UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

THE

If i t matters to you, i t matters to us .

www.thevanguardusa.com

MONDAYFEB 20 2017

VOL 59 ISS 21Vanguard

SPORTS

By marissa mason | managing editor

Volunteer with pets instead of adopting

It’s tempting to own a cute and cuddly animal, but most students lack the time, money and stability they need to own a pet. Sometimes students adopt animals anyway, and this oft en leads to the pets being abandoned or mistreated. An emaciated dog was found at Th e Grove earlier this month. Th e Mobile Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Lady loves to go on walks around USA’s campus. Photo by Jake Cannon

LIFE

Hopeful for new programs

Women’s soft ball earned their ninth victory of the season against Jackson State.

Betsy DeVos

Th e new secretary of education may have unforeseen consequencesfor American universities.

Softball currently 9-1

An Alumni Board met to discuss plans for the future. Th ey hope to create a new master’s program.

By the vanguard staff

Th e South Alabama baseball team had a record-breaking opening weekend at Stanky fi eld highlighted by a 32-0 win over Eastern Illinois as the Jaguars swept the Panthers to start the season 3-0. Th e 32-0 contest marked the most runs scored in a single game in South Alabama history, dethroning a 2013 game against New Orleans (29 runs). Due to a rain delay that canceled opening night on Friday, the Jaguars hosted a doubleheader on Saturday against EIU. Th e Jags fi rst dealt an 8-2 win, rallying back from a two-run Panther homer in the top of the second inning. South Alabama answered with a seven-run seventh inning adding a fi nal run in the eighth for the 8-2 fi nal. Th e second game the Jaguars made South Alabama baseball history with a one-hit shutout with a school record 32 runs. Eddie Paparella tied former Jaguar Alex Pastore’s nine-RBI performance (1973 contest against Auburn) in the game, going 5-for-5 with a triple. LHP Zach Melton tossed six no-hit innings and struck out nine with one walk to earn the win. Andy Arguelles contributed three strikeouts and allowed one hit in two innings pitched.

USA baseball shattersprevious school record

USA right-hander Will Eiland pitches during the game versus Eastern Illinois University this past Sunday at Stanky Field Stadium. Photo by Jake Cannon Continued on page 11Continued on page 6

Page 2 Page 14Page 13

2

Editor-in-ChiefManaging Editor

Copy EditorLife Editor

Web Editor

Reporters

Alanna WhitakerMarissa MasonMicaela Walley Morgan PartonJake Cannon

Krisha AminRyann GuyJullian JacksonRichard NarramoreShannon Lundgren

STAFF

Distribution Cory JudkinsCameron Hall

Distribution

Advertising ManagerAdvertising Rep. Graphic Designer

Spencer SchunemanTim HollowayAlex Jackson

Advertising

Advising

Accounting

J. SellersJ. AucoinKathy Brannan

Management

University of South AlabamaAlpha Hall South Room 336,

Mobile, Ala., 36688Tel: 460-6898 I Fax: 414-8293Advertising: (678) 644-7838

thevanguardeditor@gmail.com

MissionThe Vanguard is the student-run newspaper of the

University of South Alabama and serves its readership by reporting the news involving the campus community and surrounding areas. The Vanguard strives to be impartial in its reporting and believes fi rmly in its First Amendment rights.

Send letters and guest columns to:thevanguardeditor@gmail.com

Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication. Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school and telephone number. All submissions become the property of The Vanguard. The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity. Letters will be limited to 300 words. Letters and guest columns are the opinion of the writer. The Staff Editorial represents the consensus opinion of the Editorial Board. All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight. The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifi cations. To report a mistake, e-mail thevanguardeditor@gmail.com. The Vanguard is published Mondays during the academic year, except for exam periods and vacations, and is published twice each summer. The Vanguard is supported in part by an allocation from student activity fees and operates in the Student Media Department of the Division of Student Affairs. Issues are available at most university buildings and select off-campus locations. Freelance writers will receive payment at the discretion of the section editor and will be notifi ed.

To request additional issues at a stand near you, email:

vanguarddistribution@gmail.com

anguardVTHE

NEWSManaging Editor | Marissa Masonsmm1421@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Monday, Feb. 20, 2017

By Richard narramore | Reporter

Alumni Board hopes for Master’s of social work

Th e Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) Alumni Board met at the Faculty Clubhouse Wednesday, Feb. 15 to discuss upcoming plans and goals for the social work program at the University of South Alabama. Th e alumni board’s major goal is to establish a master’s program for social work at USA. “USA is the only university in the southeast that does not have a Master’s in social work program,” said Co-Chair Johnita Tims, who graduated from the BSW program at USA. “We want to provide that so our students can stay and continue their education here USA.” Th e BSW Alumni Board was created last year, and Tims said that the board has been working eff ectively and collaborating very well. Th ough the BSW Alumni Board is young, so is the BSW program at USA. It originally started in 2005 and became fully accredited in 2007. Th e Social Work Student Organization was also present at the meeting to coordinate with the alumni board for upcoming events in march. March is social work awareness month and both organizations want to promote social work and help the community. Chairmen of the BSW Alumni Board Kassie Everett-Caroll said they hope to help SWSO in other aspects as well. Th e alumni board wants to provide students with the support they need for everyday challenges. “Just daily challenges of working with clients. We want to be able to

support them and say ‘hey you’re doing this well,’ or maybe saying, ‘try this,’ or even just being there for them to vent to,” said Everett-Caroll. She continued to say that the alumni board wants to off er a social network for students in the social work program at south. Everett-Caroll mentioned that many of the alumni board members are supervisors and thus in a position to put in a good word or help students get a foot in the door. Tims commented and said they are discussing ways to better reach and assist students. Everett-Caroll, an alumni of the BSW program at USA, now works at the Mobile County Department of

Human Resources. When she entered the social work program in 2007, Everett-Caroll said she only had fi ve students in her class. Now classes have more than 30 students and do not get the same teacher-student interaction. Th e alumni board plans on trying to help the university with these “growing pains,” Everett-Caroll said. Everett-Caroll said that she is proud to see the BSW program make so much progress. Th e alumni board wants to work more closely with Mobile community and raise awareness about the organizations that members are apart of. Th e board plans to meet again aft er social work awareness month.

