The University of South Alabama’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs is closing out a strong academic year, reporting growth of more than 50 new students involved in its programming, according to the university.
The office, known as OMSA, coordinates a network of student organizations at the Mobile campus that support cultural engagement and student retention. Member groups include the African-American Student Association, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Abeneefoo Kuo Honor Society, Collegiate 100, Women of Excellence, Unity and Spectrum, the campus NAACP chapter, the Latin American Student Association and the Vietnamese Student Association.
Dr. Carl Cunningham Jr., director of the office, said the group’s central mission is helping students reach graduation. He credited the office’s growth to students choosing to continue their education at South Alabama and said staff aim to support them from arrival through commencement.
Coordinator Petré Freeman works alongside Cunningham to build out a full slate of programming for each academic year, with the goal of giving students both practical support and leadership opportunities during their time on campus. Freeman described the office’s approach as focused on helping students get the most out of their college experience while staying engaged with campus life.
The academic year wrapped up with an awards banquet bringing together presidents from each of the office’s member organizations to recognize members for their work throughout the year. During the year, members of the Abeneefoo Kuo Honor Society also donated $1,000 to Feed the Children, a national hunger-relief organization, reflecting the office’s emphasis on service alongside academics.
University officials describe OMSA’s broader role as fourfold: building cultural awareness and communication across the South Alabama community, encouraging participation in campus activities, developing student leaders, and easing the transition into college life for incoming students.
The office continues to operate out of the University of South Alabama’s Mobile campus and maintains an ongoing calendar of programs throughout the academic year aimed at supporting student success. University staff say the growth reported this year reflects increased outreach and engagement with incoming students during recruitment and orientation.
Students interested in getting involved with OMSA-affiliated organizations can connect with the office through the university’s student affairs department as the next academic year approaches.