Messages from the President - 2022
December 9, 2022
Students, Faculty and Staff,
As the semester winds down and we approach the end of 2022, my heart is full of sincere gratitude 鈥� and profound humility 鈥� for your giving me such a generous welcome and working together over the last year to advance YOUR university as the Flagship of the Gulf Coast.
While everyone is extremely busy during this time of year, it is important to pause, even for a moment, to reflect on how far we鈥檝e come and all we鈥檝e accomplished. What a year it鈥檚 been!
This semester we welcomed the most academically accomplished freshman class, by GPA, on record. We were recognized nationally for keeping our students on track to graduation. We grew the Pathway 猫咪社区APP program for transfer students, and added another transfer program, Map Your Path. We celebrated a transformational renovation of our old Alumni Hall into the brand new Multicultural Leadership Center.
Our enrollment team continues to roll throughout Mobile and Baldwin counties on sparkling new Jag Athletics buses, bringing prospective students to campus and giving them a VIP tour. Next semester, we鈥檒l add even more schools in Alabama and expand into Coastal Mississippi. We also were proud to welcome alumni back to campus and visited with them at events all the way from the Potomac River to the Pacific Ocean.
The construction of a new Whiddon College of Medicine building was announced, and the College welcomed its largest class ever of future physicians. Groundbreaking on the new building will occur no later than next fall. 猫咪社区APP Health continued its growth to expand patient access across the region, opening the on Hillcrest Road, the in Fairhope and five new family medicine, pediatric and OB-GYN clinics.
Because of our generous and loyal supporters, we brought in more than $40 million in gifts, another record, to support projects and programs including scholarships. In addition, sponsored projects including research and scholarly activity were responsible for more than $91 million in external funding.
Our student-athletes throughout all sports excelled on and off the field, and our Jags football team is headed to the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl with a 10-2 record! Congratulations to Coach Kane Wommack and the entire JagNation. I hope you are planning to today to join Jan茅e and me for the big game.
And we started the academic year off with YOUR new president doing the Cupid Shuffle!
Clearly, we should all be proud of our many accomplishments. We celebrate our successes, while recognizing the critical work that lies ahead. Next year, the University will be 60 years old. Where do we want to be at 75?
This Saturday, our alumni base will grow by nearly 1,500 as we honor South鈥檚 newest graduates at Commencement. It is a reminder of both our impact and our responsibility in upholding our mission of promoting discovery, health and learning. Our reach extends along the Gulf Coast, across the state and around the world, and I鈥檓 confident we can grow our Jaguar family even more. To that end, I would like to remind and encourage our current students, for those who have not done so already, to register for spring semester through . Please reach out to your academic advisor if you have any questions.
I would be remiss if I did not end this message by taking note of the holiday season and the joy it has brought Jan茅e and me. It was an honor to welcome our community and guests to the Mitchell Center just one week ago for the annual holiday concert presented by our talented student and faculty musicians. What an incredible gift to share even as our students were preparing for final exams!
And Jan茅e and I marvel every day when we walk past the Christmas tree in the President鈥檚 Home. It is decorated with created by our incredibly gifted student and faculty glass artists. (Other visual arts students designed cards that can be downloaded online.)
For both of us, this season is a reminder of how truly blessed we are to be at the 猫咪社区APP. It is, for sure, the most wonderful time of the year, and a most wonderful time in our lives.
We wish for each and every member of the Jaguar Family the happiest of holidays and a rewarding launch into 2023.
Jo Bonner
President
December 5, 2022
To the University community and our friends,
It is with genuine sorrow that I share the sad news of the passing of Dr. Tony Waldrop, the third president of the 猫咪社区APP, who died today after a lengthy illness in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Our thoughts are with his wife, Dr. Julee Waldrop, an assistant dean in the Duke University School of Nursing, as well as their two children, Cabe and Dallas, and their many friends and family.
Dr. Waldrop, 70, served as president from 2014 to 2021. He was a pivotal leader who worked tirelessly to improve our graduation rates, elevate our research profile and raise our academic standards. He insisted on sharing credit for the many accomplishments made during his administration with our incredible faculty and staff.
Even so, some of the many highlights of his presidency include expansion of 猫咪社区APP Health, construction of Hancock Whitney Stadium on our campus, the development of the School of Marine and Environmental Sciences and the launching of an Honors College and the Pathway 猫咪社区APP program for transfer students.
Under Dr. Waldrop鈥檚 leadership, the University completed its Upward & Onward comprehensive fundraising campaign that raised more than $160 million. He also helped guide our University through the challenging and uncertain times of a global pandemic.
While I never had the privilege of working at the University when Dr. Waldrop was president, I know his legacy lives on in each of us through this commitment to education, research, service and healthcare. He left us with a strong foundation, and we will honor him as we build on his contributions at the Flagship of the Gulf Coast.
Funeral plans will be announced later by the family; a guestbook for all who knew, admired and respected Dr. Waldrop will be placed this coming week in the lobby of the Whiddon Administration Building, next to Dr. Waldrop鈥檚 portrait, for all who would like to send their sympathies to the Waldrop family.
Jo Bonner
President
November 1, 2022
Faculty, Staff and Students,
It is with a heavy heart that I pass along news that the 猫咪社区APP鈥檚 very first First Lady, Mrs. June Ledyard Whiddon, passed away over the weekend.
Mrs. Whiddon was the widow of Dr. Frederick P. Whiddon, South鈥檚 first president, and the mother of Dr. Karen Peterson, a senior instructor in the Department of English, John Whiddon, a member of the 猫咪社区APP Foundation Board of Directors, and Charles and Keith Whiddon.
We often talk about being part of the South family. In many ways, the South family is part of the Whiddon family. Our University was created from the ground up and set on an ambitious path under the leadership of Dr. Whiddon, surrounded by the support of June and their children.
Please join me in offering the Whiddon family our condolences and sincere thanks. Below are the funeral arrangements.