99¢ Nibblerz every

WEDNESDAY!

South Students receive a 10% discount at the Airport and

Springhill locations

ZAXBY’SNIBBLER DAY!

YYY!!!

and

Members of the BSW Alumni Board are hoping to create a Master’s of Social Work. Photo by Briana Cunningham

3NEWSTwo USA departments will relocate to college of education

Th e interdisciplinary studies, and hospitality and tourism management programs will move from the college of continuing education and special programs to the college of education. Th e programs will not incur any changes to the curriculum, according to USA Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Aff airs Dr. David Johnson. Th e interdisciplinary studies and hospitality and tourism management programs were moved into the college of education as a result of the creation of the Global USA program on Feb. 10. “Keeping the curriculum the way it is, at least for now, and keeping the fl exibility in the curriculum is important because we have signed articulation agreements with community colleges,” Johnson said. “If they went to the college of business, they would have to completely change the curriculum.” Johnson was quick to note that although there could be changes to the curriculum in the future, those changes would be due to faculty review. Interdisciplinary studies student Deborah Fetherland and hospitality and tourism management student Claire Burch wondered why their programs were reassigned to the college of education. Dr. Johnson pointed out that the college of education is an extremely varied college, with programs beyond K-12 education, such as leisure studies and exercise science. “I went to the hospitality and tourism management executive committee of the advisory board and they indicated that they did not want to see dramatic changes in the curriculum,” Johnson said. “Th ey unanimously agreed that the program should be moved to the college of education. Interdisciplinary studies was moved to the college of education for similar reasons.” Th e hospitality and tourism

management executive committee of the advisory board is comprised of local leaders in the hospitality fi eld. Johnson hopes that the similarities between the existing programs in the college of education and the programs being transferred into the college of education will promote collaboration and networking opportunities between the two programs. To refl ect the growing diversity of the programs in the college of education, the university is considering renaming the College of Education, according to Johnson. Th e university is developing a process to solicit faculty feedback into that decision. A timeline for this decision has not been announced. Th is move will not aff ect scholarships granted to the interdisciplinary studies or hospitality and tourism management students, according to Johnson. Th e scholarships will continue to be awarded to interdisciplinary studies and hospitality and tourism management students. Th e current interdisciplinary studies and career planning courses (courses with the IDS or CP prefi x) will continue through the Spring semester as scheduled. Students will register through the college of education in the summer semester for interdisciplinary studies and career planning courses. Th ere are no planned changes to the interdisciplinary studies and career planning courses at this time, according to Johnson. Th is decision will not aff ect the number of senate seats on the Student Government Association. According to SGA President Joshua Crownover, there are no procedures in SGA’s constitution that discuss the dissolution of a college. His interpretation of SGA’s constitution is that the two senate seats currently held by the college of continuing education and special programs will be reallocated to diff erent colleges in the next election cycle.

USA Crime Report 251-460-63122-12-2017Possession of MarijuanaPossession of AlcoholTh e Grove- Building 10While responding to a noise complaint, offi cer found student in possession of substances.

2-12-2017Th eft of Property Fourth DegreeDelta 5 parking lotVictim reported their license plate stolen.

2-13-2017Th eft of Property Fourth DegreeSHACEmployee reported items taken from her offi ce.

2-13-2017Harassing CommunicationsTh e GroveTwo female students reported being harassed by text messaging.

2-13-2017Possession of a WeaponDelta 6Student in the residence hall was found in possession of a sword and other prohibited items.

2-14-2017Disorderly ConductResisting ArrestSHACA woman was arrested for disorderly conduct and obstructing police by resisting arrest.

2-15-2017Appearing in Public Place Under Infl uenceDisorderly ConductUSA Medical CenterSubject was arrested for public intoxication and disturbing the peace.

2-15-2017Unlawful Breaking and Entering of a VehicleDelta 4 parking lotAn unknown person entered the vehicle by unknown means and damaged the dashboard while attempting to remove the radio.

2-15-2017Possession of Marijuana Second DegreeOld Shell Rd. at Stadium Blvd.Subject was arrested for possession of marijuana aft er a traffi c stop.

Apply with resume and sample of writing to thevanguardeditor@gmail.com.

The Vanguard is currently seeking a sports reporter.

Applicants should write a brief summary explaining their interest in USA sports.

HIRINGWE’RE

!By shannon lundgren | Reporter

4 NEWS

By shannon lundgren | reporter

Th e 2017 SGA budget was discussed at the SGA meeting on Feb. 13. Th e image above displays some of the SGA budget that applies to the spring semester. Image by Shannon Lundgren

SGA proposes new acts and spring budget

In their Feb. 13 meeting, the Student Government Association introduced two new acts and discussed their spring semester budget. Th ese items will be voted on at a future date. Th e fi rst proposed act, A-004, seeks to raise the stipend several offi cer positions. Th e act states that no senator may receive the benefi t of a stipend increase in the term the act to increase the legislation is passed. Th ese are the proposed changes:

• Raise the monthly stipend of the treasurer from $575 to $600. • Raise the monthly stipend of chief justice and attorney general from $325 to $375. • Raise the semester stipend of senators from $100 to $200. • Raise the monthly stipend of fi rst- year council director and student-at- large from $150 to $250. Th e student-at-large represents SGA to student organizations.

