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."
Interim Dean's Message
Dear Friends,

Students have returned to campus and our first day of Spring semester classes was January 10. This month’s newsletter opens with information about a donation we received from the PowerSchool Education Fund, a provider of cloud-based software for K-12 education, to help students in our teacher preparation programs pass the Praxis teacher preparation test. 

Another article features Dr. Amy Upton, an assistant professor of school counseling who was awarded the Alabama Counseling Association's Publication Award for a study that provided an opportunity for the voices of district supervisors to be heard on topics related to the preparation of school counselors. 

We highlight several students in the college, including Mia Pennison for her work with peer mentoring; Abritty Abdullah, a doctoral student in the instructional design and development program who is the recipient of the 2021 Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award; and Margaret Barnard, who chose the University of South Alabama because she wanted to major in recreational therapy to improve the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities. 

Two alumni are also featured, including Sydnie Shuford, who serves as a sixth grade counselor at Causey Middle School and was recently recognized in Mobile Bay’s 2022 Class of 40 Under 40. Shuford is a National Blue Ribbon Award Winning Counselor and Alabama Performance Award Winning Teacher. We also include a heartrending story about Sgt. Kenneth Johnson, a college alumnus and University of South Alabama police officer. His road to recovery following an accident and injuries received early in 2021 led to a marriage ceremony in the chapel at USA Health University Hospital.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year! 


Sincerely,

John E. Kovaleski
Interim Dean 
Upcoming Events
University of South Alabama students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., during this year's Week of Connection and Service. This celebration consists of an intergenerational panel discussion on advancing equity, an interactive workshop about inclusive practices when serving diverse populations, the annual Dr. King community march and rally, and a keynote address about "Creating a 'Beloved Community' for Africatown with Technology-Based Service Learning."
National Board Certification Support

Are you working toward National Board Certification and looking for support in the journey? The South Alabama Research and Inservice Center invites you to join Region 10 monthly NBCT cohort meetings. Registration information, session dates and times, and session topics can be found here.
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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