Jo Bonner
President
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June Ledyard Whiddon, a resident of Newville, Alabama, passed away Saturday, October 29, 2022, at her home. She was 91.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel with Pastor Harrison Steege officiating. Burial will follow in the Newville Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1 until 2 p.m. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. June was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to the late Charles Ledyard and Gladys Kicker Ledger. She had a bachelor鈥檚 degree in education, and she taught elementary education in Georgia. Her proudest career was being First Lady of University of South Alabama for 35 years alongside her late husband, Dr. Frederick Palmer Whiddon, who was founder and long-time president of the 猫咪社区APP, the first four-year state-supported university in Mobile, Alabama. She was a very active member of the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century, a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She also loved delivering Meals on Wheels for 15 years. She was a member of the Mount Hebron United Methodist Church in Newton, Alabama.
Leaving to cherish her memories is her daughter, Karen Whiddon Peterson (Tom); her sons, Charles Whiddon, John T. Whiddon (Linda), and Keith Whiddon (Suzanne); her ten grandchildren; and her five great-grandchildren.
October 27, 2022
Faculty, Staff and Students,
The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities announced today that the University of South Alabama is a finalist for the 2022 Degree Completion Award, a recognition of all the work our University has done to support retention.
Allow me to offer my heartfelt congratulations to everyone who supports our students, particularly to our Student Success Team. Increasing our four-year graduation rate by 131 percent in the last nine years has not been by accident, but through people and programs focused on helping our students get across the finish line.
I also want to recognize our students, many of whom are first-generation, who commit themselves to earning a degree and a first-class ticket to a brighter future. You鈥檝e shown purpose and tenacity over the last several years, and for that you have my admiration and respect.
Of course, both retention and recruitment are critical to increasing our enrollment and expanding access to a four-year degree, and both require continuous attention and adjustment. There is no 鈥渟et it and forget it!鈥�
This month we added our seventh community college to the Pathway 猫咪社区APP program, and two others to a similar but new initiative, Map Your Path. A four-year degree is the goal for a vast majority of students entering community colleges, and these programs are a tremendous help. Stay tuned as even more community college presidents from around the state join hands with the 猫咪社区APP to help make the dream of a college education a reality.
We鈥檙e also continuing our bus tours across the region to bring high school students to campus for VIP visits. This week, students from Daphne High School crossed the Bay for a full day of experiencing what college is like, and last Friday the Alabama School of Math and Science got a taste of what it鈥檚 like to be a Jaguar. Next week, we鈥檒l pick up students from Baker High School. Make sure you throw a J up and say 鈥渨elcome鈥� if you see these students on campus.
Earlier this month, we took our show on the road to Clarke County and visited four high schools with members of the Jaguar Marching Band, some of our cheerleaders and even a special appearance by Miss Pawla. I鈥檓 grateful whenever our students can join us on our bus tours, because they make a unique and special connection with prospective students.
One principal鈥檚 comment in Jackson was telling of their thanks and our opportunity: 鈥淣o other university has ever come to our school and given us so much attention,鈥� he said.
By the end of the academic year, we will have visited or brought back students from more than 30 schools. Thank you to our New Student Enrollment team for their hard work to make these trips possible.
Speaking of attention, the buzz and excitement around the release of 鈥淒escendant鈥� has put a much-deserved spotlight on the story of Africatown. The documentary, released late last week, was co-written and co-produced by Dr. Kern Jackson, director of our African American Studies Program. I recently had the good fortune of speaking with Dr. Jackson and several others involved in the film; we鈥檙e planning an on-campus viewing early next year. Congratulations to Dr. Jackson for his work on this important project.
As we look to this weekend, the game against Arkansas State will give our Jaguars three consecutive weeks on national TV. It鈥檚 difficult to measure the full impact on our University, but traffic to our website increases significantly during weeks with that type of exposure. And while the Battle for the Belt against Troy didn鈥檛 end as we had all hoped, the game was the first ever sell-out at Hancock Whitney Stadium, creating an electric atmosphere and a glimpse of what lies ahead. Even our SouthFlight helicopter got in on the action with a fantastic flyover honoring all the 猫咪社区APP Health employees at the game.
October was a banner month for 猫咪社区APP Health. Just a few weeks ago, Jan茅e and I witnessed the outpouring of support for our healthcare employees at A Night Honoring Healers. This was a truly touching celebration of our healthcare providers, their support teams and the exceptional and compassionate care given to our patients.
猫咪社区APP Health recently when it was the first in Alabama 鈥� and one of only 60 in the nation 鈥� to earn a three-year accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer. Colon and rectal cancer are the third most common cause of cancer diagnosis and death in the United States. The accreditation is another acknowledgement of 猫咪社区APP Health leading the way in helping people lead longer, better lives.
It seems like just yesterday that our faculty and staff were helping students move into residence halls, then we had the inauguration and homecoming, and now we look up and it鈥檚 the end of October. So much to look forward to in November and December 鈥� including the annual holiday concert 鈥� as we finish the year strong at the Flagship of the Gulf Coast.
Jo Bonner
President
October 10, 2022
Students, Faculty, Staff and Alumni,
Today marks the start of an exciting week at South as we celebrate Homecoming and Alumni Reunion Weekend. There are numerous activities planned, and I hope you will participate in as many as possible. A complete list of Homecoming and Alumni Reunion Weekend activities are online.
A few highlights of the week include this evening鈥檚 Junk the Jungle, a battle of the DJs on Tuesday, the bonfire and pep rally on Friday, and the Jaguars football game on Saturday against the University of Louisiana-Monroe. There is something for everyone, and many people have worked tirelessly to make this South tradition fun and memorable.
If you see me at one of the many events, be sure to say hello. This is my first Homecoming and Alumni Reunion Weekend as your president, and I am ready for a great week ahead.
Go Jags!
Jo Bonner
President
September 28, 2022
Faculty, Staff and Students,
Last week we sent a clear message to our University community and beyond: The University of South Alabama is charting a course to becoming the Flagship of the Gulf Coast, and each of you are integral to our success.
I want to thank all who helped make inauguration week a special moment in the history of the 猫咪社区APP. While the experience was truly memorable for Jan茅e and me as it reminded me once again what an honor it is to be your president, the week really was a celebration of our University and the impact we have on our region, state and nation.
I鈥檓 grateful to those who contributed to the food drives and who helped on the campus beautification project, and for the time I got to spend with our students, employees and retirees at events on the main campus and at 猫咪社区APP Health. The Silver Endowed Presidential Lectureship was a good lesson of what we can accomplish when we work together toward a common goal. Beating Louisiana Tech at Hancock Whitney was the icing on the cake.
On Friday, I got the opportunity to present a vision for how we will use our strategic plan to become the leading academic institution and healthcare provider along the Gulf Coast. The address is online for those who were unable to make it to the Mitchell Center.
We will need everyone working together to achieve our goals. After last week, and the pride I witnessed from our University community, I鈥檓 more confident than ever for our success.
Jo Bonner
President
September 27, 2022
Please join us to welcome our new Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Mr. Jim Berscheidt. Mr. Berscheidt comes to us from the University of North Texas. Prior to working with North Texas, Mr. Berscheidt worked with Creighton University in Omaha, the Oklahoma State University Foundation and the University of Denver. Mr. Berscheidt earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Angelo State University and a master's degree in communication management from Colorado State University. He and his wife, Jennifer, have one son, Jordan, who is attending South this semester. Everyone is invited to come and help welcome Jim and his family to the University of South Alabama family on Monday, October 3, at the Faculty Club from 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. We hope to see you there!
Jo Bonner
President
September 22, 2022
Faculty, Staff and Students,
This morning I informed our Board of Trustees of two position updates: Dr. Jo茅l Billingsley has been named Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement, and Ms. Polly Stokley has been named Vice President for Finance and Administration.
Both Dr. Billingsley and Ms. Stokley are veterans of 猫咪社区APP and natives of Mobile.
Dr. Billingsley has been at the University for 17 years and was named Interim Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer in June 2021. That same summer, the Office of Community Engagement joined the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Dr. Billingsley is not only a respected academician, she is student-minded in all she does and plays a critically important role in ensuring all our students feel welcome, included and empowered.
Ms. Stokley has been at the University more than 24 years and spent her career largely in the controller, finance and budget offices. She was named Interim Vice President for Finance and Administration in January 2022 and has proven herself adept at managing the University鈥檚 financial well-being, while serving the administrative needs of our campus constituents and working closely with 猫咪社区APP Health.
Both Dr. Billingsley and Ms. Stokley share a passion for this University, and it has been a pleasure working with them over these past 10 months. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Jo茅l Billingsley and Ms. Polly Stokley on their appointments.
Jo Bonner
President
August 31, 2022
Faculty, Staff and Retirees,
This is always an exciting time of year for 猫咪社区APP faculty, staff, students and our healthcare community. The fall gives us the opportunity to launch a new academic year, energizing the entire 猫咪社区APP community with fresh, exciting activities. It鈥檚 also a time to think about what we can do to help make our community a better place to live, work and play.
This week we kick off our annual 猫咪社区APP Employee/Retiree Campaign for the United Way. I am impressed with the long-standing tradition of our employees and retirees providing support to our community through giving to this annual campaign. The United Way and the 46 partner agencies are doing amazing work with the resources they have. These agencies work closely together to provide the safety net needed to help our neighbors experiencing hardships. Together, we have the chance to make a lasting impact for those who need it most.
This year鈥檚 employee campaign will be led by three outstanding individuals from the 猫咪社区APP family. It is my pleasure to announce that Dr. John Kovaleski, interim dean for the College of Education and Professional Studies, will lead our general university units, and Debbie Browning, chief nursing officer and interim hospital administrator for 猫咪社区APP Health Children鈥檚 & Women鈥檚 Hospital, will lead our healthcare units. Andy Lightbourne, retired director of academic computing, will serve as chair for our retiree segment.
Thank you to our 185 devoted campaign representatives who will be serving this campaign. Their work and commitment truly make a difference in the success of our campaign. When your representative reaches out to you, please join me and our colleagues by making an investment to strengthen our community. Our combined giving will make a lasting impact to change lives.
I thank you in advance for your support of the 2022 猫咪社区APP Employee/Retiree Campaign for the United Way.
Jo Bonner
President
August 16, 2022
Faculty and Staff,
While many on our campus have been through so many Convocations and Move-In Days that they begin to run together, we wanted to take just a minute before another day passes to offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has done so much to help us kick off our fall semester in such fine fashion.
We鈥檝e rolled out the welcome mat for our first-year and returning students, and the extra effort on the part of our incredible faculty, staff and administrators has been nothing short of amazing.
This quote from one of our Southerners may have said it best: 鈥淓verybody鈥檚 excited for the new year. There鈥檚 a lot of good vibes with the students. It feels like a new school. Rebirth. Like we鈥檙e pioneers.鈥�
For sure, the esprit de corps is alive and well on our campus, and others are taking note. Even our new friend from Lafayette, Louisiana, Mr. Cupid Shuffle, helped us put the 猫咪社区APP on a very lively and energetic map at the conclusion of Convocation. What an unforgettable start to our new academic year!
Week of Welcome and Beyond events continue through the month. While these activities are fun, the goal is a serious one 鈥� to keep students engaged and lay the foundation for academic success. We all play a role in retention.
Today, classes began, and students were walking into some classrooms for the first time, not knowing the professor or others in the class. Many of our students are first-generation college students, and this is a completely new experience for them. It鈥檚 exciting; it also can be intimidating.
Yet, we know that our faculty and staff prioritize student success and are ready to do what it takes to give each the best opportunity to realize the ultimate goal of a degree. What you all do each day 鈥� and the commitment and care that you bring to your jobs 鈥� has been evident during this academic year kick off and is just one of the many reasons why we are so confident in our goal of becoming the Flagship of the Gulf Coast.
Jo Bonner
President
Dr. Andi M. Kent
Provost and Executive Vice President
August 11, 2022
Faculty, Staff and Students,
Like you, I鈥檓 eagerly awaiting the beginning of the academic year and a chance to see everyone on campus. At the end of this upcoming semester, I will have completed my first full year as president, so I have some things in common with our first-year students.
