Join us for the next USA by the Bay Eastern Shore Speaker Series event to be held Thursday, August 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the University of South Alabama Baldwin County Campus in downtown Fairhope. Dr. Angela Barlow, dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of South Alabama, will present a talk titled "Back to School: Celebrating Our State’s Progress in K-12 Education." This event is free and open to the public. A reception will be held after the talk. Seating is limited, and online registration is required to attend.

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 College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of South Alabama in 2024, bringing with her a passion for empowering educators and strengthening schools. A nationally-recognized leader in mathematics education, Barlow currently serves on the board of the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators and is 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.

Barlow earned a Doctor of Philosophy (2000), Master of Education (1992), and Bachelor of Science (1991) in mathematics education from Auburn University. In addition, she earned a Master of Applied Mathematics (1998). Prior to joining South, Barlow served as dean of the graduate school at the University of Central Arkansas and held faculty appointments at Middle Tennessee State University, the University of Mississippi, and the University of West Georgia.

Auditorium doors will open at 5 p.m., and the talk will begin at 5:30 p.m

Seating is limited, and online registration is required to attend - SouthAlabama.edu/SpeakerSeries.