The Pillars

THE PILLARS
Integrity and Ethics
Culture of Inquiry
Excellence in Teaching,
Research, and Service
Diversity
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
VOLUME 11 | 2019

Welcome to a new year and to new adventures.
The 2019 edition of the College of Education and
Professional Studies publication, The Pillars, embodies the
notion that the pillars of our college — the supports that
are necessary for faculty, staf, and students to operate
and fulfll our vision and mission — truly refect our core
values.
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
Dr. Andi Kent
Dean and Professor
These pillars may be considered as beliefs that:
• a culture of inquiry is transformative for all learners;
• excellence in teaching, research, and service are
core expectations;
• embracing diversity and a global perspective is
critical to a healthy community; and
• standards of practice must be built upon integrity
and ethics.
Culture of Inquiry
Promoting a culture of inquiry strengthens the impact of our students and faculty, and transforms
their communities through action. Likewise, intellectual curiosity is valued and cultivated through
meaningful experiences that lead to achieving collective and personal goals and forging
opportunities. Ultimately, a culture of inquiry promotes a quest for continuous improvement that is
focused on analysis of data resulting in transformative research, improved programs, and better
prepared graduates.
Excellence in Teaching, Research, and Service
Striving for excellence — in teaching, research, and service — is the foundation of a comprehensive
knowledge base that leads to action. Service is often based on the research of our faculty and
students. Research ensures that our teaching is well informed and aligned with current best practices.
Teaching afords clinical experiences for our students and engages them in real-world practical
applications.
Embracing Diversity
Embracing diversity and a global perspective broadens our views and enhances our acceptance
of others in order to diminish discrimination and enrich our life experiences. We are committed to
providing our students, faculty, and staf with opportunities for continuous development of cultural
competence through a safe and accessible environment. Having an open mind to learn from and
experience diverse people enhances the educational horizon for each individual and collectively,
for our world.
Integrity and Ethics
The pillar of integrity and ethics is solid and unshakable. These core values undergird our work
as we seek to make a positive diference in all that we do. Operating with integrity helps us to
establish trust with each other and with our partners. Mutual respect is fostered and decisions are
made with honesty and a sincere desire to enhance opportunities for stakeholders.

The pillars are sturdy, upstanding forces, operationalized and made visible through the work of our stakeholders. You will see
evidence of these pillars in action throughout The Pillars — from amazing alumni with outstanding accomplishments; to enthusiastic
students with fascinating stories; through dedicated faculty challenging the norms; and, with supportive staf making an
immeasurable diference every day.
I hope it is evident as you read this publication, each of the ornamental pillars is integral to our identity as we provide our students an
education of the highest quality. We prepare highly competent and enthusiastic graduates in their respective felds, thus upholding the
notion that we are equipping professionals who have the opportunity to transform the lives of others and the communities they call home.
The vision of the College of Education and Professional Studies is to prepare graduates committed to life-long learning who are active
participants in contributing to the betterment of our diverse and dynamic world.
The mission of the College of Education and Professional Studies is to transform our global community through a commitment to
enhancing excellence in education, advancement of innovative research, and the selfess service of our faculty, staf, students, and alumni.
Congratulations Dean Kent, 2019 Graduate of the Leadership Mobile Program.
The mission of Leadership Mobile is to seek, train and empower leaders who are committed to supporting and leading community growth
and progress through networking and collaborative problem solving.
3

ADVISORY COUNCIL
Travis Bedsole
Eric Patterson
Past Chair
Incoming Chair
ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Advisory Council of the College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS) has been actively
involved in furthering the mission of the college for over three years. The Council is composed
of a diverse group of interested community leaders and educators committed to learning
about the dynamic opportunities in the college and helping to disseminate that message in our
community. The members offer a unique sounding board for ideas, outreach, and support to the
college. Council members serve as advocates with school districts, businesses, and community
representatives, and cultivate external support.
The Advisory Council met three times during the academic year. The Council’s activities included
learning about the Williamson Preparatory Academy collaboration; the outreach of the Literacy
Center; an overview of the CEPS grants programs; and a mentoring program for middle and high
school students in Jackson, Alabama led by University of South Alabama students. It has been a
busy and productive year for the CEPS Advisory Council!

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST ADVISORY
COUNCIL MEMBER!
Chresal D. Threadgill
Superintendent – Mobile County Public School System
We excitedly welcome Mr. Chresal
D. Threadgill to the College of
Education and Professional Studies Advisory
Council. Chresal Threadgill is a native of
Mobile, AL, and is a graduate of John L.
LeFlore High School. Chresal attended
Alabama State University where he
received a Master’s Degree in Educational
Leadership. He has served in numerous
education positions throughout Alabama
including teacher, coach, assistant principal,
principal, assistant superintendent, and
superintendent. After five years as
superintendent of Elba City Schools, Mr.
Threadgill returned home as the Chief of
Staff for Mobile County Public Schools
where he worked in close conjunction with
the Superintendent in overseeing 7,500
employees and approximately 55,000
students. Currently, Mr. Threadgill serves as
the Superintendent of Mobile County Public
Schools, which is the largest and oldest
school system in the State of Alabama.
Throughout many of Mr. Threadgill’s
leadership positions, he has received
numerous accolades and recognitions
for his dedication and commitment in
the field of education. Mr. Threadgill
was recently selected as the sole
representative from the State of
Alabama to participate in the Texas
Superintendent’s Academy, at Lamar
University. In addition, he served as the
District III President in the Alabama School
Superintendents Association. While serving
as the District III representative Chresal
was named Superintendent of the Year for
District III. Chresal was also appointed as
the Chairman of the Advisory Council for
the College of Education at Troy University.
His most recent accolade includes being
featured in The School Superintendents
Association (AASA) publication based on
his proven record of leadership within the
field of education.
Throughout his journey, Mr. Threadgill’s
priority has remained with his ultimate
support system; his family. Chresal is
married to LaTanya Threadgill, and
together they have three beautiful
children, Sydni, Alex and Coleman. Mr.
Chresal D. Threadgill has a passion for
doing what is best for ALL children and
this philosophy is deeply ingrained in
the work he does each day to serve the
students of Alabama.
5

OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT
Aimee Meyers
Development Officer
OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT
FAST FACTS:
• $1,160,685 Funds received October 2018 - September 2019
• 160 Donors given to College
• $96,488 Scholarship dollars awarded for 2018-2019
Scholarship Recipient Spotlight: John Sheffield
John is making his mark on South’s campus and specifically the College of Education & Professional
Studies. He is the head student mentor for the PASSAGE USA program, (Preparing All Students
Socially and Academically for Gainful Employment) designed for students who need extra support
to be successful in our community. The Barbara Phillips Endowed Award for Special Education
Teachers scholarship will help John obtain his bachelor degree in Special Education. John said,
“I ultimately want to be a special education teacher at a middle or high school and impact the
lives of my students, and show them that they can be anything that they want in life, regardless of
disability.”
“I ultimately want to be
a special education teacher
at a middle or high school and
impact the lives of my students,
and show them that they can be
anything that they want in life,
regardless of disability.”

Scholarship Recipient Spotlight: Brittany Mistich
Brittany is a proud mother and veteran of the United States Air Force. She is a currently pursuing a master’s in school counseling
so she can plan to begin working at an at-risk school in our area. The Burette S. Tillinghast, Jr. Graduate Scholarship in School
Counseling will benefit Brittany immensely by relieving some of the financial stress caused by pursuing her goals and her passion for
helping others in need. She said, “I am honored to be chosen for this scholarship. I intend to be a force for good in our community
and this scholarship will assist me in pursuing my goals to do so. For this, I will be forever grateful.”
“I am honored to be
chosen for this scholarship.
I intend to be a force for
good in our community and this
scholarship will assist me in
pursuing my goals to do so.
For this, I will be forever
grateful.”
7

Giving Back to Future Educators: Tiffany K. Whitfield
The Tiffany K. Whitfield Scholarship for Education Students (undergraduate) will be awarded beginning in the Fall of 2019 through
the University of South Alabama. The endowment will cover books and supplies for deserving Juniors or Seniors in USA’s College
of Education and Professional Studies. “The rising costs of books and supplies have gone up tremendously,” Whitfield said. “I want to
make it easier for deserving students and make sure they don’t have to worry about it as I did.”
Whitfield is very grateful and said that South helped her in so many ways. “I grew up here. I had amazing professors who challenged
me and encouraged me. Those same instructors gave me recommendations for teaching overseas. It’s only right to give back to
those who really helped me.”
After earning her undergraduate and graduate degrees from USA’s College of Education and Professional Studies, Whitefield
wanted to teach in Dubai, even though the thought of studying abroad never crossed her mind. However, at that time, she needed
three years of teaching experience to qualify. Not to be discouraged, she adhered to the advice from her parents, stayed
home in Mobile and worked for two years at Allentown Elementary School as a Special Education Instructor. “USA really
prepared me for the challenges of being a teacher. I really enjoy teaching and as I was completing my second year
here, I found that Kuwait only required two years of teaching experience,” she said. “So, I took a leap of faith, followed my heart and
applied to teach in one of the richest countries in the Middle East.”
Whitfield is a first-grade educator with 25 energetic, six-year old boys in her class. She has a teaching assistant and they focus on an
American based curriculum of math and language arts. “Teaching is my passion and I love my boys,” she said. “My kids have become
part of my life. It’s interesting because I’m
teaching them how to speak English fluently
and they’re teaching me how to speak
Arabic. Some of them bring me flowers.
Their parents send me gifts. It’s never a dull
moment with my boys. I love each of them.”
Offering some of the best incentives for
international teachers, Kuwait is an ideal
destination for those interested in teaching
while being immersed in Arab culture.
“For those interested in the experience,
you have to be flexible, openminded
and have a good
“Education
is the most powerful
weapon which you can use
to change the world.”
– Nelson Mandela –
understanding of Arabic
culture and customs.
It’s an exciting place
to live and work as
long as you don’t
mind year-long
sunshine,” she said.