College of Arts and Sciences Senator Shaun Holloway wrote the proposed A-004 act. “We are striving to modernize our operating structure,” Holloway said. “Duties are being added to positions in SGA and the discussion of stipend increases is just one piece of many improvements to how we operate.” Th e second proposed act, A-012, is a part of the college of engineering senate project to install charging stations in Shelby Hall. One freestanding charging station and four wall-mounted charging stations will be purchased and installed. Th e total cost of A-012 is $3,795. Th e spring 2017 budget was introduced for discussion. Th e total current budget for SGA for the spring semester is $256,800. Monies not spent by SGA will be retained in SGA’s accounts for future use, according to SGA President Joshua Crownover. Th e following is not an exhaustive list of the SGA budget, and some information has been omitted to focus on upcoming spring events.

• $88,000 for appropriations, which is money that will be used to fund recognized student organizations throughout the year. • $40,000 to fund the spring concert, a joint eff ort between SGA and Jaguar Productions to bring R&B singer and songwriter Jeremih to perform at the Mitchell Center on April 8. • $40,000 to senate projects for each school’s senators. • $30,000 for SGA offi cer and senator stipends. • $11,000 for the First-Year Committee from SGA to fund their own projects. • $9,000 for the university’s subscription to the USA Today and Th e Buzz app. • $8,000 to send eight members of SGA to the conference on student government associations at Texas A&M University from Feb. 25-27. • $7,500 for supplementary travel grants, which supplement student organization travels. • $1,100 to fund the SGA end-of-year banquet, which will recognize the

achievements and accomplishments of this year’s SGA. • $1,000 to participate in the Presidential Summit, which is a conference for presidents of nation- wide SGAs. • $1,000 for SGA’s participation in Engaging the Next Generation, an event that connects students with nonprofi t organizations. It will take place downtown on April 8 and 10, according to the Engaging the Next Generation Facebook page. • $4,000 for Global Engagement, which refers to SGA’s pilot exchange program with Scotland.

Th e SGA is currently exploring the possibility of developing an exchange program with Scotland, according to SGA President Joshua Crownover. Th e program is still in the early stages and is a part of USA’s global initiative. Th e next SGA meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Feb. 20 in the Student Center Ballroom. Th e public is welcome to attend.

5NEWSNew college senators, acts, resolutions

By shannon lundgren | Reporter

Th e Student Government Association swore in seven new senators, passed two acts and a resolution in their Feb. 13 meeting. Th e following senators were sworn in:

• Rachel Chai, college of arts and sciences senator • Grace Newcombe, college of arts and sciences senator • Lauren Carrubba, Mitchell College of Business senator • Harrison Winter, college of continuing education and special projects senator • Zorrya Kelley, college of education senator • Braden Urban, college of education senator • Ashleigh Moore, college of engineering senator • Samira Crabb, college of nursing senator

Th e new senators were appointed to fi ll the seats of senators who graduated or were otherwise unable to continue serving in SGA. Additionally, Bailey Poole was voted in as the newest appropriations committee member, which needed a new member due to the loss of senators last term. Th e appropriations committee receives and votes on requests for funding from recognized student organizations. Th e two acts which passed, A-010 and A-011, were previously introduced for discussion in the Feb. 6 meeting.

Th e fi rst act which passed, A-010, funded the purchase of fi ve iMac computers and a die-cut for the college of education computer lab. A die-cut is used to create posters and learning aids for the classroom. Th e total cost of A-010 is $6,597.50. Th e second act that passed, A-011, funded the Mitchell College of Business (MCOB) senate project, “Snacks and Smacks with the Senators.” Th e event has been moved to 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Th ursday, March 2, in the second-fl oor lobby of the MCOB. Th e total cost of A-011 is $230.30. One resolution, R-006, passed in this meeting. A resolution is a non-binding request on behalf of the student body to the university administration. R-006 calls for the establishment of an orientation advisory committee. Th e resolution calls for the committee to be comprised of representatives from the areas of campus that are the most aff ected by orientation. Th e purpose of the committee is to continually evaluate the success of the student orientation program and make recommendations on changes and improvements to orientation. Attorney General JuWan Robinson announced that approximately 160 students are expected to attend Higher Education Day in on Feb. 23 in Montgomery. Registration for Higher Education day is now closed. Nick Lawkis from Governmental Relations spoke to SGA about the upcoming event. Lawkis emphasized that Higher Education Day is to convince state lawmakers to fund higher education and that students

should refrain arguing with them about unrelated issues. Kinsley Knapp announced that this semester’s President’s Roundtables will be open to whoever wants to come. Last semester, invitations to President’s Roundtables were issued to student organizations. Th e food advisory committee announced that Fresh Foods has replaced margarine with butter in

the public areas of the cafeteria and is working toward replacing it in the food preparation area. Th e change is a result of Reagan Barr’s request to SGA on Feb. 6, as reported in Th e Vanguard last week. Th e next SGA meeting will be held on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Student Center ballroom. Students and faculty are welcome to attend.

UPDATE!

