News and Events
News Archives
The Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Summer 2017 Paramedic Graduates raised $1,845.20 for the Mary Ann Tally Memorial Endowment Fund at the first CPR Challenge!
Paramedic Graduates Raise Money for the Mary Ann Tally Memorial Endowment Fund
The Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Summer 2017 Paramedic Graduates raised
$1,845.20 for the Mary Ann Tally Memorial Endowment Fund at the first CPR Challenge!
Students received pledges for minutes of effective CPR performed. This challenge led
to a total of 1,391 minutes of effective CPR and a tidy donation to help aspiring
Paramedics attend school. We're very proud of our students for their accomplishments
both inside and outside of the classroom.
The Dept. of Occupational Therapy Faculty Receive Grant Awards from the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning and ILC initiative. .
OT Faculty Receives Grant Awards
Congratulations to four faculty members of the Dept. of Occupational Therapy for receiving
grant awards from the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning and ILC initiative. The
faculty members include Donna Wooster, Ph.D., OTR/L; Candra Taylor, MS, OTR/L; Robin
Deacy, MS, OTR/L; and Tracy O'Connor, OTD, OTR/L. Each of the faculty members will
run an independent research project within the next calendar year and present at the
2018 Conference on Teaching and Learning.
Congratulations to the 2017 College of Allied Health Faculty Award Recipients.
College of Allied Health Faculty Awards
Congratulations to the 2017 College of Allied Health Faculty Award Recipients. Radiologic Sciences
Patricia Brewer – Faculty Teaching Award
Dale Smith – Faculty Service Award
Speech Pathology and Audiology
Dr. Paul Dagenais – Faculty Research Award
Kayla Ford represented the Adult Speech and Language Lab at the 2017 annual Clinical Aphasiology Conference in Snowbird, Utah.
Kayla Ford Presents Poster At Aphasiology Conference
Kayla Ford represented the Adult Speech and Language Lab at the 2017 annual Clinical
Aphasiology Conference in Snowbird, Utah. She presented a poster entitled Rate, Accuracy, and Comprehension of Oral Paragraph Reading in Persons with Aphasia, which incorporated portions of her master's thesis project. This ongoing study is supported by a grant awarded to Dr. Smith by the University of South Alabama's Faculty
Development Council. 
Congratulations to Associate Professor and Chair of the Dept. of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Dr. Robert Moore, on his retirement.
Dr. Robert Moore, Associate Professor and Chair of SPA, Retires
Congratulations to Associate Professor and Chair of the Dept. of Speech Pathology
and Audiology, Dr. Robert Moore, on his retirement. Dr. Moore joined the faculty in
the Department of SPA in 2001, and has served as Chair of the Department since 2007.
Dr. Moore's dedication to the students and faculty within the Department has been
unwavering, and he will truly be missed. Congratulations, Dr. Moore!
Congratulations to Professor and Chair of the Dept. of Physical Therapy, Dr. Dennis Fell, for being awarded the Lucy Blair Service Award.
Dr. Fell Receives the APTA Lucy Blair Service Award
Congratulations to Professor and Chair of the Dept. of Physical Therapy, Dr. Dennis
Fell, for being awarded the Lucy Blair Service Award. This award is presented by the
American Physical Therapy Association and honors physical therapist members whose
contributions to APTA are of exceptional quality. He will receive the award at the
Honors and Awards Ceremony at the NEXT Conference in Boston on June 22. 
Congratulations to Paul Dagenais who earned the 2017 Covey College of Allied Health Research Award for his outstanding achievements in the field of speech-language pathology.
Dr. Dagenais Receives 2017 Covey College of Allied Health Research Award
Congratulations to Paul Dagenais who earned the 2017 Covey College of Allied Health
Research Award for his outstanding achievements in the field of speech-language pathology.
Dr. Dagenais was recognized for his national and international contributions to speech
research including over 30 publications in well-respected journals. He played a significant
role in the development of the Speech Pathology and Audiology Department's Ph.D. in
Communication Sciences and Disorders degree in 1992, and over the years he has successfully
mentored many students who have gone on to lead productive academic and research careers
of their own. 
Rachel Short, a SPA Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow, won 1st place in the Section IX Poster Competition at the Alabama Academy of Science Conference.
SPA Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow Receives 1st Place Award
Congratulations to Rachael Short, Speech and Hearing Sciences, for winning 1st place
in the Section IX Poster Competition at the 2017 Alabama Academy of Science Conference.
Rachael's work was supported by the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) program,
and was completed under the direction of Dr. Kimberly Smith, Assistant Professor in
the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology. Congratulations Rachael and Dr.
Smith. 
The Department of Cardiorespiratory Care (CRC) invited students from across the University to view demonstrations of various medical procedures performed in hospitals by respiratory therapists.