CEPS ALUMNI SOCIETY
Laura Sergeant
President CEPS Alumni Society
CEPS ALUMNI SOCIETY
The CEPS Alumni Society had a successful year connecting
alumni with activities and functions at the University of South
Alabama. While most of our activities encouraged CEPS
Alumni to bring their families to sporting events, we also held
events that gave our alumni time to visit and network at a few
adult-only socials. Our focus this year will be on building an
active Alumni Society that plans events for its members and
encourages involvement in University through volunteering at
CEPS sponsored events (local student camps, Convocation,
Extra Yard for Teachers, etc.) and attendance at Alumni
Association events.
9

ALABAMA MATH, SCIENCE,
AND TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE
AMSTI
Rachel Broadhead
Site Director, AMSTI
Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI-USA)
Region 10, a grant program of the USA in the College of Education
and Professional Studies (CEPS), had a year full of STEM outreach
and professional learning. Providing professional learning and
support opportunities to in-service teachers across the five southeastern
Alabama counties and all nine Local Education Agencies,
we supported over 700 teachers. AMSTI-USA facilitated integrated STEM opportunities as well as
core content learning in math and science.
In addition to teacher development and collaborative learning opportunities, AMSTI-USA in
conjunction with the Mobile County Public School system, the USA Center for Integrative Studies
in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CISSTEM), and CEPS hosted the 2nd
Annual Elementary STEM Match-up under the gaze of the Setting the Pace statue. The event was
attended by over 600 STEM-tastic students, teachers, and parents. It was a beautiful day full of
science and math based competitions for elementary students in the area.
AMSTI USA also launched a regional elementary robotics competition designed to build capacity and
interest at schools with underserved and underrepresented populations. Using entry level robots, and
providing teacher level supports, we held 3 pilot robotics competitions, impacting over 150 students.

ADVISING CENTER
Josh Wooden
Director
Academic Advising and Teacher Certification
joshwooden@southalabama.edu
2018-2019 AC Fast Facts
• Advising Appointments: 3,146
• Recruitment Events: 19
• Outreach Campaigns: 10
ADVISING CENTER
Advisor Spotlight
Diane Harvey, Academic Advisor II
Ms. Harvey advises undergraduate students who major in Interdisciplinary Studies, Early Childhood
Studies, or Educational Studies. She graduated from the University of South Alabama with a
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Science in Community Counseling.
Before coming to USA, she worked as a Bereavement Counselor in a local hospice. Diane’s
breadth of experience and knowledge is a sought out commodity in the college of Education and
Professional Studies—a true mentor to her students and colleagues.
11

DIVERSITY COUNCIL
DIVERSITY
Dr. Joe’l Billingsley
Diversity Council Chair
During the 2018-2019 academic year, the USA College of
Education and Professional Studies (CEPS) Diversity Council
developed a diversity and inclusion strategic plan, hosted lunch
conversations, revised and distributed a campus climate student
questionnaire, and continued the Williamson Collaboration. The
diversity and inclusion strategic plan will guide the direction of the
council in the upcoming year. The lunch conversations, “What’s
Trending?” have been and continue to be a convening of faculty
and staff for courageous dialogue. The results from the campus climate survey provide student input
in the implementation of the strategic plan. The Williamson Preparatory Academy Collaboration is
growing within and expanding beyond our college in the areas programming, tutoring and research.
These efforts aligned with the university strategic goals demonstrate the college’s commitment to
continuous improvement and meeting the diverse needs of faculty, staff, and students.

OFFICE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
OFFICE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
Dr. John Kovaleski
Associate Dean and Director of Graduate Studies
The Ofce of Graduate Studies serves all students enrolled in
doctoral, specialist, and master’s degree programs. We coordinate
all matters related to graduate-level studies to help graduate
students succeed academically and professionally, and facilitate
academic policies that enhance the productivity of graduate
students and their faculty mentors. The Director of Graduate
Studies serves as the liaison between the Dean of the Graduate
School and the College of Education and Professional Studies.
Our goal is to recruit highly qualified students and to make graduate study fulfilling and successful.
The Office of Graduate Studies assists students through admission, registration, program study,
and graduation. The College of Education and Professional Studies is pleased to offer over 20
graduate degrees at the masters, specialist, and doctoral levels as well as numerous certification
programs. These degrees and certifications are offered through our graduate programs in
the Department of Counseling and Instructional Sciences; Health, Kinesiology, and Sport; and
Leadership and Teacher Education.
Our mission is accomplished through the provision of engagement and support, research and
creative activity, professional development opportunities, and outstanding faculty who provide the
expertise, resources, and advocacy of intellectual and professional performance. The University’s
core values of diversity and a global perspective; excellence; freedom in the pursuit of knowledge,
integrity, and transparency; and participation in decision-making are essential to our vision.
Going forward, we will anticipate the future needs of our students in order to help them thrive in
a global economy where success depends on their cultivation of wide-ranging skill sets, and we
will take advantage of the broad and deep expertise of our graduate faculty to develop a more
interdisciplinary approach to graduate education. We also work to build new innovative programs
that will better prepare our students as they transition from graduate classrooms and labs into
increasingly competitive labor markets.
GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH
Our students at the graduate level who pursue a doctoral, educational specialist, or master’s degree
are afforded the opportunity to push the limits of knowledge. Through a doctoral dissertation,
educational specialist’s research project, or a master’s thesis they generate ideas, research
questions, hypotheses, interpretations and original analyses. Their research could have a major
impact on the world of education, educational leadership, instructional design, clinical counseling
and psychology, sport management, health and exercise science. The answers that they come up
with can make a real difference in the lives of people! Evidence of this effort is illustrated in that the
College of Education and Professional Studies for the academic year 2018-2019 produced 18 doctoral
dissertations, three educational specialist’s research projects, and three master’s theses! This is no
small effort on the part of the student’s and their faculty mentors in producing this large volume of
work! As a special note, doctoral student John Hoyle was nominated by his doctoral committee in
the Department of Counseling and Instructional Sciences and was awarded the 2019 Outstanding
Dissertation of the Year at the 26th Annual University Graduate Research Forum. Congratulations to
Dr. Hoyle and all our amazing graduate students for their work!
13

OFFICE OF FIELD SERVICES
OFFICE OF FIELD SERVICES
Jennifer Simpson
Director of Field Services
We could not possibly prepare future teachers without our
local school partners. Preservice teacher candidates spend
countless hours in schools working alongside outstanding mentor
teachers, who help prepare them for transition into the teaching
profession. We are proud of our graduates and appreciate all of
those who help prepare them for their future educating children
in our communities.
Some of our recent graduates making a difference!

OFFICE OF ASSESSMENT
OFFICE OF ASSESSMENT
Dr. Matt Binion
Director of Academic Assessment
The Office of Academic Assessment has been working diligently
over the last year to prepare the College for two very important
outside review processes for our teacher preparation programs.
The state of Alabama requires all teacher preparation programs
to be reviewed via the Continuous Improvement for Educator
Preparation (CIEP) process every five years. The purpose of
this program is to “ensure approved programs produce wellprepared
and effective educators ready to improve P-12 student
learning consistent with Plan 2020.” The Plan 2020 initiative calls for every child in the state to be
“taught by a well-prepared, resourced, supported, and effective teacher...effective leader...and
visionary instructional leader.” The CIEP process requires our programs to comprehensively review
our programs and demonstrate our efforts toward continuous improvement.
The other major project in our office is our reaccreditation with our national accreditor for teacher
preparation, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Our office with the
help of our LTE faculty, have put in a great number of hours over the last 18 months to prepare
materials and evidence for our reaccreditation. Our next phase will include an onsite visit by a
review team from CAEP in February 2020 with a decision on our reaccreditation in the late fall of
2020. We are excited to share with CAEP all of the great accomplishments our teacher education
programs have made over the last seven years. Most importantly, we want to high light the
college’s commitment to continuous improvement and maintaining a culture of inquiry.
15

FACULTY AND STAFF AWARDS
Honoring Retirees:
Gerry Jean Clark HTM/INGS Faculty CINS Faculty Excellence in
Exemplary Staff Award - Excellence in Teaching Teaching, Research, and
Charlotte Rogers and Service - Service -
Dr. Evelyn Green
Dr. James Van Haneghan
Gail McLean - CINS (34
years and 8 months of
service)
LTE Faculty Excellence in
Teaching, Research, and
Service - Dr. Kelly Byrd
Dr. Alla Zaharova -
Administration (19 years
of service)
HKS Faculty Excellence in
Teaching, Research, and
Service - Dr. Neil Schwarz
Dr. Dennis Campbell -
LTE (14 years of service)
Dr. Larry Gurchiek - HKS
(26 years of service)
CEPS Overall Award - Dr. James Van
Haneghan

17

LITERACY CENTER
Joan Holland
Director, Literacy Center
LITERACY CENTER
Summer Campers Celebrate the Gulf Coast
Write, Camera, Action! Summer 2019 brought exciting changes to
the USA Summer Literacy Camp. This year Literacy Center
Director, Joan Holland, teamed with CEPS faculty member, Dr.
Joe Gaston, camp leaders, Adrianna Arriola and Temple Zimlich,
and local elementary school teachers to take literacy to a whole
new level! Elementary aged campers took part in the first annual
two-week Literacy-Video Production Camp. Sixty-three campers
participated in this innovative camp to learn more about the Gulf Coast through reading, writing,
speaking and listening, and video production. After being presented with a theme and a goal of
publishing books, Adrianna Arriola and Temple Zimlich planned and facilitated camp sessions. The
first week, campers focused on research and publishing a book celebrating many treasures found
on the Gulf Coast.
Dr. Gaston trained local teachers to utilize studio quality video production equipment in the
classroom before working with teams of campers to produce videos related to published books
during week two. Campers also took a field trip to the Jag Media TV studio to learn more about
integrating literacy and technology through video production. The two-week camp culminated
with celebrating the accomplishments of each team. Family, friends, Mobile County School
principals, CEPS faculty, and other community stakeholders were invited to a film showcase. Guests
were welcomed by campers and Mobile Azalea Trail Maids, and treated to a slideshow of camp
photos, team produced videos, as well as teacher created videos.

19

GRANTS AND CONTRACTS
Dr. Andre Green
Associate Dean and Director of Grants and Contracts
GRANTS AND CONTRACTS
The College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS) had a
record year in externally funded grants and contracts in fiscal
year 2019. Faculty and staff in CEPS generated approximately 10
million dollars to support their research interest from various
agencies across the country. This amount almost doubles the 5.2
million dollars generated last year by faculty in CEPS.
Like the university as a whole, CEPS established a goal of having more faculty engaged in
externally funded research and projects. To support this expectation, over the past year CEPS
provided a 5-part series grant writing workshop lead by nationally renowned grant writing
consultant Dr. David Bauer for its faculty. Over 30 CEPS faculty members, along with 20 faculty
members from various colleges across the university, participated in the workshop series to gain
additional skills to submit competitive proposals for external funding. In addition, individual
coaching was provided by Dr. Bauer to newly formed research teams in the college to assist team
members in refining their ideas. The grant writing workshop consisted of these 5 topics:
1) How to Find and Win Government Grants
2) How to Find and Win Foundation & Corporate Grants
3) Team Building and Quality Circle Seminars
4) Fund-Raising Seminar
5) Grants Coaching Seminar
Faculty are already benefiting from the granting writing series as several won Research and
Scholarly Development Grants from the USA Office of Research and Economic Development
(ORED) in the amount of 25K. Faculty had to write a proposal and go through a rigorous selection
process established by ORED. ORED funded only five proposals from the submissions they
received and CEPS faculty were represented in three of the five projects awarded. Those faculty
members are:
1) Ryon McDermott, assistant professor in Counseling & Instructional Sciences, leads an
interdisciplinary team of researchers to examine how risk and protective factors interact to predict
college student success and persistence.
2) Benterah Morton, assistant professor in Leadership and Teacher Education, is part of an
interdisciplinary team that will develop and evaluate a universal violence prevention program for
ninth grade students.
3) Caitlyn Hauff and Geoffrey Hudson, assistant professors in Health, Kinesiology, & Sport,
and Ryon McDermott, assistant professor in Counseling and Instructional Sciences, are part of
an interdisciplinary team to study the factors contributing to poor health in nursing students, and
facilitate the development of positive health-related behaviors.

CEPS made an intentional effort to attract and hire more research focused assistant professors in vacant faculty positions over the
past several years. As a result, CEPS is beginning to reap the benefits from these hires and due to all these efforts, external proposal
submission in CEPS by faculty increased by 31% in Fiscal Year 2019 as compared to Fiscal Year 2018. The future of CEPS in the area of
research and external funding is very promising.
21

Week of Welcome Convocation
August 19, 2019 marked the beginning of a new semester and academic year for the College of
Education and Professional Studies. Faculty, staff, and students celebrated the new year.
WEEK OF WELCOME
CONVOCATION

Extra Yard for Teachers
Extra Yard For Teachers, presented by the College Football Playoff Foundation, recognizing teachers across the nation. As part of the
recognition, South Alabama Athletics and the College of Education and Professional Studies celebrated and honored local teachers.
At the USA versus Memphis game on September 14, the following teachers were recognized:
Winners for 2019:
$500 gift card winner:
Ms. Dee Dee Picicci;
Corpus Christi Catholic School;
3rd grade
Project Name: Monthly Science Kits for all 3rd graders
$250 gift card winner:
Ms. Jackie Edwards
Williamson High School
10th-12th grade Welding
Project Name: Building recycled scrap metal sculpture of a Lion (School Mascot) and Spider Webb with Spiders
$250 gift card winner:
Ms. Lori Williams
Griggs Elementary School
5th grade
Project Name: Daily doodle using Doodler 3D pens for math
Below, L to R: Jennifer Simpson, Director of Field
Services; Ms. Dee Dee Picicci from Corpus Christi
Catholic School; Kristy Martin, Corpus Christi
principal
Above, L to R: Ms. Lori Williams from Griggs Elementary School, Ms. Jackie
Edwards from Williamson High School, President of CEPS Alumni Society -
Laura Wagner, and Dean of CEPS - Dr. Andi Kent
23

OPEN HOUSE - FALL 2019

2018-2019 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Alane and Mark Hoffman Special Education Certification
Scholarship
Allison Morgan
Alfred F. Delchamps, Sr. Memorial Scholarship
Taylor Jones
Barbara Phillips Endowed Award for Special Education
Teachers
John Shefeld
Betty and Richard Wold Education Administration Endowed
Scholarship
Jessica McCarty
Bobbie and Steve Hancock Scholarship in Interdisciplinary
Studies
Jada Allen
Burette S Tillinghast, Jr. Graduate Scholarship in School
Counseling
Brittany Mistich
Captain Allen U. Graham Memorial Scholarship
Anthony Jackson
College of Education Scholarship
Samantha Santa Cruz
Dr. Elizabeth F. Martin and Dr. Wilma M. Scrivner
Scholarship
Janie Arnold
Dr. Evelyn Kwan Green Endowed Scholarship in Hospitality and
Tourism
Taylor Dames
Dr. George E. Uhlig Endowed Award
Dorothy Mayo
Dr. Richard L. Hayes Endowed Scholarship in School
Counseling
James Rhea
Dr. Vaughn Millner Endowed Scholarship in Counseling
Lorin Espiritu
Ed Bunnell Adult Degree Program Scholarship
Savannah Long
Gaillard-Neville Reynolds Scholarship for PASSAGE USA
Matysan McClendon
Gaillard-Neville Reynolds Scholarship for PASSAGE USA
Kaylee Walker
Gaillard-Neville Reynolds Scholarship for PASSAGE USA
Brian Davis
Harold Bickel Memorial Scholarship in Education
Tasheena Jacques
Helping Hands Development Award
Kayla Lovett
J. Howe and Annie Bell Hadley Memorial Scholarship
Glisa Lou Peralta
Jim and Liz Connors Hospitality Management Scholarship
Destin Sims
John Hadley Strange Scholarship
Victoria Roberts
Joycelyn Franklin Finley Trailblazer Scholarship
Savannah Long
Keasler/Spillers Scholarship
Kristina Marszal Lynn
Lavonne Simon Endowed Book Award
Candace Pickering
Lavonne Simon Endowed Book Award
Allison Morgan
Linda Reaves Endowment for Educators in Science and
Mathematics
Anthony Jackson
Lisa Mitchell Bukstein Developing Students Scholarship
Kristen Grubb
Mobile Area Lodging Association Scholarship
Sophie Mikkelsen
Patricia Kelly Lofton Endowed Scholarship for Teachers
Glisa Lou Peralta
PNC Bank Endowed Scholarship in Early Childhood
Education
Nina Hannah-Wansley
Ralph Jones Memorial Scholarship
Janie Arnold
Robert Hopkins Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Education
Anna Grifth
Ronald A. Styron, Sr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Lynsey Listau
Rotary Club of Mobile Scholarship
Hannah Naylor
Ruth M. Gwinn-Heitman Endowed Scholarship
Kayla Lovett
Student Leaders in Education Scholarship
Martine Alger
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama Endowed Scholarship for
Teachers
Faith Harrell
The Nancy Gaillard Love of Teaching Scholarship
Kristen Burnett
Thomas Corcoran Scholarship in Interdisciplinary Studies
Savannah Long
Travis M. Bedsole, Jr. and Susan D. Bedsole Endowed
Scholarship in Education
Taylor Young
White-Spunner Endowment Scholarship in Education
Ragan Ferguson
William Chamberlain Technology Teaching Award
Kristen Grubb
Williams Charitable Foundation Book Award
Ragan Ferguson
Wind Creek Hospitality Endowed Scholarship in Hospitality and
Tourism
Taylor Dames
25

