DECEMBER 2022
To connect you with what’s happening at the Capstone, we’ve gathered some recent news that may be of interest to you as alumni and as members of the Board of Advisors.
We plan to publish periodically, not only to keep you informed of what’s happening on campus, but also of what’s happening in the world of the BOA membership.
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On Campus
Records Broken: UA Sees Highest Enrollment, National Merit Scholars.
Enrollment at The University of Alabama reached a record this fall. It includes some of the most academically talented students and a record number of National Merit Scholars.
UA Sets Record for Number of Small Classes.
In the relentless pursuit to create the best learning and teaching environments for students and faculty, The University of Alabama has made a concerted effort to reduce undergraduate class sizes in recent years. According to the latest enrollment census data, UA has made significant strides in this area.
A Sign of Things to Come.
Students, faculty and staff across campus work to continue making UA welcoming and inclusive to people who are deaf, culturally Deaf and hard of hearing.
Interim Executive Director Named for Alabama Water Institute.
Mike Gremillion, who has led the Global Water Security Center at The University of Alabama for over a year, has been named the interim executive director of the Alabama Water Institute effective Sept. 19.
Say Hello to OTIDE.
In September The Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama System approved a resolution for organizational changes and a renaming of the College to the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.
UA Celebrates Historic Fundraising Year.
The University of Alabama set a fundraising record for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, raising almost $226 million in charitable gifts and pledges from nearly 60,000 donors.
New MRI Research Facility at UA Ready for Transformative Research.
Several projects are lining up to take advantage of the capabilities offered by a recently installed MRI, helping researchers gain a deeper understanding of how the human brain works and future studies could involve orthopedic and sports medicine. With access to participants from rural, underserved communities, UA’s new MRI Research Facility will also expand the diversity of research data that could impact national studies.
UA, TCEDA Hosted Joint Summit to Discuss Power, Mobility Economy
The University of Alabama and the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority jointly hosted a summit Friday, Oct. 28, on the emerging power and mobility economy in the region.
UA to Lead Regional Data Center Combatting Opioid Crisis.
With expertise and experience in multidisciplinary data analytics, The University of Alabama was tapped to spearhead a regional center to help communities across the Southeast combat the opioid crisis.
Professor Committed to Rural Health Wins Blackmon-Moody Award.
Dr. Hee Yun Lee has been awarded The University of Alabama’s 2022 Blackmon-Moody Outstanding Professor Award.
Faculty Pass General Ed Core Curriculum Reform.
University of Alabama faculty have passed a referendum to update the general education core curriculum to enhance the learning experiences for UA students. The new core will require 37 or 38 general education hours. Reducing the number of required core credits will give students greater flexibility to commit more time to their major(s), minor(s) and/or electives; pursue a double major; and take on experiential learning experiences such as internships, undergraduate research and study abroad.
Deshe Family Gift Launches Campaign to Renovate Alston Hall.
A $2 million commitment from alumnus Ari Deshe and his wife, Ann, kicks off The University of Alabama’s $4 million fundraising campaign to renovate Mary Hewell Alston Hall, home of the Culverhouse College of Business.
UA Begins Search for New Law Dean.
The University of Alabama School of Law has opened the search for its next dean.
Operation Iron Ruck Spotlights Veteran Suicide Awareness.
As The University of Alabama and Auburn University prepared to meet on the football field, student veterans from both institutions marched across the state to bring awareness to veteran suicide.
Of Note
UA Earns HEED Award for Diversity Accomplishments.
The University of Alabama earned the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s work in making UA a more welcoming space for students, faculty and staff.
11 Alabamians Chosen for Nationally Recognized Rural Medical Program.
The University of Alabama’s Rural Medical Scholars Program recently accepted 11 students from around the state studying to become physicians with plans to practice in rural Alabama communities.
UA Honored by Governor Ivey for Disability Employment Initiative.
The University of Alabama was named the Alabama Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities Large Business Employer of the Year during an awards ceremony Sept. 8.
U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby Addresses Inaugural CIROH Meeting at UA.
The Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology recently held its inaugural science meeting at The University of Alabama, bringing together water researchers and professionals to establish its future vision and path.
UA Global Water Security Center to Participate in 2023 UN Water Conference.
The Global Water Security Center at The University of Alabama has been awarded special accreditation to participate in the United Nations 2023 Water Conference. The GWSC is one of only 440 organizations worldwide and one of only 20 universities recognized with this distinction.
