport Management Club 

INGS 

Alpha Sigma Lambda 

Honor Society 

LTE 

Kappa Delta Pi 

Honor Society 

Know the 

Lingo 

CEPS ACRONYMS 

CEPS 

College of Education 

and Professional Studies 

CINS 



HKS 

Health, Kinesiology, and Sport 

1,077 

SUMMER 2019 

2,000 

FALL 2019 

1,909 

SPRING 2020 

1,088 

SUMMER 2020 

HTM 

Hospitality and Tourism Management 

INGS 

Integrative Studies 

5,054 

K-12 Area 

Educators Served 

660 

Hours of 

Professional 

Learning 

155 

Professional 

Development 

Sessions 

LTE 



SARIC 

South Alabama Research 

and Inservice Center 

*2019-2020 academic year as of July 2020 

AMSTI-USA 

Alabama Math, Science, and 

Technology Initiative at USA 

FAST FACTS 

12 SPONSORED 

GRANT PROJECTS 

(FY19 $6,814,729) 

59 FULL-TIME FACULTY 

29 STAFF 

484 

SCHOLARSHIPS 

(AY 19-20 $364,953) 

50,000 + 

ALUMNI 

146 GIFTS 

matched by the Mitchell- 

Moulton Scholarship Initiative 

(As of May 31, 2020) 

PASSAGE 

USA 

Preparing All Students Socially and 

Academically for Gainful Employment 

52 


ENROLLMENT BY HOME STATE 

3 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

2 

17 

2 

1 

4 

1 

1 

1 

4 

1 

3 

1 

3 

4 

9 

8 

5 

1 

1 

4 

2 

14 

162 

19 

13 2,016 

109 

Summer 2019 - Spring 2020 

SINCE THE COLLEGE’S INCEPTION IN 1967, OUR GRADUATES 

HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY. 

WE ARE THE LARGEST TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAM ON 

THE GULF COAST WITH MORE THAN 85% OF EDUCATORS IN 

THE GREATER MOBILE AREA HAVING AT LEAST ONE DEGREE OR 

TEACHING CREDENTIAL FROM THE COLLEGE. 


54 


Pictured left to right: Lori Williams from Griggs Elementary School, 

Jackie Edwards from Williamson High School, President of CEPS Alumni Society 

Laura Sergeant and USA College of Education and Professional Studies Dean Dr. Andi Kent. 

We are committed to connecting more than 50,000 University of 

South Alabama College of Education and Professional Studies 

alumni who provide service in their communities across the world. 

JOIN THE SOCIETY TODAY | FREE MEMBERSHIP 

southalabama.edu/ceps/alumni 

Stay connected. 

#WeAreSouth #WeAreCEPS 

@usaceps @usaceps @usaceps 


UNIVERSITY COMMONS 3360 | MOBILE, AL 36688 

(251) 380-2889 | CEPS@SOUTHALABAMA.EDU 

WWW.SOUTHALABAMA.EDU/CEPS

CEPS Pillars 2020

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