STUDENT HONORS AND AWARDS
42ND COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
2019 STUDENT HONORS AND AWARDS
COUNSELING AND INSTRUCTIONAL SCIENCES
Melissa D. Dean
Dr. Chandru Hiremath Memorial Award
Ph.D. Student of the Year
Instructional Design and Development Program
John Roberts Peavy III
Dr. John E. Morrow, Sr. Memorial Award
Master’s Student of the Year
Instructional Design and Development Program
Lorin E. Espiritu
Outstanding Graduate Student
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
Brittany M. Mistich
Outstanding Graduate Student
School Counseling Program (M.Ed.)
Janna M. Corley
Outstanding Graduate Student
Educational Media - Library (M.Ed.)
Ariana L. Mitchell
Counseling and Clinical Psychology
Ph.D. Student of the Year
Ginna B. Johnson
Outstanding Graduate Student
Educational Media and Technology (M.S.)
HEALTH, KINESIOLOGY, AND SPORT
Ashley Powell
Outstanding Graduate Student - Exercise
Science
Madison Grissett Lewis
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Exercise
Science
Anthony Esposito
Outstanding Undergraduate Student
Health and Physical Education/Teacher
Certifcation
Patricia Martins
Outstanding Undergraduate Student
Sport and Recreation Management
Allie Noel Walker
Outstanding Undergraduate Student -
Therapeutic Recreation
HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT
Hunter Grifth
Outstanding Undergraduate Student
Khamaria Saadiq
Outstanding Intern of the Year
INTEGRATIVE STUDIES
Deborah Fetherland
Outstanding Interdisciplinary Studies Student
Carson Wood
Outstanding Educational Studies Student
LEADERSHIP AND TEACHER EDUCATION
Lauren Kaye Holsenbeck
Outstanding K-6 Teacher Education Student
Teacher
Celie Ann Koth
Outstanding Graduate Student - Elementary
Education

Mary Helen Johnson Strain
Outstanding Graduate Student - Special Education
Keith E. Grifth II
Outstanding PASSAGE USA Student
Dena Passet Armbrecht
Outstanding K-12 Leadership Masters Student
Martha Anne Dorland
Outstanding Secondary Education Student Teacher
Laren Lewis Wimberley
Outstanding Student - Secondary Education
Katherine O’Leary
Outstanding Undergraduate Student K-6 - Teacher Education
Julian Katz
Outstanding Higher Education Leadership Masters Student
27

DEPARTMENT OF COUNSELING
& INSTRUCTIONAL SCIENCES
CINS New Faculty & Staff
Ellen Parham
Ellen was hired in June of 2019 as our department’s new
Secretary V. Ellen has worked for 28 years managing a large
office involved in various business practices including human
resource tasks in the field of injury claims processing. Ellen
brings an abundance of energy, an intrinsic desire to learn and
“get it right”. We welcome Ellen and look forward to her being
part of the CINS and CEPS professional family.
DEPARTMENT OF COUNSELING & INSTRUCTIONAL SCIENCES
Dr. James Stefurak
Chair
Our department comprises graduate programs in three
domains: Instructional Design, Counseling and Educational
Media. We train leaders in the Gulf Coast region and abroad
that impact a variety of industries including mental health and
primary health care, education, industry, government and the
military.
Faculty Research Spotlight: Dr. Burke Johnson
Burke Johnson had a busy 2018-2019 year of writing and
publishing. This year he revised two books, coedited another
book, and is currently coediting a fourth book. He continues his
internationally-recognized work in the areas of mixed methods
research and program evaluation methodology.
Dr. Johnson’ s books are as follows:
1. Johnson, R. B., & Christensen, L. B. (available October
of 2019 with a 2020 publication date). Educational research:
Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches (7th ed.). Los
Angeles, CA: Sage.
2. Christensen, L. B., Johnson, R. B., & Turner, L. A.
(available August 2019 with a 2020 publication date). Research methods, design, and analysis
(13th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
3. Njoku, M. G. C., Jason, L. A., & Johnson, R. B. (Eds.). (2019). Psychology of peace promotion:
Global perspectives on personal peace, children, and adolescents and social justice. New York,
NY: Springer.
4. Onwuegbuzie, A. J., Johnson, R. B. (Eds.) (hoping to be available in Fall 2020) Reviewer’s Guide
for Mixed Methods Research Analysis. New York, NY: Routledge.
During 2019, Burke also gave international workshops on mixed methods research at the
University of Bergen (Norway), the University of Oslo (Norway), the Global School in Empirical
Research Methods (University of St. Gallen, Switzerland), and University of the West Indies, St.
Augustine (Trinidad & Tobago).

Faculty Service Spotlight: Dr. Joel Billingsley
In an effort to honor the 110 enslaved Africans who were illicitly brought to the United States on
the schooner Clotilda in 1860, a team of professors is embarking on a historical documentary film
project including the arts and education. The oral history of their descendants, interviews with
historians, and a visual examination of historical documents will serve as the foundation of the
documentary. The arts will be explored through poetry and an art exhibit. An education curriculum
is in the development to provide educational tools for teachers to teach this history.
The film’s producing team is comprised of Dr. Joél Lewis Billingsley, producer and Associate
Professor at the University of South Alabama, Ryan Noble, director and Assistant Professor at
Spring Hill College, and Dr. Kern Jackson, co-producer and Director of African American Studies at
the University of South Alabama. As the filmmakers, we hope
to create an innovative approach to the descriptive depictions of the life that was left behind in
Africa, the trauma of being captured, sold into slavery, and “shipped” across the Atlantic, and
the heroic survival of enslavement in Alabama, through visual imagery that parallels the poetic
imagery of Cudjo Lewis’s “parables” and the retelling of the oral history by descendants and
community members. The film will be released in Spring of 2020.
CINS Faculty Teaching Spotlight: Dr. Joe Gaston
Dr. Gaston has been working with an educational mission team for the
past two years to help transform the Episcopal schools in the Dominican
Republic. Currently, the team includes educators from Nebraska,
Alabama, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. Dr. Gaston has recently
been working with Dr. Richard Carter, dean of the School of Continuing
Education and Special Programs, to establish a MOU between the
University and the Dominican schools. Aside from providing workshops for
Dominican teachers on pedagogical strategies, Dr. Gaston is also working
with administrators to assist with meaningful technology integration. Since
this is an ongoing project, the team is looking forward to accepting new
members who are interested in contributing to this important work.
29

DEPARTMENT OF COUNSELING
& INSTRUCTIONAL SCIENCES
CINS STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Tracey Smith
Tracey Smith, a 2nd year student in the Clinical
Mental Health Counseling Master’s program. Dr.
Ryon McDermott is sponsoring Tracey’s own research
project investigating possible causes of police officer
psychological distress entitled, “The Robocop Effect:
Emotional Control, Masculinity, and Mental Health in
Police Officers.” Participants include officers from the
USA Campus Police, the Mobile Police Department, and
the Mobile Sheriff’s Office. It is a mixed methods study
consisting of a structured battery of questionnaires and guided interviews to gain insight into what
the officers themselves believe to be issues related to officer mental health. Tracey is also finishing
a manuscript with Dr. Stefurak on the relationship between burnout, PTSD and suicidal behaviors
among paramedics and emergency medical technicians in Alabama.
Tracey’s career goal is to become a clinical psychologist so that she can provide therapy services
to first responders in the Mobile area, a much-needed role. She is currently an intern at USA
Counseling and Testing Services and has found she wants to continue helping this population,
especially LGBTQ students.
CINS Student Spotlight: Ginna Johnson
Ginna completed her undergraduate degree in Elementary
Education from the University of South Alabama in the Spring of
2010. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Educational
Technology from USA and will graduate in the Fall of 2019. Ginna
taught 4th grade for five years at Eichold-Mertz Magnet School
in the Mobile County Public School System. Prior to that, she
taught K3/K4 and served as head teacher/head of curriculum
at a child development center. Ginna has been an exceptional
student in the Educational Technology program and was
presented with the Outstanding Student of the Year award this
past spring. Ginna has been an early adopter of educational augmented reality technologies and
has recently developed a workshop for teachers on ways to incorporate these engaging resources
into the classroom. This fall, she will be starting a new position at Robert E. Lee Elementary school
as the sixth-grade science and technology teacher.
CINS Alumni Spotlight: Neesha Roberts
Neesha Roberts, a 2010 graduate of the Clinical Mental Health
Counseling program, has carved a truly unique career path
across different continents and focused on serving some of
the most vulnerable populations of human beings imaginable.
Neesha came to USA after earning her bachelor’s degree
in theology from University of Mobile and completed her
internship during her master’s program through the Mobile