I will be forever grateful to members of our University community who welcomed Jan茅e and me with open arms to the Jaguar Family. Now it鈥檚 our turn to help greet our new students and faculty, and offer a heartfelt welcome back to everyone returning to our beautiful campus!
At the 猫咪社区APP, Week of Welcome (WOW) and Beyond highlights what makes South special: groups and organizations providing space to foster belonging and connections. From Move-In Days to Get on Board Day, and from the Second Year Experience Sophomore Retreat to the National Pan-Hellenic Council Sidewalk Step Show, the next few days and weeks offer everyone the opportunity to come together, build community and find your own special place at South.
Naturally, I鈥檓 looking forward to participating as well. On Saturday I鈥檒l be joining other volunteers to help students move into on-campus housing, and later in the week, SGA President Camille Bonura and I will be giving students a lift to class. Hop on board our Presidential Golf Cart and say hello!
One of the biggest events will take place on Monday. We welcome all students and members of the University community to join us at 11 a.m. at the Mitchell Center for Convocation. First-year students will arrive at 9:15 a.m. for their class photo. I hope everyone comes ready to get your J鈥檚 up!
Please make plans to attend Convocation and join us for lunch and peach ice cream immediately following. Dress is summer casual with an emphasis on Jaguar Pride.
Again, greetings to our new students and welcome back to our returning ones. You belong here, because together, We Are South Strong.
Jo Bonner
President
August 9, 2022
Faculty, Staff and Students:
I鈥檓 pleased to announce the hiring of Jim Berscheidt as our next vice president for marketing and communications.
Jim comes to the 猫咪社区APP from the University of North Texas in Denton, where he had a similar role. He begins Sept. 12 and fills the position previously held by Mike Haskins.
This completes a national search that resulted in the selection of three finalists to participate in interviews with faculty, staff, student and administrative representation, followed by an opportunity for individuals to offer feedback.
At the 猫咪社区APP, Jim will lead marketing and communications to elevate South鈥檚 profile, attract new students and be part of a team that will make the University the Flagship of the Gulf Coast.
Prior to his position as vice president for brand strategy and communications at UNT, Jim held senior leadership positions at Creighton University in Omaha, Oklahoma State University Foundation and University of Denver. He was named Marketer of the Year by the American Marketing Association, Omaha Chapter, in 2019.
Jim holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in journalism from Angelo State University and a master鈥檚 degree in communication management from Colorado State University. He and his wife, Jennifer, have one son, Jordan, who plans to attend South this fall.
You can read more about Jim in 猫咪社区APP News.
Jo Bonner
President
July 12, 2022
Dear 猫咪社区APP Students, Faculty and Staff:
I鈥檓 writing this note while attending the Seminar for New Presidents at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The opportunity to meet 鈥� and compare notes 鈥� with some 60 new colleagues from around the country, sharing similar experiences and learning how others have dealt with their own set of challenges, is already proving to be a tremendous benefit. This seminar is giving all of us a chance to learn best practices and even better ideas from each other.
I am grateful that both our Board of Trustees and our faculty were so supportive and, in fact, encouraging of me to take a few days during the summer to study with some of the brightest minds in higher education today. Whether it鈥檚 the chancellor of a large public land-grant research university with six different campuses out West, the new president of Auburn University just a little over 200 miles away, or the superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, every higher education leader here is facing challenges 鈥� and looking for the best solutions 鈥� in an effort to ensure a quality college education remains affordable and attainable while bringing value to our students.
Before I left Mobile, you received information indicating resolution to one of the University鈥檚 more regrettable incidents 鈥� a 2014 on-campus costume contest at the Mitchell College of Business that resulted in some hurtful photos.
While the process for resolving this matter was in accordance with our Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Complaint procedures, I鈥檒l be the first to admit that this has been a long, cumbersome and, at times, confusing process.
Since I became president in January, I have heard from a number of students, staff and faculty who were angered and pained by the images. I am hopeful that we can learn from our mistakes, commit to not repeat them, and begin to heal. As your president, I am committed to this journey, as I have faith in the resiliency of our faculty, staff and students; trust that we are better off when our discourse is thoughtful, respectful and empathetic; and know that our future is a community where all feel welcome.
I am looking forward to returning to Mobile with many new friends and colleagues from around the country and insight as to how those university leaders are addressing challenges in higher education. I am also more grateful than ever for our community here at South Alabama and what we can accomplish together with value and respect for each and every Jaguar.
Highest regards,
Jo Bonner
President
June 24, 2022
Colleagues,
I am pleased to notify you that most members of the University General Division Faculty and Staff will see a pay adjustment effective next month.
This is the result of ongoing efforts by your administration, with support from the 猫咪社区APP Board of Trustees, to provide some relief from the record inflation and rising costs we are all experiencing, while also focusing on maintaining competitive wages for our area. The Executive Committee of the Board met briefly today to approve the following two proposals; these will be reflected in our upcoming budget which will be voted on by the full Board in September:
- an across-the-board cost-of-living raise of 3 percent for eligible employees in the University General Division, and
- a 2 percent one-time salary supplement for eligible employees in the University General Division who were employed on or before May 31, 2022.
As you know, the last several months have presented a challenging economic environment for our employees, making it more difficult to pay bills, gas up your vehicle or save for a rainy day.
To be clear, we had always hoped to be able to offer raises in the fiscal 2022-23 year. This proposal by your University leadership, which our Board affirmed, allows us to move more quickly to help address these challenges. It is simply not enough to just tell our faculty and staff how valuable they are to our success; it is during tough economic times like this that we owe them our very best efforts.
The cost-of-living raise will amount to a 3 percent salary increase for most eligible employees. In order to raise pay in a more meaningful way for some of our employees, the University鈥檚 minimum hourly rate is increasing to $13 an hour; this also includes all 猫咪社区APP Health employees who were previously making below $13 an hour. This will result in a larger percentage increase in certain cases. More details about the raise and supplement can be found below.