Cardiorespiratory Care Open House
Recently, the Department of Cardiorespiratory Care (CRC) invited students from across
the University to view demonstrations of various medical procedures performed in hospitals
by respiratory therapists. Students who attended the open house were provided a close-up
view of life-saving mechanical ventilation, arterial blood sampling, airway intubation,
and pulmonary function testing. These students were also presented opportunities to
participate in some of these critical care procedures.Faculty in the Department presented an overview of the profession, and discussed the academic program and the application process. Graduates of the CRC program informed those in attendance of career opportunities to which they have been exposed since graduation from this program at South Alabama. Managers of hospital respiratory therapy departments offered information about employment opportunities and financial benefits of embarking on a career as a respiratory therapist.
The next open house in the Department of Cardiorespiratory Care is scheduled for November 2017. If you wish to participate in the next open house, or if you seek more information about this exciting and challenging medical career, please call (251) 445-9284, or e-mail crcdept@southalabama.edu. You may contact this Department anytime. Faculty are available to answer your questions and to provide you with guidance.
Dr. Wilder Roberts and Dr. Elizabeth Adams were recently elected to the Board of the Alabama Academy of Audiology.
ALAA Officers Elected
Congratulations to Dr. Wilder Roberts and Dr. Elizabeth Adams for being elected as
officers of the Alabama Academy of Audiology. Dr. Roberts, Assistant Professor of
Audiology, was elected President of ALAA. She has spent several years as Member-At-Large
and coordinated student volunteers for the annual ALAA Convention. Dr. Roberts will
hold this position for 2 years. Dr. Elizabeth Adams, Associate Professor of Audiology,
was elected to serve a two-year term as the Secretary for the ALAA.
Jessi Pruett, 2nd year Au.D. student, is currently serving as the advocacy chair for the Student Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
Jessi Pruett Serves as the Advocacy Chair for SADA
Jessi Pruett, 2nd year Au.D. student, is currently serving as the advocacy chair for
the Student Academy of Doctors of Audiology. She will be working collaboratively with
SADA board members and professional members to increase student participation in and
contribution to ADA initiatives.-
Dr. Elizabeth Adams has been selected as Chair of the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology.
Dr. Adams Selected as Chair of the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
Congratulations to Dr. Elizabeth Adams for being selected as Chair of the Department
of Speech Pathology and Audiology. Dr. Adams has been a valued member of the Department
for the past 10 years where her areas of scholarly expertise are hearing aids function,
balance, and cochlear implants. She most recently served as the Graduate Program Director
for the program in Audiology before being named a Provost's Fellow in Academic Affairs
for the 2016-2017 academic year. The Dean's Office looks forward to working closely
with her to enable greater economies of scale for clinic operations, enhancing faculty
development opportunities for clinical and didactic faculty, and increased faculty
collaboration for scholarship and interprofessional education.
A school level collaboration between USA’s Department of Speech Pathology & Audiology and the University of Kwazulu-Natal’s Discipline of Speech-Language Pathology has formally emerged.
UKZN Hosts Audiology Students: A Thrilling School Collaboration
A school level collaboration between USA’s Department of Speech Pathology & Audiology
and the University of Kwazulu-Natal’s Discipline of Speech-Language Pathology has
formally emerged. Seven Au.D. and AuD./Ph.D. students from USA spent two weeks in
Durban, South Africa, collaborating with UKZN’s Discipline of Speech-Language Pathology
dept. The audiology students that were part of this partnership included Kelsey Alpeter,
Jessica McConnell, Shelby Tiffin, Casey Walsh, Sarah Weems, Kathleen West, and Peyton
Williams. During the visit, the students were exposed to real situations of the South
African health care system. Dr. Ishara Ramkissoon, Associate Professor in Audiology,
was the Faculty Lead for this collaboration. Read full article from the University of Kwazulu-Natal.-
Rachel Short, a SPA Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow, was selected for one of six Outstanding Research Awards.
SPA Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow Receives Award
Congratulations to Rachel Short, a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow, who was selected
for one of six Outstanding Research Awards. Her work entitled, Speech Recognition Errors: Implications for Aging, was presented as an oral and poster presentation at the 18th Annual Undergraduate
Research and Creative Activities Symposium sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate
Research. She was mentored by Dr. Kimberly Smith in the Department of Speech Pathology
and Audiology. 
Ph.D. student, Dongyin Mei, from the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology presented research at the annual American Speech-Language-Hearing Association convention.
SPA Ph.D Student Presents At ASHA Convention
Ph.D. student, Dongyin Mei, from the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
presented research entitled Relationship Between Eye Movements During Reading and Severity of Reading Impairment
in Persons with Aphasia, at the annual American Speech-Language-Hearing Association convention. Her research
was completed under the direction of Dr. Kimberly Smith. 
