Summer at the Capstone has a rhythm all its own and remains a season of steady momentum, with visible signs of progress across campus.
Students are taking classes, launching internships, conducting research and arriving for Bama Bound Orientation. Faculty remain hard at work in labs, studios and classrooms, while staff across campus prepare spaces and support programs that help everything run well. Construction projects also continue advancing as we invest in the future of this University.
I am grateful for the many ways you are working as a team, strengthening our community and helping students grow and succeed.
– Peter
Developing Leaders Through Learning and Experience
- One of the things I appreciate most about UA is the many ways leadership takes shape here. Lilly Roehrig, recently selected for the prestigious Udall Scholarship, reflects the curiosity and real-world problem-solving skills students develop as they prepare to make a meaningful difference through service to their communities and professions.
- I have always believed discovery takes many forms, including through the arts. Allison Grant, associate professor of art, was recently awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, highlighting the kind of creativity and mentorship that enrich learning and inspire students.
Discovery That Improves Lives and Expands Understanding
- As artificial intelligence continues reshaping how we live and work, it is exciting to see UA students exploring not only what these tools can do, but also how to use them wisely and responsibly. Through coursework examining the ethical dilemmas of AI, they are asking important questions and thinking carefully about ethics, responsibility and good judgment in a changing world.
- Our students are learning alongside faculty whose work reaches far beyond campus. Drs. James J. Cochran and Xinyue Ye were recently recognized with a lifetime honor by the American Association for the Advancement of Science for shaping important work in their fields.
Strengthening Communities Through Service
- Our work as the flagship matters because of the people we develop and the communities we serve. Social Work helps students support communities and advocate for others, work recently reflected in Dr. Leah P. Cheatham receiving the 2026 Buford Peace Award.
Stewarding Progress Through Shared Leadership
- Universities are strongest when people share a common purpose. I look forward to continuing to partner with Dr. Lesley Reid in her new role as provost as we support students, expand academic programs and build on the progress happening across campus.
Crimson Tide Momentum
- Alabama softball is headed to the Women’s College World Series semifinals. Congratulations to our student-athletes and coaches on an exciting postseason run and the focus and grit that helped bring them to one of the sport’s biggest stages.
- Congratulations as well to the No. 7 nationally seeded Alabama baseball team on advancing to the NCAA Super Regionals and the opportunity to host postseason baseball in Tuscaloosa. I am proud of our student-athletes and coaches for the discipline and teamwork that helped make this achievement possible.
Voices of UA
“They said this is meant to show us what you can do and encouraged me to go with it. [The CLC Fashion Experience] is such a great step to get my foot in the door of this industry. I’m truly honored and grateful.”
Mary Helen White, apparel design student, reflecting on faculty encouragement during the Fashion Playbook design competition