Zorrya Kelly was recently elected as the college of education senator. Photo courtesy of Zorrya Kelly

6 LIFELife Editor | Morgan Parton mmp1429@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Monday, Feb. 20, 2017

USA alumni Alyssa Weiskopf plays with her dog, Lady. Photo by Jake Cannon

(SPCA) deals with such cases around Mobile on a daily basis. “A much better course of action would be for the students to volunteer at an animal shelter like the Mobile SPCA,” Executive Director of the Mobile SPCA Janine Woods said. “Th ey can get a “pet-fi x” without the headache or expense involved with owning a pet.” Students are not allowed to own pets in campus housing or at Th e Grove unless given special permission by the Offi ce of Student Disability Services. Th at doesn’t stop some student, though. For students on campus, or at Th e Grove, if volunteering isn’t an option, it may be better to stay away from animals until they are able to move to a house or apartment that allows pets. “Time and again students adopt an animal and when it’s time to go home on break the parents do not want the pet and refuse to let the student bring it home with them,” Woods said. “We hear stories of abandoned pets left inside and outside of apartments that barely survive.” For the animals, this is a much safer alternative than betting on Th e Grove or campus housing overlooking the pet. In the best case scenario, when found, the pet will be rehoused. In the worst case, it may be sent to an overcrowded shelter and euthanized. “Quite oft en students adopt a cat at PetSmart and when they get caught with it in their dorm room

or apartment they just put the cat outside,” Woods said. “Th is may be a cat that has never been outside and it has no idea how to survive. It will probably be killed by a car or other animal.” Th is is even more of a problem if the pet is not fi xed and then simply dumped on the streets. Th e Mobile SPCA off ers a $10 off coupon for spaying and neutering. Th e Mobile SPCA assists with over 1,000 spay or neuter surgeries each year through their $10 off coupon. Th e coupon lists several clinics that pet owners can visit to have their pets treated. Th e SPCA is beginning a new program called SNAP (spay-neuter assistance program). People can have their owned animals fi xed for a $20 copay. Th e rest of the fee will be paid through a grant the Mobile SPCA received through charities. While not encouraging students to get an animal if their situation isn’t right, the Mobile SPCA is willing to accept pets if people can no longer take care of them. “If it is a dog or cat we can rehome or transport we will take it if we have kennel space,” Woods said. “We can not take all animals since cage space is the biggest factor, but we do have waiting lists and we will call the owner when space becomes available.” In 2016, the Mobile SPCA placed 545 cats and 415 dogs locally, and transported 626 puppies and adult dogs via the transport program to shelters in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

“Honestly, while sometimes diffi cult, the best course of action for students is to not adopt a pet in the fi rst place,” Woods said. “Student’s circumstance can change every semester and those circumstances can literally be life threatening for a pet.” Th e Mobile SPCA will deny pets to students living on campus or at Th e Grove. “We don’t think they will be bad pet guardians, we just know student’s lives and circumstances change and the outcome for pets is normally not a positive one,” Woods said. For students that live in a home or in an apartment that allows pets and have paid the pet deposit, the Mobile SPCA will consider letting them foster puppies or kittens. While fostering an animal, the Mobile SPCA is responsible for all medical and food costs. If something happens and they can no longer foster, or when the pet is ready for adoption, the Mobile SPCA will take the pet back and the student has no more responsibility for that pet. “Our campus is an excellent place for exercise and enjoyment, and anyone, employed by the university or not, is welcome to bring their dogs to campus for walks,” Vice President for Student Aff airs and Dean of Students Michael Mitchell said. For more information about volunteering at the Mobile SPCA or other shelters, visit mobilespca.org/about-mobile-spca/volunteer.aspx or contact a local shelter.

Continued from page 1

February Events

21 TuesdayMindfulness and Meditation Club MeetingStudent Center Rm 2537 p.m. - 8 p.m.

21 TuesdayUSA Symphony Band and Wind EnsembleLaidlaw Performing Arts Center7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

25 SaturdayUSA DayMitchell Center8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

22 WednesdayPoetry Slam Student Center Terra6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

24 FridayTrivia Night Student Center East Lobby9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

24 FridayBusiness on the Brain: Th e Neuroscience of Leadership LectureMitchell College of Business 02643:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

20 MondayAlpha Kappa Alpha Pink Goes RedStudent Center Amphitheater5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

7

MAKE MIRABELLE YOUR HOME!

COMMUNITY AMENITIES

• FITNESS CENTER • BBQ AREA• SURFACE PARKING• PLAYGROUND• PET FRIENDLY • SWIMMING POOL & WADING POOL• SPORTS COURT• DOG PARK• NEARBY TRANSPORTATION & • HIGHWAYS: I-65 & I-10

RESIDENCE AMENITIES

• AIR CONDITIONING• HEATING• PATIOS/BALCONIES• WASHER/DRYER HOOK-UPS• CARPETING• VINYL FLOORING• FULL SIZE KITCHEN• NEW WHITE SHAKER CABINETS• QUARTZ COUNTERTOP THROUGHOUT• RANGE• REFRIGERATOR• MICROWAVE• DISHWASHER• GARBAGE DISPOSAL

251-343-6800 MirabelleMobile.comFloor plans are artist’s rendering. Square feet and configuration may vary between individual apartments. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Please contact sales associate for additional details and information.