The December Student Organization of the Month Award goes to the Student Academy of Audiology!
SAA Receives December Student Organization of the Month Award
The Office of Student Activities is proud to announce the Student Academy of Audiology
as the December Student Organization of the Month.The Student Academy of Audiology is the student organization of the American Academy of Audiology that serves as a collective voice for students and advances the rights, interests, and welfare of students pursuing careers in audiology. The SAA introduces students to lifelong involvement in activities that promote and advance the profession of audiology, and provides services, information, education, representation and advocacy for the profession and the public they serve. During the month of November, SAA hosted their first major event on campus, a "SuperHEARo Day" for children with hearing and communication difficulties at the SGA Pavilion. "SuperHEAROo Day" consisted of games, face painting, food prizes, and fun for these children and students. The goal of SAA's "SuperHEARo Day" was to bring these children and their families together for a day of celebration as a way for them to make connections in the community. Due to the success of their first inaugural "SuperHEARo Day", SAA is planning on making this an annual occurrence.
In addition to "SuperHEARo Day", SAA recently held hearing screenings in the Music Department in order to identify students and faculty who may have hearing loss. The goal of this event was to increase health and wellness around campus, and bring awareness to noise-induced hearing loss in college students. The Student Academy of Audiology has heightened its presence on campus tremendously over the past year by hosting a variety of events aimed at promoting their cause, publishing articles in the Vanguard in order to increase awareness and visibility, participating in USA's Health and Wellness Day, and engaging in efforts to provide education about hearing health to the USA community.
Allied Health students from the Dept. of Emergency Medical Services and the Dept. of Physician's Assistant Studies participated in one of the largest disaster drills held annually in the area.
Allied Health Participates in Mass Casualty Drill
Allied Health students from the Dept. of Emergency Medical Services and the Dept.
of Physician's Assistant Studies participated in one of the largest disaster drills
held annually in the area. Those participating in the drill also included local ambulance
services, fire and rescue departments and the Alabama National Guard, the U.S. Army
Reserve and the U.S. Army. View the Disaster Drill Press Release from the Office of Marketing and Communications. 
Dr. Michael Spector, professor of biomedical sciences in the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health, was recently featured in the Winter 2016 edition of Lead On for his contributions to boosting student research.
Biomedical Sciences Professor Boosts Student Research
Dr. Michael Spector, professor of biomedical sciences in the Pat Capps Covey College
of Allied Health, has dedicated much of his career to mentoring undergraduate research
students — roughly 80 since he began his career at USA in 1988. His contributions
were recently highlighted in the Winter 2016 edition of Lead On. 
Junior biomedical science major, Alex Coley, is among a growing number of USA undergraduates and faculty members collaborating on research that crosses disciplines.
Biomedical sciences major assists with cutting-edge cancer research
Junior biomedical science major, Alex Coley, is among a growing number of USA undergraduates
and faculty members collaborating on research that crosses disciplines. His experiences
assisting with cutting-edge cancer research was recently featured by the Office of Marketing and Communications.Coley also was one of only four nominees, by the university, for the national competition for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship; for which, he was awarded Honorable Mention.
Biomedical Sciences student Angela McGaugh was one of only four nominees, by the university, for the national competition for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship.
Biomedical Sciences Student Nominated for National Scholarship
Biomedical Sciences student Angela McGaugh was one of only four nominees (for the
second straight year), by the university, for the national competition for the Barry
Goldwater Scholarship; for which, she was awarded Honorable Mention. She also applied
for and was awarded the prestigious Udall Undergraduate Scholarship for 2016-2017
from the Udall Foundation.
The South Alabama Chapter of the Mortar Board recognized "Top Professors" for 2016.
Mortar Board Recognizes Allied Health Top Professors
Congratulations to the following professors for being selected by the South Alabama
Chapter of the Mortar Board as the "Top Professors" for 2016. Biomedical Sciences
Dr. Robin Mockett, Dr. Padma Thulasiraman, Dr. Cindy Stanfield
Allied Health
Mr. Jay Hunt
Mortar Board is a national honor society of college seniors. The society recognizes in its membership the qualities of superior scholastic performance, outstanding leadership, and dedicated service to the campus or community. Members of Mortar Board are committed to the continued pursuit of excellence and a lifelong education process.
Dr. Kimberly Smith, Assistant Professor of Speech Pathology, has been named a recipient of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's 2016 Advancing Academic-Research Award.
Dr. Smith Receives ASHA Research Award
Dr. Kimberly Smith, Assistant Professor of Speech Pathology, has been named a recipient
of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's 2016 Advancing Academic-Research
Award. -
Dr. Elizabeth Adams, Associate Professor of Audiology, has been selected into the Provost Faculty Fellows Program for the 2016-2017 academic year.
