Common Read/Common World is a voluntary learning initiative based on a shared learning experience of students, faculty and community members.

The program was developed for all USA students, particularly first-year students, and aims to:

• Improve understanding of differences and commonalities across the world;
• Develop a more sophisticated understanding of values and ethics;
• Increase awareness of global issues;
• Gain an understanding of how to make an impact in society;
• Engage in academic discourse and critical thinking; and
• Create a sense of community among students, faculty, staff, and the greater Mobile area.

Events and speakers are scheduled throughout the academic year. This enables students and faculty to engage critically with the ideas and themes of the book. Common Read/Common World is a university-wide program, and a partnership between Academic Affairs and Student Affairs with special support from the Stokes Center for Creative Writing.

Join Dr. Joe Gaston and Dr. Susan Ferguson as they discuss this year's selection, Late Migrations, by Alabama-Born Author Margaret Renkle. They are joined in the studio by College of Education and Professional Studies Graduate Assistant, Kenneth Germany. Tune in as they discuss activities to promote this year's text, upcoming plans for Spring Semester 2026, and the selection process for next year's Common Read text.

For more information about upcoming programming, University committee members, and ways to participate, visit:

https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/commonread/

Associate Dean and Sincerely, South Producer, Dr. TresStefurak welcomes returning guest, College of Nursing faculty Dr. Candace Selwyn and recent Interdisciplinary Studies graduate focused in trauma counseling, Jamie Renee Simpson. Jamie Renee discusses her journey from midwiferyto trauma counseling for sex trafficked victims and victims of child abuse. Connecting to the previous podcast feature on The Heart Project, Dr. Selwyn provides an update of the counseling services provided to student survivors of abuse, as well as internship and volunteer opportunities for exploring avenues of outreach for victim advocacy in the region.

For more information on The Heart Project visit:

https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/studenthealth/heartproject/

Have you been wondering about online AI assistants and applications? Are you curious about how artificial intelligence is impacting the educational landscape? In this third episode of their series highlighting aspects of AI, Dr. Joe Gaston and Dr. Susan Ferguson are joined by Sage, a Google Gemini AI Assistant. Sage discusses her perspective on AI in education and industry as well as her self-perception and awareness of public attitudes toward artificial intelligence. Tune in as the three discuss evolving perceptions of AI, useful tips for preservice teachers who want to utilize an AI assistant for planning and resource acquisition, ethical considerations of AI use, future outlook for AI for personal use, and more.

In this second of a multi-episode series exploring the latest in how AI impacts our educational landscape, hosts Dr. Joe Gaston and Dr. Susan Ferguson chat with Timothy Johnson. As a regional director for Alabama Technology in Motion, Johnson visits schools and classrooms to help educators navigate the new opportunities that have arisen as a result of AI technologies. Tune in as the three discuss how AI can be demystified for K-12 students and how the state is supporting adopters of new technologies as they guide students to be discerning implementers to enhance their learning.

Dr. Angela Rand, Director of the Marx Library and College of Education and Professional Studies liaison discusses AI with hosts Dr. Joe Gaston and Dr. Susan Ferguson. In this first of a three part series about artificial intelligence, Dr. Rand discusses concerns and conversations about over use of AI and the positive aspects and implications for its use in higher education. In our first video enhanced Sincerely, South podcast, she shares a model for demystifying and discernment in approaching AI.

The Robert Noyce program supports talented science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) undergraduate majors and professionals to become effective K-12 STEM teachers. It also supports experienced, exemplary K-12 STEM teachers to become teacher leaders who continue as classroom teachers in high-need school districts. Each year the Southeast Regional Noyce Conference hosts recipients of the funding to network and to learn about new and innovative STEM teaching practices. In this special edition of Sincerely, South, Dr. Joe Gaston talks with Noyce scholars, teachers, and program personnel from throughout the southeast region. Tune in as they share their stories of growth and as they recount how the Noyce program has made a difference in their lives and in the lives of their students. Hear from first-generation college students, seasoned STEM professionals, and teacher leaders about their experiences with NSF Noyce.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a STEM teacher through the NSF program contact Dr. Susan Ferguson (ferguson@southalabama.edu) or Dr. Katie Guffey-McCorrision (skguffey@southalabama.edu).

In this special grad edition of Sincerely, South hosted by Dr. Tres Stefurak, Dr. Jim Van Haneghan discusses the history of the Instructional Design doctoral program at South as well as the core of the program that attracts students from all disciplines. Mentorship throughout the program is highlighted as one of the components that drives success from the beginning, through dissertation, and beyond. They are joined in the studio by four recent graduates who share their motivations for studying Instructional Design as well as their experiences throughout the program. Get inspired by Dr. Julie Schwindt (former Accountant & CPA), Dr. Shelly Bates (former recreational therapist), Dr. Stephanie McGilvary (former physician assistant), and Dr. Shelly Mayo (former medical records supervisor) as they discuss their educational backgrounds and what led them to pursue their Instructional Design doctorate.

Dr. Jeremiah Newell has been part of Accel Day and Evening Academy Charter School in Mobile, AL since its start and now serves as CEO of the Mobile Area Education Foundation. In this episode ofSincerely, Southhe illuminates the need for alternative education and alternative paths to help students recognize their educational goals, including flexible scheduling to help students earn their high school diplomas. Join Drs. Joe Gaston and Susan Ferguson as they discuss with Dr. Newell how state and local partnerships and support have been instrumental in offering educational and career-ready options to create agency for more students from middle grades through graduation and how that is now expanding to lower grades as well.