Messages from the President - 2016

USA President Tony Waldrop’s messages to the University community are posted below and on the University’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/theuniversityofsouthalabama. You can also follow him on Instagram (USA Waldrops).


November 18, 2016

 

I am very pleased to thank each of you who graciously supported the 2016 USA Employee Campaign for the United Way. I am happy to report that 2,618 employees and retirees contributed more than $259,200 to help Change the Story in support of our fellow citizens who need the assistance.

Once again, this demonstrates the kindness of South's employees and retirees who have given to fund solutions for the needs of our community. I appreciate the impact it makes in our community, and am proud that South is an institution our community can count on year after year.

Our gifts to the campaign will continue to benefit the United Way and its 49 partner agencies providing widespread support of human and social services. Your gift will be invested in programs focused on education, health, financial stability, and life's basic essentials through the services of these partner agencies.

Thank you to our team of leaders for guiding us through another productive campaign: Mr. Mike Haskins, employee campaign chair; Dr. Miriam "Mimi" Fearn, retiree campaign chair; and Becky Tate and Jean Tucker, USA Women United co-chairs.

Again, thank you for continuing our tradition of helping others in need.

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President


November 18, 2016

 

We are fortunate to have so many talented musicians at the University of South Alabama, and even more fortunate that they will be performing at the annual Holiday Concert on Thursday, December 1.

Please invite your friends and family and make plans to attend the Department of Music's "Winter Wonderland" concert at the USA Mitchell Center.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the performance will run from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Complimentary refreshments will be served following the show.

The concert will feature holiday favorites and include performances from the USA Concert Choir, University Chorale, USA Wind Ensemble, USA Symphony Orchestra, USA Opera Theatre, USA Piano Duo, USA Clarinet Ensemble, USA Woodwind Quintet, Celtic Cre, USA Trumpet Ensemble and the USA Steel Band. The Jaguar Marching Band will continue its tradition of closing the evening with a full-band performance of "Christmas Festival."

This concert is a great way to begin the month of December and this holiday season. I hope to see you there.

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


November 11, 2016

 

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Today we both memorialize and honor those who have fought for and served our country in the military.

I think most of us know someone who has served. My father, Hunter Waldrop was an Army medic's aide in World War II. He was drafted, others chose to serve. We thank all for their sacrifice.

Today from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom, the University Veterans Affairs Committee is holding a lunch for veterans, active duty military, National Guard, reservists and their families. This is a wonderful event the committee is hosting with help from Aramark.

If you are fortunate to know a veteran, active duty military member, reservist or someone in the National Guard, please seek them out today and recognize them for their service to our country. We owe them and their families a debt of gratitude.

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


October 27, 2016

 

Dear USA Employees and Students,

Today the University will announce a new partnership with Spring Hill College that will allow full-time, undergraduate students at each school to enroll in college credit courses at the other institution for the fall and spring semesters, while paying tuition at their home institution.

There are certain exceptions to this agreement. Exempt from the agreement are courses in the following schools: College of Nursing, School of Computing, College of Allied Health Professions, and College of Education Teacher Certification Programs. Due to AACSB accreditation, Mitchell College of Business students will not be permitted to complete business courses at Spring Hill College.

We are excited about this new partnership, which we expect will help students broaden their education and continue their progress toward timely graduation. For more information, students should consult their academic advisers and visit the informational website.

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


October 13, 2016

 

Dear USA Employees,

Dr. Samuel Strada, dean emeritus of the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, will retire later this month. I would like to ask that you join me in thanking him for his 33 years of service to the University and the USA College of Medicine during a reception on Oct. 25, 2016, from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at the Terrace on the second floor of the Student Center on USA's main campus.

Dr. Strada began his career at the USA College of Medicine in 1983 when he was recruited as chair and professor of the department of pharmacology. He was named senior associate dean for the USA College of Medicine in 1994. During his career at USA, he also served as acting director of the graduate program in basic medical sciences, assistant dean for admissions and acting chair of psychiatry. An avid Jags supporter, he also served as chair of the Athletic Council and as Faculty Athletic Representative from 1990-1997.

Prior to joining USA, Dr. Strada spent 11 years on the faculty at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston during which he served one year as acting chair of pharmacology. He joined the school as assistant professor and was promoted to full professor of pharmacology in 1981.

