South Alabama Phi Xi

The University of South Alabama was established by an Act of the Alabama State legislature in May 1963. The Mechanical Engineering Program received ABET accreditation in 1983, and at the time plans were made to establish a Pi Tau Sigma Chapter. In the fall of 1985, fifteen Mechanical Engineering students, under the direction of Department Chairman Dr. George W. Douglas, petitioned the National Council for a chapter to be established at the University of South Alabama.

The Phi Xi Chapter was formally installed on October 26, 1985, by National President Hudy Hewitt, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer Edwin Griggs, and Vice-President Bill Cottingham.

The Phi Xi Chapter will occupy a leadership position within the Mechanical Engineering Department, and service to the profession will be promoted.

ANNUAL SUMMARY REPORTS

2023-2024 Julia Nelson, President

The 2023-2024 academic term marked the South Alabama Phi Xi chapter’s first full year as an active organization since dormancy. In September 2023, fifteen students were inducted to our chapter. Shortly after initiation, we hosted an ice cream social to give newly inducted students an opportunity to meet current members. In November 2023, the founder of AI-Ops, a Mobile, AL-based artificial intelligence company, spoke to our chapter about his journey as an engineer and entrepreneur. In November, our chapter partnered with South Alabama’s Society of Women Engineers to host a fundraiser at our local Pizza Hut. 

In February 2024, two students were inducted into our chapter. That same month, three of our officers attended the Pi Tau Sigma International Convention in Ann Arbor, MI, where they gained valuable insights into growing the chapter and maintaining an enriching, engaging environment. In the spring, our chapter received funding from the Student Government Association to distribute new t-shirts to our members. We also hosted a Krispy Kreme Digital Dozens fundraiser to support our travel to the international convention. In April 2024, Ken Cameron, a former Colonel in the United States Marine Corps and retired NASA astronaut, spoke to our chapter about his career and life experiences. We partnered with the South Alabama AIAA chapter to host this event, and it had the highest attendance of any meeting or event we’ve held so far. Elections for new officers were also conducted in April. The officers for the 2024-2025 academic year are Hannah Richardson (President), Cari Hasse (Vice President), Anna Miller (Secretary), and Ayush Dahal (Treasurer).

We are excited to continue growing our Pi Tau Sigma chapter and establish lasting traditions for our organization!

2022-2023 Julia Nelson, Acting President

The South Alabama Phi Xi chapter was re-established this year after several years of inactivity. In February 2023 an initiation ceremony was held and ten students were inducted into the chapter. In March the chapter sent four students to the international convention in Auburn, AL, where they connected with other Pi Tau Sigma members across the country and learned how to grow the chapter. Elections for new officers were held on April 28, 2023. The new officers for the 2023-2024 academic year are Julia Nelson (President), Pedro Infante (Vice President), Angela Russ (Secretary), and Ashwin Dahal (Treasurer). No other events or projects were held due to the inactivity of the chapter during the last several years.