It is with deep sadness the University of South Alabama announces the death of Dr. Robert Shipp, professor emeritus of marine sciences.
Dr. Robert Shipp, “Dr. Bob” to his countless students, joined the faculty of the USA Department of Biology in 1972. Throughout his 40-year career, he also served as an active teacher and researcher at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, where he briefly served as director of the lab. At USA, Dr. Shipp led the effort to establish the Department of Marine Sciences, as well as one of the University’s first Ph.D. programs in the department. Under his leadership, the Department of Marine Sciences grew to national prominence for its high quality academic and research initiatives, laying a strong foundation that has enabled the establishment of the University's Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences.
Dr. Shipp’s research and advocacy in marine fisheries management has shaped policy and resource management in Alabama and throughout the southeastern United States. Dr. Shipp’s expertise was sought by numerous governmental agencies and non-governmental and sportfish organizations. Dr. Shipp served 27 years on the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council, the State of Alabama’s Conservation Advisory Board, and the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative, established to lead the first research effort following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Dr. Shipp is also remembered for his service to the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, where he acted as the official rodeo judge for 30 years.
Memorial gifts for Dr. Shipp will be designated to The Drs. Linda and Robert Shipp Undergraduate Scholarship in Marine and Environmental Sciences. Gifts will be matched through the Mitchell-Moulton Scholarship Initiative.
If you have any questions about this form, please call (251) 460-7032.
To make a gift via check please specify the gift is in memory of Dr. Shipp, for the purpose of his scholarship fund. Family contacts will be notified of any gifts received.
Please make the check payable to the University of South Alabama and mail it to:
University of South AlabamaDevelopment Office650 Clinic DriveTRP III Suite 1500Mobile, AL 36688