Message from the Dean
November has arrived and with it an early cold front dropping temperatures to 15-20 degrees below average. The weather has moderated and temperatures are back to normal. No one really complained; it was a long hot summer that ended with a visit by Hurricane Nate. It was largely a non-event for Mobile except for street flooding from heavy rain. It looks as if the city has dodged the bullet for yet another hurricane season.
November also marks the end of our celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Mitchell College of Business. A number of alumni events were held across the Southeast during September and October. We announced our 50 IMPACT individuals at a Gala that was held the last weekend in October. The group includes attorneys, accounting professionals, family business owners, CEOs and other senior corporate executives, entrepreneurs, government executives, physicians, and faculty members. Our December Mitchell Report issue will highlight these individuals and the events marking our 50th Anniversary.
This issue’s student spotlight features Laura Labuschaigne. This month Laura became the first South Alabama women’s cross country runner to win a league title in 20 years. The native of Durbanville, Western Cape, South Africa is a junior accounting major in the College.
Jerry Lathan is this month’s alumni focus. Mr. Lathan is CEO and Chairman of The Lathan Company, a historic restoration company whose projects include the Smithsonian Institution Arts and Science Building, the Trump International Hotel at the Old Post Office in Washington DC, and other properties. He is also owner of Big Easy Studios in New Orleans, home of such blockbusters as G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and Jurassic World.
We also hear from Dr. Alvin Williams about exciting happenings in our supply chain management program including a new engagement effort focusing on student co-ops and internships with Austal.
As I close this month’s letter, I want to take a moment and express my gratitude and thanks to the faculty, staff, and external constituents that make the Mitchell College what it is. All too often, I receive the credit where, in reality, the outcome is the result of a ton of hard work by many individuals. Without them, we would not be who we are.
See you next month.
Bob