A Message from the President – June 25, 2024

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

‌As the summer semester progresses, I am inspired by the dedication and enthusiasm of our UA community. Our students, faculty and staff remain deeply engaged in meaningful work, driving forward our mission of exemplary teaching, innovative research and impactful service.

Congratulations to the 13,103 students named to the dean’s list (GPA 3.5 or higher) and the president’s list (4.0 GPA) for the Spring 2024 Semester. Commendations to John Richardson, a May 2024 graduate, who is one of only four nationwide named an Eisenhower Global Scholar and UA’s first recipient of this award. And, “well done” to graduate student Ethan Iaia, who received a prestigious fellowship from the Department of Energy’s Office of Science to study catalysts for clean energy and decarbonization at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Kudos, as well, to the UA Astrobotics team for their outstanding performance in NASA’s Lunabotics Challenge by earning first place in robot autonomy, second in mining/construction and second for their technical paper, securing a first-place finish overall. And, best of luck to the 12 UA students competing for the title of Miss Alabama 2024 this week. We are proud of your representation.

‌UA faculty and staff also continue to impress. Four faculty members have been honored with the NSF CAREER Award, one of the National Science Foundation’s most prestigious accolades for early-career faculty.

‌Near the end of the spring semester, we celebrated the opening of the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership in Tuomey Hall. Applications for the inaugural class of Shelby Scholars are open until July 15. This nonpartisan, interdisciplinary and credit-bearing program trains future leaders through experiential learning, research and civic engagement. All eligible students are encouraged to apply.

‌Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for our community and beyond.

‌Roll Tide!

‌Stuart R. Bell
‌President