Juvenile Court Collaborative coordinated by Dr. Stefurak. This experience working with delinquent and often highly traumatized
teenagers, spurred a sustained passion and commitment to rehabilitative work with victims of physical and emotional abuse. After
her master’s program Neesha took an unpaid fellowship with the International Justice Mission working in Chennai, India. Here she
worked on a team which sought to free individuals living in bonded labor situations – the equivalent of modern-day slavery. Her
work here included IJM’s first ever field research and program evaluation of their program. From there she worked in various roles,
all focused on serving psychological traumatized individuals. These include work as a sexual assault advocate in Mobile at Lifelines
Counseling, working for an anti-sex trafficking organization in New York City, Restore NYC, as a freelance journalist for Cause
Vox and earning a journalism certificate at NYU. She then made a decision to reengage in delivering psychotherapy services for
traumatized youth which lead to a job at Youth Villages in Nashville and most recently as a clinical supervisor at Omni Visions, a
Nashville-area foster care agency. Along the way she has become certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and
obtained licensure as a counselor in Tennessee. Neesha’s long-term commitment to the well-being of abused and traumatized
people began at USA and in CEPS.
DEAN’S OFFICE
WELCOME SHANON BUFORD
TO THE DEAN’S OFFICE
Shanon began working at the University of South Alabama in July of 2015 with AMSTI
as Storekeeper 1, refurbishing kits for public schools. In 2016 she was promoted to the
position of Accounting Clerk IV at AMSTI. On May 6, 2019 she made a lateral transfer
to the Dean’s office as the new CEPS Accounting Clerk IV.
Shanon received a BS degree in Criminal Justice online in 2010. She and Tommy have
been together for 15 years and have 2 dogs, Dolly and Roxy, and a turtle named Ivan.
They love to spend their summer weekends boating on Lake Martin.
31

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, KINESIOLOGY, AND SPORT
Dr. Shelley Holden
Chair, Health, Kinesiology, and Sport
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH,
KINESIOLOGY, AND SPORT
NEW FACULTY IN HEALTH, KINESIOLOGY, AND SPORT
Ms. Aline Botsis, Instructor, Exercise Science. Ms. Botsis
graduated from USA with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees
in Exercise Science. As part of her master’s degree she
completed a thesis which studied the effects of Kinesio Tape
on the ankle complex in ballet dancers, and the results were
recently published. Since graduating, Ms. Bostsis has worked at
USA as an academic advisor in Academic Advising & Transfer
Services and has served as an adjunct instructor for the HKS
Department since 2016.
Dr. Ryan Colquhoun, Assistant Professor, Exercise Science.
Dr. Colquhoun’s research focuses on the acute and chronic
neuromuscular responses to exercise, supplementation, and
fatigue in humans. The purpose is to better understand the
physiological mechanisms associated with these conditions
in order to improve performance and exercise prescription.
Dr. Colquhoun received his bachelor’s degree in Exercise
Science and Health Promotion from Florida Atlantic University,
his master’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of
South Florida, and his doctorate degree in Health and Human
Performance from Oklahoma State University.
Dr. Craig Parkes, Assistant Professor, Physical Education
Pedagogy. His main area of research is the occupational
socialization of physical education teachers. Dr. Parkes is also
interested in physical education teacher education recruitment
and retention, and youth sports participation. Dr. Parkes
completed his degrees at the University of Wolverhampton,
Ithaca College, and the University of North Carolina at
Greensboro. He was an instructor at Penn State University prior
to accepting the position at USA.

HKS ACADEMIC PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2018-2019
The Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) approved a program name change from Leisure Studies to Sport
Management and Recreation Studies. This new name change reflects a more appropriate title for the two concentrations housed
under this major (Sport and Recreation Management and Therapeutic Recreation).
The Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport coordinates the Physical Activity Course Program as a non-degree service
program for all University of South Alabama students. Randall Anastasio, Senior Instructor coordinates the physical activity program
where the goal is to help individuals develop an appreciation and commitment to physical activity
so they have the opportunity to live healthy lives. New courses developed or offered this past year
were racquet sports, canoeing, X-Fit, Zumba, and on-line jogging.
HKS – Community Engagement
The Therapeutic Recreation Program co-sponsored the 8th Annual Gulf Coast Recreational
Therapy Symposium in Gulf Shores with over 200 attendees including practitioners and
recreational therapy students from seven universities
Therapeutic Recreation
Approximately 3,000 local elementary and middle school students from the Mobile County Public
School System were presented with an overview of various career options associated with HKS
degree offerings by Dr. Brooke Forester, Associate Professor, at the South Alabama Women’s
Basketball “Pack the House” game event and Career Day.
Sport Management program coordinator, Dr. Christopher Keshock, along with professors in
the HKS department coordinator the scheduling of student service learning assignments at Gulf
Coast sport and recreation events. This included the scheduling of 448 separate 4-hour shifts or
1,792 man-hours of community service to professional, amateur, intercollegiate, and recreation
organizations hosting events along the Gulf Coast. A team of sport management students worked
the NCAA Women’s Sand Volleyball Championship in May 2019 providing 68 hours of community
service during a 4-day period assisting with NCAA tournament operations and ESPN event
Sport Management
broadcasting. Plus, 31 three hour shifts or 93 hours of data collection was completed by sport
management students to provide marketing
research information to a Gulf Coast Region Sports
Association.
HKS Faculty 19-20, Weight Room
33

Throughout the academic year Therapeutic Recreation faculty (Dr. Ellen Broach and Ms. Susan
Montgomery) and their students put in numerous service hours in local hospitals, assisted living
facilities, adult day programs, senior centers, behavioral health facilities, community non-profit
agencies, programs for the homeless, etc.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH,
KINESIOLOGY AND SPORT
HKS Global Collaboration
Dr. Christopher Keshock offered study – abroad courses to Italy in the Summer 2019 semester
at the undergraduate (LS 490 Global Sport Event Management) and graduate levels (SM 594
Global Sport Event Management) to further develop partnership with the World Boys Baseball Cup
tournament in addition to the collaboration with European Sport Management institutions.
Rolf Blondeel, student at Breda University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands was an exchange
student Spring 2019.
Joey Boussen, a student at Breda University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands was an exchange
student Fall 2018.
Spotlighting HKS Faculty and Students
Drs. Hauff and Hudson are part of an interdisciplinary research team (nursing, computer science,
mental health counseling, and health policy) that was awarded an internal university grant
($22,000) for their project entitled: Healthy Student, Happy Nurse: A Longitudinal Investigation
of Nursing Students’ Health-Related Behaviors to Promote Professional Well-being. The grant is
awarded for May 15, 2019-May 14, 2020.
The Women’s Body Initiative (WBI), directed and coordinated by Dr. Caitlyn Hauff, Assistant
Professor of Health Promotion, is an evidence-based body image workshop aimed at addressing
body image issues with women over the age of 35 was instituted in fall 2017. Dr. Hauff and her
team have successfully completed 2 WBI workshops (Fall 2018 and Spring 2019).
Dr. Neil Schwarz mentored Brandon Funderburg and Alyssa Zediker. Both Exercise Science
graduate students were recipients of the Graduate Student Activities Enhancement Program
Award. Brandon is working on validating a glycogen depletion protocol using a rowing ergometer
while Alyssa is examining sex differences in MicroRNA expression following acute resistance
exercise.
Alyssa Zediker Brandon Funderburg Keele Smith