Throughout his lengthy career at USA, Dr. Strada has made significant contributions to medical education and research in the state of Alabama, as well as the nation.

Dr. Strada was instrumental in the creation of the Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy at USA, the Office of Technology Development, the Office of Research Compliance and Assurance and the USA Technology and Research Park.

A scientist by training, Dr. Strada has published more than 200 articles and abstracts, earning national recognition for his research on cellular signaling mechanisms. He has been an active member in the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and the Council of Academic Societies of the Association of American Medical Colleges. In addition, he has served as president of the Association for Medical School Pharmacology Chairs, as well as the Southeastern Pharmacology Society. He currently serves as president of the South Alabama Medical Science Foundation.

Dr. Strada has received numerous awards including USA's Medical Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award, the Friend of Pharmacy Award from Auburn University's Harrison School of Pharmacy, the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, and the GoDaddy Bowl Champion of Life Award.

Earlier this year, the USA Board of Trustees honored Dr. Strada and his late wife Judy by naming the new clinical care building that will open in November, the Strada Patient Care Center. This building will house much of the USA Physicians Group clinical practice.

I hope you will be able to join me as we thank Dr. Strada for his service to our institution and wish him the very best as he moves into a well-deserved new phase of his life.

Sincerely,
Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


October 11, 2016

 

Dear Faculty and Staff:

On Thursday we will celebrate your dedication to the University with the annual Employee Service Recognition Program. The program begins at 11 a.m. at the Mitchell Center and will be followed by lunch. Supervisors are asked to allow employee participation, subject to operational needs.

This year's event is unique. USA employees were asked to tell us why they love South. During the celebration we will hear from some compelling voices through the video and written submissions we received.

If you are able to attend Thursday's event, I encourage you to take the time to come out and celebrate your service and all the other employees who together make South a success.

Sincerely,
Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


October 5, 2016

 

Dear USA employees,

After 14 years of outstanding and dedicated service to the University and the community, Dr. Joe Busta, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, is retiring.

Please plan to join me at a retirement reception honoring Dr. Busta on Monday, October 24, 2016 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Moulton Tower and Alumni Plaza on USA's main campus.

Sincerely,
Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.


October 4, 2016

 

Fellow Jaguars,

The University of South Alabama is proud to host and participate in the American Heart Association's Mobile Heart Walk on Saturday, November 12th, beginning at the Mitchell Center. Festivities will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk will begin at 10 a.m. USA is dedicated to serving our community and, since heart disease is the number one killer of all Americans and affects the lives of so many of our South Alabama community members, the University is committed to helping make Heart Walk a success.

In an effort to reach our fundraising goal of $50,000, I am urging students, faculty and staff to join our fundraising efforts. You have many options for participation, such as joining as a Team Captain and recruiting 15 fundraising walkers, joining a team as a fundraising walker or making a personal donation.

We need motivated and dedicated Jaguars to serve as Team Captains from each department, division and student organization. USA needs walkers to ask friends and family for support to help us reach our goal and help the American Heart Association fight heart disease and stroke.

If you would like to be a Team Captain or a Walker to help raise funds, please go online and register under The University of South Alabama at http://mobileheartwalk.kintera.org/faf/teams/groupTeamList.asp?ievent=1150111&lis=1&kntae1150111=E24C006B13674CD48CDBB0CD11694F80&tlteams=6603106

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the American Heart Association staff at erica.hall@heart.org. Dr. Michael Mitchell, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, and Jordan Carlson, Revenue Cycle Applications Coordinator at USA Medical Center, are the University of South Alabama 2016 Heart Walk Coordinators. We look forward to you becoming a Heart Walk Team Captain or joining a team to help the USA community raise funds for the American Heart Association and support vital research and a heart-healthy lifestyle.

With Jaguar Pride,

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


August 19, 2016

 

Fellow Jaguars,

Fall semester is underway. It’s been a busy week with Move-In Day, Convocation, Week of Welcome and the start of classes, and I hope all of you are taking advantage of the many activities going on around campus.

We’ve also had a busy and productive summer, and I’d like to share with you some of the highlights of the past few months.

These are just some of our recent successes. With the fall semester now in full swing, let’s work together to find ways to add to this list. We Are South!

