Leading the Way
At The University of Alabama, we believe education should be lived — not just learned. That belief drives how we teach, discover and prepare our students to lead and serve. Beginning this year, every UA student will complete an experiential learning opportunity — an internship, research project, service experience or creative venture that turns knowledge into impact. Guided by the innovation and mentorship of our faculty and staff, this bold step ensures our graduates leave with a diploma and ready to make a difference.
Dr. Peter J. Mohler
Community in Action
Welcome back from mid-semester study break! The last stretch of the semester is here — let’s keep our momentum, look out for one another and end the fall term with confidence.
There is still time to give to the 2025 UA United Way Campaign and help us reach our goal. Every contribution supports vital programs across West Alabama, strengthening families, advancing education and improving lives. We look forward to celebrating our collective impact on Dec. 4.
This month, we recognize our first-generation students through the First-Gen Week of Celebration. Their perseverance and success represent the life-changing power of higher education, supported by faculty and staff who help make their goals possible.
AI Exchange 2025 showcased UA’s leadership in high-performance computing and artificial intelligence, reinforcing our role as a hub for innovation and collaboration. With these powerful systems on campus, our students will gain direct experience using tools to shape the future.
Beginning Nov. 1, our finance, business operations and OIT teams aligned under the Division of Finance and Operations — creating a more coordinated, innovative foundation to support our mission.
Moments of Pride
A transformative $25 million gift from Mrs. Catherine Styslinger and her family has named the Lee J. Styslinger Jr. College of Engineering and will drive new levels of research, innovation and student success.Congratulations to Hailey Adams, a junior from Birmingham majoring in public relations, who was crowned Miss University of Alabama 2026 — a proud example of leadership and scholarship at the Capstone.Congratulations as well to the 2025 Homecoming Court — Sydney Blackhurst, Morgan Grzybowski, Carrington Mills, Rachel Rybicki and Crawford West — admired for their service, leadership and example to fellow students.Kudos to our SGA and all involved in the Battle of the Bands, raising more than $21,000 for the Joe Espy SGA Scholarship Fund. Your energy and heart reflect the best of UA spirit!
On the Horizon
Mark your calendars — applications for the Shelby Scholars Program open Jan. 12 for the 2026-2027 academic year. I encourage our students to explore this exceptional opportunity to grow as leaders through learning, discovery and service.I look forward to Dec. 13, when we will honor approximately 2,200 students at fall commencement in Coleman Coliseum — recognizing their hard work, determination and the bright futures they carry forward from The Capstone.
VOICES OF UA
“UA just gives you so many opportunities to see where you fit, what works for you and see what you want to do. Try a group and see if it meshes. You don’t have to be an expert on anything. You don’t have to have it all figured out. There are so many people at UA who will tell you, ‘Let’s figure it out together.’” — UA senior Gabby Mathis, who participated in a national “GameDay” broadcast and took part in a hackathon, business-plan competition and international study-abroad opportunities at UA.