UA in the News: June 25, 2013

University of Kentucky instructor named dean of UA College of Nursing
Al.com – June 25
Suzanne Prevost, a current associate dean and nursing instructor at the University of Kentucky, has been named dean of the University of Alabama College of Nursing. Prevost will assume her duties on Aug. 16, when current dean Sara Barger steps down. “Dr. Sara Barger is an outstanding nurse leader who has developed a strong team and an excellent local reputation,” Prevost said in a press release. “It is an honor to follow in her footsteps. I am anxious to build upon the foundation she has established to maintain the high academic standards and to promote the research, scholarship and national visibility of the faculty and the college. Prevost first visited the university several years ago as part of a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accreditation team, and notes the “innovation, collaboration and the commitment to flexible program delivery that is demonstrated by the nursing faculty and the larger University,” drew her attention. A native of Pennsylvania, Prevost received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing there at Villa Maria College. She moved South for her Master of Science in Nursing at Medical University of South Carolina at Charleston and her doctorate at Texas Women’s University in Houston.

UA Researchers Work to Solve Gridlock on Birmingham Roads
Fox 6 (Birmingham) – June 24
A new survey by the University Transportation Center for Alabama at the University of Alabama seeks to identify transportation needs from travelers. It’s an opportunity for everyday people to voice their concerns in a civil and anonymous manor. Once the results are gathered from transportation users, a survey will be given to transportation providers. The two studies will then be combined, to hopefully bridge the gap between the public and officials.

Foster youth to learn about college life during University of Alabama summer program
Al.com – June 25
More than 40 high school students who are emancipated, living in foster care or wards of the state will get a taste of college life this week as they tour the University of Alabama and learn more about higher education. The Guardian Scholars Precollegiate Summer Program, sponsored by the nsoro Foundation and UA’s Alabama Reach initiative, is designed to expose high school students to different aspects of college life.

United in Our Differences: Changing the Face of MSE
JOM: The Journal of The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS.) – June 2013
As with every other field in science and engineering, much effort has been expended in the last few decades on increasing the number of individuals pursuing careers in materials science and engineering to ensure that future workforce demands can be met. Although representing half the potential pool of professionals, women are still a distinct minority in these ranks, with ongoing debate and study as to how to better recruit and retain them…The following pages share just a few stories of women who have chosen to call MSE their professional home…Viola Acoff, professor and head of UA’s Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, was featured in the article.

Seoul to be Showcased at Korea MICE Expo 2013
Focus on Travel News – June 24
Seoul’s meetings industry will take center stage this coming June 26-27, when members of the international business events community, including buyers, key industry professionals, and media attend Korea MICE Expo (KME) 2013 at the city’s Coex convention and exhibition center…The program will be hosted by Miguel Neves, Knowledge & Social Media Manager for the IMEX Group, and guest speakers include Seoul Convention Bureau vice-president Maureen O’Crowley and Tyra Hilliard, an associate professor at University of Alabama and winner of the STO’s What Is Gangnam Style social media promotion held last November.

SALINE: Hometown girl Haley Williams crowned Miss Michigan
Manchester Enterprise (Mich.) – June 25
Having the crown placed on her head was just the beginning for Saline’s Haley Williams who took the 2013 Miss Michigan title a few weeks ago at Fraunthal Center for the Performing Arts in Muskegon. This was the first year she competed for the title winning over 32 other contestants and winning a $10,000 scholarship…She will be taking a year off of school to represent the pageant before returning to the University of Alabama where she is studying public relations and communication.