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


August 16, 2016

 

Dear USA Community,

Over the past year, a small group of USA trustees, administrators and staff have been exploring the financial, logistical and infrastructural requirements associated with the possible construction of an on-campus football stadium. This phase of the process has been largely completed, and I want to provide you with an update on the current status of this initiative.

The intent of this process, from the outset, was to determine if construction of a football facility was feasible, with no predetermination about how the University would proceed after the process concluded. The small working group was comprehensive in its approach, and its actions included site visits to existing stadiums as well as the engagement of expert consultants to review the concept, design, engineering, pricing and possible locations of a potential stadium, and understanding of key issues such as vehicle and pedestrian ingress and egress, parking, concessions and stadium technology.

At this point in the process, it has been determined that:

  • The most viable and logical site for a stadium would be the location of the current intramural fields near the football field house, with the intramural fields being relocated to another area of campus.
  • The logical seating capacity for a stadium would be in the range of 25,000 seats, with the capacity for additional expansion in the future if needed.
  • The cost of a stadium, along with the associated infrastructure and improvements, would fall into the range of approximately $85 to $115 million.

The results of this process tell us that construction of an on-campus stadium is feasible. At the same time, we also know that construction of a stadium can only be achieved with the assistance of external financial partnerships and significant philanthropic support. We will continue to examine possible models for financing, but at this time the University has not identified sources of funding that would allow us to advance to the next stage of planning.

Although funding is clearly the greatest challenge, our due diligence in examining the many options for a possible on-campus stadium have provided answers and data that are of great benefit. We will continue to explore all options as we move forward, and I will update the University community with any future developments.

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


August 12, 2016

 

In March, USA launched a branding effort with the rallying cry "We Are South." One facet of this expression conveys that the members of our South community are collectively part of a cause and a mission that is bigger than any one person.

At the same time, each of us is individually and uniquely connected to South. Our contributions are distinctive, as are the reasons behind our efforts.

I'd like to hear more about why you choose to be a part of South. For this year's Employee Service Recognition Program, we're soliciting written and video contributions under the theme, "We Are South." Employees who participate are automatically entered for a chance to win 50-yard-line tickets to the USA home football game of their choice, wristbands to the SouthSpot hospitality tent, and a VIP parking pass.

Participants also may see their entry featured as part of the Employee Service Recognition Program, to be held Oct. 13 at the Mitchell Center. More details on the program will be sent soon.

Written entries should be 50-100 words; video entries can be submitted by individuals or small groups and should stay under 30 seconds.

Send all entries by September 9 to specialevents@southalabama.edu, or to the Office of Special Events, 307 University Boulevard N., AD 325.

So let's get busy, let's get creative and let's not be quiet about why "We Are South!"

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


August 10, 2016

 

Dear USA Employees,

As you know, healthcare is in a period of unprecedented transition and evolution. As the region's leading medical education and research institution, the University of South Alabama is well-positioned to be a leader, now and in the future, in healthcare access and delivery.

To ensure that our health system is appropriately prepared and positioned for the future, USA Health has embarked upon a comprehensive analysis and planning process that will help us formulate the appropriate vision, strategies and tactics.

Over the course of the next few months, the process will engage employees from throughout our institution to present ideas, prioritize opportunities and develop recommendations that will allow USA Health to excel in the future healthcare environment. As the process moves forward, all employees will be provided with an opportunity to provide suggestions and feedback.

We will continue to keep you informed of our progress, and we thank you in advance for your commitment to USA Health as we meet the region's healthcare needs and provide an enriching environment for research and education.

Sincerely,

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President

John V. Marymont, MD, MBA
Vice President for Medical Affairs
Dean, College of Medicine

Owen Bailey
Chief Operating Officer
USA Hospitals Administration


July 21, 2016

 

Dear USA Employees,

Stan Hammack, Vice President for the USA Health System, has informed me of his plans to retire as of September 30, 2016. Please join me in thanking Stan for his many years of outstanding and dedicated service to the University, USA Health and our region.

Stan started his career at the University in 1975, two years after the start of our medical school, as a pharmacist at USA Medical Center. Following 10 years of clinical work in pharmacy, Stan moved into management at USA Medical Center, serving as Director of Materials Management and later as an Assistant Administrator for the Hospital. Realizing the value of higher education, Stan went back to school and earned his master's degree in public administration from the University. Stan has been a champion for medical education in USA's College of Medicine and numerous USA graduate medical education programs.