UA Researchers Hope to Spur Adoption of Greener Jet Fuel.
Engineering researchers at The University of Alabama are spearheading a project to demonstrate an innovative method to create jet fuel from plants, helping the airline industry meet goals for using a renewable fuel source and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
UA Sees Major Increases in R&D Partnerships with Industry.
Over the past three years, annual funding from industry partners with The University of Alabama increased nearly 500%, creating opportunities for students while bringing innovation and job growth to the state.
UA Provost Formally Inducted Into National Academy of Medicine.
University of Alabama Executive Vice President and Provost James Dalton was formally inducted into the National Academy of Medicine during a ceremony Oct. 15 in Washington, D.C.
UA CCHS Expands Health Care Across Alabama for 50 Years.
The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences is celebrating 50 years of responding to the acute need in the state for more physicians for the small towns and rural communities that have suffered from a serious lack of health care.
UA Alumnus Earns John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellowship.
Micah Presley, a recent graduate of The University of Alabama, has received a John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellowship through the U.S. Department of Defense.
Students Honor Veterans with Cemetery Care.
It began with a phone call from a veteran inquiring about a buddy’s grave. It became a project for the Crimson Legion and other students.
Air Force Officer Receives 2022 Legendary Service Award.
An Air Force staff sergeant who serves her nation and community has received the 2022 Legendary Service Award from The University of Alabama Online.
From the Division
You Make UA Great Celebrates Campus Employees.
To thank employees for their contributions to The University of Alabama, UA hosted an evening of fun, activities and live entertainment for faculty, staff and their families during the inaugural You Make UA Great event, which took place Monday, Oct. 3 on the Quad.
Roll the Vote Encourages Voter Registration Ahead of Midterm Elections.
Encouraging UA students, faculty and staff to cast their ballots on Nov. 8, UA Vote Everywhere and the Crossroads Civic Engagement Center collaborated with campus partners located in the Student Center to host Roll the Vote, a multi-day voter registration and absentee ballot information drive held Sept. 26–29.
Satcher Delivers Fall 2022 Realizing the Dream Distinguished Lecture.
Former United States Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher encouraged audience members to consider the role of science in health equity as the fall 2022 Realizing the Dream Distinguished Lecturer, emphasizing that it is never too early to make a difference.
High School Seniors Experience College Life During Vision Days.
High School seniors from across Alabama visited The University of Alabama for a firsthand experience of college life and the application process during fall Vision Days from September–October.
Vision Days Legacy Supports Students’ Success.
College is a time of transition for high school students, and the Vision Days Legacy program aids that transition by connecting students with resources and programs to support their success once they arrive at The University of Alabama.
Vision Days Hosts Inaugural FAFSA Night.
High school seniors are one step closer to graduation, thanks to Vision Days’ inaugural Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Night held in the Math and Science Education Building at The University of Alabama on Oct. 27.
Join us in welcoming…
Dr. Fran Oneal, who comes to the Community Affairs team as director of Global and Community Engagement. In this part-time role, she will lead the Global Café and Language Partners programs at the Center for Community-Based Partnerships.
Elizabeth Hartley has accepted a new opportunity in the University’s Office of the President, beginning Nov. 14. We thank and applaud Elizabeth for assisting with the Division’s efforts throughout the past decade.
Class Notes
Inaugural BOA President Katie Boyd Britt was elected as the next U.S. Senator from Alabama following the 2022 midterm elections. We congratulate and wish her well as she heads to Washington, D.C., to serve the people of Alabama.
BOA member Prince Cleveland ran for the Alabama State House representing District 43. While not elected, we applaud his desire to serve the people of Alabama and look forward to what comes next.
As BOA members are also UA graduates, we know how invaluable your experience as UA alumni has been. If you have not already done so, please consider participating in your local alumni chapter.
Have news to share with us?
If you have not already done so, we encourage you to follow us on: Twitter at: @UACommAffairs and on Facebook at: @UACommunityAffairs, @UA.CCBP, @UACrossroads, @UAPTLA, @SavingLivesPhysicallyAndSpiritually
Additionally, did you know the Board of Advisors has its own Facebook group page? This is a place for you to connect with your fellow board members, as well as share news of potential interest to members of the group. Search “ua community affairs board of advisors” and ask to join the group. We’ll approve you right away!