Dr. Adams Selected into the Provost Faculty Fellows Program
Congratulations to Dr. Elizabeth Adams for being selected into the Provost Faculty
Fellows Program for the 2016-17 academic year. Dr. Elizabeth M. Adams is an Associate Professor in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate Coordinator for Audiology, and has been on faculty at the University for 10 years. Dr. Adams has established lines of research evaluating speech understanding ability in degraded listening environments, as well as investigating the impact of vestibular dysfunction in various patient populations.
Dr. Adams teaches courses for the Doctor of Audiology program in the areas of hearing aid amplification, cochlear implants, and vestibular assessment and treatment. She serves on multiple University- and College-level committees, as well as several Departmental committees. Her professional service includes acting as the Treasurer for the national Council of AuD Programs (CAuDP), serving on the Board of Directors for the Alabama Academy of Audiology (ALAA), and providing professional reviews for several scholarly journals.
The Provost Faculty Fellows Program is a new professional development opportunity for faculty members interested in developing leadership and administrative skills at the University level. As a part of the program, Fellows will increase their understanding of university-wide academic initiatives, strategic planning, budget issues, and challenges in higher education. In addition, Fellows will also make direct contributions to the Provost's Office by taking on special projects and assisting in other operational activities.
Members of the Student Academy of Audiology went to the Special Olympics held at Troy University and performed hearing screenings, otoscopy, tympanometry, and OAEs on athletes with special needs.
Academy of Audiology Students Assist at Special Olympics
Members of the Student Academy of Audiology went to the Special Olympics held at Troy
University and performed hearing screenings, otoscopy, tympanometry, and OAEs on athletes
with special needs. Students pictured from left to right are: Katie West, Kelsey Alpeter, Lexi Niemann, Taylor Abbey, and Katy Buchanan.
Members of the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions teamed up with Department of Campus Recreation during the Healthy Minds Wellness Fair.
College of Allied Health Professions Participates in Healthy Minds Fair
Members of the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions teamed up with
Department of Campus Recreation during the Healthy Minds Wellness Fair to increase
awareness of the benefits of exercise on mental health. Faculty members in attendance
from the College of Allied Health included (from left to right) Erin McAdams (Physician Assistant), Dr. Jeremy Fletcher (Physical Therapy) and Tracy O'Connor (OT). Also pictured is Christian O'Reilly, a Pre-Med major who is also a personal trainer at the Student Recreation Center.
Under the direction of Dr. Ishara Ramkissoon, Associate Professor of Audiology, The Emerging Scholars Environmental Health Sciences Academy (ESEHSA) funded five high school students through a rigorous marine science course.
ESEHSA Awards Scholarships and Equipment
Under the direction of Dr. Ishara Ramkissoon, Associate Professor of Audiology, The
Emerging Scholars Environmental Health Sciences Academy (ESEHSA) funded five high
school students through a rigorous marine science course at Dauphin Island Sea Lab
and an environmental health science experience on USA campus. The 2015 scholars pictured
here are: (1) Nadeerah Abdul-Addarr, (2) Wendy Mateo from Murphy High School, and
(3) Jalea Perine, (4) Gabriel Orange, and (5) JaKaylah Napier from Davidson High School.
In November 2015, the three participating high schools (Bryant, Davidson, & Murphy)
in Mobile county were awarded a total of $14,000 of laboratory and classroom equipment.
This included science tools and materials, teaching apps, technology like iPads, and
other learning aids to teach marine science and environmental health science in the
high school curriculum. The ESEHSA program is funded by a grant subcontract from Tulane
University School of Public Health, through the Gulf Region Health Outreach program.
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Congratulations to Dr. Kimberly Smith (Speech Pathology & Audiology) on being awarded a 2016 USA Faculty Development Council grant.
Dr. Smith Receives USA Faculty Development Council Grant
Congratulations to Dr. Kimberly Smith (Speech, Pathology, & Audiology) on being awarded
a 2016 USA Faculty Development Council grant to study oral reading of individuals
with aphasia, and for her acceptance to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Lessons for Success workshop, which will provide intensive training in grant preparation
and the development of a successful program of research.
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Congratulations to the 2016 College of Allied Health Faculty Award Recipients.
College of Allied Health Faculty Awards
Congratulations to the 2016 College of Allied Health Faculty Award Recipients. Physical Therapy
Dr. Laura White – Faculty Teaching Award
Dr. Elisa Kennedy – Faculty Service Award
Speech Pathology and Audiology
Dr. Tara Davis – Faculty Research Award
Dr. Ishara Ramkissoon (Speech Pathology and Audiology) receives the "Outstanding Faculty Member Award" in recognition for outstanding service to the international students at USA.
