The University of South Alabama has received $2 million from Dr. Steven Stokes and his wife Angelia for the USA School of Marine and Environmental Sciences. The donation brings to $6.8 million the couple has given to USA.

After the latest large donation was announced last week, the school’s Board of Trustees named the School of Marine and Environment Science building after the Stokes.

“We are confident this will be the premier environmental center on the Gulf Coast. With financial support, Dr. Sean Powers and the outstanding faculty, grad students and undergraduates will continue their vital work.” Steven Stokes said in a press release.

Since 2021 the Department of Marine Science has increased their research and has been awarded 56 grants worth a total of $16.5 million, according to the release.

The department offers two undergraduate majors, two master’s degree programs, as well as a doctoral program in marine science. With the new funding from the Stokes, the department will work on a five-year growth plan that will include new faculty hires and completion of facilities for the Education and Outreach Building.

Steven Stokes graduated from the USA College of Medicine in 1980, while Angelia Stokes graduated in 1979 and received her degree in business. Steven Stokes was also awarded with the USA National Alumni Award. They established the Center for Creative Writing and also provided help for the Moulton Tower and Alumni Plaza, the Mitchell Cancer Institute and the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine.