SU All (Spring 2009) - With the help of sites such as Google and Yahoo, students have become savvy online searchers, but even the most agile Internet searchers find that some questions just don’t produce the right results, leaving them unable to effectively and efficiently complete their assignments.

Kate Sawyer, Director of University Libraries for South University, says the problem may not be that the answer isn’t out there but that the usual search engines just can’t get at it. She says that general search engines search what’s free on the Web, but often the most accurate, current educational information resides in what insiders call the “Hidden Web”— password-protected subscription websites typically not open to Web search engines.

“Free search engines are great for finding simple answers to simple questions, but when the answers really matter — like a research assignment— we recommend using something more authoritative,” says Ms. Sawyer. “When you search the free Web you have no idea whether you’re getting accurate information or not.”

SU Savannah (Spring 2009) - South University student leaders made a positive impact in the Physician Assistant (PA) profession during the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) annual conference. South University PA Student, Kate Callaway, President of the Student Academy of the AAPA, led PA students to develop initiatives for next year as she presided over the Assembly of Representatives.

In the Student Academy officer elections: PA Student Whitney Jeffrey was elected as the Southeast Regional Chair, and Kate Callaway was appointed to continue her work on the AAPA Board of Directors as the Immediate Past President of SAAAPA.

“The highlight of the week for me was meeting Dr. Harvey Estes, who is a co-founder of the PA profession,” said Kate Callaway. “We had the opportunity to discuss the future of the PA profession and current healthcare reform.”

South University received three awards during the conference. The Student Academy recognized South University with the Outstanding Student Society Award - Honorable Mention for outstanding service to the profession in the areas of public education, public service, promotion of diversity, and professional involvement. Tricia Howard, PA-C and Faculty Advisor for PA student society class of 2010, was also honored for her leadership and service to the students and took home the Outstanding Student Society Faculty Advisor Award - Honorable Mention.

Finally, The President's Circle Award was presented to South University for their contribution of $1,050 and children's books to the Host City Prevention Campaign. Both the 2009 and 2010 class raised funds for the annual philanthropic project, which will benefit the San Diego Family Care's Pediatric Mid-City Community Clinic and literacy education.

South University's challenge bowl team competed for the elusive silver trophy but was shut out after a hard fight in the first round against the overall winners. The students were quick on the buzzers and led the beginning of the round. The time that the challenge bowl team spent studying will surely benefit them on the PA board exam next year.

(Photo: Dr. Harvey Estes and Katie Callaway)

SU Tampa (Summer 2009) - Congratulations go out to three Tampa faculty members who were recently published. Their published work, which includes an article, a short story, and a book, is as varied as South University's degree programs.

Students gained valuable present and future career information about the participating organizations while visiting with representatives from each organization. The halls and library of the campus were filled with stations set up for organizations because of the overwhelming response of organizations with a presence in the Montgomery area wanting to interact with the students. The participating organizations were as follows: 

• State of Alabama Personnel
• Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
• Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC)
• Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
• Alabama Department of Finance, Information Systems Division
• Alabama Department of Insurance, State Fire Marshall's Office
• Alabama Department of Public Safety
• Alabama Department of Transportation
• Alabama National Guard
• Alabama State Attorney General's Office
• FBI
• Federal Defender's Office
• Go
• vDeals
• Hyundai
• Jackson Hospital
• Montgomery City/County Personnel
• Montgomery County Community Corrections
• Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office
• Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
• Montgomery Police Department
• NCO
• Strategic Placement Services
• U.S. Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms
• U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
• U.S. Secret Service
• Wilson Price Information Technology

The Criminal Justice and Information Technology programs received special support from the staff of the Career Services, Student Affairs, Library, and Legal Studies as well as Dean Basil Manly. The students of Criminal Justice and Information Technology created information boards about their programs and the event in addition to helping on the event days. Additionally, Los Cabos Cantina provided food for all networkers.

Keith Johnson, Alabama Finance Department, Information System Division speaks with Chris Washington, Information Technology Student

Sgt. Lavender, Montgomery Police Department 

Students Cole Wyatt, Criminal Justice Program and Patrick Tatum, Paralegal Studies Program