Alabama colleges fare well in new ranking
Birmingham News — May 7
In the latest alternative to U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of colleges and universities, the Washington, D.C.-based Center for College Affordability and Productivity has produced a ranking system that puts three Alabama schools near the top of the heap nationally. The Center’s rankings have…The University of Alabama ranked No. 42 in that category and No. 7 among the nation’s public universities….The Center instead gauges student satisfaction and success after leaving college. Its ratings begin with student evaluations posted on Ratemyprofessors.com. The Center takes into account graduation rates….It also calculates the percent of students winning awards such as Rhodes Scholarships and undergraduate Fulbright travel grants. For success after graduation, the Center uses listings in Who’s Who in America….UA’s executive vice president and provost, Judy Bonner, said the ranking was especially gratifying because it’s based in part on student evaluations. “Clearly, this ranking reflects the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff in providing an outstanding education to our students,” she said.
New UA program to award 1st degree: Construction engineering started in 2006
Tuscaloosa News – May 7
After four years of undergraduate work at the University of Alabama, senior Michael Smothers is ready for a career in construction. He will be the first student to receive a degree in construction engineering from the university. Founded in 2006, the UA program is one of 10 in the country and the only construction engineering program in the Gulf States region. The major blends traditional engineering skills with an emphasis on on-site construction techniques and management.
Business school dean named top citizen by Civitans
Tuscaloosa News – May 7
When Barry Mason accepted the award for the Civitan Club’s Citizen of the Year Tuesday night, he joined a time-honored tradition of service to the larger community. Mason, dean of the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration, was the 75th recipient of the award, which honors those who have made extraordinary contributions to their community.
WVUA, Tuscaloosa – May 6
Athletic Academic Progress Report
Tuscaloosa News – May 7
There were no surprises for the University of Alabama on Tuesday when the National Collegiate Athletic Association released its annual Academic Progress Rate report, the organization’s benchmark for how well athletic programs maintain eligibility and graduate athletes. While nearly 150 college teams face possible scholarship losses next season and 26 others are in danger of being banned from postseason play if they don’t immediately improve, every Crimson Tide team finished above the mandated cut score.
All Tide sports teams pass APR inspection
Mobile Press-Register – May 6
Capstone College of Nursing Dean Says Demand is Great for Nurses
WVUA, Tuscaloosa –May 6
The dean of the Capstone College of Nursing at the University of Alabama says by the year 2020, the demand for nurses will reach about 1 million. She says nurses are in high demand now. In the 1980s and ‘90s, the number of nursing students was low, and that’s left a need for more nurses, especially as the U.S. population ages.
IIS Announces Hall of Fame Award Recipients
National Underwriter – May 6
Insurance leaders from three different countries have been voted into the International Insurance Society’s (IIS) Hall of Fame. This year’s award recipients are Patrick Ryan, founder and executive chairman of Chicago-based Aon Corp.; Dominic D’Alessadro, of Canada, president and chief executive officer of Manulife Financial; and actuary G.S. Diwan, of India. . . . IIS said there are currently 119 laureates in the Insurance Hall of Fame from more than 20 countries. IIS added that the Hall of Fame was instituted in 1957 by the Griffith Foundation for Insurance Education, Columbus, Ohio, and later moved to The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala.