About Us | Academic Affairs
Source: https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/academicaffairs/aboutsus.html
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:20
About Us | Academic Affairs
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Academic Affairs
The University of South Alabama
307 University Blvd North
Mobile, AL 36688
Ph: (251) 460-6261
Fax: (251) 460-6575
About Us
Dr. Andrea (Andi) M. Kent, a native Mobilian and an alumna of the University of South
Alabama, is serving as Executive Vice President and Provost of the University of South
Alabama. She embraces the notion of teaching, research and service, focused upon supporting
talented faculty as they lead innovative research, teach remarkable students and engage
in making a difference through service. Dr. Kent joins the University community in
celebrating the collective milestones and individual achievements of many, and continues
to promote the ongoing development of a community of inclusivity, where all voices
are heard, valued and respected.
Dr. Kent served as Interim Provost from 2020-2022 and as Interim Executive Vice President
and Provost beginning in February of 2022. As Interim Provost, Dr. Kent implemented
the Start South dual degree program that allows students at more than a dozen high
schools to get a head start on their college education. She has also supported the
expansion of scholarship programs, including those based on need and others designed
for active-duty military; the creation of South’s Stokes School of Marine and Environmental
Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences; and the growth of research in health
sciences, engineering and business.
She also facilitated support for faculty through the navigation of the COVID-19 global
pandemic and was instrumental in growing new student enrollment.
Prior to her role as Interim Provost, Dr. Kent served as Dean of the College of Education
and Professional Studies, as well as Associate Dean, Director of Field Services and
Interim Director of Graduate Studies in that College. Her professional experiences
also include being a recognized scholar with four published books and nearly $7 million
in external funding, along with many referred publications, scholarly presentations
and shepherding student research.
Dr. Kent earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Design and Development and
her Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from USA, and earned her Bachelor
of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Mobile.
She began her career in education in 1995 and became a member of the South Alabama
family in 2004. She married Derek Kent in 1997 and has two children, Andrew and Mary
Elizabeth.
Provost
The Executive Vice President and Provost for Academic Affairs is the chief academic
officer of the University and has administrative responsibility for, and proper jurisdiction
over, the academic programs and the faculty and staff serving the various academic
units, colleges, schools, divisions and departments. The divisions within Academic
Affairs include: the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education, Engineering, Nursing,
the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions, the Mitchell College of
Business, the Honors College, the Graduate School and Office of Research, the School
of Computing, and University Libraries. Other offices reporting to the Provost include:
Registrar, Enrollment Services, Innovation in Learning Center, Institutional Research,
Institutional Effectiveness, and Success Center (Student Academic Success).
The EVP/Provost is responsible for programs, policies, budgets, and planning in the
areas mentioned above and is charged with managing faculty recruitment and development
as well as promotion and tenure. The Provost/EVP has a major role in developing academic
policies and regulations, planning and developing curricula, and participating in
faculty recruiting and appointments. The Provost/EVP also works closely with the Vice
President for Medical Affairs/Dean of the College of Medicine to coordinate efforts
related to the preparation of health care professionals.
Executive Vice President
The Executive Vice President and Provost advises the President on University policies,
programs and operations regarding the campus and USA Health. In the absence of the
President, the Provost/EVP makes decisions on behalf of the President. The Provost/EVP
seeks input from multiple perspectives and constituencies in a collaborative manner,
including interacting with members of the President’s Council to consider opportunities,
establish new initiatives and solve problems. She participates in decision-making
and supports the decisions of the President. The Provost/EVP provides leadership
across the institution in support and implementation the strategic plan. The Provost/EVP
oversees efforts in the assessment and development of policies and programs to ensure
that the University is fully accountable in all aspects of its operation. She works
with the President to allocate University resources in a manner consistent with the
goals of the strategic plan as approved by the President and Board of Trustees.
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You have skipped the global top navigation and may now begin browsing the page.
Home
Departments
academic affairs
About Us
Skip Left Navigation
Menu
Academic Affairs
The University of South Alabama
307 University Blvd North
Mobile, AL 36688
Ph: (251) 460-6261
Fax: (251) 460-6575
About Us
Dr. Andrea (Andi) M. Kent, a native Mobilian and an alumna of the University of South
Alabama, is serving as Executive Vice President and Provost of the University of South
Alabama. She embraces the notion of teaching, research and service, focused upon supporting
talented faculty as they lead innovative research, teach remarkable students and engage
in making a difference through service. Dr. Kent joins the University community in
celebrating the collective milestones and individual achievements of many, and continues
to promote the ongoing development of a community of inclusivity, where all voices
are heard, valued and respected.
Dr. Kent served as Interim Provost from 2020-2022 and as Interim Executive Vice President
and Provost beginning in February of 2022. As Interim Provost, Dr. Kent implemented
the Start South dual degree program that allows students at more than a dozen high
schools to get a head start on their college education. She has also supported the
expansion of scholarship programs, including those based on need and others designed
for active-duty military; the creation of South’s Stokes School of Marine and Environmental
Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences; and the growth of research in health
sciences, engineering and business.
She also facilitated support for faculty through the navigation of the COVID-19 global
pandemic and was instrumental in growing new student enrollment.
Prior to her role as Interim Provost, Dr. Kent served as Dean of the College of Education
and Professional Studies, as well as Associate Dean, Director of Field Services and
Interim Director of Graduate Studies in that College. Her professional experiences
also include being a recognized scholar with four published books and nearly $7 million
in external funding, along with many referred publications, scholarly presentations
and shepherding student research.
Dr. Kent earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Design and Development and
her Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from USA, and earned her Bachelor
of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Mobile.
She began her career in education in 1995 and became a member of the South Alabama
family in 2004. She married Derek Kent in 1997 and has two children, Andrew and Mary
Elizabeth.
Provost
The Executive Vice President and Provost for Academic Affairs is the chief academic
officer of the University and has administrative responsibility for, and proper jurisdiction
over, the academic programs and the faculty and staff serving the various academic
units, colleges, schools, divisions and departments. The divisions within Academic
Affairs include: the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education, Engineering, Nursing,
the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions, the Mitchell College of
Business, the Honors College, the Graduate School and Office of Research, the School
of Computing, and University Libraries. Other offices reporting to the Provost include:
Registrar, Enrollment Services, Innovation in Learning Center, Institutional Research,
Institutional Effectiveness, and Success Center (Student Academic Success).
The EVP/Provost is responsible for programs, policies, budgets, and planning in the
areas mentioned above and is charged with managing faculty recruitment and development
as well as promotion and tenure. The Provost/EVP has a major role in developing academic
policies and regulations, planning and developing curricula, and participating in
faculty recruiting and appointments. The Provost/EVP also works closely with the Vice
President for Medical Affairs/Dean of the College of Medicine to coordinate efforts
related to the preparation of health care professionals.
Executive Vice President
The Executive Vice President and Provost advises the President on University policies,
programs and operations regarding the campus and USA Health. In the absence of the
President, the Provost/EVP makes decisions on behalf of the President. The Provost/EVP
seeks input from multiple perspectives and constituencies in a collaborative manner,
including interacting with members of the President’s Council to consider opportunities,
establish new initiatives and solve problems. She participates in decision-making
and supports the decisions of the President. The Provost/EVP provides leadership
across the institution in support and implementation the strategic plan. The Provost/EVP
oversees efforts in the assessment and development of policies and programs to ensure
that the University is fully accountable in all aspects of its operation. She works
with the President to allocate University resources in a manner consistent with the
goals of the strategic plan as approved by the President and Board of Trustees.
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