A Message from the President – October 10, 2023

• October 10th, 2023
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

‌We are almost halfway through the semester and now two weeks into the 30th annual Beat Auburn Beat Hunger food drive. I encourage you to rally as a community to fight food insecurity in West Alabama. Next week is also Free App Week. Please spread the word and support our efforts to enroll the best and brightest students from Alabama, across the nation and around the globe.

‌Our 2023 Homecoming Court has been selected, and voting through myBama is open for students today until 7 p.m. Homecoming is a longstanding tradition and an opportunity to express pride in the legacy we continue to craft through The Rising Tide. The Division of Student Life has planned a week of exciting events, and I look forward to seeing you at the bonfire and parade, and in Bryant-Denny Stadium this weekend.

‌Congratulations to our four aspiring dentists in the inaugural class of Rural Dental Scholars. The College of Community Health Sciences also welcomed seven UA students to the Rural Medical Scholars Program as part of the Rural Health Leaders Pipeline, helping address the need for more primary care physicians in underserved areas of Alabama. And to help lower cardiovascular disease risk in nine Alabama counties, our Alabama Life Research Institute is leading a coalition of researchers and practitioners from the Capstone College of Nursing and the Culverhouse College of Business Institute of Data and Analytics with the support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

‌Demonstrating how our faculty and staff continue their commitment to excellence, Drs. Hamed Moftakhari and Sevgi Zubeyde Gurbuz both were selected for NSF CAREER awards, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for top-performing young scientists. And UAPD Captain Chad Stephens graduated from the FBI National Academy, helping further enhance the department’s safety and protection protocols.

‌Finally, I want to remind everyone to download the UA Safety App and stream UA Info Radio 92.5 FM, an invaluable University asset we can all benefit from on game days, during severe weather and for updates about campus events and programs, construction and many other UA-related matters. 

‌I wish all of you a safe and happy homecoming week.

Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message From the President – September 19, 2023

• September 19th, 2023
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

‌Once again, the “Alabama Experience” has yielded remarkable results — with some of the most talented students across the state and nation pursuing their goals at the Capstone this fall. We are more committed than ever to supporting all students to persist and thrive through graduation and beyond.

‌Our community’s positive impact reaches far beyond the boundaries of campus. With programs that make a positive difference in every Alabama county, and an army of alumni who remain in the state as vital members of our workforce, UA is a catalyst for innovation and progress.

‌Students, transformational opportunities continue this fall! Be sure to visit the Career Center, download the Career Fair Plus app, schedule a professional headshot and visit the Denise and Chandler Root Crimson Career Closet to prepare for the career fairs that begin next week in Coleman Coliseum. It’s also time to look for future opportunities. The UA System is launching a new Washington, D.C.-based student internship program, known as Capitol Scholars. Learn more about this summer 2024 internship by registering now for a Zoom interest meeting today at 5 p.m.

‌It was a pleasure to celebrate our faculty and staff accomplishments at Fall Campus Assembly last week. The ribbon-cutting for Drummond Lyon Hall gave us another reason to celebrate while supporting our fashion and design students in the College of Human Environmental Sciences. As the fall semester continues, I encourage all faculty to take advantage of the UA Teaching Academy, a hub to enhance teaching and learning practices and support the new general education core curriculum.

‌This week is suicide awareness week. I hope each of you will learn more about the signs and numerous supportive resources we provide to our campus community to support mental health and well-being. Be safe, be engaged and be a friend.

‌As we look forward to another exciting weekend and the start of conference play in Bryant-Denny Stadium, I want to remind everyone of the high standards for conduct that we expect from all our fans and guests. I hope each of you will exemplify the core values, class and sportsmanship associated with our programs as an example of what it means to be part of the Crimson Tide.

Roll Tide!

‌Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President – September 5, 2023

• September 5th, 2023
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

‌What a fantastic start to the fall semester, with Weeks of Welcome events encouraging new connections and fostering a sense of unity. There is nothing more exciting to me than welcoming new and returning students to campus. Our fall Get on Board Day last Thursday featured hundreds of student organizations and UA departments that help our community get engaged in fun activities, leadership opportunities and service to others — and there’s more to come this month. It’s inspiring to see the UA family continue to grow and thrive.

‌I’m sure you have noticed a few new construction and renovation projects recently completed or currently underway. We continue to offer facilities and amenities, such as the new Greek Assembly Hall and the newly constructed Drummond Lyon Hall, that further our students’ success and overall campus experience.

‌One such devoted student is junior Kate Herndon — one of 100 students from across the nation and the first from UA to receive the Obama Foundation’s Voyager Scholarship for public service. We’re also proud of the over 500 students who participated in our annual Ripple Effect day of service at more than a dozen local nonprofit and community organizations.

‌In addition, the University Medical Center has expanded its health care reach to clinics in West Alabama through a recent partnership between UMC-Livingston and the University of West Alabama community. And, 17 UA faculty and staff from various divisions, colleges and schools in leadership roles within their departments were recently selected as members of the 2023-2024 Leadership U class to prepare for expanded influence.

