MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
January 2022
PowerSchool Donates $80,000 to USA College of Education and Professional Studies
The University of South Alabama College of Education and Professional Studies recently received an $80,000 donation from PowerSchool, a provider of cloud-based software for K-12 education, to help students in teacher preparation programs pass the Praxis teacher preparation test. “Especially during this time of scarcity, it is more important now than ever to give our students and future teachers the resources to launch their successful careers," said Dr. Paige Vitulli, interim chair and associate professor in the Department of Leadership and Teacher Education. "We are excited about this partnership and very thankful for PowerSchool’s support."
Dr. Amy Upton Receives Publication Award
Dr. Amy Upton, assistant professor of school counseling in the College of Education and Professional Studies, recently received the Alabama Counseling Association's Individual Publication Award at its annual conference held in November. 
PASSAGE USA Peer Mentoring
Peer mentors serve as natural supports in social, academic and employment situations for PASSAGE USA students at South. PASSAGE USA is a two- and four-year non-degree certificate program for students with intellectual disabilities.
USA Doctoral Student Recognized with Prestigious National Award
Abritty Abdullah, a doctoral student in the instructional design and development program in the College of Education and Professional Studies, is the recipient of the 2021 Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award.
Healed for the Holidays
Kenneth and Diamond Johnson got married in the chapel at USA Health University Hospital during Kenneth’s recovery after being hit by a pickup truck. Kenneth earned a master’s degree in education at South and currently serves as a University police sergeant. Diamond is a senior majoring in exercise science. 
Majors Spotlight: Recreational Therapy Student Finding a Career Where Her Heart Is
When Margaret Barnard was 15 years old, she spent the summer working at Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults, one of the largest therapeutic recreation programs in the world. Barnard chose South's recreational therapy program because she wants to improve the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities.
South Alumna Honored in Mobile Bay’s 2022 Class of 40 Under 40
Sydnie Shuford was honored in Mobile Bay’s 2022 Class of 40 Under 40. Shuford is a sixth grade counselor at Causey Middle School. She earned a bachelor's in elementary education and master's in school counseling from the College of Educationa and Professional Studies.
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