Office of Community Engagement

Engaging opportunity!

We’re proud to share that our outstanding female Board members were featured in the June Notable Women edition of Mobile Bay Magazine!

These dedicated leaders bring talent, experience, and a deep love for our community to their roles with United Way of Southwest Alabama. We’re honored to have them as part of the United Way family—helping guide our mission and creating opportunities for everyone in our region to thrive.

From left to right, they are: Teckie Matthews Hinkebein , Airbus; Amy Baldwin, STEM Projects; Michi Gilbert Lunceford, Mobile Chamber; Jessica Bradford Odom , ECI- The Arc of Southwest Alabama; Audra Harper, Harper Technologies, L.L.C.; Kandace Breeland, Publix; Dr. Andrea Kent, The University of South Alabama; and Nichole Andrews Edwards, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Not pictured are Anna Kaylor Goldman , Alabama Shipyard and Sharon Moffatt, Spire

Meet our Volunteers of the Month: Ahsha Gray and Dr. Martin Frank! Your unwavering dedication as volunteers at Dumas Wesley Community Center is making a meaningful impact in the lives of children in our community. We also want to thank you both for sharing your volunteer experience at our Board of Trustees meeting today! Your time and insights are truly appreciated.

Looking for ways to get involved as a volunteer? Visit South Serves: https://southserves.southalabama.edu.



University of South Alabama College of Arts and Sciences

Thank you to all the volunteers who supported GEMS this past weekend! Because of you, middle schoolers from the community enjoyed a day filled with engaging, hands-on STEM activities.

Shoutout to Ayanna Davis, our Volunteer of the Month! Your dedication, passion, and hard work makes a real difference at Little Sisters of the Poor and in our community. We’re incredibly grateful for your commitment and the positive impact you bring to everything you do. Thank you for going above and beyond!

Want to find ways to get involved as a volunteer? Visit South Serves: https://ow.ly/RgAC50U1OSQ.



Little Sisters of the Poor Lawn Party

Shout out to Ahsha Gray for her dedication and commitment to working with the youth at Dumas Wesley Community Center.

Ahsha Gray, a senior at The University of South Alabama (USA), has played a key role in fostering meaningful relationships with youth in Dumas Wesley's Summer Recreation and After School Achievement Programs.

"I love sharing my love for dance with the children at Dumas Wesley," said Gray. "Helping the kids with their homework and being a mentor brings me so much joy! I am grateful for this volunteer opportunity because the kids always brighten my day. Volunteering at Dumas Wesley helps me gain knowledge and experience working with children. I want to become a Pediatric Physical Therapist, and a dance teacher one day."

Gray is one of 20 USA students volunteering at the Dumas Wesley Community Center. The USA Office of Community Engagement enhances teaching and learning through university-community engagement.

National First-Generation Day at The University of South Alabama is a time for our campus community to come together in recognizing and honoring the resilience, achievements, and unique journeys of our first-generation students. Join us for a variety of events on November 7 and 8, designed to engage, educate, and celebrate our first-gen community. From panel discussions to networking opportunities and social gatherings, there’s something for everyone.

Thank you to everyone who came out and participated in JagServe! to learn about upcoming community volunteer and internship opportunities.

If you missed the event but are still interested in volunteering, it's not too late; just visit South Serves: https://southserves.southalabama.edu/. For internship opportunities, reach out to University of South Alabama Career Services.

Volunteer for GEMS, a fun event for students in middle school to explore science, technology, engineering, and math.

This event is Saturday, November 16, and volunteers can fill a variety of roles, serving as guides, helping with check-in, and more. There are multiple shifts to select from to best fit your schedule.

If you're interested in participating, visit South Serves to learn more and sign up: https://ow.ly/aJ2o50TXHmT.

JagServe! is tomorrow, Oct. 31, from 11 AM to 2 PM. Stop by the Student Center Ballroom to visit with local community organizations and find out how you can engage with causes that matter to you. JagServe is also a great way to explore how to build skills through volunteerism and internships, so we’re excited to see you there. Learn more on Handshake: https://ow.ly/RJp950TOzUx.



University of South Alabama Career Services
Office Of Academic Enhancement

A heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Registrar’s Office for volunteering to decorate pillowcases for Penelope House clients! Penelope House provides emergency shelter to survivors of domestic violence and their children, and these vibrant pillowcases are sure to encourage and inspire those who receive them.

Want to find ways for your group to volunteer together? Visit South Serves: https://southserves.southalabama.edu/GroupProjects.

Join us at JagServe! next week to visit with local community organizations and find out how to engage with causes that matter to you. We'll be in the Student Center Ballroom on Thu., Oct. 31, between 11 AM to 2 PM, so stop by and start exploring ways to build skills through volunteerism and internships. Learn more on Handshake: https://ow.ly/XXja50TOxcb.



University of South Alabama Career Services
Office Of Academic Enhancement

Big thanks to the Geology Club and all the volunteers who helped with our Belonging Rocks project! Keep an eye out around campus for these colorful rocks with their words of encouragement!