‌I know you enjoyed the season opener in Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday. We made several upgrades to enhance our fans’ game day experience, and we can all look forward to another exciting run for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President – August 31, 2023

• August 31st, 2023
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Because we value the safety and well-being of every member of The University of Alabama community, each semester I affirm the University’s pledge to promote and preserve a secure, respectful campus environment. We are committed to preventing and addressing sexual misconduct on campus and providing numerous resources, support and reporting options for the UA community. Please review the information and links presented on these valuable services. 

The Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy details information about prohibited conduct, reporting options, available supportive measures and the University’s prevention, education and awareness efforts. Students, employees and visitors are encouraged to report sexual or gender-based harassment or discrimination, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation or other concerns related to sexual misconduct to any of multiple reporting avenues as described below. 

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs, at 2418 Capital Hall, is charged with receiving and investigating reports of prohibited conduct. Collaborating with administration, departments, faculty and staff, they also provide students and employees comprehensive supportive measures such as academic support, safety planning, counseling information and referrals to University departments. Another resource provided through the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs is the Alternative Dispute Resolution Process where Tal Lieber, Director of Informal Resolution Services, assists parties to a report in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement to resolve the allegations in a Formal Complaint. For more information or to report sexual misconduct, contact Title IX Coordinator Jessica Humber at 205-348-5496 or titleix@ua.edu.

UAct is a central location for information about reporting sexual misconduct. The University prohibits retaliation against those who report or participate in reporting harassment, discrimination and/or sexual misconduct. In an emergency and to report criminal matters, The University of Alabama Police Department provides a comprehensive array of law enforcement services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year through a dedicated staff of sworn police officers. Call UAPD at 205-348-5454 to file a criminal report, or visit their headquarters at 1110 Jackson Ave. Please also note that in an on-campus emergency, blue emergency phones are a direct line to UAPD.

The University provides confidential reporting and counseling options. The Women and Gender Resource Center can be reached at 205-348-5040 for victim advocacy and counseling services for all University community members who are interpersonal violence survivors, as well as family and friends impacted by the abuse. Advocates are on call 24/7, including weekends and holidays, for crisis intervention and support. After hours, reach the on-call advocate through UAPD at 205-348-5454.

Additional confidential counseling services include the Counseling Center for counseling and outreach programming for students; Capstone Family Therapy Clinic for psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families of The University of Alabama and surrounding community; and the Employee Assistance Program for eligible employees and their families to resolve work-related and personal concerns. The Tuscaloosa Safe Center is a 24/7 free, compassionate, patient-centered sexual assault crisis center.

The Department of Education is expected to release new Title IX regulations at some point during the fall semester. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs is anticipating the new regulations and will update the University’s policies and procedures to remain in compliance with the Regulations as necessary. The University will provide you with updates to policies and procedures as they become available. 

We share responsibility to create and maintain a culture of safety and respect. I encourage you to personally commit to partnering with us in an ongoing effort to combat and prevent sexual misconduct.

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from The President – August 23, 2023

• August 23rd, 2023
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Welcome to Fall Semester 2023 at The University of Alabama, where our community once again prepares to embark on a shared mission of changing lives one legendary student at a time.

Class of 2027, I hope you enjoyed the festivities at the annual Script A Convocation in Bryant-Denny Stadium last night. University Programs and the Division of Student Life have been hard at work developing over 40 events to help kick off the semester and ensure unforgettable memories during your first weeks on campus. I encourage you to participate in the many Weeks of Welcome programs being offered to all UA students to help you get plugged in and engaged with your campus.

Students, use this time early in the semester to learn about the many resources the University offers to help you be successful. Our model of student health and well-being can support your personal and academic achievements. From the Capstone Center for Student Success, the Student Health Center, the Counseling Center or the Writing Center — and more — we want to help you thrive mentally, physically and socially during your tenure at the Capstone.

Faculty and staff, if you are new to our champion community, we look forward to the influence you bring. For those who have been dedicated members of our team, thank you for your ongoing impact on our students, our beloved University and our combined future.

Welcome home to the place Where Legends Are Made. I’m glad you’re here.

Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from The President – June 22, 2023

• June 22nd, 2023
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

We applaud The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees’ in-state tuition freeze for the upcoming academic year and their ongoing commitment to encourage students from Alabama to study here. We will continue to equip and empower our students to lead and serve in our communities across the state, the nation and the globe.

Please help me congratulate Sydney Aldrich, Aurora Baker and Kylie Overton — UA’s newest recipients of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship. Our Alabama Astrobotics team also continues to shine at the national level, claiming first place in one of only two categories awarded at the recent Robotic Mining Challenge. And 11 of our students will be competing for the title of Miss Alabama at the end of the month to represent our state at the Miss America pageant later this year.

Among our faculty and staff, Shannon Roulaine of Honors College was recently recognized for her conscientious service. I encourage you to continue nominating your peers who demonstrate enthusiasm for the UA community by embodying our spirit of pride, determination and ingenuity as Everyday Champions. Across campus, enterprising faculty and staff are earning honors for their contributions to our stature as a national leader in higher education.

