Biography of Dr. Robert E. Witt
As president of The University of Alabama, Dr. Robert E. Witt has committed the University to an ambitious plan for academic growth and achievement. His goals include increasing enrollment by recruiting academically talented students from Alabama and across the country, stimulating significant growth in research and strongly supporting the state’s economic development efforts. Under his leadership, enrollment has reached record levels, passing the goal of 28,000 students in 2009, four years earlier than planned, and academic quality and scholarship opportunities for deserving students have increased significantly. The University ranks 10th nationally among public universities in the enrollment of National Merit Scholars and leads the nation in the number of students named to USA Today’s All-USA College Academic Teams. Since its inception in 2003, the University’s Honors College has grown exponentially, and currently enrolls more than 1,000 freshmen each year. UA’s loyal alumni and friends continue to provide a high level of support to the University, with private giving having an important impact on the University’s ability to fund scholarships, faculty support and construction projects.
Prior to joining The University of Alabama in 2003, Dr. Witt spent 35 years as a faculty member and administrator in the University of Texas System. He received his B.A. in economics from Bates College, his M.B.A. from Tuck School at Dartmouth College, and his Ph.D. from Penn State University. He serves on the boards of directors of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, the Black Warrior Council Boy Scouts of America, and the American Cast Iron Pipe Company. He is a member of the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority. Dr. Witt and his wife Sandee have three grandchildren.