The University of South Alabama explored the opportunities and challenges shaping one of Alabama’s fastest-growing regions during a USA by the Bay Speaker Series event held Thursday, Aug. 13, at the USA by the Bay campus auditorium in downtown Fairhope.
Dr. Grayson Glaze, distinguished professor of real estate in the Mitchell College of Business, led an industry panel discussion titled “Building Baldwin County: Balancing Real Estate, Growth and Community,” examining the opportunities and challenges of managing rapid growth while preserving the character of local communities.
Spotlight on USA’s Growing Real Estate Program
The presentation also highlighted the continued growth of the University’s real estate program, which launched as a full undergraduate major last fall. Glaze discussed the program’s rapid momentum, including student enrollment that doubled during his first year at South, and how it is preparing the next generation of real estate professionals to support Alabama’s growing communities.
Special guests at the event included University of South Alabama President Jo Bonner, Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Andi Kent, current students, and local real estate and business professionals. Doors opened at 5 p.m., the presentation began at 5:30 p.m., and a reception followed at 6:30 p.m.
About Dr. Grayson Glaze
Glaze joined the Mitchell College of Business faculty in 2025 as professor and director of the real estate program, leading its transition to a full undergraduate major after more than two decades at the University of Alabama, where he served as executive director of the Alabama Center for Real Estate and helped build one of the nation’s largest academic real estate programs.
A graduate of the University of Alabama, Glaze earned his Juris Doctor from the Birmingham School of Law. Throughout his career, he has combined academic leadership with extensive industry experience as a real estate broker, advisor, and property developer. He also holds several nationally recognized professional designations, including Counselor of Real Estate, Certified Property Manager through the Institute of Real Estate Management, and Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) through the CCIM Institute.
USA by the Bay events are free and open to the public, though seating is limited and advance registration is typically required.