Finally, Alabama Athletics welcomed Rob Vaughn as the Crimson Tide’s head baseball coach. And with the SEC’s release of the 2024 football schedule, we can look forward to both an exciting season this fall and four competitive conference matchups in Bryant-Denny Stadium for fall 2024.

Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from The President – June 14, 2023

• June 14th, 2023
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

The University of Alabama will appoint Dr. Steven Hood vice president for the Division of Student Life, pending approval of his compensation by The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees. Hood has more than 20 years of experience in student affairs, with more than a decade at UA. 

After earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of West Alabama, Hood began his professional higher education career at Samford University where he served as a residence life area coordinator while earning his master’s degree in public administration from Troy University. 

While pursuing his Doctor of Education in learning and leadership from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Hood served as director of Housing and Residence Life and assistant vice chancellor for Student Housing. 

Shortly after completing his doctorate, he joined UA as executive director of Housing and Residential Communities in 2011. In his time at UA, he has served in various roles providing direct leadership and oversight to every functional area of the Division of Student Life at some point. 

As the vice president for Student Life, Hood will provide strategic leadership to enhance and improve the support, community and learning opportunities available to UA students.

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from The President – June 13, 2023

• June 13th, 2023
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

One of our Strategic Plan goals is to enrich our learning and working environment with an accepting, inclusive community. Each semester, I affirm the University’s pledge to promote and preserve a safe, respectful campus. We remain committed to preventing and addressing all prohibited discrimination and sexual misconduct on our campus. 

The Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy details what is considered prohibited conduct, how to report, available supportive measures, and the University’s prevention, education and awareness efforts. Students, employees and visitors are encouraged to report harassment or discrimination, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation or other sexual misconduct concerns. 

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Pograms in 2418 Capital Hall collaborates with administration, departments, faculty and staff to provide comprehensive resources to students and employees. For information about the office’s services or to report sexual misconduct, contact UA Title IX Coordinator Jessica Humber at 205-348-5496 or titleix@ua.edu.

The dedicated sworn, state-commissioned police officers of The University of Alabama Police Department provide a comprehensive array of services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A criminal report can be filed with UAPD by phone (205-348-5454) or at their headquarters (1110 Jackson Ave.). In an on-campus emergency, use a clearly marked bright blue emergency phone for a direct line to UAPD.

The Women and Gender Resource Center provides victim advocacy and counseling services for all University community members who are survivors of interpersonal violence, as well as family and friends impacted by the abuse. On-call advocates are available at 205-348-5040 for crisis intervention and support 24 hours a day. After hours, including weekends and holidays, reach the advocate through UAPD at 205-348-5454.

The UAct Program centrally locates information on reporting sexual misconduct and other concerns. The Sexual Assault and Misconduct Services website summarizes our confidential reporting and counseling options. 

Other confidential services include the Counseling Center, with counseling and outreach programs for students, and the Capstone Family Therapy Clinic, offering psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families. The Employee Assistance Program assists eligible employees and family members in resolving a variety of work-related and personal concerns. The Tuscaloosa Safe Center, a 24/7 sexual assault crisis center, provides free, compassionate, patient-centered services.

We share a responsibility to create and maintain a culture of safety and respect. I encourage you to continue supporting our ongoing effort to combat and prevent sexual misconduct by familiarizing yourself with these important resources. 

Stuart R. Bell
President

The Year’s Legendary Moments

• May 11th, 2023
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff, 

Over the past year we witnessed bold accomplishments that portray the resilient spirit and renowned standard of excellence long associated with the Capstone. 

I invite you to take a look back at some of our legendary moments, which are gauges for further influence, farther reach and future success. 

Together, we are advancing the Flagship to even greater heights. 

Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell 
President

A Message from Dr. Stuart R. Bell

• May 1st, 2023
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Finals week begins today, and our community is bustling with activities as we wrap up the spring semester. 

Students, I wish you all the best as you apply the knowledge and skills learned in your coursework to your exams. We all value the expertise and opportunities provided by our esteemed UA faculty, and we are proud of your many achievements. 

Congratulations to the Manderson MBA Case Team for the strong culmination of this year’s competitions. Team members traveled to eight events in six states, earning three first-place wins and more than $39,000 in prize money.

Please help me welcome Dr. Tiffany Sippial, who has been named the next dean of our Honors College. Dr. Sippial will begin July 5, and we look forward to her contributions and leadership.

With the close of our sixth annual Bama Blitz, I greatly appreciate our faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends for consistently supporting our mission by generously donating to projects that amplify the Alabama experience. Over $2 million was raised from nearly 1,500 donors during the campaign.

Finally, congratulations to our graduates who will be honored at commencement this weekend. The Spring Class of 2023 features students from all 50 states and includes 651 first-generation students. From this class’s 16-year-old youngest graduate to a proud 77-year-old, there are no limits when we’re focused on success and readied for the future at The University of Alabama.

Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
President