Dr. Ramkissoon Receives Award from ISA
Congratulations to the Indian Student Association (ISA) for successfully attaining
five awards at the Council of International Student Organizations (CISO) Awards Banquet!
Included in this recognition is the "Outstanding Faculty Member Award" to Dr. Ishara Ramkissoon, Faculty Advisor of ISA in recognition for outstanding service to the international
students at USA. Dr. Ramkissoon is pictured here with Mayank Patel, the 2015-16 ISA President and senior in Biomedical Sciences. 
The University of South Alabama Occupational Therapy program was ranked 22 out of 158 occupational therapy programs nationwide.
USA OT Program Top Occupational Therapy School According to Student Reviews
The University of South Alabama Occupational Therapy program was ranked 22 out of
158 occupational therapy programs nationwide by www.graduateprograms.com. Program
rankings, compiled using data gathered between September 1, 2012 and September 30,
2015, encompass reviews posted by more than 75,000 students participating in over
1,600 graduate programs nationwide.
Dr. Ishara Ramkissoon, Associate Professor of Audiology, has been notified of a successful grant renewal for the Environmental Literacy In Marine Science And The Health Impact Of Pollution project.
Grant Awarded to Dr. Ishara Ramkissoon
Dr. Ishara Ramkissoon, Associate Professor of Audiology, has been notified of a successful
grant renewal for the Environmental Literacy In Marine Science And The Health Impact
Of Pollution project. The award of $113, 879 in 2016 will support the Emerging Scholars
Environmental Health Sciences Academy (ESEHSA) for five high schools in Mobile and
Baldwin counties. In addition to providing hourly student employment, this year the
grant will fund an additional graduate assistantship (tuition + stipend) for an audiology
doctoral student; Ms. Kathryn Buchanan is the 2016 recipient of the graduate assistantship.
The ESEHSA program is funded by a grant subcontract from Tulane University School
of Public Health, through the Gulf Region Health Outreach program, and under Dr. Ramkissoon's
direction, the total cumulative funding is $313, 723.
Dr. Gregory Frazer has been appointed Dean of the Pat Capps College of Allied Health Professions.
Dr. Gregory Frazer Named Dean of Allied Health
Dr. Gregory H. Frazer has been appointed Dean of the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied
Health Professions, effective August 1, 2016. Dr. Frazer currently serves as Dean
and Professor of the John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences at Duquesne University.
In addition to his academic appointment, Dr. Frazer has served for the past five years
as Duquesne's Faculty Athletic Representative to the A-10 and the NCAA. He was recently
appointed to a three-year term on the NCAA's Committee on Competitive Safeguards and
Medical Aspects of Sports.Previously, he served as Dean of the Victor F. Spathelf College of Allied Health Sciences at Ferris State University. Dr. Frazer has also held faculty and administrative positions at the University of Central Florida, Old Dominion University, Indiana State University, and Eastern Virginia Medical School. Dr. Frazer received his Ph.D. in health education and administration from Southern Illinois University and master's degrees in Sociology and Health Science from Ball State University.
He is Past President of the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions (ASAHP), where he also served a six-year term on the ASAHP Board of Directors. Dr. Frazer currently serves on the Boards of Directors for the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), the Accreditation Review Committee on Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA), and just completed a ten-year appointment on the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Dr. Frazer also served for six years on the Board of Directors of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), as well as the EMS Educators Credentialing Service, the Jewish Healthcare Foundation/Coro Pittsburgh Health Sciences Fellowship Board, and Life's Work, Inc.
Dr. Frazer serves on the editorial boards of Journal of Allied Health, American Journal of Health Behavior, International Journal of Interpersonal Care, and The Health Educator: Journal of Eta Sigma Gamma, and has served as a strategic planning and marketing consultant to several health care facilities and universities. Dr. Frazer has also developed and directed students on three-week healthcare study courses to China, Tanzania, Uganda, Italy, Tunisia, Zanzibar, South Africa, and Hungary.
Dr. Frazer will succeed Rick Talbott who provided leadership as Dean of the College for the past 13 years. In August, Dr. Talbott will return to the faculty in his home department of Speech Pathology and Audiology.
Dr. Susan Gordon-Hickey has been appointed Associate Dean of the Pat Capps College of Allied Health Professions.