Following the University's purchase of Doctors and Knollwood Park Hospital's in 1990, Stan became the hospital administrator for USA's Knollwood Park and then later the hospital administrator for USA Children's & Women's Hospital. Stan ably led the two hospitals, taking each to a new level of service to the community as well as enhancing medical education at each facility.

While at Knollwood, Stan developed a long-term care hospital — the first of its kind in Alabama — for a unique, previously under-served patient population. At Children's & Women's, Stan oversaw the relocation of inpatient obstetrics and gynecology services along with newborn and intensive care nurseries.

In his more recent positions as Associate Vice President/CEO for the USA Hospitals and then as Vice President for the USA Health System, Stan has played a key leadership role in shaping healthcare policy throughout Alabama. He has been recognized regionally and nationally for his significant contributions in managing state funding issues as well as improving access for patients through his work with Alabama's Medicaid Waiver Program and Alabama's Children's Health Insurance Program. Stan has represented the USA Health System on many local, regional and national levels. He has served on the board of directors for America's Essential Hospitals, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama and the Business Council of Alabama, as well as serving on the Alabama Medicaid Advisory Commission and in numerous leadership roles in both the Alabama and American Hospital Association's. He was honored by the American Hospital Association as Alabama's recipient of the AHA's Grassroots Champion Award, given in conjunction with the Alabama Hospital Association. In 2009, he was awarded the Gold Medal of Excellence by the Alabama Hospital Association.

During the past several years, Stan has provided leadership in the development of regional care organizations across the state to support better health outcomes and create a more efficient delivery system. He led the effort to organize the University's lead role in the Gulf Coast Regional Care Organization to provide care for patients in southwest Alabama.

Throughout his career, Stan has masterfully managed the numerous challenges found in academic medicine. He has equally demonstrated his ability to capitalize on numerous opportunities.

For those of you who know Stan well, he has an affinity for motorcycles, so it's not cliche' to say that at some point he will be "riding off into the sunset." At the appropriate time this fall, we will schedule a time for all of us to thank Stan for all that he has done for USA.

I wish Stan and his wife, Brenda, the very best as they move into a well-deserved new phase of their lives.

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


July 19, 2016

 

I am pleased to announce that Margaret Sullivan, Assistant Director of Cancer Control and Prevention at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, will serve as the University's Interim Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations while we conduct a national search to fill this position. Margaret will assume this role in October and will work with Dr. Joe Busta, who will retire this fall, to ensure a smooth transition.

In her role as Interim Vice President, Margaret will utilize her significant experience at the University and in the greater community to ensure that our advancement, fundraising and alumni relations staff continue their outstanding work of building strong relationships with our internal and external communities in support of USA's mission, vision and strategic goals. In addition, Margaret will ensure that we sustain the momentum and success of our $150-million Upward and Onward comprehensive campaign.

Margaret has been a part of the University of South Alabama staff since 1990 and played a key role in the founding of the Mitchell Cancer Institute by spearheading the feasibility study for the MCI in 2000. She served as Project Manager with the Mitchell Cancer Institute from its inception through 2011, where she was actively involved in a variety of strategic initiatives including the recruitment of faculty, selecting the architectural firm for design of the MCI building, overseeing the space planning process and developing outreach programs.

Margaret was appointed Deputy Director for Business Development and Outreach in 2012, and her responsibilities included overseeing the physician, employer and community outreach efforts, overseeing marketing and public relations and developing collaborations in cancer control and prevention. In 2015, Margaret was appointed Associate Director of Cancer Control and Prevention, charged with setting strategic direction for MCI's cancer control and population health initiatives.

I'm confident that Margaret will successfully lead our Office of Development and Alumni Relations through this time of transition. Please join me in thanking her for taking on this critical role for the University.

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


June 29, 2016

 

Dear USA Employees,

Dr. Joe Busta, our Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, has informed me that he will be retiring from the University this fall. I am sure all of you will join me in thanking him for his many contributions to the University.

Dr. Busta joined the University of South Alabama in 2002 as Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations. Prior to joining South, he served as President of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind. Dr. Busta has, in many ways, helped move the University forward. In his 14 years with USA, he created and nurtured a comprehensive advancement and fundraising operation from the ground up, significantly enhanced and broadened our alumni relations program and built strong connections with thousands of graduates, led the planning and successful completion of the University's first fundraising campaign and our 50th Anniversary campaign, and brought professional rigor and best practices to all of our development operations. Most recently, Dr. Busta spearheaded the launch of USA's "Upward and Onward" fundraising campaign, an ongoing $150-million effort.

