South Announces First Endowed Deanship

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Posted on June 7, 2024

Lance Crawford

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The University of South Alabama has announced the creation of the Abraham A. Mitchell Endowed Deanship, the first of its kind at the University, in the Mitchell College of Business.

Dr. Michael Capella, who was appointed dean Jan. 1, 2024, will serve in the position. The deanship is funded by a $2.5 million gift from Mitchell, a longtime supporter of the University. The college is named after Mitchell, his late brother Mayer and the Mitchell family.

“With this endowed deanship, South honors Abe Mitchell’s proud legacy of giving,” said University President Jo Bonner. “It will elevate both the Mitchell College of Business and our University.”

Endowed deanships allow the University to create and maintain excellence in academics. It ensures a well-resourced college with a reliable stream of funding.

“It is my hope that this endowment fund will promote continued excellence in the Mitchell College of Business far into the future as a perpetual resource for attracting and sustaining exceptional leaders,” Mitchell said.

Dr. Andi Kent, executive vice president and provost, said she is hopeful that Mitchell’s generosity will encourage others to support endowed deanships and professorships across the University. 

“We are very excited about this first endowed deanship and the opportunities it offers,” Kent said. “We will continue to strive to attract the best and brightest deans and faculty to support our students.”  

Capella spent nearly a decade working in sales before earning his doctorate in marketing from Mississippi State University. He has spent the past 20 years in higher education. Prior to his arrival at South, he served as dean of the College of Business at Loyola University New Orleans. 

“I am humbled and immensely grateful to Mr. Mitchell for his enormous generosity,” Capella said. “This tremendous support will allow the Mitchell College of Business to continue to build upon its legacy as the premier college of business along the Gulf Coast. It is truly a privilege to serve in this capacity.”

The Mitchell College of Business offers seven undergraduate majors, as well as a Master in Accounting, Master in Business Administration, and Ph.D. in Business Administration. 

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