Community members are invited to attend a discussion on the future of Baldwin County during a USA by the Bay event on Thursday, Aug. 13, at the USA by the Bay Auditorium in downtown Fairhope.

The program, titled “Building Baldwin County: Balancing Real Estate, Growth and Community,” will feature Dr. Grayson Glaze, distinguished professor of real estate at the University of South Alabama’s Mitchell College of Business. Glaze will explore the opportunities and challenges associated with managing rapid growth in one of Alabama’s fastest-growing counties while preserving community character.

The event will also highlight the progress and impact of the University of South Alabama’s emerging real estate program. Special guests are expected to include University of South Alabama President Jo Bonner, Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Andi Kent, current students and local real estate and business professionals.

Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the presentation beginning at 5:30 p.m. A reception will follow at 6:30 p.m. The event is scheduled to conclude at 7 p.m.

USA by the Bay events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and advance registration is required. Those interested may register at www.southalabama.edu/speakerseries.

The event will be held at the USA by the Bay Auditorium, 111 St. James St. in Fairhope.

Glaze joined the Mitchell College of Business faculty in 2025 as professor and director of the real estate program. He is leading the program’s transition to a full undergraduate major and brings more than 20 years of experience from the University of Alabama.

During his tenure at Alabama, Glaze served as executive director of the Alabama Center for Real Estate and helped develop one of the nation’s largest academic real estate programs.

A graduate of the University of Alabama, Glaze earned his Juris Doctor from the Birmingham School of Law. Throughout his career, he has combined academic leadership with active industry experience as a real estate broker, advisor and property developer.

He also holds several professional designations, including Counselor of Real Estate, Certified Property Manager through the Institute of Real Estate Management and Certified Commercial Investment Member through the CCIM Institute.