South Makes Strong Showing in 40 Under Forty

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Posted on January 13, 2017

Bob Lowry

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The job titles are as wide-ranging as one can imagine. Pharmacist. Artist. Fundraiser. Neonatal Nurse. Dean of Students. But they all have one thing in common. The University of South Alabama. 

Nearly half of the individuals recognized in Mobile Bay magazine’s annual “40 Under Forty” issue, which published this month, are USA employees and graduates. The article highlights and honors young leaders in the Mobile area. 

“It says a lot about the University of South Alabama when such a significant number of our younger employees and graduates are recognized for their positive impact on Mobile and the surrounding area,” said Dr. Tony Waldrop, University of South Alabama president.  “We are proud of their contributions, and we encourage even more members of the University family to get engaged in the communities we are privileged to serve.”

40 Under Forty is a program designed to recognize outstanding individuals younger than age 40 who demonstrate leadership, professional excellence and a commitment to the Bay area community. The magazine launched the initiative in 2009.

Visit Mobile Bay magazine to read about the USA honorees and the entire “40 Under Forty” Class of 2016, who are listed below.

• Dr. Kari Kirk Benson, Pharmacist, USA Medical Center and Mitchell Cancer Institute
• Riley Brenes, Artist/Detention Officer, Strickland Youth Center, Class of 2011
• Dr. Andrew E. Byrd, Director of the USA Office of Commercialization and Industry Collaboration, Class of 2003 and 2012
• Joshua Cogswell, Director of University Development
• Margie Friedman, NICU Nurse, USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital, Class of 2009 and 2012
• Dr. Adam J. Handwerger, Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon, Class of 2006
• Justin Hardee, Industrial Civil Team Leader, Thompson Engineering Inc., Class of 2006
• Dr. Steven A. Kahn, Burn and Trauma Surgeon/Director, Arnold Luterman Regional Burn Center, USA Medical Center
• Tyler Kerns, Dean of Students, St. Paul’s Episcopal School, Class of 2007
• Kim Proctor Lawkis, Nutrition Programs Director, Feeding the Gulf Coast, Class of 2011 and 2013
• Ashley McKeithan, Human Resources Leader, Hargrove Engineers + Constructors, Class of 2009
• Dr. Aishwarya Prakash, Assistant Professor of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute
• Dr. Lauren Cronenberg Self, OB/GYN, Class of 2001 and 2006
• April D. Smith, Partner, Adams and Reese LLP, Class of 2001
• Dr. Marcus Tan, Surgical Oncologist and Program Leader Liver-Biliary-Pancreas Cancer Program, Mitchell Cancer Institute
• Brenton Vance, Clinical Supervisor / Therapist, Lifelines Counseling Services, Class of 2011

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