The following students completed an undergraduate honors thesis this year:
• Braden Urban - The Efficacy of RUSI and SmartPhone Accelerometer for Detecting Fatigue-Associated Changes in Scapular
Mechanics
• Keele Smith - Acute Effects of Neural Gliding and Dynamic Stretching on Hamstring Flexibility and Athletic Performance in
College Basketball Players [Insert Pic]
• Madison Lewis- Assessing selective motor control using a modified Boyd and Graham Scale
Ms. Anna Griffith is a senior majoring in Exercise Science. Caroline completed the 2019 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship,
during which she and Dr. Hauff explored, via qualitative interviews, the relationships between athletes and athletic trainers and
how athletic trainers use sport psychology during the rehabilitation process. Caroline is on the Dean’s and President’s list and has
completed several national and international mission trips. Upon graduation, Caroline plans on pursuing a Master’s degree in Sport
and Exercise Psychology.
Mr. Ken Daigle is a business instructor at Davidson High School in Mobile and is the first student
to ever complete a thesis in the Sport Management Master’s program. His thesis determined the
effects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and testing methods on the CPR selfefficacy
of high school athletic coaches.
The following HKS graduates were accepted into Master of Occupational Therapy Programs
o Emily Russell - University of Florida, Doctorate of Occupational Therapy:
o Luke Ostergaard - University of South Alabama
o Carolyn Mostellar - University of South Alabama
o Gabrielle Monk - University of South Alabama
o Sydney Smith - University of Alabama at Birmingham
o Ashtyn M. Bellais - University of South Alabama
The following HKS graduates were accepted into Physician’s Assistant School:
o Taylor Rice - University of South Alabama
o Makenzie Dunning - University of South Alabama
The following HKS graduates were accepted into Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs:
o Lincoln Norris - University of South Florida
o Madison Lewis - University of South Alabama
o Ashley Powell - University of Alabama at Birmingham
o Taylor Ferrell - University of South Alabama
o Madison O’Hearn - University of St. Augustine - Austin, Texas
o Gavin Patterson - Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
o Macey Forehand - University of South Alabama
o Miller Matzek - University of South Alabama
o Taylor Barnickel - University of South Alabama
o Tasheena Jacques - Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
o Noah Taylor - Alabama State University
35

DEPARTMENT OF HOSPITAL AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT
Dr. Robert Thompson
Chair
DEPARTMENT OF HOSPITALITY
AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT
MALA Golf Tournament – Oct. 3rd
TEE IT UP in support of HTM! The Mobile Area Lodging
Association (MALA) will host its annual golf tournament on
Thursday, October 3rd at the Timber Creek Golf Club in Daphne,
AL with the proceeds going toward USA HTM scholarships –
MALA $80,000 Endowed Scholarship. The tournament will
be a four-person scramble and a 12 p.m. shotgun start. The
cost is only $400 per team or $110 for an individual golfer. Entry includes golf, lunch, on course
food and beverages, door prizes and an awards dinner. For more information, contact: HTM@
southalabama.edu
Flight Works AL / Airbus
The HTM Department is developing a tour guide program and training manual for Flight Works
Alabama located at the Brookley Aeroplex in Mobile. Flight Works Alabama, a 15,000 square foot
experience center, will include an interactive exhibit area and serve as the gateway for public tours
of the Airbus A320 Final Assembly Line. The tour guide program will launch for a major industry
conference scheduled for 9/23-9/25/2019 in Mobile, when approximately 600 attendees will tour
the Airbus facility. Ten to twelve HTM students will serve as tour guides for this prestigious event.
Industry/Student Mentoring Program
For anyone navigating their career or just starting out, finding the right mentor can be daunting
and life changing. Mentors provide valuable career advice, share insight with life transitions, and
help open doors to new networks.
Last year, the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) launched the HTM
Industry Mentorship Program to connect USA HTM students with industry leaders in hospitality and
tourism. The Industry Mentor Program provides HTM students with the opportunity to learn from
experienced professionals working in the industry outside of the workplace, and is designed for
these students to further develop their professional skills, network and increase their awareness of
career opportunities. Currently, forty-two hospitality and tourism leaders from all industry sectors
are participating in the mentoring program.
Culture and Cuisine Education – 2019 Study Abroad
This past summer, six HTM students participated in the HTM Study Abroad Program to Greece.
The students were based in Athens, Greece; however, they also visited other European destinations.
Plans for next year’s study abroad trip are already underway with talk of possibly going to Bali,
Indonesia. Are you interested, and want to learn more? If so, contact: Ms. Amanda Donaldson,
HTM Instructor

Congratulations, Courtney Bulger, Destin Sims, and Harrison Santini
Courtney, Destin, and Harrison is the recipient of an Alabama Hospitality and Tourism Industry Scholarship awarded by the Alabama
Travel Council and recognized at the 2019 Alabama Governor’s Conference on Tourism held in Huntsville, AL on August19, 2019.
Disney College Program
Congratulations to Sophie Mikkelsen, Molly-Katherine Millwood, and Ashley Oakman who recently conducted internships at Disney
World in Orlando, FL as part of the Disney College Program.
HTM Alum Spotlight
Congratulations to HTM Alum, Carissa Barrios (2018), on being selected to the MGM Resorts International Management Associate
Program! Carissa has relocated to Las Vegas, NV where she will rotate employment through the MGM properties there.
The HTM Internships
The HTM Dept. Internship Program requires students to complete an internship, generally conducted during their senior year. This
summer we had seventeen HTM interns in the field working for a variety of Hospitality & Tourism Industry sectors such as: Club
Management, Traditional and Non-traditional Lodging, Food and Beverage (F&B), Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, and
Special Events.. A few of the 2019 summer internship sites included: The Lodge at Gulf State Park – Gulf Shores, AL, Disney World –
Orlando, FL, PCH Hotels – Mobile, AL, Spectrum Resorts – Gulf Shores, AL, as well as local businesses such as: Ala Cork/Pour Baby ,
Country Club of Mobile, Meyer Vacation Rentals, and Wind Creek. After completing successful internships, these interns were offered
full-time positions in Guest Services, Sales and Catering, Public Relations, F&B Control, and Maintenance.
37

DEPARTMENT OF INTEGRATIVE STUDIES
Dr. Paige Vitulli
Students in the Department of Integrative Studies (INGS)
can major in Educational Studies or Interdisciplinary Studies
programs and choose from concentrations such as Arts
Education, Disability Studies, Language & Literacy, Teaching &
Learning, Administrative Sciences, Applied Sciences, Applied
Arts, Community Services, Human Services, Liberal Studies, and
Professional Development.
GRADUATE with us in INGS!
DEPARTMENT OF
INTEGRATIVE STUDIES
Department of Integrative Studies INGS The Department of Integrative Studies is comprised
of the Interdisciplinary Studies and Educational Studies programs for undergraduates. The
diverse backgrounds of the faculty include teacher education, instructional design, counseling &
human development, child & family development, business administration, commercial music,
management & marketing, and political science.
(left to right): Dr. Jenny Manders, Dr. Joycelyn Finley, Dr. Paige Vitulli, Dr. Eric Moody

INGS Faculty Focus
Dr. Jenny Manders holds a B.A. in elementary education from Spring Hill College, a Masters in
Community Counseling from the University of Georgia, and her Ph.D. in child and family development,
with a specialization in marriage and family therapy, also from UGA. After completing her doctorate
in 1996, she remained at UGA for the next fourteen years as faculty in the Department of Child and
Family Development and Disability. She came to USA in 2010 as a faculty member in the Department of
Interdisciplinary Studies and currently has a split appointment as faculty in the Department of Integrative
Studies and coordinator of our USA Gulf Coast campus, where she serves as a liaison between the
south Baldwin community and USA. In her role as USA GC coordinator, she serves on the education
committees of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, the Coastal Alabama Chamber of Commerce, and the South Baldwin
Foundation, and supports the internship placements. She has served on twelve university committees, including as the initiator and
first chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee. Dr. Manders currently serves a the Chair of the Prior Learning Assessment Committee,
designed to direct the process by which students can receive academic credit for experiential learning outside the classroom. Her
professional interests include supporting the academic success of adult learners, child development, and the inclusion of people with
disabilities across the lifespan.
INGS Student Focus
Donald “Frankie” Garner is a graduating senior earning a Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies
with a concentration in Disability Studies and a minor in Biology.
Frankie states: “I really like to educate people about animal and their environments: and he had the
opportunity to do this through his service learning course at MCPSS Environmental Studies Center and an
internship at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
“In the education departments I got to use my knowledge and abilities. I really got to work on my public speaking skills which was a
very positive outcome.” Frankie also shares that “there are many possibilities in this world for me and I feel that my degree gives me
an open range of opportunities that I can choose from.”
Nick, the white-tailed deer; Key West Chicken, Cricket, the blue-jay; and Jasper, the great horned owl are just some of the animals
Frankie worked with at the MCPSS Environmental Studies Center.
39

Carson Wood is a graduating senior earning a Bachelor of Science
in Educational Studies with a concentration in Teaching and
Learning and Minor in Communications.
In addition to being the Department of Integrative Studies’
outstanding Educational Studies Student, Carson was a Study
Abroad Student at Western Sydney University in Australia during her
senior year.
DEPARTMENT OF
INTEGRATIVE STUDIES
Carson shares that this experience helped her solidify future goals “because it showed me that
I want to help other students study abroad - it is something I feel everyone should experience.
It showed me that I want to work as a Study Abroad Advisor and make the process easier for
my potential future students and I want to make sure potential future international students feel
comfortable while being in America. I learned that I am resilient and I can throw myself so far from
my comfort zone and still come out the other side changed.” Carson’s future goals also include
attending graduate school and interning in Europe.
INGS Alumni Focus
Terrance Smith has an Interdisciplinary Studies bachelor’s
degree and Instructional Design and Development master’s’
degree from the College of Education and Professional
Studies. A native of Prichard, Alabama, graduate of C.F.
Vigor, and a University of South Alabama Alumnus; Terrance
has a deep-rooted connection to Mobile County and the
surrounding areas. He continuously pours himself into
fostering community growth by mentoring local youth,
serving as a board member to several organizations, and
building relationships with city leaders to help blur the line between city ofcials and the residents
they serve.
As the director of the Mayor’s Innovation Team, he heads a team of professionals who are
responsible for developing strategies to uniquely solve problems within the City and its
communities. This is often achieved by creating a connection with those afected, and gaining a
deeper understanding of the impact of issues on both external and internal stakeholders. https://
www.iteammobile.org/team
A few of his professional accolades include Mobile Bay Magazine’s 40 under 40, Leadership
Mobile Class of 2014, and al.com’s Young Rebel of the Year Award. Most importantly, he is a
husband, friend and an active community member. He lives by the motto “Make Mistakes, Make
Improvements, Never Make Excuses”.

