University of South Alabama Celebrates Opening of New USA Gulf Coast Campus in Gulf Shores

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Posted on May 12, 2015

Alice Jackson

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University of South Alabama academic officials provided community and government leaders with a preview of programs and offerings at the USA Gulf Coast Campus in Gulf Shores, Ala., during a tour and reception on Tuesday, May 12.

Recently, USA has hosted professional conferences and certification classes at the Gulf Coast campus. University officials say USA will expand offerings this fall to include continuing education classes for professionals in the hospitality and tourism industry, classes leading to degrees in interdisciplinary and adult education, as well as weekend and online offerings.

The USA Gulf Coast Campus, located at 19470 Oak Road West, Building D, in Gulf Shores, includes classrooms, a computer lab, faculty offices and a general meeting area. An agreement with the City of Gulf Shores gives the USA Gulf Coast Campus access to an adjacent gymnasium, kitchen complex and meeting facility to accommodate more than 500 people for special events and lectures.

“This effort is an example of our commitment to providing quality education in our service area,” said Dr. David Johnson, USA provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

Dr. Roy S. Maize will serve as coordinator of the USA Gulf Coast Campus, which is housed within USA’s School of Continuing Education and Special Programs. Maize retired from the University of Alabama in 2013 as associate professor emeritus after serving 13 years as director of the restaurant, hotel and meetings management program.

“As always, USA professionals are eager to carry out our service, research and teaching missions in coastal Alabama,” said Dr. Jim Connors, interim dean of the USA School of Continuing Education and Special Programs. “We take pride in showing all those we serve that USA is their university.”

(Cover photo courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism.)

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