While these salary initiatives are significant, I understand that our compensation strategy must be long-term in order to continue to attract new employees and keep those who have invested themselves and their careers here at South. As part of that effort, we were able to implement salary adjustments in the last year to certain faculty ranks.
Purposeful state appropriations in recent years reflect the Governor鈥檚 and Legislature鈥檚 support for higher education and their recognition of its importance to economic development and quality of life, but growing enrollment will be critical to sustained efforts to properly compensate our employees.
In the six months since I arrived at the University, I鈥檝e been in awe of the commitment and knowledge our faculty and staff bring to their roles in education, research and healthcare. In addition to these salary adjustments, please know our employees have my deep respect and heartfelt gratitude.
Jo Bonner
President
Q: Who is eligible for the 3 percent salary increase?
A: Regular faculty and regular and temporary administrators and staff in the University General Division. The raise excludes temporary faculty, postdoctoral fellows, interns, language tutors, medical and nurse practitioner residents, student assistants, graduate assistants, non-reappointed faculty or other categories where an increase is determined by contract.
Q: When will the raise be reflected in my paycheck?
The salary increase is effective July 1, 2022, for monthly paid employees, reflected on August 1, 2022, paychecks, and July 3, 2022, for biweekly paid employees, reflected on July 22, 2022, paychecks.
Q: Who is eligible for the one-time salary supplement?
A: Regular faculty, staff and administrators in the University General Division, employed on or before May 31, 2022. Eligible employees will receive a 2 percent supplement based on the new rate of pay after the raise, with a minimum of $550 (prorated based on FTE).
The salary supplement will not apply to temporary employees, postdoctoral fellows, medical residents, student assistants, graduate assistants, or other categories where an increase is determined by contract.
Q: When will I receive the one-time salary supplement?
A: The supplement will be paid July 1.
Q: What about 猫咪社区APP Health employees?
A: 猫咪社区APP Health continues to make salary adjustments throughout the healthcare organization on an ongoing basis. It also will set its minimum hourly rate to $13/hour.
June 15, 2022
Faculty, Staff and Students,
We鈥檙e getting our first taste of fall this week, even with soaring temperatures. Campus is alive with the activity of several hundred new students participating in Southbound orientation on Tuesday and Thursday.
I鈥檓 reminded of when Jan茅e and I took our children to their college orientations, and the excitement they had 鈥� and some nervousness by both parents and children. I look forward to seeing the new freshmen when they return to campus this fall as we all help them transition to college life.
As Sal Liberto, our interim associate vice president for enrollment services, said in his welcome, orientation at South doesn鈥檛 just mark the start of a student鈥檚 college career. It鈥檚 the beginning of a journey to graduation, and we commit to helping our new students every step of the way.
Thank you to our enrollment staff, and particularly our great student Southbound leaders, for showing our new students what they can expect this fall. In-person orientation sessions run through the summer.
Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Andi Kent and I, along with SGA President Camille Bonura and admissions officers, recently completed a trip to Camille鈥檚 hometown of Enterprise to promote South and encourage students at Enterprise High School to visit campus. Going to Enterprise with Camille was like traveling with a rock star. I鈥檓 sure some of the students there were happy to see the University president, but they were much more interested in hearing from the SGA president!
The trip also gave us an opportunity to meet with regional community college presidents to talk about strengthening our connections and expanding access to a four-year degree. Our Enterprise visits were followed a few days later by a visit to Troy University where both Alabama Boys State and Girls State conventions were held in back-to-back weeks.
If we鈥檙e going to be the Flagship of the Gulf Coast, a top-choice institution from New Orleans to Tallahassee, we鈥檙e going to plant that flag by meeting future Jaguars in their hometowns, and we鈥檙e going to bring them here. Already in the works are plans to use our new athletics buses to help introduce people to South. More on that to come.
Of course, we鈥檙e not limiting our recruiting efforts to the Gulf Coast. Earlier today, I met with participants of this year鈥檚 Distinguished Young Women program. This is an exciting time for these amazing young women, and I made sure they knew Mobile and the 猫咪社区APP were special places. We鈥檇 be honored to have them back as students and help us grow South together, as so many other Distinguished Young Women have done throughout the years.
Speaking of growing, 猫咪社区APP Health is expanding again! The Mapp Family Campus in Baldwin County held a groundbreaking last month to mark the start of construction of a freestanding ambulatory surgery center.
Plans call for six operating rooms and two procedure rooms for patient care in pediatrics, orthopaedics, urology, general surgery, gastroenterology, ear, nose and throat, and more. The ambulatory surgery center and the physician office building will give Baldwin County residents access to advanced, academic healthcare that only 猫咪社区APP Health can provide to our region.
I鈥檇 like to end this note with recognition of Juneteenth, which the University will observe on Friday, since June 19 is a Sunday. Juneteenth, which became a federal holiday last year, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States following federal troops鈥� arrival in Texas on June 19, 1865, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Thank you to Dr. Jo茅l Lewis Billingsley and the Offices of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Community Engagement for their work in hosting and supporting Juneteenth activities.
I hope everyone continues to have a fruitful summer and encourage you to follow during these hot and humid months.
Jo Bonner
President
May 19, 2022
Faculty, Staff and Students,
During my time as president, I鈥檝e been inspired and motivated by the dedication, integrity and knowledge of our faculty and staff, who work tirelessly every day to support the mission of our University.
No one has impressed me more than Dr. Andi Kent. So, on behalf of the University, I am grateful she has accepted my offer to serve as provost and executive vice president.
This completes a national search that began in early January and culminated with three extraordinary candidates visiting our campus and participating in interviews. Each of them would have brought different strengths to this position, but Dr. Kent stood out as the right person, at the right time, to help lead our University as we begin this exciting new chapter with the goal of becoming the Flagship of the Gulf Coast.
Dr. Kent has been a vigorous advocate for public education, and she is one of South鈥檚 biggest supporters. She has had proven success in teaching and research, and has shown an authentic commitment to service. She is also an inspiration to many of our students as her life serves as a testament to the power of what is possible with a college degree.
