For nearly six decades, the USA Foundation has served as a trusted financial partner to the University of South Alabama, providing stability, stewardship, and long-term support that strengthens the University’s mission to educate, heal, and serve.
Through disciplined investment, strategic leadership, and thoughtful stewardship, the Foundation works to ensure the University has the resources it needs not only today, but for generations to come.
The mission of the USA Foundation is to provide enduring financial support to the University of South Alabama, today and for generations to come.
The Foundation serves as a permanent financial bedrock for the University, stewarding resources with a singular purpose: to ensure the University’s ability to fulfill its academic, research, and service missions in perpetuity.
Guided by an unofficial but deeply held philosophy, “Stay the Course,” the Foundation is committed to thoughtful investing, disciplined management, and strategic growth.
This long-term approach balances innovation and creativity with prudence and care, always aligned with the evolving needs of the University, its students, faculty, and the broader community it serves.
The USA Foundation was established in 1968, just five years after the founding of the University of South Alabama.
Dr. Frederick P. Whiddon, the University’s founding president, along with members of the Board of Trustees, recognized early that a young state university required a strong and independent financial partner, one capable of supporting the institution through
times of opportunity and uncertainty.
The Foundation was intentionally structured as a freestanding entity, providing stability, flexibility, and long-term vision.
Founded with initial net assets of $100,000, the Foundation has grown to become a key strategic asset that supports the University of South Alabama.
The USA Foundation operates with a clear focus on long-term stewardship and fiduciary responsibility.
Every investment, initiative, and strategic decision is guided by the Foundation’s commitment to protecting and strengthening the University’s financial future.
Through careful governance and disciplined management, the Foundation remains positioned to support the University not only for today’s needs, but for the opportunities and challenges of the decades ahead.
Through disciplined investment strategies, including long-term commitments to timberland and diversified equity investments, the Foundation has grown its assets while simultaneously providing substantial support to the University.
As of March 31, 2026, the Foundation’s net assets total $461.9 million. Since its inception, the Foundation has contributed more than $300 million to the University of South Alabama, demonstrating that growth and generosity are not competing goals, but complementary outcomes of responsible stewardship.
The Foundation is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees and supported by professional staff who share a deep commitment to the University of South Alabama and its long-term success.
Together, they guide the Foundation’s investments, stewardship, and strategic initiatives, ensuring the organization remains focused on its mission to support the University for generations to come.
(* denotes University of South Alabama Alumni)
Since its founding, the USA Foundation has remained guided by a simple but powerful philosophy: Stay the Course.
Through disciplined stewardship, strategic investment, and a steadfast commitment to the University’s mission, the Foundation continues to strengthen the University of South Alabama, ensuring it has the resources to educate, innovate, and serve for generations to come.
For more information about the Foundation’s investment strategy and timberland stewardship, please contact:
Maxey Roberts
Managing Director
USA Foundation
