Major $5 Million Donation Sparks New Medical Facility at USA, Ready by 2026

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Great news! The University of South Alabama (USA) is getting a huge boost for its medical school, and it’s all thanks to a generous donation.

A local businessman, Elliot Maisel, just gifted $5 million to help fund the construction of the brand-new Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine building.

This is part of a massive $200 million project for USA Health, and it’s a game-changer.

So, what’s this all about?

Well, this new facility is set to upgrade medical education, healthcare services, and research.

And for those of us living in the area, that means better access to top-notch healthcare and more opportunities for local students to become healthcare professionals.

The project is expected to be completed by December 2026, so we’ll start seeing the benefits in just a few years.

A rendering of the proposed Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine buildingPhoto byUSA Health

A Family’s Vision Coming to Life

Elliot Maisel, the man behind this impressive donation, was born and raised right here in town.

For him, this project is personal.

“It brings education, medical services, medical research, culture, sophistication in the City of Mobile,” Maisel said when talking about his family’s vision.

His donation will help turn that vision into reality.

Maisel's family has always cared about making the city better, and this new medical building is just another step toward that goal.

The new building won’t just be a pretty addition to the campus—it will play a big role in expanding medical education and bringing more healthcare professionals into the workforce.

Right now, USA’s medical school admits around 80 students per class.

But with this new facility, they’ll be able to bump that number up to 100, and possibly even 125 students per class in the future.

That’s more doctors and specialists staying local, ready to care for the community.

Healthcare Growth = A Golden Age

USA President Jo Bonner is excited about what this means for the region.

He’s calling this time the “Golden Age of Mobile,” thanks to all the growth happening in healthcare.

And he’s got a point. With this new building, USA isn’t just educating future doctors, nurses, and therapists—they’re actively shaping the healthcare landscape for the region.

“We’re providing the providers,” Bonner said. “We’re training the doctors, the nurses, the physical therapists, the occupational therapists to go out and deliver quality health care.”

So not only will the new building improve education, but it will also ensure the community has highly trained professionals taking care of them.

A Brighter Future for Students

Students are also feeling the excitement.

Madison Hogins, a third-year medical student at USA, is thrilled about the new opportunities this expansion will bring.

“The study spaces, they’re going to have the faculty, the places for them to do research. They’re expanding that,” Hogins said.

For students like Hogins, this new building means better resources, more space to learn, and more support from faculty.

And with the added focus on research, it could lead to groundbreaking medical discoveries right here in our own backyard.

The entire project is estimated to be completed by December 2026, so it’s not far off.

Overall, this donation is a huge step forward for both the University of South Alabama and the whole region.

From boosting medical education to improving healthcare access, this project is set to benefit the community for years to come.

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Sources:

• University of South Alabama gets a big donation for new construction
• Businessman Elliot B. Maisel Gifts $5 Million to Whiddon College of Medicine
• Mobile drinks mogul donates $5 million to South Alabama medical school