Dr. Kent and her two siblings each earned degrees from South 鈥� as the first generation from their family to graduate from college. Their mother was a beloved LPN who left nursing to help raise the family; their father was a successful businessman, owning an auto parts store in Tillmans Corner.
At South, Dr. Kent earned a master鈥檚 and her Ph.D. She started her career in education as a teacher and then reading coach for Mobile County Public Schools before joining the faculty in what is now the College of Education and Professional Studies, where she advanced through the ranks to become dean in 2015. Following the retirement of Dr. David Johnson as provost, Dr. Tony Waldrop appointed Dr. Kent interim provost, a position she has held for nearly two years.
After I arrived, I asked Dr. Kent if she also would serve as interim executive vice president. Combining the two roles, at least in the interim, made sense as one person often wears the hat of both provost and executive vice president at other institutions.
During this time I was afforded a front-row seat to observe Dr. Kent鈥檚 many strengths and talents as an administrator who has been willing to make important decisions, as a visionary leader focused on growing our University and enhancing the student experience, and as a tireless advocate for our faculty, staff and students.
Realigning the two jobs of provost and executive vice president into one will allow our chief academic officer to have a significant role in helping to chart the direction of the University over the months and years to come as we all work together to support South鈥檚 mission of promoting discovery, health and learning.
Dr. Kent has shown herself to be committed, as am I, to growing our enrollment and putting resources and energy into initiatives that support research and education.
Our freshman and transfer enrollment increased significantly last fall, and I鈥檝e watched her develop programs for long-term success. During the past two weeks, she and I have been on the road visiting more than a half-dozen high schools to promote the Start South program, an initiative she began that allows high school students to earn college credit 鈥� connecting hundreds of prospective students to our University and potentially reducing the time it takes for them to earn a degree.
She has also supported the expansion of scholarship programs, including those based on need and others designed for active-duty military; the creation of our School of Marine and Environmental Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences; and the growth of research in health sciences, engineering and business.
Importantly, Dr. Kent has led our Academic Affairs team as it prepares for the decennial review by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
I fully recognize that appointing a provost and executive vice president is one of the most important decisions any president will make, and it is one to which I have given considerable thought. We all owe an extreme debt of gratitude to Dr. John Marymont and the members of the Provost Search Committee, who selected our finalists. I would like to offer special thanks to the members of our University community who participated in interviews, attended the open forums and provided me with valuable feedback.
Finally, I want to thank Dr. Kent, and the other candidates, who were willing to put themselves up to public review and questioning in order to benefit the University of South Alabama.
Dr. Kent is a dynamic leader who has exhibited success 鈥� and an unwavering dedication and loyalty to our institution and its people 鈥� in one leadership role after another. I am beyond grateful that she will be taking on this new, combined role on a permanent basis, and I hope you will join me in congratulating her.
Sincerely,
Jo Bonner
President
April 15, 2022
Faculty, Staff and Students,
The University鈥檚 search for its next provost continues to move forward with the selection of three finalists, who will visit campus at the end of the month. Dr. John Marymont, chair of the search committee, dean of medicine and vice president for medical affairs, communicated earlier this week the names of those finalists: Drs. Keith Elder, John Griffin and Andi Kent.
Each will participate in an open forum with an opportunity for questions and answers. More information, including times and dates, will be announced soon. Thank you to Dr. Marymont and the Provost Search Committee for their leadership in this effort. The three candidates have impressive credentials; I am confident that together we will select a provost who will bring experience, integrity and ingenuity to leading South鈥檚 academic initiatives and policies.
One matter the provost will help lead is our continued effort to offer competitive salary and benefits for our employees. Working closely with the Faculty Senate over the past three months, University administration recently implemented salary adjustments for faculty in professorial ranks in which the average compensation was under the 25th percentile for comparable roles at peer institutions.
These adjustments were based on a salary survey conducted at the request of the Faculty Senate Salary and Fringe Benefits Committee. They follow separate modifications that were made in the fall to address equity within our own pay structures, a recommendation prioritized by the University Committee on Diversity.
Admittedly, these were focused, yet significant steps in what I hope will be an ongoing process to evaluate faculty and staff compensation at all levels of our University to ensure we are competitive in order to recruit and retain our valued employees. I want to offer my sincere gratitude to the Faculty Senate, in particular its Salary and Fringe Benefits Committee, for working with the administration on these efforts. This is the first step on what we all know is a long-overdue journey.
As I鈥檝e told several internal groups since I鈥檝e arrived on campus, our financial health is tied directly to our enrollment. I remain intently focused on growing our student population through increasing enrollment and retention. Just this week I met with college counselors from high schools across the region during a reception at Hancock Whitney Stadium to thank them for their partnership with the University as we look for new ways to work together.
In another partnership, representatives from 猫咪社区APP Health and the University recently returned from a trip to Cusco, Peru, where they provided vaccines and medical treatment for residents there. This is the second trip in recent years by our medical providers, and its success offers possibilities for additional healthcare and research initiatives in South America.
Our work in Peru is a reminder of both our impact and potential as we build on our individual skills, talents and knowledge in a shared experience. Thanks to all who represented 猫咪社区APP as true ambassadors of our University, state and country.
As we pass 100 days since I鈥檝e been at South, we鈥檙e wrapping up the 鈥渓istening tours鈥� at our colleges, schools and administrative units at the University and at our 猫咪社区APP Health facilities. It is hard to put into words how much the warm welcome, heartfelt suggestions and strong support for our collective efforts has meant.
In closing, this evening marks the beginning of Passover, the halfway point of Ramadan and the start of Easter weekend. Three different observances for three different religions, each with timely opportunities for liberation, reflection and renewal. Jan茅e and I wish you and yours peace and hope during this special time of the year.
Jo Bonner
President
March 15, 2022
Dear 猫咪社区APP Students, Faculty and Staff,
I am writing to provide you with information about the mistaken activation of the main campus emergency alert speaker system that occurred yesterday morning.
