We can’t skip over the coming year, but if we could we would find 2011 a lot better year, economically-speaking, says Ahmad Ijaz, economic analyst at the Center for Business and Economic Research at The University of Alabama.
Alabama’s population will be undercounted in the 2010 census, says Annette Jones Watters, manager of the Alabama State Data Center at The University of Alabama. This will mean millions of lost dollars for the state over the coming decade, she predicts.
Colleges and universities will expanding their graduate education offerings in 2010, predicts Dr. Stephen Katsinas, professor of higher education administration and director of The University of Alabama Education Policy Center.
Bradley Byrne, the former chancellor of the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education, and U.S. Rep. Artur Davis figure to face off in November 2010 for the post of governor of Alabama, but both face significant challenges in the upcoming primaries, a University of Alabama political scientist says.
Demand for oil will not recover significantly until the world economy improves, so there will not be supply problems to drive up the price of oil in the coming year, says a University of Alabama engineering professor who closely follows the markets.
As more people use social media platforms, they will begin moving away from using the term “social media” in the new year, predicts Dr. Karla Gower, associate professor of advertising and public relations.
The rise of the “recessionista” will continue in 2010, according to Brian Taylor, instructor of clothing, textiles & interior design at The University of Alabama.
As budget cuts in education continue, we will see more use of mobile technologies in the classroom in 2010, predicts Dr. Vivian Wright, a University of Alabama educator.
According to Rebecca Kelly, director of health promotion and wellness at The University of Alabama, the added attention to the issue of obesity will inspire some to make better food choices, but others—not so much.
Look for an increase in “techno-shopping” in the coming months, says Dr. Kristy Reynolds, Bruno Associate Professor of Marketing at The University of Alabama Culverhouse College of Commerce.