Vallarie Hernandez, Integrative Studies and Ofce of
Adult Learner Services Secretary was recognized as the
University of South Alabama Employee of the Quarter at
the June 6th, 2019 Board of Trustees meeting by President
Tony Waldrop!
We are thankful for the expertise and passion Mrs.
Hernandez brings to her job and her thoughtful service to
students in the College and University.
From President Waldrop:
"Dear USA Faculty and Staf,
In recognition of the dedication of our USA employees, I am pleased to announce that Vallarie Hernandez has been selected
Employee of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2019.
The Employee of the Quarter award was developed to recognize the exceptional eforts of one University general staf employee
each quarter. Vallarie is a Secretary V in the Integrative Studies Department of the College of Education and Professional Studies.
The person who nominated Vallarie has described her as a "revolutionary force" in her department providing exemplary vision and
dedication in serving our students, "Vallarie brings a positive attitude to her job and is an excellent listener to both student and faculty
needs, striving to fnd solutions to problems. She spends a great amount of time and energy focused on non-traditional students, and
is passionate about removing the perceived barriers faced by adult learners and non-traditional students in the department. Vallarie
believes that customer service is a key part of her job and sets the bar extremely high for customer service in her department."
In recognition of Vallarie's commitment to excellence, the presentation of this award took place at the Board of Trustees meeting on
June 6, 2019."
---
Tony G. Waldrop, Ph.D.
President
University of South Alabama
41

OFFICE OF ADULT LEARNER
SERVICES
The Ofce of Adult Learner Services (OALS) at the University of South Alabama was created
to help non-traditional, adult students fulfll the dream of earning a college degree. The ofce
faculty and staf provide guidance and support tailored to unique situations for all majors
including:
• navigating admissions
• funding a degree
• online learning
• prior learning assessment
• supports for writing
• using the library
• fnding buildings
• university community connections
• career options
Ofce of Adult Learner Services
75 S. University Blvd UCOM 3700
Mobile, AL 36688-0002
Ph: 251-460-OALS (6257)
adultlearner@southalabama.edu

SOUTH ALABAMA RESEARCH
AND INSERVICE CENTER
THE SOUTH ALABAMA RESEARCH AND INSERVICE CENTER
(SARIC)
Dr. Stephanie Hulon
The South Alabama Research and Inservice Center (SARIC)
serves over 7,000 educators in Baldwin County Schools,
Chickasaw City Schools, Clarke County Schools, Gulf Shores
City Schools, Mobile County Schools, Monroe County Schools,
Saraland City Schools, Satsuma City Schools, Thomasville City
Schools, and Washington County Schools. One of the highlights
from Spring 2019 was our Science of Reading professional
development session with leading brain science researcher, Dr.
Richard Gentry. He worked with educators throughout the state
to investigate how a child’s brain develops as they become readers and how educators can
support their students through this development.
43

DEPARTMENT OF LEADERSHIP
AND TEACHER EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF LEADERSHIP AND TEACHER EDUCATION
Dr. Susan Santoli
Chair
The Department of Leadership and Teacher Education offers
instruction and training to prepare undergraduate and graduate
students for positions in P-12 schools, higher education, and
informal teaching settings. We offer six certification areas for
undergraduates, thirteen certification areas for graduates, two
tracks leading to doctoral degrees, a non-certification early
childhood studies program and several add-on certificates.
Whether you are coming for your first degree or your fourth, we
are here to help you on your way!
LTE Excellence in Teaching, Research and Service
Sometimes one hears the comment that it must be nice to be a higher education faculty member
because you just teach a few classes and go home, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Certainly teaching is paramount in what we do, but there many other obligations and opportunities
as members of a faculty. The components of teaching, research and service are part of each faculty
member’s responsibilities and faculty members in LTE are demonstrate excellence in each component.
Excellence in Teaching
Quality Matters Course Designations and Reviewer
Dr. Linda Reeves has received a Quality Matters (QM) University Level Quality Review designation
for one of her graduate course: SPE 515, Data-Based Behavior Management of Exceptional
Children. This designation is based on the nationally recognized Quality Matters program which is
decided to improving the quality of online and blended courses through a rigorous course review.
Along with Dr. Reeves, four other LTE faculty have achieved this designation for one of more
courses: Dr. Lauren Brannan, Dr. Karyn Tunks, Dr. Rebecca Giles and Dr. Peggy Delmas.
Dr. Peggy Delmas successfully completed the Quality Matters Peer Reviewer Certification course
and is now officially certified to review online and blended courses according to QM standards.
Top Prof
Ms. Alexandra Chanto-Wetter, Assistant Director of the PASSAGE USA program and LTE adjunct,
was named as a Mortar Board Top Prof in Spring 2019. The Top Prof program allows members of
Mortar Board to recognize the faculty who have had impacts on their lives. Ms. Chanto-Wetter was
nominated by USA senior, Reed Miller, a peer mentor with PASSAGE USA.
LTE Faculty and Staff

Excellence in Research
Faculty Presentations
Nineteen faculty and instructors made presentations at either local, state, regional, national or international conferences, with most
faculty having more than one conference presentation. The variety of conferences at which presentations were given reflects the
diversity of the programs within LTE. These conferences included the following and many more.
American Educational Research Association (international)
Team Based Learning Collaborative (international)
International Conference on Urban Education (international)
Council for Learning Disabilities (international)
Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (national)
Association for Science Teacher Educators (national)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional)
Mid-South Educational Research Association (regional)
Faculty Publications
Eleven faculty members had a total of 35 peer-reviewed publications. Six of those publications were book chapters and 29 were
journal articles. The journals in which articles were published represent international, national, regional and state journals. There
were also many non peer-reviewed publications both by these eleven faculty members and additional faculty.
Excellence in Service
All faculty members serve on a variety of departmental, CEPS and University committees; however our faculty offers MUCH service
beyond those committees to local, regional and national organizations. Some examples of that service is as follows:
Alabama Dept of Early Childhood Education
Numerous professional editorial and review boards
Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services Officer,
Early Intervention Coordinating Council of Southwest Alabama Executive Committee
USA Literacy Center/Williamson Prep Tutoring Initiative Task Force Chair
Mobile Big Sister Program with Williamson High School
Mary G. Montgomery High School Feeder Pattern 5th Grade Career Day Community Representative
Local and regional Science Fairs, History Day competitions Judges
Alabama Director, Mid-South Educational Research Association,
Alabama Director, University Student Advisory Committee,
Mid-South Educational Research Association, Committee Member
Team Based Learning Initiative, Member at Large
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DEPARTMENT OF LEADERSHIP
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Dr. Tunks presented State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey with a copy of her book, USS
ALABAMA: Hooray for the Mighty A!
Alabama Bicentennial Connections
Dr. Karyn Tunks was selected as an Alabama Bicentennial Author to help promote the 200th
anniversary of statehood. She has presented at numerous events for a variety of audiences
including: Alabama School Library Association, USA Literacy Camps, The Mobile History Museum,
public libraries, bookstores, and local radio programs. At the Alabama Bicentennial Workshop for
Teachers led by Dr. Susan Santoli at Battleship Park.
Dr. Susan Santoli served as one of 12 Bicentennial
Master Teachers for three summers of teacher
institutes. Approximately 90 elementary teachers
were trained at the Mobile Institutes and nearly
1,000 elementary teachers were trained statewide.
The focus of this year’s Institute was: Telling
our Stories with a focus on the Creeks, slavery and
World War II.
USA Alumni, in both secondary social studies and
library media, Ms. Shaniqua Washington served
as a Bicentennial Institute Director for the first
secondary teacher institutes which were held across
the state. Approximately 25 secondary teachers were trained at her Institute which focused on
Mobile and World War II. Ms. Washington teaches at Denton Middle School.

