Barlow, Capella Named Deans

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Posted on December 13, 2023

Lance Crawford

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Two new deans have been named at the University of South Alabama. Dr. Angela Barlow will guide the College of Education and Professional Studies, while Dr. Michael Capella takes the reins at the Mitchell College of Business. 

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Barlow and Dr. Capella to the Flagship University of the Gulf Coast,” said Dr. Andi Kent, executive vice president and provost. “We are confident that both of the colleges will be well served by their new deans, and we excitedly anticipate what the future holds.”

Both Barlow and Capella arrive at South having served as deans at their previous institutions. They begin Jan. 1.

A native Alabamian, Barlow has more than two decades of experience working in higher education. She most recently served as professor of mathematics education and dean of the Graduate School at the University of Central Arkansas. 

“I have worked at several different universities, each one providing opportunities to grow in ways that will support my success at South,” Barlow said. “My position at Central Arkansas has afforded me the opportunity to work with faculty and students from a wide variety of programs, many of which are represented in the College of Education and Professional Studies at South. I feel that I am nicely positioned to work with both teacher-education and non-teacher-education programs for the success of our students.

“My personal priority will be to engage with College of Education and Professional Studies faculty and staff to understand their perceptions of the college’s strengths and opportunities for growth. This information will support me as I speak with potential donors, potential students, and our community stakeholders.”  

Barlow received her doctorate in mathematics education from Auburn University.

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 and most recently has served as dean of the College of Business at Loyola University New Orleans. 

“It is an honor and privilege to serve as dean of the Mitchell College of Business at the University of South Alabama,” Capella said. “I am humbled by this opportunity and grateful for the confidence President Bonner and Executive Vice President and Provost Kent have in my ability to lead the Mitchell College and contribute to South as the Flagship of the Gulf Coast.

“The faculty and staff here have developed a tremendous foundation and my goal is to leverage our existing assets to grow enrollment within the Mitchell College of Business. The Mobile economy is vibrant and diversified, with multiple key industries, so I am enthusiastic to engage with the local business community and USA alumni in the region and beyond.”

The College of Education and Professional Studies has been led by Interim Dean Dr. John Kovaleski. Dr. Alvin Williams and Dr. Harold Pardue have served as interim deans in the Mitchell College of Business. 

“We are most grateful for the service of the interim deans in the College of Education and Professional Studies and in the Mitchell College of Business,” Kent said. “The level of commitment and dedication provided by these leaders has been extraordinary and has set up both colleges for continued success with today’s announcement.”

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