LIFE

By richard narramore | Reporter

Liberation fashion show

Th e models were dressed, the stage was set, and the crowd buzzed with excitement as they waited for the “Liberation” fashion show to begin this past Th ursday night. Th e show was hosted by Th e House of Jags, the student fashion organization. “Liberation” focused on promoting and embracing African American culture. “For me, being African American, I think it is something we are still fi ghting for. To be set free from a lot of things,” said Jade Withers, USA senior and House of Jags president, when asked why she chose to name the show “Liberation.” “I think it is the ultimate goal for all of us though, we all are going to school to be able to break free,” said Withers. She added that she hopes that she can show a sense of freedom in the wake of the election. Th e lights dimmed and the audience turned their attention to the single unoccupied chair that had been placed on the runway. A dancer confi dently took her seat. Once the music started she had became a new body, one determined to break the boundaries set before her. She became Liberated. Dressed in chic dresses sat two poised African American women. Displaying both power and pride, the two began their walk down the runway to Beyonce’s “Formation.”

Th e two models conveyed dignity and fervor as they stepped down the runway. Th eir heads held high and each step fi lled with confi dence, reveling in the thought, “all eyes are on me.” Between the collections Withers had put together, guest were presented with various acts including vocal performance and African proverbs, spoken in the native tongue and then translated. Th ough most of the audience could not self-translate the proverbs, the audience listened with an intensity that heightened the beauty of the moment. All lips were closed and all ears were open. Following in suit, women and men of color strutted onto the stage, dressed in sexy dresses and sleek suits. Each suit was paired perfectly with a pop of color and print that captivated the crowd. Th e show was curated by Withers. She shared that “Liberation” is the most extensive work she has done to date. “It is a surge of excitement and stress putting everything together,” Withers said. “Yes, the organization is fashion based, but I want it to be a platform for people to express themselves in how they dress.” Withers said that if any student is interested in joining House of Jags, they can contact her at jlw1426@jagmail.southalabama.edu.

8 LIFE

On the left is Th e Prowl’s logo. Image courtesy of Th e Prowl. On the left is Tony Peppers. Photo by Alanna Whitaker

By Morgan Parton | Life editor

Get involved with 97.1 The Prowl radio station

USA’s student-run radio station, 97.1 Th e Prowl, is looking for more students to join their on- and off - air productions. All work with Th e Prowl is voluntary besides specifi c positions approved by the Board of Student Communications. Students can work on- or off - air. Some possible duties include script writing, sound engineering, deciding what kind of music is played or what kind of shows people want to hear. Th e Prowl is divided into two sections: programming and promotions. Programming consists of on-air talk shows and music. Promotions include giveaways and marketing strategies. Both are student-led and targeted for USA students. Tony Peppers, Th e Prowl’s operations manager, has worked with Th e Prowl since his freshman year. Peppers fell in love with radio the more he got involved with it. “Th e Prowl helped me fi nd myself, fi nd what I’m good at and fi nd talents I’m passionate about,” Peppers said. “Everything has improved from my self-esteem to my GPA.” Peppers believes involvement in a student organization is one of the best experiences a student can gain from their college experience. Th e Prowl is

always eager to welcome new students to the station. “We are trying to expand and get more people involved, because I see so many other motivated and talented people on campus,” Peppers said. “We have been really focusing on recruiting, growing our brand, and building the family at Th e Prowl.” Applications are open to all enrolled students at USA, regardless of major. “Th ere is literally anything that you want to do, whether it involves sound, entertainment, marketing, or news,” Peppers said. “If anyone came to us, I could fi nd a place where you fi t into radio. We have people who are applying to the radio station from all diff erent backgrounds.” Th e Prowl started in fall of 2010 as an internet radio startup in an equipment closet. Aft er fi ling an application with the Federal Communications Commission in 2013, the Prowl launched in September 2016 with permission to build the low-power FM signal radio station. Students interested in getting involved with the Prowl, can email them at theprowl@southalabama.edu, fi nd them on their Facebook page at 97.1 Th e Prowl or Instagram page at theprowlradio.

Th e Prowl staff members. Photo courtesy of their website. See southalabama.edu/org/theprowl for more information

9

Dr. Katie Malozzi recently was appointed as a full-time staff physician for the University of South Alabama Student Health Center.

Prior to her appointment to USA, Dr. Malozzi was a family medicine staff physician at Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Biloxi, Miss.

Dr. Malozzi previously served as a family medicine staff physician and United States Navy Senior Medical Officer at Naval Health Branch Clinic Gulfport in Gulfport, Miss.

She earned her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia and completed a family medicine internship and residency at Naval Hospital Pensacola in Pensacola, Fla., where she served as chief resident.

Dr. Malozzi is board-certified in family medicine. To make an appointment, call

(251) 460-7151.

The USA Student Health Center is located at 5870 Alumni Drive on USA’s main campus. Student Health Services are available during each semester to all students actively enrolled in the University. In addition, the center has sports medicine services available for students and collaborates closely with the athletics department and all university athletes.Dr. Katie Malozzi

Advertisement

LIFE

10 SPORTS

Forward Georgi Boyanov scores a slam dunk as theUSA mens watches in anticipation from the bench. Photo by Ryann Guy

Th e University of South Alabama men’s basketball team hosted the Appalachian State Mountaineers on Saturday night in the Mitchell Center. Th e Jaguars, who are 13-13 this season, defeated the Mountaineers in comeback fashion to win the game 87-47. Appalachian State won the tip off and got the game underway by scoring fi rst. In the opening minutes of the game, the Jaguars’ defense forced the opposition to turn the ball over three times. Nick Davis, a junior forward, rejected two shot attempts shortly aft er senior guard Ken Williams stole the ball from the Mountaineer point guard. However, the Jaguars’ off ense could not capitalize on their fast-break opportunities in the early minutes of the game and the Mountaineers quickly took a 22-14 lead with 7:48 left in the half. Th e Jaguars made a late run in the closing minutes of the fi rst half to cut the Mountaineer’s lead to 30-36. Th e Jaguars quickly gained momentum as the second half began and started to pull ahead. Nick Stover, a senior guard, got the second half under with a one-handed slam on an assist from Williams. Th e Jaguars went on a 15-3 run

