2013 Higher Education Day was one of the best ever. - The USA family showed up in force with almost 200 faculty, staff, students and alumni ready to discuss the importance of adequate funding for the state’s public universities with elected officials. Mobile and Baldwin County House and Senate members were impressed to see that leadership from throughout the University were present. Joining Acting President, John Smith representing USA were Faculty Senate Chair, Phil Carr and Vice Chair, Doug Marshall; Alumni Association President, Mark Hoffman; and SGA President, Parker Chastain.

After the rally, USA attendees were joined for lunch by every member of the Southwest Alabama House Delegation (minus one who was out of town). Not only that, but they also brought the Chairs of the Ways and Means Education Budget Committee, Education Policy Committee, and Health Committee with them. As a special treat, the Speaker of the House, Mike Hubbard joined us, and spoke to the group.