First, I want to express my regret and concern for all those who were impacted by the inadvertent broadcast message, which indicated there was an unknown intruder situation on campus. Hearing this message was no doubt frightening and difficult, and something that none of us wants to experience. If you need any assistance as a result of this situation, please reach out to our Counseling and Testing Center or our Office of Human Resources for help.
Second, I want you to know that we are committed to gaining a complete understanding of what occurred, and to follow up and take corrective action as appropriate. We are continuing to look into what happened, but for now I can tell you that the emergency broadcast system was activated as a technician was working on routine maintenance of the system. Such maintenance happens regularly and has never previously caused the system to activate. We will continue to explore ways in which we can safeguard against this type of false alarm in the future.
I am pleased that our University Police Department, as soon as they became aware of the mistaken alert, quickly activated our Everbridge Emergency Notification System and sent an 鈥渁ll clear鈥� message via email and text to the campus community. In the event of an actual emergency, the Everbridge messaging system as well as our LiveSafe mobile app would be used in addition to the speaker system, which is designed only to notify those who are outside on campus. This redundancy ensures that emergency situations are quickly communicated as widely as possible.
Finally, while we are all relieved that there was no emergency, this situation points out the need for each of us to be aware of what to do in case of an emergency. The 猫咪社区APP Police Department offers active shooter training during new faculty orientation and First Year Experience classes, and to individual departments on request. If you鈥檇 like to request training for your department or office, please contact 猫咪社区APPPD at police@southalabama.edu.
I want to assure you that the safety and security of our campus is a top priority of University leadership. We will learn from this situation and strive to improve our processes so that we can all feel safe and secure on our campus.
Sincerely,
Jo Bonner
President
March 11, 2022
Dear 猫咪社区APP Faculty, Staff and Students,
We鈥檙e pleased to report that the expansion and renovation of the University of South Alabama College of Medicine building is one large step closer to reality thanks to a $60 million appropriation from U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby. The appropriations bill, approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, now goes to President Joe Biden for his signature.
This allocation follows a $50 million earmark from Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and a $30 million gift from the 猫咪社区APP Foundation. We hope to break ground in the next year on this project, which will include new construction and an extensive renovation of the existing structure to greatly enhance our education and research capabilities.
These investments are more than just commitments of financial support. They are commitments to our faculty, staff and students, as well as to the communities that our graduates serve.
Sen. Shelby again has demonstrated his desire to improve conditions within Alabama now and into the future. His efforts to secure this funding for a modern College of Medicine that matches the world-class education and research that takes place will impact future generations.
New facilities will enable our recruitment of high-quality faculty and students as the leading academic health system along the Gulf Coast, and it will ensure our continued ability to provide top-level education and research for the next generations of physicians and scientists for the state of Alabama.
We are profoundly grateful to Sen. Shelby, and to the governor and the 猫咪社区APP Foundation, for their support of the College of Medicine and the 猫咪社区APP.
Jo Bonner
President
Dr. John Marymont
Vice President for Medical Affairs, Dean of the College of Medicine
February 25, 2022
During the interview process that brought me to South, I made a commitment to get to know our students, faculty, staff and administrators by visiting each area of our University.
I鈥檝e had a number of group meetings already. Last week, I visited 猫咪社区APP Health Children鈥檚 & Women鈥檚 Hospital, and earlier this week, I met with students and colleagues at the Mitchell of College of Business. I鈥檒l continue these visits through April.
I was humbled as I visited Children鈥檚 & Women鈥檚 Hospital, witnessing the commitment of an extraordinary group of professionals who create miracles for the tiniest babies and provide specialty care to women in our region.
For those who came out on Monday at the Mitchell College of Business, I enjoyed meeting with each of you and listening to what you had to say. I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the interim dean, Dr. Alvin Williams, and his team for their warm welcome.
This is the beginning of a conversation. I want to hear more about your challenges and concerns, as well as talk about opportunities where we can grow 鈥� with additional students, investments and research. How do we position ourselves to become the Flagship of the Gulf Coast?
As I make my way around the University, I鈥檒l be meeting with senior leadership of each college and school, as well as Faculty Senate representation. There also will be an open forum to gather with faculty, staff and students. While I鈥檒l say a few words, this is mostly an opportunity to meet one-on-one and hear from you. In addition, I will be making my way to our 猫咪社区APP Health locations and administrative units to visit with you where you work. Throughout my career, I have found listening and learning go hand-in-hand with leading. Details of each visit will be communicated by the leadership of your unit.
I鈥檇 also like to take a moment today to reflect briefly on the events unfolding around the world as well as closer to home.
Obviously, in Eastern Europe, a very serious and disturbing situation is occurring which is the cause of much uncertainty and anxiety. As you know, events are transpiring at a rapid pace. My thoughts are with members of our University community who have family and friends in Ukraine.
Closer to home, the University was well-represented during Thursday鈥檚 Higher Education Day in Montgomery. University leadership was joined by about 40 students as we met with legislators and state officials to talk about the importance of our University to the state and region. Simply put: There鈥檚 not a single problem we face as a nation, state or in our communities for which higher education cannot be part of the solution.
Lastly, as our University family joins so many others throughout the state and nation in welcoming a significant decline in the Omicron variant, I would be remiss in not thanking everyone 鈥� both on our campus and throughout 猫咪社区APP Health 鈥� for what you have done to help us get where we are in this ongoing struggle against COVID-19. I offer special thanks to members of our COVID-19 Response Team, led by Dr. Julie Estis; they have been tireless in their efforts to keep us safe and healthy.
As we prepare for the celebration of Mobile Mardi Gras and Spring Break, please know Jan茅e and I are most grateful for this incredible opportunity to help you take our 猫咪社区APP to the next level. Go Jags!
Jo Bonner
President
February 21, 2022
Dear 猫咪社区APP Faculty, Staff and Students,
Please join me in congratulating Mike Haskins, vice president for marketing and communications, who has accepted a job leading the marketing efforts for Elon University in North Carolina. While I am sad to see Mike leave, we are excited for his opportunity and grateful for his work on behalf of South.