Dr. Susan Gordon-Hickey Named Associate Dean
Dr. Susan Gordon-Hickey has been appointed by President Waldrop as the Associate Dean
of the Pat Capps College of Allied Health Professions. Dr. Gordon-Hickey received
her Ph.D. degree and Au.D. degree from the University of South Alabama in 2007 from
the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology and joined the faculty therein the
same year. She has served as the Audiology Graduate Coordinator for the Department
since 2010. Dr. Gordon-Hickey is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and
member of the Editorial Board of the American Auditory Societies prestigious Ear and
Hearing Journal. She holds several awards for teaching and research including the
Faculty Awards for both Teaching Excellence and For Research Excellence from the College.
Dr. Gordon-Hickey has served on many college and university wide committees including
currently serving as the Chair of the Faculty Senate Salary & Fringe Benefits committee.
USA students and faculty on medical mission trip to Trinidad help a toddler, with the aid of braces, stand for the first time.
On His Own Two Feet, 'He Captured Our Hearts'
Last December in Port of Spain, Trinidad, 2-year-old Kadeon and his mother waited
with high hopes to meet with visiting Americans on a medical mission trip. Any health
care is a challenge in Trinidad, but it was especially difficult for Kadeon, whose
legs have been paralyzed since birth. He had ankle braces in hopes of walking one
day, but they were outdated. On this day, his mother carried him, as usual, in her
arms.The American medical missionaries were 31 University of South Alabama health care students, faculty, staff and alumni from six departments and three colleges. The Trinidad trip was the group's second interprofessional mission abroad, and their meeting with Kadeon would be very special.
Before Kadeon reached the front of the line for triage by USA nursing or physician assistant students, a variety of people had been helped with various problems, everything from diabetes to infections, and even a woman in her 80s whose legs were weak with arthritis. She left with a rolling walker donated by Goodwill/Easter Seals.
"Trinidad has health care, but the system is overrun. If you try to get medical care, it takes a long time," said Dr. Dennis Fell, chair of physical therapy. "Many of the people we saw simply needed better education regarding the management of chronic health problems, but if they needed more care than we could provide, we tried to connect them with resources in that community."
"Kadeon came in with his mother on the second day of our mission, in the afternoon, and from a resource standpoint, we knew immediately he was the most challenging case we'd seen yet," Fell said. "We'd taken canes and walkers and taping supplies to tape joints and such, but we didn't think we had the correct size of orthosis appliance to fit a child with Kadeon's problems. We knew if we couldn't help him, he likely wasn't going to get help anytime soon."
Undaunted, the group remembered some pediatric leg braces in the equipment bag that might fit the toddler.
"I was kind of skeptical because such braces have to fit so precisely, but we gave it a try. We pulled the equipment out of our supplies, laid him down and discussed what would be needed to make it work," Fell said. "The joint hinges of the brace were in exactly the right place, so we were able to make it fit with adjustments."
Finally, Kadeon was assisted to stand and test their work.
"That was the first time in his two years that Kadeon had been able to stand. By the time he left with his mother, he had the capability to stand with the brace," Fell said. "Standing and being in an upright position is very important to development and social interactions. It was an emotional time for his mom to see him stand for the first time and to know that people had come there and donated their time to do that."
Fell said this medical mission trip was unique because it involved so many elements of USA – the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions, the College of Nursing and the College of Medicine. The trip was organized by Christian Medical Ministry of South Alabama, an interdenominational group of campus organizations that donates time and resources to provide health care for the needy, and the trip was directed by Duane Baxter, a USA alumnus.
Fell noted the trip was important for students because "this was the most significant interdisciplinary educational experience they have had."
"Instead of just hearing about helping people in other countries, they actually saw how professionals can work together to change lives," Fell said.
Tyler Vaughn, a junior physical therapy major, from Murphy, N.C., was one of the students who assisted with Kadeon.
"I was nervous to be involved with a pediatric case, but Dr. Fell let me jump right in. From looking at the CT scans, to doing ankle mobilizations on Kadeon's little feet, to testing sensations, to watching the orthotic fitting, to seeing his big smile and wide eyes throughout the whole process, up until he triumphantly stood for the first time, he captured our hearts," Tyler said.
"Being able to help this little boy stand for the first time on his own and getting to see the huge smile on his face is the reason I want to be a physical therapist," said Christa Roscigno, a sophomore physical therapy major from Slidell, La. "It was a true honor and life-changing experience to be able to help Kadeon and his family, and I look forward to seeing how he progresses with his walking."
Even after leaving Trinidad, the USA group continued working to change Kadeon's life. Within a week, Fell sent a posterior walker to Kadeon via a Georgia group of volunteers headed to the same city. Now, they are working on raising funds to continue to help by providing additional equipment and therapy for Kadeon and, perhaps, even bringing him to USA.
Tax-deductible donations for Kadeon's rehabilitation can be made to the Christian Medical Ministry of South Alabama by mailing a check to CMMSA, P.O. Box 851898, Mobile, AL 36685, or by visiting cmmsa.cloverdonations.com/support-cmmsa. CMMA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
"Kadeon will probably outgrow his current equipment by summer or early fall," Fell said. "The group hopes to have a plan in place to provide equipment for his next step."