Sabbatical Report
Professor Rebecca Giles was awarded a sabbatical for fall 2018. Her sabbatical leave was spent on
projects consistent with her previous work in the area of young children’s acquisition of language
and literacy. In addition to spending a week at The Strong museum in Rochester, New York as a G.
Rollie Adams research fellow in the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, she conducted
a mixed-methods research study across eight states investigating children’s museums as informal
learning environments. Her endeavors have produced a variety of intellectual contributions
including a blog post, article series in a professional magazine, and the submission of several
manuscripts to academic journals. In addition, Dr. Giles will be presenting her research at the
International Literacy Association 2019 Conference in October.
LTE Focus on Alumna:
Ms. Amanda Youngblood
Two time USA Alumna, Amanda Youngblood, is now embarking on a new role for LTE, that
of adjunct instructor. Amanda graduated from USA with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and later, a
Master’s in Art Education. She served as a Graduate Research Assistant in LTE while working
on her master’s and received the LTE Outstanding Graduate Student Award. Additionally, she
was awarded the Higher Education Preservice Art Educator of the Year by the Alabama Arts
Education Association. She is currently an art educator at St. Paul’s Episcopal School, grades 7-9,
as well as having her own studio. When the need arose for someone to teach undergraduate art
courses, Art Program Coordinator, Dr. Paige Vitulli, highly recommended Amanda, and judging
from the students’ feedback, it was a very wise choice! It is such a pleasure to welcome her back
to LTE as a colleague. In addition to her K-12 and higher education teaching, Amanda is serving
as Co-Chair for the Planning Committee for the Alabama Art Education Association Fall 2020
Conference and is a member of the Bay Area Art Education Association, the Alabama Art Education Association and the National Art
Education Association.
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DEPARTMENT OF LEADERSHIP
AND TEACHER EDUCATION
LTE Welcomes New Faculty
LTE is pleased to welcome four new faculty members for Fall, 2019. They bring with them a plethora
of diverse experiences and professional knowledge which will greatly benefit both our students
and our department.
Dr. Hank Bounds
Dr. Bounds will begin his career in CEPS as a professor in the
Department of Leadership and Teacher Education in the Educational
Leadership Program. Bounds has devoted his 30-year career to
helping change students’ lives in the same way education opened
doors in his own life. He began as a high school teacher, then rose to
principal, superintendent and state superintendent before becoming
Mississippi’s commissioner of higher education in 2009. In that role, he
oversaw a complex system of eight public universities. In 2015, Bounds
was named President of the University of Nebraska. During his tenure,
enrollment grew to its highest level in 22 years and research dollars have reached record highs.
While at Nebraska, Bounds held a faculty appointment in the College of Education and Human
Sciences. He serves on the board of directors for several organizations, including the Innovation
Campus Development Corporation, the Consultation Committee for US Strategic Command
(USSTRATCOM), The Buckle, Inc. and serves as the chair of the board of directors for the Robert B.
Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute.
Dr. Kelly Overby Byrd
Although, not new to CEPS, as Dr. Byrd has served as an LTE
instructor and senior instructor in elementary mathematics for 17
years, she will begin a new position in August as Assistant Professor
in Elementary Mathematics Education. Dr. Byrd has over 17 years
of experience in teaching, research and service. She has a strong
record of scholarly activity including publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at
local, regional and national conferences. As a Co-PI on several state and nationally funded grants,
she has provided on-going professional development for middle school mathematics teachers
focusing on deepening their mathematical content knowledge for teaching. Dr. Byrd received the LTE
faculty award for Faculty Excellence in spring, 2019.
During her career at USA, she has assisted in the development, redesign and instruction for over
30 courses including mathematics and mathematics education courses. She has a strong record of
service to CEPS, LTE, the local school districts and the community. She is a board member for the
Mid-South Educational Research Association.

Dr. Millicent Carmouche
Dr. Carmouche will be serving as an Assistant Professor in Special Education. She received her Ph.D.
in the Education of Students with Exceptionalities from Georgia State University. Her primary areas
of interest are emotional/behavior disorders, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, special
education teacher training/coaching, and collaborative teaching/inclusion of students with high
incidence disabilities and secondary age students.
During her time as a student at GSU, she worked with the Associate Dean for School, Community
and International Partnerships to organize activities, school visits and guest speakers for two study
abroad programs to the University of Johannesburg and the Global Knowledge Institute in Zambia.
She was the project manager for the Zambia trip and planned and provided training for teachers in
South Africa and Zambia in Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports.
Dr. Carmouche served as an Assistant Professor of Special Education and Special Education Program Coordinator for Alabama A &
M (Huntsville) for three years where she taught 12 different graduate and undergraduate special education classes, set the master
schedule, and assisted in the hiring of adjunct personnel. During this time, she also served as the Program Coordinator for the Center
for Student Retention in the College of Education, Humanities and Behavioral Sciences. Most recently, she has served as an Assistant
Professor of Special Education at the University of Indianapolis in Indianapolis, IN.
Dr. Carmouche has received several grants, has publications in peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at the international,
national, regional, state and local levels.
Dr. Karen Morrison
Dr. Karen Morrison will begin her first full-time higher education teaching as an Assistant Professor in
Elementary Education. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Elementary Education
from the University of Montevallo, her Ed.S. from the University of West Alabama, and her doctoral
degree, in May 2019, from the University of Alabama.
Dr. Morrison’s major research interest is focused on elementary reading success from an instructional
perspective for teachers to strengthen student engagement and increase academic learning. She
has 14 years of elementary level teaching experience and has worked with many preservice teachers
during that time. She served as a co-instructor and field experience supervisor at the University of
Alabama.
Dr. Morrison has published in a well respected peer-reviewed journal and has several national,
regional, state and local publications. She has authored several successful grants and has received
many teaching awards.
LTE Graduate Students Spotlight
Ms. Marcee Hinds
Marcee Hinds, already CEPS alumna for an undergraduate degree in secondary social studies
education (2011), is returning for her master’s in the same field as the 2019 James Madison Fellow
for the state of Alabama. The extremely competitive and prestigious Madison Fellowship provides
funds to individuals desiring to become outstanding teachers of the American Constitution at the
secondary school level.
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DEPARTMENT OF LEADERSHIP
AND TEACHER EDUCATION
Marcee has been teaching American History at Baker High School for nine years. She is an Apple
Certified Teacher and a member of the national iCivics Educator Network. Additionally, she serves
as an AP reader for AP Psychology. Marcee is devoted to professional development to enhance
her teaching and has been selected to attend several summer institutes on site, including Thomas
Jefferson’s Monticello, Slavery in George Washington’s World, and Society of the Cincinnati
American Revolution. She attended James Madison’s Montpelier Teacher Seminar, The Executive
Branch and the Constitution this summer, as part of her fellowship, and will be attending George
Washington and the Constitution Institute in the fall.
LTE Faculty Earn Ph.D.s
Two LTE faculty members, Senior Instructor Kelly Byrd, and Instructor
Hannah Szatkowski can now add Ph.D. to their signatures. Dr. Byrd
graduated in May with a Ph.D. in Science Education (Mathematics
Emphasis) from the University of Southern Mississippi. Her dissertation
was entitled: Elementary Teacher Preparation to Teach Mathematics
and Science in an Integrated STEM Framework and her research was
conducted in elementary education pre-service classrooms at U.S.A.
Dr. Hannah Szatkowski graduated
in August with a Ph.D. in Reading
Education from Auburn University.
Her dissertation was entitled Pre-Service Teachers’ Use of
Instructional Strategies when Comprehending and Instructing
using Contextually Challenging Text and her research was
conducted in elementary education pre-service classrooms at
U.S.A.
To teach a full and supervise full instructor loads while earning a Ph.D. is a monumental task and
certainly speaks to the intelligence and determination of these two faculty members! We are so
very proud of their accomplishments!
Educational Leadership Alumni on the Move:
Congratulations to recent Educational Leadership graduates who are serving in the following
positions:
Dr. Will Duncan-Secondary Supervisor for Secondary Education in Baldwin County
Dr. Frank Ard-Associate Director, Student Academic Success, University of South Alabama
Dr. Melissa Webb-Dean of Student Services, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Dr. Kevin Balius-Academic Supervisor at Mobile County Public Schools
Dr. Stan Stokley-Principal, Saraland Elementary School
Dr. Warner McCarthy-U.S.A Deputy Athletic Director
Dr. Jennifer Maness-Coastal Community College Instructor and Department Chair
Dr. K’Ann Henry-Assistant Professor, Biomedical Sciences, U.S.A.

Turn your B into an A!
Educator Excellence
Scholarship
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
Enroll in a Class A or Class AA program to receive
the Educator Excellence Scholarship.*
• Scholarship equates to 20% of tuition cost each semester for 6 consecutive semesters!
• High quality programs with face-to-face, blended, and fully online options.
• Positively impact your annual salary and retirement.
• Expand career opportunities, deepen knowledge, and refne your craft.
• Elective courses available for National Board Certifcation support.
For more information, contact the Ofce of Graduate Studies: (251) 380-2630 or SouthAlabama.edu/excellence
*Candidates must have a valid Alabama Professional Educator certifcate and be admitted into an approved program
leading to a Class A or Class AA certifcate. The Educational Media and Technology program is also part of the
scholarship program. School Counseling is not part of the program at this time.
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