to open the second half and gained a 45-39 lead over the opposition. Th e Mountaineers responded well and closed the gap to 51-50 on a 3-point shot from Bennett Holley with 10:57 left on the clock. South Alabama countered back and went on an 8-1 run to close out the game. Williams was the leading scorer on the night with 20 points, 5 assists and 2 steals. Williams was 4-of-10 from fi eld goal range and 10-of-12 from the free throw line. Stover provided valuable points off the bench scoring 15 points, 2 rebounds and 1 steal to help the Jaguars secure the lead in the second half. When asked about his coach’s halft ime adjustments Stover said, “He really wanted us to emphasize rebounding the ball and contesting the 3-point shot. We didn’t do enough of that in the fi rst half and it hurt us early on. We were much better in the second half and it refl ected on the scoreboard.” As a team, the Jaguars shot 51.9 percent from fi eld goal range and 52.9 percent from 3-point range while holding the Mountaineers to 43.3 percent from fi eld goal and 37.5 percent from 3-point range. Th e Jaguars also shot 70.6 percent from the free throw line and recorded 39 rebounds. “Th ey were playing with a lot of

confi dence. I think all of us were a little bit on edge tonight. We hadn’t seen App State yet and I felt like our preparation was really good leading up into this game,” USA head coach Matthew Graves said. With the win over Appalachian

State, South Alabama is now .500 on the season and hope to ride this momentum into their game Monday against Coastal Carolina, who is the number 6th ranked team in the Sun Belt standings.

Forward Josh Ajayi prepares to shoot a free throw. Photo by Ryann Guy

By ryann guy | reporter

Men’s basketball continues to dominate

11SPORTSUpcoming Games

Away

Track and Field vs Sun Belt ConferenceBirmingham, AlabamaFeb. 20-21

Softball vs Florida StateTallahassee, FloridaFeb. 21 | 5 p.m.

W Basketball vs Texas StateSan Marcos, TexasFeb. 23 | 7 p.m.

Baseball vs Baylor UniversityWaco, Texas Feb. 24 | 6:35 p.m. Feb. 25 | 3:05 p.m. Feb. 26 | 1:05 p.m.

W Tennis vs OklahomaNorman, OaklahomaFeb. 25 | 12 p.m.

M Tennis vs SamfordBirmingham, AlabamaFeb. 24 | 2 p.m.

W Tennis vs Wichita StateWichita, KansasFeb. 24 | 5 p.m.

M Tennis vs UABBirmingham, AlabamaFeb. 25 | 1 p.m.

W Basketball vs Texas-ArlingtonArlington, TexasFeb. 25 | 2 p.m.

W Golf vs College of CharlestonCharleston, South CarolinaFeb. 26-28

Home

M Basketball vs Coastal CarolinaFeb. 20 | 7:05 p.m.

M Golf vs Mobile Sports Authority IntercollegiateFeb. 20-21

Baseball vs Alabama A&M Feb. 21 | 6:30 p.m. Feb. 22 | 3 p.m.

Softball HostsSouth Alabama Invitational vs Tennessee Tech Feb. 24 | 4 p.m. vs Texas A&M- Corpus Christi Feb. 24 | 6:30 p.m. vs Middle Tennessee Feb. 25 | 2 p.m. vs Stephen F. Austin Feb. 25 | 7 p.m.

Upcoming Games

USA baseball player pitches during the game versus Eastern Illinois University this past Sunday. Photo by Jake Cannon

“What can you say about Melton,” Head coach Mark Calvi told USAJaguars. “He was fantastic tonight. And we got into a rhythm and started swinging the bats, and it was good to see. Th at was arguably their number-one, and we swung the bats pretty well. “I’m excited for the kids; they never let up. Th ey knew it was a long day, but everyone went hard. We were fortunate enough to get a lot of guys in there. We’re going to have to keep guys fresh, but I am proud of the way they approached the whole day.” According to USAJaguars, Tyler Perez tossed one perfect inning in his debut. “He has a curveball and slider; he throws his breaking ball for strikes and has a good changeup,” USA head coach Mark Calvi said. “He has poise and competitiveness beyond his years. We’re looking forward to having Tyler in the program.” On Sunday, South Alabama defeated EIU 8-3 to attain a three-game sweep. Right-hander Nick DeSantis tossed three shutout innings, according to USAJaguars. He allowed just one hit, struck out fi ve and issued one walk to earn the win in his USA debut. “(Nick) DeSantis was really good for us today,” Calvi said. “He has that good slider, and he’s an older guy who has a feel for what he is doing.” “I thought we played really well in both games yesterday,” Calvi told USAJaguars. “Not everything is going to be easy, and I am glad we got pushed a little bit in the fi rst game and in this game and had to respond. Our guys did a nice job. We got a lot of guys in there this weekend, and it was good to see everyone contribute and help this team win.” South Alabama will play against Alabama A&M Tuesday and Wednesday for a midweek matchup at Stanky Field starting at 6:30 p.m.

Continued from page 1

Apply with resume and sample of writing to thevanguardeditor@gmail.com.

The Vanguard is currently seeking a sports reporter.

Applicants should write a brief summary explaining their interest in USA sports.

HIRINGWE’RE

!

