From the Nominator

The University of South Alabama, with an enrollment of more than 14,000, an academic medical system, and an R2 Carnegie classification, serves our region as the flagship of the Gulf Coast. South Magazine started out as an alumni publication, but it has been transformed into the university's signature publication, published twice a year and distributed to alumni, friends, and key stakeholders. That transformation was informed by results of a CASE survey and input from a New Orleans-based magazine consultant. Readers were looking for content that showcased of the beauty of the campus and the Gulf Coast and profiles that featured alumni-owned businesses and the research being done by our faculty. Guided by an advisory committee representing marketing and communications, alumni, and development, magazine leadership overhauled the entire publication, including structure, design, editorial content, and format. Each 48- to 52-page issue has a theme or thread that guides not only content selection but also strategy in telling the story. This new approach is designed to focus on scholarship, advancement, alumni, and university culture in engaging ways through thoughtful writing and captivating visuals. In order to maximize the annual budget, the team strategically culled its subscription list, leaving budget for more pages, illustration, and photography. The result is a stellar publication befitting of a flagship university, eliciting praise from alumni, trustees, and city officials.

From the Judges

This publication’s reimagined covers are eye-catching and intriguing, the updated news section is engaging, and the feature well showcases thoughtful headlines and clever writing with improved visuals that pull the stories together. Exemplary use of staff resources to construct a vibrant and fun magazine for a marked improvement overall.