A Message from the President – July 14, 2022

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Since I began my tenure as president of The University of Alabama seven years ago, we have witnessed continuing success — academic excellence, student and faculty accomplishments, athletic achievements and alumni pride. In 2016, we unveiled the UA Strategic Plan to guide this success and serve as a roadmap for our future. Now, I am proud to share the next phase of Advancing the Flagship, which builds upon our progress and refines the bold vision for our institution. I appreciate the thoughtful and deliberate work of the review committee of faculty, staff and students who met throughout the 2021-22 academic year to provide these updates. Planning for success is an integral part of achieving progress.

One example of progress was the recent implosion of the former Tutwiler Hall, which served more than 50,000 students during its over 50-year history. We look forward to welcoming residents to their new home in the newly constructed Tutwiler Hall this fall. We also recently announced the creation of the Sworn Officer Scholarship Program for selected students who are either sworn officers or children of sworn officers for the Tuscaloosa Police Department, Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue, Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Northport Police Department and Northport Fire Rescue. The new program, which will begin in fall 2023, is an investment in our community’s future and further acknowledges and supports the brave work of those first responders.

Congratulations are in order for the Alabama Astrobotics team for claiming its seventh championship title in a row at the annual NASA robotics competition, overcoming numerous obstacles to clinch the victory. We are proud of its ongoing success. The UA College of Community Health Sciences also welcomed the first class of the Tuscaloosa Rural Pre-Medical Internship program for pre-medical students who may one day serve residents in rural Alabama practices.

Commendations are due to the University for earning multiple Circle of Excellence and Southeast Emmy Awards. The Story of Autherine Lucy Foster was one of many entries that received an honor for its compelling content.

Finally, we will soon be celebrating another class of graduates at summer commencement Saturday, Aug. 6. Around 1,000 students will attend the single ceremony, and I look forward to seeing them and their families and friends in Coleman Coliseum.

These accomplishments represent the combined efforts of our community. As we continue to propel the Capstone to even greater heights, I remain grateful for your contributions and commitment to our mission.

Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
President