Advising & Info Sessions

We are here to help! Click on the "Schedule an Advising Appointment" button below to meet with any of our advisors via Zoom or in person. In person meetings are by appointment only.

Advisors
Fall 2026 Walk-in Hours	Thursdays and Fridays from 10:30am-12:30pm (No appointment needed!)
	Syliah Neely-Brown Syliah Neely-Brown Bio: Syliah is an Education Abroad Advisor and a recent graduate of South Alabama. Syliah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Modern and Classical Languages with concentrations in both French and Spanish. While attending South, Syliah served as editor and Social Media Chair for the Chi Omega Chapter of Phi Sigma Iota, the highest academic honor in the field of foreign languages, and received PSI’s Dr. Santiago Vilas Scholarship. She is also a recipient of the Gilman Scholarship, which allowed her to study virtually with Dr. Pettway in Argentina and also led to her being accepted in the TAPIF program, where she taught English in Nice, France for an academic year. Syliah is an avid travel and culture enthusiast and wants to promote traveling to everyone, regardless of background. In her free time, Syliah enjoys reading fantasy and dystopian novels, watching horror films/romcoms and collecting POP figures. Quote: Syliah loves living her life at the mercy of fortune cookies. Her last fortune cookie read “A woman who aspires to be equal to a man lacks ambition.” She would share her lucky numbers but she’s hoping to win the lottery. Favorite destination: Nice, France or Porto, Portugal Next on her list: Brazil, Senegal, Ghana… Education Abroad Advisor II Advises on general study abroad inquiries, inbound exchange programs, faculty-led programs, non-affiliated programs	(251) 461-1934 syliahneely@southalabama.edu
	Mekaela Lane Mekaela Lane Bio: Mekaela recently graduated from the University of South Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and a minor in Marketing. During her time at South, her study abroad experiences were some of the highlights of her 4 years. Mekaela studied abroad as an exchange student in South Korea and went on two faculty-led programs. Through her time abroad she had the opportunity to experience different cultures, understand new perspectives, and learn more about herself. Her studies abroad sparked her passion for international education and inspired her to help students have their own life-changing experiences abroad. In Mekaela’s free time, she likes to go thrifting, listen to music, and bake! Quote: I always knew I wanted to study abroad, but I wasn’t sure if it would be possible. However, when I heard about all of the amazing opportunities that South had to offer, I did everything I could to take part in at least one education abroad experience! With help from the Office of International Education I got to go on not just one, but three different study abroad programs! I had the amazing opportunity to learn global perspectives and find out not just who I was but who I wanted to be! My life keeps changing, and I love that I get to be a part of something that is always evolving! Study Abroad Jags!! Favorite destination: Suwon, South Korea Next on her list: Greece and Japan Education Abroad Advisor I Advises on general study abroad inquiries, faculty-led programs, affiliate programs	(251) 460-6940 mlane@southalabama.edu
	Milena Mata Milena Mata Bio: Milena graduated from the University of South Alabama with a double major in Advertising & Public Relations and Spanish Language. She was previously an International Education Ambassador in 2023 after having studied abroad through an exchange program at Sheffield Hallam University in Sheffield, England. Craving to partake in something different and out of her comfort zone, Milena took an internship at the University of Castilla - La Mancha in Toledo, Spain, teaching English at different levels. These experiences have enhanced her cultural competency and communication skills that will guide her as Education Abroad Advisor. Quote: International education was an interest of mine from an early age, but I didn’t understand how life-changing it would become, personally and professionally. Studying abroad consistently opens doors, allowing me to gain skills in areas I would never have imagined. It is one of the best things South Alabama has to offer, and serving as Education Abroad Advisor gives me the opportunity for other students to do the same. Favorite Destination: Madrid, Spain Next Destination: Peru, Slovenia Education Abroad Advisor I Advises on general study abroad inquiries, faculty-led programs, outbound exchange programs	(251) 460-6724 milena.mata@southalabama.edu
	Madison Campbell Madison Campbell Bio: Madison earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of South Alabama in 2025 and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Secondary Education. She aspires to become a middle or high school science teacher, with a focus on creating engaging, real-world learning experiences for her students. During her undergraduate studies, Madison participated in two faculty-led study abroad programs. In May 2023, she traveled to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, and in May 2024, she studied in Germany. These experiences expanded her global perspective and strengthened her belief that education extends beyond the traditional classroom. As a Graduate Assistant in the Study Abroad Office, Madison is passionate about helping students explore international opportunities and discover the value of learning through global experiences. Quote: Traveling abroad can be scary but trust that the experiences and memories you make are worth it! There is no time like the present to start your international journey. Favorite destination: Maquipucuna nature preserve in Ecuador Next on her list: Back to Germany for the Christmas markets. Italy, Romania, and many more! Graduate Assistant Advises on: general study abroad inquiries and multiple program types	(251) 460-7053 madisoncampbell@southalabama.edu