During Dr. Busta's tenure, the University has raised over $18o million from more than 87,000 donors. These donations have had a major impact on the appearance and abilities of our University. When we see the Moulton Tower, the Archaeology Museum, Mitchell Cancer Institute and Children's and Women's Hospital, we can see the impact that this philanthropy has had on the University. Scholarship endowments have enabled large numbers of students to pursue and graduate from the University of South Alabama. But perhaps most important, Dr. Busta has built and sustained strong friendships and relationships with many hundreds of people who now, through his diligent efforts and dedication, understand, appreciate and support the outstanding qualities of our University.

Throughout his career at USA, Dr. Busta has deftly handled the many challenges and opportunities that come with a major development and fundraising operation. I greatly appreciate the opportunity Julee and I have had to develop a friendship with Joe and his wife, Jackie, and we will miss them personally and professionally.

Dr. Busta will continue his work with the University into the fall, and at the appropriate time, we will schedule an event to recognize him and his many years of outstanding service to USA.

A national search will start in the very near future to fill this important position.

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


June 8, 2016

 

Students, Faculty and Staff,

As you may have noticed, the University has removed nearly all speed lumps and speed tables from main campus. If the undersides of our cars could talk, they surely would be cheering.

The speed tables and lumps were taken up from USA North and USA South drives, Cleverdon Parkway, Jack Brunson Drive and Jaguar Boulevard. Only one speed table remains on Jaguar Boulevard, and it should be removed in the next few weeks.

We all will experience a smoother ride on campus, but not necessarily a faster one. To ensure that we maintain a safe environment for the many people who walk through our beautiful campus each day, we have begun to reduce campus speed limits from 30 mph to a more reasonable 25 mph. The transition should fully take effect by fall.

In addition, the USA Police Department has increased enforcement to remind drivers to follow the speed limit, and recently set up a radar speed sign to alert drivers to how fast they were traveling.

Finally, Facilities Management personnel are working on a plan for updated, more visible crosswalks that will feature new signage, crosswalk patterns and, on some, approaching rumble strips.

Thank you for your patience as we continue to make these improvements across campus. We will try to reduce inconvenience as much as possible.

Enjoy the smoother streets, and please remember to obey the speed limit and drive safely.

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


May 10, 2016

 

The University of South Alabama hosts a number of foreign national faculty, staff, post-doctoral researchers, students, and visitors on our main campus and in the USA Health System. For federal compliance purposes, the University must maintain accurate records of international visitors on our campuses. Effective immediately, all departments inviting, sponsoring, or hiring foreign national faculty, staff or visitors must initiate the process of inviting/hiring with the Office of International Education. Regina George, Manager of Immigration, will advise on the appropriate visa type for that department's visitor/employee, and provide guidance regarding same throughout the hosting/hiring process. Ms. George will assist in determining if outside legal counsel is required, and if so, will serve as the liaison between the University department and the pre-approved immigration attorney.

Each visa type has specific requirements that must be met to ensure compliance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations. Information on how to invite and appropriately process foreign national scholars is available on the University's Immigration Compliance website at https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/international.

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


April 20, 2016

 

I'm pleased to announce the selection of Dr. John V. Marymont as Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of the College of Medicine.

Dr. Marymont, Chair of the Department of Orthopedics at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, was selected following a nationwide search and will begin at USA on July 1.

In his new position, Dr. Marymont will serve as the chief academic and administrative officer of the College of Medicine and will collaborate with the Vice President for Health Systems, Stan Hammack, in overseeing the USA Health System.

Dr. Marymont has the experience, skills and character needed to guide the University through changes and challenges in healthcare, and he will collaboratively seek innovative solutions and build on our excellent programs and strong foundation.

You can read more about Dr. Marymont here: http://bit.ly/1WFZPYx

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Marymont to South.

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


April 6, 2016

 

I'm pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Berry as Executive Director of Internal Audit and Chief Financial Compliance Officer.

Robert joins the University of South Alabama from the University of North Florida, where he held a similar position since 2007. He has more than 15 years of experience in audit and streamlining processes at organizations in industries including higher education, mortgage lending, retail and energy.

Robert will report directly to me and the Board of Trustees. His job will be to ensure the University follows state and federal regulations, investigate reports of fraud or financial irregularities and recommend cost savings through operational efficiencies. I believe Robert will bring leadership and management commitment to holding the University to a high standard of financial and operational integrity.

Robert fills a position previously held by Ben Tipton, who retired last year. A native of Montgomery, Robert earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Auburn University-Montgomery and his master's degree in business administration from the University of North Florida.

Please join me in welcoming Robert to South.

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


April 5, 2016

 

Dear USA Employees,

The Employee Wellness Initiatives Committee recommends that USA join businesses, schools and other organizations throughout the state of Alabama by participating in National Walk@Lunch Day. I encourage you to consider the committee's invitation below. I will walk at lunch on April 27 and I hope that you will participate too.

National Walk@Lunch Day was designed by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association "to encourage people of all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles to make walking a healthy habit for life."

It can be challenging to find time in our busy schedules for physical activity. For some employees, walking at lunch can be a first step toward a healthier lifestyle. For others, it can be a way to enhance their current level of exercise.

Participation is easy. Bring your comfortable footwear to work. Take up to 30 minutes (as your lunch break permits) during your regular lunch break to walk at your work location. Walk alone at your own pace* or with your co-workers. Please be mindful that some employees may need to build up to walking for 30 minutes.

The committee would like to know how many USA employees walk on April 27. Please help us capture USA's numbers by sending an email on April 28, to employeewellness@southalabama.edu. Please include your name, department and if you walked alone or the total number of co-workers from your department who walked as a group. If you walked with a group of employees, only one email is needed. The committee thanks you in advance for your assistance.

To learn more about the Employee Wellness Initiatives Committee and National Walk@Lunch Day, visit the committee's new website at https://www.southalabama.edu/programs/jagfit@south

*Employees with health issues/concerns should always seek medical guidance before beginning any new exercise regimen.

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


March 24, 2016

 

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Yesterday was an exciting day for the University of South Alabama, as we launched our new branding initiative. We had more than 1,000 people at our brand launch event, and more than 40 departments and offices brought displays and demonstrations that showcased many of the elements that combine to make South a special place.

The launch event was the culmination of many months of work by a dedicated committee led by Mike Haskins, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications. This committee consisted of faculty, students, staff and alumni, who created the elements of our brand, from our brand story and attributes, to colors and typefaces, to symbols and pictures. But the most important element of our brand is the people who make up our community.

The USA Brand will be incorporated into every aspect of USA's marketing and communications, which will help us effectively and consistently spread the word that South is an outstanding university. A critical component of our ability to communicate and strengthen our brand is your use of the brand guidelines developed by the USA Marketing and Communications Advisory Committee and published on the web at www.southalabama.edu/brand. I have endorsed these guidelines as University policy and ask that you all become familiar with how to implement them in your communications.

If you need help or have questions, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at (251) 460-6211 or marcomm@southalabama.edu.

Thank you for your support.

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


March 4, 2016

 

Today the University of South Alabama Board of Trustees honored a longstanding member of the USA family, Dr. Sam Strada, and his late wife, Judy, by naming the new USA Physicians Group medical office building the "Judith Susan and Samuel Joseph Strada Patient Care Center."

It is a fitting tribute to two people who have served as examples for others through their deep commitment to family and their firm belief in the transformative experience of education.

Dr. Strada joined USA as a Professor and Chair of Pharmacology in 1983 and has provided leadership in the College of Medicine for the past 33 years, including more than 10 years as Dean. Judy Strada was an active member of the community and her church, and served the areas of primary and secondary education as a volunteer.

I can think of no better name to go on a building that will be a center of patient care, research and education. The planned opening of the Judith Susan and Samuel Joseph Strada Patient Care Center, located next to USA Children's & Women's Hospital and the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, is scheduled for later this summer. Please help me congratulate Dr. Strada and his family on this well-deserved recognition. The Board of Trustees also honored former USA clinical faculty member and physician Dr. William Jefferson Terry by naming in his memory an operating room at USA Children's & Women's Hospital. Dr. Terry, the first pediatric urologist in the State of Alabama, served the hospital and its patients as a caring and compassionate physician.