Assistant Professor Robin Risling-de Jong recently presided over a poster presentation on breaking down barriers to health care for the homeless population during the 2015 Faculty Forum on Engaged Scholarship.
Faculty Forum on Engaged Scholarship Poster Presentation
Assistant Professor Robin Risling-de Jong recently presided over a poster presentation
on breaking down barriers to health care for the homeless population during the 2015
Faculty Forum on Engaged Scholarship - ENCOURAGING AND SUPPORTING COMMUNITY ENGAGED
RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP AT USA. Her findings were a result of a collaborative effort
among her colleagues engaged in interprofessional education at USA. The Forum was
held in January 23 at the USA Faculty Club. The Forum was well attended by more than
60 persons and included those from the Social Work Program and the Colleges of Medicine,
Allied Health and Nursing.
At the Professional Development extension event held November 14, 2014, Davidson and Murphy High Schools received a combined total of over $12, 000 in laboratory wish list items from the Emerging Scholars Environmental Health Sciences Academy (ESEHSA) at the University of South Alabama (USA).
Grant funds High School Scholars and Science Laboratories
At the Professional Development extension event held November 14, 2014, Davidson and
Murphy High Schools received a combined total of over $12, 000 in laboratory wish
list items from the Emerging Scholars Environmental Health Sciences Academy (ESEHSA)
at the University of South Alabama (USA). These laboratory items included science
equipment, tools, materials, teaching apps, and other learning aids for marine science
and the health impact of environmental toxins. Five selected scholars who completed
the ESEHSA 2014 summer program delivered oral and poster presentations about their
summer environmental health sciences experience. The ESEHSA program director, Dr.
Ishara Ramkissoon indicated that this program is funded by a grant subcontract from
Tulane University School of Public Health, through the Gulf Region Health Outreach
Program.
The Mortar Board has named the Top Professors for 2014.
Mortar Board Names Top Professors for 2014
The following faculty have been named by Mortar Board as Top Professors for 2014.
Biomedical Sciences-Dr. Robin Mockett, Dr. Padma Thulasiraman, Dr. Kari Dugger, and Dr. Julio Turrens
Occupational Therapy-Dr. Courtney Sasse
Physical Therapy-Dr. Coral Gubler
Speech Pathology and Audiology-Dr. Tara Davis
Congratulations to Lori Foran who received the 2014 Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama (SHAA) Outstanding Graduate Student Award.
2014 Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama (SHAA) Outstanding Graduate Student
Congratulations to Lori Foran who received the 2014 Speech and Hearing Association
of Alabama (SHAA) Outstanding Graduate Student Award.Lori Foran is a licensed and certified SLP and a doctoral candidate. After earning her Master's Degree in 1997 from Valdosta State University in GA and working primarily with pediatrics in the hospital setting, Lori began working toward a PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders at USA in 2011. Her primary research focus is the role of gestures in language development, particularly word learning. During her time at USA, she has excelled in her academic program, developing expertise in language development and disorders, beginning a programmatic line of research, and effectively conducting research studies in the Child Language Lab.
Congratulations to Dr. Julie Estis, Associate Professor of Speech Pathology and Audiology, for being named Faculty Senate President.
Associate Professor of Speech Pathology and Audiology named Faculty Senate President
Dr. Julie Estis, Associate Professor of Speech Pathology and Audiology, named Faculty
Senate President Pictured from left, Dr. Doug Marshall, past president, associate
professor of sociology and anthropology; Dr. Julie Estis, president, associate professor
of speech pathology and audiology; Dr. Kevin West, vice president, assistant Professor
of chemical and biomolecular engineering; and Dr. Kelly Woodford, secretary, professor
of management.
Congratulations to Dr. Ishara Ramkissoon, Associate Professor of Audiology, for receiving the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions Faculty Award for “Excellence in Research”.
Associate Professor of Audiology Receives Faculty Award for “Excellence in Research”
Congratulations to Dr. Ishara Ramkissoon for receiving the Pat Capps Covey College
of Allied Health Professions Faculty Award for "Excellence in Research"
Congratulations to Dr. Tara Davis and Dr. Kelli Evans (Speech Pathology and Audiology) for receiving a USA Faculty Development Council research grant for $4954 for their proposal "Information Processing by Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury: Evidence from Event-Related Potentials".
SPA Faculty Receives USA Faculty Development Council Research Grant
Congratulations to Dr. Tara Davis and Dr. Kelli Evans (Speech Pathology and Audiology)
for receiving a USA Faculty Development Council research grant for $4954 for their
proposal "Information Processing by Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury: Evidence
from Event-Related Potentials".
