Helping Others Engineer Their Dreams

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Posted on September 3, 2021

Lance Crawford

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Drs. John and Sally Steadman have dedicated most of their careers to education and engineering. Now they鈥檙e making a commitment to serve those passions for years to come. They have pledged a $3.8 million gift to the University of South Alabama鈥檚 College of Engineering.

鈥淭he Steadman鈥檚 gift will greatly expand the College of Engineering鈥檚 capability to support the professional development needs of both our students and faculty,鈥� said Dr. John Usher, dean of the College of Engineering.

The Steadmans view this estate gift as repayment for a lifetime of opportunities gained through education and engineering.

鈥淢uch of the assets we have are a result of the education we received and the opportunities this provided to us,鈥� said John Steadman, dean emeritus, College of Engineering.  

The couple began their careers working in industry and the federal government before moving into higher education. They arrived in Mobile from Wyoming in 2003 when John Steadman was named dean. Sally Steadman鈥檚 appointment was with what is now the Honors College. In 2019, he stepped away from his role as dean, allowing both to focus on what they love most 鈥� teaching.

鈥淲e both gain energy and fulfillment from interacting with the students, both in and out of the classroom,鈥� Sally Steadman said. 鈥淲ith each graduation, we are proud of the new engineers who are beginning their careers.鈥�

Their gift will focus on supporting undergraduate engineering education.

鈥淢uch of the support is to be used for scholarships,鈥� John Steadman said. 鈥淲e also want to improve the quality of the education students receive at South, so we hope these funds will also provide support for faculty who are passionate about teaching engineering, helping them  enhance their capabilities.鈥�  

The Steadmans have worked tirelessly to promote South and the College of Engineering. Bill Burnsed, a friend, and namesake of the William B. 鈥淏ill鈥� Burnsed department of mechanical engineering has been moved to action because of their passion.

鈥淲hen I met John a few years ago, I was amazed by his knowledge of all the different engineering disciplines,鈥� said Burnsed. 鈥淭heir commitment to excellence was one of the key factors in my scholarship and mechanical engineering department endowments.

At the time in life when many people retire, the Steadmans are still teaching, helping students and hoping their gift supports increasing diversity in the field of engineering.

鈥淥ur students are very much in need of financial assistance and even a small scholarship will help ensure that they make progress on their degree program,鈥� Sally Steadman said. 鈥淪cholarships can also be very helpful in recruiting students to 91短视频. By setting up scholarships for underrepresented students, we can help attract a broader student body.鈥�

The Steadman鈥檚 generosity will open the doors of opportunities for students leaving South with an engineering degree in hand and a bright future in their chosen field.

鈥淓ngineering 鈥� and teaching engineering 鈥� has been a great career for us,鈥� John Steadman said. 鈥淲e hope this gift will make it possible for hundreds of young people to pursue their dreams.鈥�

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