During Mike鈥檚 more than seven years at the University, he elevated efforts that prior to his arrival had relied heavily on legacy media and others to shape South鈥檚 image. Today, the University tells its own story using branding, design, videography, narrative storytelling, social media, publications and our website, in addition to outreach efforts through media and public relations. Under Mike鈥檚 leadership, the University launched its first strategic advertising campaign. His team and the Division of Enrollment Services work more closely than ever before on marketing at the college level and on paid and organic digital campaigns to reach prospective students and their families.
We soon will begin a national search to fill Mike鈥檚 position. That person will take over leadership of a talented and skilled staff that will ensure a smooth transition. Mike鈥檚 last day will be March 23.
I know there is understandable interest in the status of some other positions. Importantly, the search for a provost and chief academic officer continues. The Provost Search Committee has met with a recruiting firm, which has advertised the position and is engaging with potential candidates in advance of the March 15 date set for submissions.
As you are aware, Dr. Andrea Kent has admirably filled that role on an interim basis since the departure of Dr. David Johnson in 2020. Without a permanent person in that spot, other subsequent vacancies on the academic side have been filled on an interim basis. I am grateful for the leadership of those individuals, but I know this is not sustainable. The selection of a provost will allow us to address many of those other positions. It is a priority.
There also are non-Academic Affairs positions we will address in the near future.
When I took the job of president, I noted that the University鈥檚 success was built on the many who came before us. Our ability to evolve and thrive now is not the responsibility of a few, but will be the result of the work so many of you do to advance the University. Thank you for that commitment.
Jo Bonner
President
February 2, 2022
I am pleased to let you know that Dr. Andrea Kent has agreed to take on the responsibilities of interim executive vice president in addition to continuing in her role as interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Kent has stepped into this new role following Dr. John Smith鈥檚 retirement.
Both of these jobs are critically important to the operations of our University. As you may be aware, a search committee is in the process of reviewing candidates for the position of provost.
As I complete my first month in office, I want to thank the members of our University community for the warm welcome and tremendous support Jan茅e and I have received. We remain so very humbled, grateful and excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Please join me in thanking Dr. Smith for his remarkable service and dedication to 猫咪社区APP, while also thanking Dr. Kent for, once again, answering the call to serve and lead.
Jo Bonner
President
January 13, 2022
Dear 猫咪社区APP Faculty and Staff,
After 14 years with the 猫咪社区APP, Executive Vice President Dr. John Smith will retire Feb. 1.
Dr. Smith came to the 猫咪社区APP in 2008 as Vice President of Student Affairs. He was appointed Special Assistant to the President in 2010, appointed Executive Vice President in 2014 and has twice served as Interim President.
The University will host a reception in Dr. Smith鈥檚 honor on Wednesday, Jan. 26, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Hargrove Club in Hancock Whitney Stadium. This drop-in reception is open to the entire University community.
Parking for the event will be in Lot 105, adjacent to the stadium. There will be blue signs with arrows directing attendees to the Hargrove Club Entrance, which is at Gate 4.
Please make plans to stop by to wish Dr. Smith the very best in his retirement and help us thank both him and his wife, Jeanne, for their devotion to the University of South Alabama.
Jo Bonner
President
January 10, 2022
Dear Students and Colleagues,
For faculty, staff and students returning to campus, and to those starting their first semester, I know what it鈥檚 like to welcome a new beginning. The opportunities are exciting. The unfamiliar can be daunting.
There are new classes, ambitious projects and goals that you鈥檝e set. There鈥檚 unfinished business from last semester, and unexpected challenges to tackle during this one. A pandemic stretches into yet another year, while we remain hopeful an end is near and in awe of those on the front lines.
As I begin my presidency at the 猫咪社区APP, I arrive with both a sense of pride and humility. I鈥檓 proud to represent each of you and the work that you do 鈥� our students who are chasing dreams, our faculty whose research and scholarly activity gives new insights, and our healthcare professionals who cure and care for us. I鈥檓 proud of the University鈥檚 staff, who support South鈥檚 missions, and the nearly 90,000 alumni who are an example of its promise. I鈥檓 proud of how our collective efforts impact our region and state.
I鈥檓 also humbled to be chosen for this job. Being the president is an awesome responsibility, and I commit to doing everything I can to live up to your high expectations. Over the holidays, I looked back on the promises I made to the Board of Trustees, our students and our employees 鈥� to faithfully represent the University community, to support its members and to be inclusive in our journey. Now it鈥檚 time to put in the hard work.
Part of that is listening to you, and meeting you where you work, where you study and where you dine. I鈥檒l also be inviting people to meet with me in my office and at my home. I want to build on South鈥檚 impressive successes 鈥� the legacy of your predecessors and the results of your efforts 鈥� but I do not have a predetermined route for getting there. That path will be defined by what we can accomplish together.
With the pandemic, many of those initial meetings will be one-on-one or in small groups. While evidence suggests that the Omicron variant is causing more mild illnesses than previous variants of COVID-19, transmissions are surging in our community and I want to be respectful of your comfort level and the tireless work of our healthcare providers. As you know, South鈥檚 mask requirement was temporarily reinstated. The University COVID-19 Response Committee is meeting weekly and will be communicating any updates through email and on the coronavirus website.
In those meetings, and here, I want to re-introduce myself. I know most of you are aware of my professional life 鈥� U.S. Representative for Alabama鈥檚 First District, vice chancellor for economic development for the University of Alabama System and chief of staff to Gov. Kay Ivey. My job as president is an extension of that commitment to public service.
I鈥檓 also a husband to Jan茅e Bonner, who will work alongside me in this role. I can鈥檛 wait for you to get to meet her. Together, we have two grown children, Lee and Robins.
While I鈥檓 currently commuting to campus, we鈥檒l soon move into the University-owned president鈥檚 house and look forward to being even closer to our South family. Jan茅e and I plan on immersing ourselves in University life. We鈥檝e already been to a basketball game. You鈥檒l also see us at other sporting events, concerts and theatrical performances.
Mostly, you鈥檒l see me around campus. Please stop to say hello.
Jo Bonner
President