Alabama, Auburn earn spot on best value list
Florence Times Daily – July 6
Obtaining a higher education after high school isn’t cheap, but for students heading to the University of Alabama and Auburn University, there’s value in attending those particular colleges, according to the 2010 Kiplinger Rankings of the top 100 values in public colleges. The annual report ranks Auburn at number 63 and Alabama at 65. Recent Sheffield High School graduate Monica Coke…Her decision was academically-based and it just so happens that she also fared well with scholarships to the university, located in Tuscaloosa. “I’m majoring in microbiology and their program is really strong,” she said. “I’m going into genetics, and at Alabama I’ll have the opportunity to do some really specialized genetic testing.” Through the university, she’ll receive $3,500 per year for scoring 29 on her ACT, an endowment scholarship and several other one-time scholarships. Her classes, when she gets into her major field of study, will be small and she’ll have mentors who’ll work with her on an individual basis. “They’re really helping me on a personal level,” she said. “I wanted to be away to experience new things, but I didn’t want to go too far from home. Tuscaloosa just fit.”… Nicki Graham, a licensed professional counselor with Renaissance Counseling Services in Florence…“I urge students to be engaged in their college experience, on every level. And if parents are going to give merit to reports like this, they need to visit those campuses first. The University of Alabama had a huge amount of money for scholarships this year and their honors program is especially good.”
Gambling antes up $4.1 million in Alabama primary
Birmingham News – July 4
… “Gambling is a big issue,” said David Lanoue, University of Alabama’s political science department chairman. “It’s a life-and-death struggle for them, survive and thrive or shut down.”… But gambling PAC money even has gone to three candidates running for Jefferson County Commission, disclosures show. “It’s mostly going to people already on their side,” Lanoue said. “Ron Sparks has indicated comfort with gambling, at least taxing it. The legislative races are especially important because the balance of power in the Legislature is in question.” … How much more gambling money will hit campaign coffers over the next four months will depend on how tight key races are running, Lanoue said. “It will go everywhere they think it will be helpful,” he said. “It may depend on what the polls look like — if Ron Sparks has a chance in the governor’s race, if the Supreme Court races are close or lopsided.”…
Tuscaloosa News – July 5
University of Alabama honors lists
Tuscaloosa News – July 6
The spring 2010 lists include the following area students…