Scan for home game locations

12 SPORTS

Men’s tennis winning streak continuesBy Jullian Jackson | Reporter

Coach Brochu described senior Tuki Jacobs as the teams No. 1 player. Photo courtesy of USAJaguars

Th e winning streak continues for the University of South Alabama men’s tennis team as they rallied from a 3-1 defi cit to beat the North Florida Ospreys in a 4-3 victory at the UNF Tennis Courts on Sunday aft ernoon. Th e Jaguars improve their record to 10-2 as they continue their nine-match win streak. North Florida won the doubles point by claiming the fi rst two matches. Jonathan Deautriell and Sahil Deshmukh defeated seniors Tuki Jacobs and Pierre Noyon 6-3 on court No. 3 while Jack Findel-Hawkins and Jeft a Kecic defeated senior Juan Cruz Soria and freshman Loic Cloes 6-4 on court No. 1. Junior Oliver Gingras and freshman Clement Marzol tied 4-4 with Yannick Zuern and Lasse Muscheites on court No. 2. “We started really well in doubles leading on all three courts,” said Brochu. “We were so close to getting the point, but there was a big momentum change and our guys got nervous. We stopped playing aggressive and they stole the doubles point from us.” Marzol got the fi rst points for the Jaguars with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Zuern on court No. 3, but the Ospreys got the next two singles points. Muscheites beat Gingras 6-3, 6-4 on court No. 4, and Deshmukh topped

sophomore Lucas Gonzalez in three sets on court No. 5, 3-6, 6-1, 6-3. Th e win against North Florida broke a six-match losing streak against the Ospreys, including fi ve in the last fi ve years. Th e nine-match win streak is the longest win streak since the 1995 team opened its season 9-0. “Th is is a big win for us,” said South Alabama head coach Nick Brochu. “North Florida played really well. Th ey beat us the last fi ve years, so this one feels great.” Soria started the Jaguars’ rally with a 7-6, 6-1 win over No. 62 Kecic on court No. 2, and Cloes tied the match up on court No. 6 with a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Zach Goldberg. No. 50 Jacobs clinched the Jaguars’ win on court No. 1 with a 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 win against No. 74 Findel-Hawkins. “In singles, it was very competitive,” said Brochu to USAJaguars. “Th is was the best scenario — our No. 1 player versus their No.1. We had full confi dence in Tuki. He had the momentum aft er winning the second set. “On change over, we kept on talking about playing to win and keeping the pressure on them. It paid off and he got the break in the middle of the last set. He served well and played solid. Tuki did nothing less than what is expected from a senior captain — he gave us the last win needed.” Th e Jaguars will face the Samford Bulldogs In their next match this Friday at 2 PM in Birmingham, Alabama.

Genesis Perrymond led the Jags to victory against Appalachian State. Photo courtesy of USAJaguars

Th e women’s basketball team suff ered a 61-45 loss against Coastal Carolina Th ursday, but later bounced back against Appalachian State, 54-41. It looked to be a slow start for the Jaguars against CCU, leaving the fi rst quarter 12-10 in Coastal’s favor. Th e third quarter held the largest defi cit of the game as the Chanticleers racked up 18 points against the Jags. Coastal Carolina managed 14 points from turnovers in the fi rst half. By the beginning of the second half, the Jags found themselves in the lead, only for CCU to snatch it back with 10 unanswered points. South was unable to reclaim the lead for the remainder of the game. Genesis Perrymond lead the Jags, playing for 37 minutes of the game with 10 points and a fi eld goal percentage of .571. Chyna Ellis followed close behind Perrymond with nine points, playing 29 minutes, averaging .308 in fi eld goal percent.

South picked themselves up, beating Appalachian State in the fourth quarter of the game Saturday night when they stole the lead from ASU, exceeding them by 18 points.Colby Davis scored 17 points in the 35 minutes she played with a fi eld goal percent of .583 percent. Ellis broke a school record this weekend, locking in her spot with 112 blocks, she is the all-time leader for South Alabama. She scored 12 points and had six rejections and eight rebounds against Appalachian State. “Chyna anchors the defense,” said South Alabama head coach Terry Fowler. “She is the reason we can play good defense because her teammates know they can trust her back there. She allows them to be a little bit more aggressive, and she does a great job defending in the paint. She takes pride in it so it is exciting for her to get the record, especially this early in her career.” Th e Jaguars go on to face Texas State on Th ursday at 7p.m. and then on Saturday at 2 p.m., Texas-Arlington.

By ryann guy | Reporter

Women’s basketballbounce back from loss

13SPORTS

By ryann guy | reporter

South Alabama’s soft ball team suff ered a 3-1 loss on the road against the University of Alabama on Wednesday. Kaleigh Todd and MC Nichols led the Jags off ensively, both hitting 2-for-3 that night. Todd was the only Jag to score in the fourth inning. Th e Jags struggled to hit against Alabama’s pitcher, Alexis Osorio, who struck out 15 batters that night, allowing fi ve hits. South Alabama’s pitcher, Devin Brown, allowed three earned runs and gave up four hits. Despite the team’s fi rst loss of the season on Wednesday, many players are putting up consistent numbers on the stats sheet. Th e team is undefeated at home with nine wins. Th ree Jaguars have batting averages over .300, fi ve players with over .500 percent slugging averages and six

players hold fi eld percent averages of 1.000 percent. Senior Amanda Minahan slugs .789 percent, facing the plate 30 times hitting in 10 runs. She has scored seven times in ten games two of those runs being homers. Minahan also has 11 putouts this season, being one of the six players maintaining a 1.000 percent fi eld percent average. Kaleigh Todd has scored fi ve times with a .400 batting average. Th e junior has successfully stolen seven base aft er 12 hits. Todd has an on base percentage of 486 percent. She also has 13 putouts from the infi eld. Kristian Foster has 11 hits and has scored seven times, one a home-run, giving her a .577 percent slugging average. Defensively, the junior has 17 putouts and a base percentage is .455. Sophomore MC Nichols leads the team with a batting average of .44458 from 24 at bats she has hit the ball 11 times.

