USA receives $5 million gift for Whiddon College of Medicine building

Businessman Elliot B. Maisel, center, gifted the University of South Alabama $5 million for the new Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine building.

As construction of the University of South Alabama’s new Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine building continues, the project has received its largest gift from an individual. Native Mobilian and local businessman Elliot B. Maisel has committed $5 million to the $200 million facility that will allow the University to graduate more physicians and enhance research and innovation. In recognition of Maisel’s generosity, a large gathering area in the building will be named the Maisel Family Forum.

USA President Jo Bonner and Elliot B. Maisel unveil the

naming of the Maisel Family Forum.

“We are truly grateful for the transformational gift from Elliot Maisel; its impact will be felt not only in our local community but also statewide,” said USA President Jo Bonner. “Medical students at the Whiddon College of Medicine perform at the highest levels, outscoring their contemporaries at many of the most prestigious medical schools in the United States, and this new building will enhance learning opportunities in so many ways.”

In 2024, Business Alabama honored Maisel as Alabama’s CEO of the Year in recognition of his vision, leadership and remarkable contributions to the business community and the regional economy. In addition to his contributions to Alabama’s business community, Maisel also serves as chairman of the board of the Mobile Airport Authority.

“As a result of great civic and business leadership, led by Mayor Sandy Stimpson, and including President Jo Bonner, Chamber President Bradley Byrne, the leadership that exists at the Port of Mobile, the leadership that exists at the Mobile Airport Authority, as well as the leadership that exists in many organizations across our city, we are experiencing a wonderful era of growth and cooperation by and among the citizens and leaders of our city, the Golden Age of Mobile,” said Maisel. “The University of South Alabama is the most important institution in the city of Mobile and one of the most important institutions in the state of Alabama.”

One of the unique design features of the 250,000-square-foot facility is a ground-level collaboration space that encourages impromptu encounters that lead to exchanges of ideas among researchers, educators and students. It’s this space that will be named after the Maisel family.

“Our medical and graduate students, as well as our faculty, deserve an environment that fosters interactive learning and best practices; Elliot Maisel’s gift is an investment in the future of healthcare,” said John Marymont, M.D., MBA, dean of the Whiddon College of Medicine and vice president for medical affairs. “We will have the ability to grow the class size for medical students, which will have a positive and profound impact on the shortage of primary care physicians practicing in the state, particularly in rural and underserved Alabama.”

Construction of the new Whiddon College of Medicine building has also received support from many other individuals, corporations and foundations, as well as state and federal officials.

Completion is expected in December 2026, with classes in the new facility starting in January 2027. The building will allow for expansion of the class size from a maximum of 80 students per class to 100, with the ability to eventually grow to 125.

View construction progress on the Whiddon College of Medicine building. 

View more photos from the news conference on the $5 million gift.