Thank you to the Strada and Terry families.

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


March 2, 2016

 

Dear USA Students and Employees,

As we approach a time of year when many in our USA community will be traveling, I encourage students, faculty and staff to educate themselves about the Zika virus, its symptoms, and the geographic areas where the virus is most prevalent. In particular, students and employees are urged to use caution when considering travel to areas where the virus is prevalent.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Zika virus is spread to people primarily through mosquito bites, but in some cases may be spread through blood transfusion or sexual contact with an infected person. The most common symptoms of Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (pink eye), although many people affected by the virus experience no symptoms at all. The illness is usually mild, with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon; however pregnant women are urged to be especially cautious as the virus has been linked to microcephaly a birth defect in which babies are born with abnormally small heads in Brazil and French Polynesia.

If you believe you have been exposed or need more information, please contact your primary care provider. He or she will be able to screen you for the virus and, if necessary, refer you to an infectious disease specialist. If you are concerned about a risk of exposure to Zika related to upcoming travel, contact the USA Student Health Center at (251) 460-7151 or www.southalabama.edu/departments/studenthealth. The Student Health Center also can provide referrals for testing. Pregnant women, or women planning to become pregnant, should consult with their OB/GYN provider.

For the most up-to-date information and a list of countries with reports of active Zika virus, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/zika.

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama


February 4, 2016

 

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

I try to keep my office organized; however, I sometimes push the clutter out of sight when company comes over. For instance, there's one particular cabinet in my office that I always keep closed. That's where I keep my soda cans for recycling. You may have your own recycling cabinet, or maybe there's a bin in your office or near your residence hall where you put your recyclables.

The University is committed to its role as well. Over the past several months, USA has made significant headway in sustainability and recycling efforts, and in forming beneficial community partnerships to leverage those activities. Last year we entered into a partnership with Goodwill Easter Seals to collect recycling from a centralized location on campus. Employees and students are welcome to bring recyclables from on and off campus to the drop-off area, located behind the Maintenance and Surplus buildings off of USA North Drive. Accepted materials are glass, aluminum, paper, cardboard, steel and plastics (1-7).

I am proud to tell you that we've already collected more than 100,000 pounds of materials! That number will continue to rise as recycling bins are expanded across campus.

The University's Sustainability Committee currently is studying the costs and feasibility of a more widespread and uniform collection system. To-date, multi-stream collection bins have been added to Delta Commons and the Student Center. By the end of the year, we anticipate we will implement recycling and sustainability efforts for many academic buildings and the high traffic areas of the Mitchell Center, Stanky Field and Jaguar Field. We also will seek to enhance recycling and sustainability at our hospitals and healthcare properties after improvements on the main campus.

Our students have been actively involved in promoting sustainability. Members of the student USA Sustainability Council, working in a partnership with our food vendor Aramark, collect leftover food from dining areas on campus and deliver it weekly to the Salvation Army shelter. This decreases waste and helps community members in need. Students also are collecting food waste for composting that will be used in a community garden near the intramural fields.

These steps to enhance recycling and sustainability were rewarded last semester, when South placed 4th nationally in the PepsiCo Campus Recycling Challenge by recycling cans and bottles through the collection kiosk in the mall of the Student Center. As a result, USA received $1,000 to fund sustainability initiatives.

I am pleased with what we've accomplished so far and will continue looking for ways to improve our efforts. Please check out all that's being done - and give your feedback - by going to the Sustainability Committee's new website at: www.southalabama.edu/specialprojects/usasustainability.

I encourage each of you to contribute, whether it's by picking up bottles you may find on the ground, making sure paper finds its way to a recycling bin or bringing materials from home to our drop-off location.

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President


January 19, 2016

 

Dear USA Employees and Students,

Today the University of South Alabama will announce a new partnership with Faulkner State Community College that will provide more students with the skills they need to further their education and earn a four-year degree. Called Pathway USA, this program will provide guidance and support to Faulkner State students who wish to transfer to USA upon completion of their associate's degrees. Faulkner students enrolled in the program will be provided with certain benefits, including required sessions with a USA advisor who will visit the Faulkner campus and meet with Pathway USA students on a monthly basis.

This agreement strengthens our institutional commitment to student access and success, and expands educational opportunities for students in our region. For more information, please read the press release at: http://bit.ly/1n7NUV8.

Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President