University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama USA was founded in 1963 without a permanent campus of its own Nearly six decades later the university has evolved into a dynamic institution that serves as a catalyst for transformational change across the state of Alabama the Gulf Coast region and beyond
The universitys origins can be traced to the early 1960s when civic leaders in Mobile recognized the growing need for expanded access to higher education in southwest Alabama The existing extension program operating downtown could no longer meet regional demands prompting plans for a degreegranting institution On May 3 1963 the Alabama Legislature passed legislation establishing an independent university officially creating the University of South Alabama
Academic instruction began in June 1964 in a newly constructed 1 million facility in west Mobile enrolling 276 students Demand for higher education quickly exceeded expectations By the enrollment had surged to 928 students initiating a pattern of continued growth Today the university enrolls more than 13500 students annually and has awarded over 90000 degrees Its graduates have gone on to become leaders in business industry healthcare education and the arts
The universitys building now known as the Frederick Palmer Whiddon Administration Building honors the institutions founding president Frederick Palmer Whiddon His vision laid the foundation for the universitys development and he served as president until his retirement in 1998 He was succeeded by V Gordon Moulton a longtime faculty member and administrator who guided the institution through a period of significant expansion in the early 21st century In 2014 Dr Tony G Waldrop became the universitys third president continuing its commitment to excellence in discovery healthcare and learning
As enrollment and academic offerings expanded the universitys campus and facilities grew accordingly of its earliest ambitions was the establishment of a medical school This vision became a reality when the Whiddon College of Medicine welcomed its inaugural class in 1973 Over time the universitys emphasis on health education expanded further through the creation of the College of Nursing and the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions
Today the University of South Alabama provides highquality education across a broad range of disciplines including business liberal arts education engineering computing sciences and healthcare Its 1200acre campus has undergone substantial transformation over the past decade through the addition of modern facilities and resources The university offers more than 100 undergraduate graduate and doctoral programs through 11 colleges and schools In addition its Baldwin County campuses provide residents of Alabamas Eastern Shore with accessible educational opportunities and healthcare services
As a comprehensive research institution the university fosters an environment that encourages innovation curiosity and discovery Faculty members and researchers are engaged in addressing complex global challenges through the development of new technologies groundbreaking research and innovative solutions
Through USA Health which includes Childrens Womens Hospital University Hospital the Mitchell Cancer Institute academic physician practices Health Care Authority practices and the Whiddon College of Medicine the university delivers healthcare services throughout the region Together with the College of Nursing and the Covey College of Allied Health Professions these entities serve as exceptional environments for future physicians and healthcare professionals