Opening doors to opportunity
Posted on December 15, 2020 by Alumni
This summer, in the midst of a global pandemic and social unrest across the country, Dr. André Green saw a window of opportunity. Shortly thereafter, the University of South Alabama and 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile partnered to establish two scholarships to support underrepresented students.
“The 100 has a great relationship with the University in establishing other scholarships,” said Green, associate vice president of academic affairs at USA. “But this one seemed to be particularly timely in the fact that we wanted to find a way to remember all of those who have fallen to systems of oppression and systems of injustice.” Green also serves as president of 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile.
The first award, named the 100 Black Men USA Scholars of Perseverance and Social Justice, is a full-tuition scholarship for an incoming freshman that will be awarded to one student each year for four years. The organization selected Madison English, a freshman from Mobile, as the inaugural recipient this fall.
The new scholarship opportunity equates to an approximate total investment of $225,000.
“We are honored for the opportunity to partner with 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile,” said Dr. Tony Waldrop, USA president. “Although it is just one step in a long journey, I believe the legacies left by these scholarship students will continue in perpetuity.”
A partnership for change
100 Black Men of Greater Mobile has also established an endowed scholarship fund with USA, named the Leadership in Social Justice and Perseverance Scholarship. The University, in partnership with the 100, is currently raising funds for this initiative that will, ultimately, be awarded to a rising senior at South who demonstrates leadership, a commitment to social justice and perseverance characteristics.
“Both USA and the 100 will raise funds for this scholarship fund, as it is important for so many students,” said Dr. Paul Frazier, chief diversity officer at USA and a 100 Black Men member. “We will be able to support many deserving students for years to come and that is systemic change at its best — a grass roots approach.”
Contributions to the endowed fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar through the Mitchell-Moulton Scholarship Initiative, with a goal of raising $500,000.
“The 100 is thrilled to partner with the University and President Waldrop to make this scholarship a reality,” said Dr. Michael Mitchell, vice president for student affairs at USA and 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile vice president. “We know they understand this opportunity to make something special happen.”
For more information about the two scholarship initiatives, contact the USA Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (251) 460-7032 or development@southalabama.edu
To be considered for the 100 Black Men USA Scholars of Perseverance and Social Justice, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Graduates of Blount High School, Davidson High School, LeFlore Magnet High School, B.C. Rain High School, Vigor High School or Williamson High School may apply.
- Minimum high school GPA of 3.0
- Minimum ACT score of 21
- Students with demonstrated financial need
- Students who are underrepresented in their communities