The University of South Alabama’s Eastern Shore speaker series titled “USA by the Bay” showcases a diverse range of lectures and performances by artists, scholars and industry experts. The next event will feature Dr. Angela Barlow, dean of the USA College of Education and Professional Studies. She will present “Back to School: Celebrating Our State’s Progress in K-12 Education” on Thursday, Aug. 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the USA Baldwin County Campus Performance Center in downtown Fairhope.

This series is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and registration is required at SouthAlabama.edu/SpeakerSeries.

MEET DR. BARLOW

As a new school year begins, there’s a lot to celebrate in Alabama K-12 education. During the talk, Barlow will discuss how our state is climbing the national rankings. She says much of that success starts in our local elementary classrooms. During this engaging session, Barlow will share what’s behind the progress and explore how these changes are helping young learners thrive. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community supporter, come join the conversation to see how far we’ve come—and what’s next for Alabama’s K-12 schools.

Barlow became dean of the USA College of Education and Professional Studies in 2024. She is a nationally recognized leader in mathematics education and serves on the board of the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators. Barlow is also the first editor-in-chief of Mathematics Teacher: Learning & Teaching PK-12, the flagship journal for classroom teachers published by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. With more than 70 publications to her name, Barlow has spent her career championing the growth and success of teachers at every stage of their journey.