The University of South Alabama is a public research university in Mobile, Alabama. It was created by the Alabama Legislature in May 1963, and replaced existing extension programs operated in Mobile by the University of Alabama. The first classes were held in June 1964, with an enrollment of 276 students; the first commencement was held in June 1967, wit…The University of South Alabama is a public research university in Mobile, Alabama. It was created by the Alabama Legislature in May 1963, and replaced existing extension programs operated in Mobile by the University of Alabama. The first classes were held in June 1964, with an enrollment of 276 students; the first commencement was held in June 1967, with 88 bachelor's degrees awarded.