JUNE 2024
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
Historic University Club Opens After Major Renovation.
The University of Alabama and Invited, the nation’s largest owner and operator of private membership clubs, have reopened the historic University Club after a more than $17 million renovation.
Shelby Institute Opens Doors and Completes Leadership Team.
The University of Alabama cut the ribbon on the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership, a student-focused academic and service program concentrating on educating and training students interested in policy.
UA, Shelton State Create Bridge Program.
The University of Alabama and Shelton State Community College have signed a memorandum of understanding creating the Shelton State Bridge Program for students transitioning from SSCC to the Capstone. The institutions’ leaders held a ceremonial signing at Shelton State’s Martin Campus on April 15.
Teach in Bama Signs First School Districts.
The University of Alabama College of Education has developed Teach in Bama, a program committed to identifying and supporting the next generation of exceptional teachers and keeping them in Alabama’s classrooms.
Congrats, Spring Class of 2024!
More than 6,000 graduates earned their degrees from The University of Alabama this spring, marking the end of their journey at the Capstone and the beginning of a new chapter.
Of Note
UA National Alumni Association Receives Record $8M Gift From Non-Alumnus.
The University of Alabama’s National Alumni Association has received an $8 million gift from the estate of Bill Decas to enhance four previously created in-state scholarships and create a fifth endowed scholarship for out-of-state students.
UA Alumnus Named Eisenhower Global Scholar.
John Richardson, a May 2024 graduate of The University of Alabama, was one of four in the nation to be named an Eisenhower Global Scholar. Richardson, a native of Birmingham, is the first UA graduate to receive the award, which will allow him to continue his studies at the University of Oxford.
UA Graduate School Celebrates 100 Years.
The University of Alabama Graduate School is celebrating 100 years of transformational advanced education opportunities at the Capstone.
UA Students Receive U.S. Fulbright Program Awards for 2024-2025.
The Fulbright Program has selected 14 University of Alabama students for various awards for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Two UA Faculty Named Fulbright Scholars.
Two University of Alabama faculty members have received Fulbright awards for educators to teach and research around the globe.
From the Division
Council Recognizes Outstanding Engaged Scholarship in 18th Annual Excellence Awards.
The Council on Community-Based Partnerships recognized University of Alabama students, faculty and staff, as well as community partners, for their achievements in community-engaged scholarship during the 18th Annual Excellence in Community Engagement Awards on April 11 at the Bryant Conference Center Sellers Auditorium.
2024 Engaged Scholarship Showcase Emphasizes Community-Engaged Teaching and Research.
Faculty, staff and students shared their research and teaching related to engaged scholarship during the Engaged Scholarship Showcase on April 11, in the Bryant Conference Center.
Congratulations to Dr. Samory Pruitt
Dr. Pruitt was named the 2024 NAACP Living Legend by the Tuscaloosa County Branch of the NAACP. This recognition honors a member of the Tuscaloosa community who has contributed significantly to enhancing civil rights in the community. Dr. Pruitt was recognized at a noon luncheon on Wednesday, June 19 at Shelton State Community College.
PTLA 2024 Graduation Recognizes Parent-Educator Initiatives.
Family members, teachers and school administrators gathered in celebration of the 2024 Parent Teacher Leadership Academy (PTLA) graduation in a ceremony held at the Tuscaloosa River Market on April 11.
BOA Concludes Spring 2024 Meeting; Witt Inspires Leadership.
The Community Affairs Board of Advisors concluded its spring 2024 meeting at the Bryant Conference Center on April 22, where members discussed upcoming initiatives and reflected on the importance of leadership from keynote speaker, UA President Emeritus Dr. Robert E. Witt.
Students Capture King’s Legacy in Realizing the Dream Essay and Art Contest.
Winners of the 2024 Realizing the Dream Essay and Art Contest were recognized for using their creativity to expand on the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on March 28 at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa.
Class Notes
Kechia Davis, Will Clayton, Holly Luther, Michael Luther, and Jessica Sanders Walker joined us on the 2024 New Faculty Community Engagement Tour, hosted by the Division of Community Affairs, which took place May 8–10. The 3-day tour included stops in nine different cities across nine different counties throughout the Black Belt region, including the cities of Jasper, Fayette, Millport, Boligee, York, Demopolis, Greensboro, Uniontown and Selma.
Congratulations to BOA member Jessica Sanders Walker. The Sanders Flight Training Center officially opened its Tuscaloosa location on April 26.
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!