Congratulations to Dr. Ramkissoon and Dr. Beverly (Speech Pathology and Audiology) for their 2014 publication in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research (JSLHR).
SPA Faculty Research Published in Scholarly Journal
Congratulations to Dr. Ramkissoon and Dr. Beverly for their 2014 publication "Auditory Middle Latency Responses in Chronic Smokers Compared to Nonsmokers: Differential
Effects of Stimulus and Age"in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research (JSLHR).
Congratulations to Dr. Julie Estis and Dr. Brenda Beverly for their 2014 publication published in the Journal of Child Language.
SPA Faculty Research Published in Journal of Child Language
Congratulations to Dr. Julie Estis and Dr. Brenda Beverly for their 2014 publication
“Children with SLI exhibit delays resolving ambiguous reference” in the Journal of Child Language.
Hall of Fame
| Year | Name | Dept. |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Dr. Jocelyn Mayfield | PT |
| 2016 | Mr. Jason Poyadou | PA |
| 2015 | Dr. Andrew C. Bennett | PT |
| 2014 | None | |
| 2013 | Dr. Jennifer Lister | SPA |
| 2012 | Dr. Peter C. Panus | PT |
| 2011 | Nicole Nix Sartain | CRC |
| 2010 | Paige Plash | PT |
| 2009 | David Wildebrandt | OT |
| 2008 | Lt Col Brian Casleton | CLS |
| 2007 | Wade Shields | PA |
| 2006 | Sidney Scarborough | PT |
| 2005 | Laurie Beth Owen | CLS |
Andy & Carol Denny National Alumni Awards Excellence in Teaching and Advising
| Year | Name | Award |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Dr. Brad Davis | Teaching |
| 2005 | Dr. Brenda Beverly | Teaching |
| 2004 | Dr. Cindy Stanfield | Teaching |
| 2002 | Dr. Charles Gray | Teaching |
| 2001 | Dr. Dennis Fell | Teaching |
| 2001 | Melissa Wold | Advising |
Faculty Awards Banquet
| Year | Name | Dept | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Patricia Brewer | RAD | Teaching |
| 2017 | Dale Smith | RAD | Service |
| 2017 | Dr. Paul Dagenais | SPA | Research |
| 2016 | Dr. Laura White | PT | Teaching |
| 2016 | Dr. Elisa Kennedy | PT | Service |
| 2016 | Dr. Tara Davis | SPA | Research |
| 2015 | Dr. Julie Estis | SPA | Teaching |
| 2015 | Dr. Susan Gordon-Hickey | SPA | Teaching |
| 2015 | Dr. Diane Abercrombie | PA | Research |
| 2015 | Mona Hagmaier | PA | Service |
| 2014 | Dr. Zari Aliabadi | PA | Teaching |
| 2014 | Dr. Ishara Ramkissoon | SPA | Research |
| 2014 | Dr. Laura White | PT | Service |
| 2013 | Dr. Donna Wooster | OT | Teaching |
| 2013 | Dr. Julio Turrens | BMD/Dean | Research |
| 2013 | Scotty McArthur | EMS | Service |
| 2012 | Dr. Elizabeth Adams | SPA | Teaching |
| 2012 | Dr. Susan Gordon-Hickey | SPA | Research |
| 2012 | Charlie Erwin | EMS | Service |
| 2011 | Dr. Jim Henderson | PA | Teaching |
| 2011 | David Garmon | EMS | Service |
| 2010 | Dr. Charles Newell | RAD | Teaching |
| 2010 | Dr. Julie Estis | SPA | Research |
| 2010 | Dr. Jean Irion | PT | Service |
| 2009 | Dr. Marjorie Scaffa | OT | Teaching |
| 2009 | Dr. Tim Holston | SPA | Service |
| 2008 | Dr. Brad Davis | BMD | Teaching |
| 2008 | Dr. Marjorie Scaffa | OT | Service |
| 2007 | Dr. Barry Dale | PT | Teaching |
| 2007 | Dr. Robert Moore | SPA | Research |
| 2007 | Rich Nenstiel | PA | Service |
| 2006 | Dr. John Jefferson | PT | Teaching |
| 2006 | Dr. Flint Boettcher | SPA | Research |
| 2006 | Dr. Dennis Fell | PT | Service |
| 2005 | Dr. Brenda Beverly | SPA | Teaching |
| 2005 | Dr. Jim Wall | PT | Research |
| 2005 | Vicki Barrett | CLS | Service |
| 2003 | Dr. Charles Gray | PT | Teaching |
| 2003 | Dr. Mike Spector | BMD | Research |
| 2003 | Dr. Cindy Stanfield | BMD | Service |