A Message from the President – August 24, 2021
- August 24th, 2021
- in Messages from the President
Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,
We’re now one week into the fall semester, and I hope you’re embracing all the opportunities UA provides. We want to enhance your experience here and help you find new and exciting ways to lead and serve others.
Students, as you’re getting plugged in on campus, be sure to visit Get on Board Day, one of our most popular traditions for getting connected, on the Quad Thursday evening. You can also use the SOURCE to explore the 600-plus student organizations at UA. From service and mentoring to ballroom dancing and gaming networks, there is a group for everyone.
A hearty Roll Tide is in order for the six current and 12 former UA adapted athletes who will be competing in the Tokyo Paralympics starting today. Representing three countries, the student-athletes and one assistant UA coach will showcase their skills over the next two weeks as they compete in several events. A UA staff member will also serve as an official.
Congratulations are also due to Dr. Leigh Terry, assistant professor in the UA College of Engineering, for receiving a Fulbright Specialist Award. Dr. Terry will be collaborating and working with faculty in Barranquilla, Colombia on research and teaching projects related to water quality.
I want to remind everyone to be especially vigilant about observing the COVID precautions we have in place in accordance with the UA System Health and Safety Task Force and recommendations by the CDC. Please get vaccinated if you have not already done so; it’s the best way to ensure a successful fall semester. Also, make sure you’re wearing face coverings in all classroom buildings and on campus transportation.
I’m proud of the University’s involvement in spearheading a project to help get 70% of eligible individuals in the Black Belt vaccinated over the next year. Through a $1 million grant and the efforts of Dr. Hee Yun Lee, associate dean for research in the UA School of Social Work, and an interdisciplinary team, UA will assist with vaccine information and outreach programs to support remote and pop-up vaccination clinics through 18 counties in the state.
It’s going to be a great semester at the Capstone. Thank you for your ongoing dedication to our University. Tide Together, we are improving the world through UA’s mission — one champion at a time.
Roll Tide!
Stuart R. Bell
President