Jags break winning streak vs Alabama

Th e soft ball team dominated their competition at the Mardi Gras Invitational, sweeping the tournament by beating every team they faced. Th ey Jags won their fi rst game of the weekend against Butler 2-0, scoring runs in the fourth and fi ft h inning of the game. Pitcher Devin Brown struck out 12 batters tying her for the season high record for South Alabama. Saturday, the Jags went up against Murray State, winning 8-3. Kristian Foster batted .538 with four hits, batting three runs in. Destin Vicknair pitched a win for the game with a 1.12 earned run average. Next, the Jags took on McNeese State surfacing with a 1-0 win in the eighth inning. Savanna Mayo hit in the winning

run with bases loaded, moving MC Nichols from third to home and winning the game for South Alabama. Brown shutout McNeese State only allowing three hits. Th e fi nal game of the Mardi Gras Invitational against Jackson State ended in fi ve innings for a South Alabama sweep out. Th e Jags scored 11 runs on eight hits. Kaleigh Todd and Foster both scored three runs while Haleigh Lane and Minahan each scored twice. Aly Smith scored once. Haleigh Lowe recorded four RBIs for the game. Vicknair recorded another win for the season with an earned run average of .74. South Alabama plans to play Florida State in Tallahassee, Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 21. For more information about soft ball and other Jaguar sports, visit usajaguars.com.

By ryann guy | reporter

Jags take the Mardi Gras invitational

Sophomore Haleigh Lane leads off base. Photo by Jake Cannon

Pitcher Bailey Murphy gears up for an amazing pitch. Photo by Jake Cannon

14 OPINIONDeVos’ burden on American universities

By Krisha amin | reporter

Betsy DeVos was recently sworn in as the new Secretary of Education. Photo courtesy of Google

During her confi rmation hearings, controversial then-nominee Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos validated just how inexperienced she is in the public education sector. DeVos was left speechless when asked certain questions. For instance, DeVos seemed to have no understanding of the accountability debate in which test scores are used to measure student profi ciency. Minnesota Senator Al Franken noted that this subject has been debated on for several years now. “It surprises me that you don’t know this issue,” Franken said to DeVos. In addition, DeVos did not know the basic jargon associated with education policies. She continually interchanged the terms “profi ciency” and “growth” when grilled about her competence. Despite this, DeVos was confi rmed for her position on Feb. 7 in a 51-50 vote. Vice President Michael Pence was forced to cast the contentious tie breaking vote aft er two Republican senators voted against her, marking a historical fi rst for cabinet position confi rmations. DeVos’s nomination has a severe impact on the future generations of University of South Alabama students,

many of whom are products of the public school system that DeVos is now responsible for. Currently, Mobile County alone has 17 high schools that are operated under the public school system. DeVos has little to no experience as an education leader. She has never played a role in public education, as a student, teacher, administrator or even a parent. Rather, DeVos has a one-size-fi ts-all agenda centered around the advancement of charter schools. Charter schools are federally funded schools that operate independently, meaning that they do not have to follow district regulations. In her home state of Michigan, DeVos has lobbied for charter schools and any alternative forms of education. Charter school advocates say that harsh government oversight creates too much bureaucracy within education. DeVos claims that charters are “an extension of public education,” not an alternative. While charter schools do have their virtues, they do not come without their vices. Th e freedom of charters allows for a more innovative and fl exible curriculum, but there is a catch. According to the Center for Research on Education Outcomes, charter schools are not necessarily better. In Michigan, students who

attended charter schools actually scored lower on standardized tests than students who had an orthodox education. What is even more troubling is DeVos’s stance on issues that directly aff ect the USA community and other universities across this country. In front of the Senate, DeVos remarked that “sexual assault in any form or in any place is a problem.” Yet, this conviction does not mirror her actions as she has expressed serious interest in moving away from the Obama administration’s combat against sexual assault on college campuses. In 2011, the Offi ce of Civil Rights, a sector within the United States Department of Education, wrote a letter titled “Dear Colleague” with recommendations on how colleges should combat sexual assault on their campuses. Th e Obama administration used the implications enclosed in the letter to build an aggressive agenda around Title IX, a federal law that bans any form of sexual discrimination on the basis of federally funded education programs. DeVos is not necessarily at fault for not wanting to uphold the current provisions on sexual assault. Th e “Dear Colleague” recommendations have not entirely improved or worsened the sexual harassment dilemma on college

campuses. Yet, because the provisions were only recently introduced, the eff ects have not played out completely. DeVos does not off er alternatives to alleviate sexual assault on college campuses. Nor does she give a reason for rejecting the Obama administration’s sexual assault provisions. Rather, she said she would look into a range of opinions to better understand the issue at hand. DeVos has even donated up to $10,000 to advocacy groups that seek to overturn the “Dear Colleague” regulations, according to Politico. Additionally, DeVos’s lack of experience with student loan management is concerning. During her confi rmation hearing, DeVos admitted to never taking out a student loan. She was raised in a wealthy household and she, herself, is a billionaire. Her children have never had to take out a loan. DeVos’s stance on student loans is still hazy as she takes over this $1 trillion student loan bank, according to CNN. Th e costs with attending college-tuition, board, room, textbooks-are already exponentially growing. Truth is, we need someone reliable who vows to make our educational experiences anything but a burden and not another House of Cards episode.

15DISTRACTIONS

Start

16