UA Student’s ‘Dean for A Day’ Wish Results in Service Day

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa to host “Roll Tide Recovery,” a community service day to help Tuscaloosa tornado recovery efforts.

The day of service will take place Saturday, Aug. 24.

The service day is the result of UA sophomore Alexis Williams’ winning entry in a “Dean for a Day” social media campaign held by UA’s College of Arts and Sciences this spring. The contest asked students what they would do if they were dean for a day. The campaign was designed to enhance social media efforts, while gaining feedback from students on what they would like to see occur around campus.

Williams, a criminal justice major from Birmingham, won the contest. She said she would use her time as dean for a day to host a relief project for victims of the April 27, 2011 tornado. Williams met with Dr. Robert Olin, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and sponsor of the contest, this spring to learn more about the responsibilities of being a dean and to share ideas with Olin for a tornado relief project.

“This is something I have wanted to see happen for quite some time,” said Olin. “I am proud to see our students take such strong interest in the community around them and want to give back.”

“Being able to partner with my peers and help the victims of the tornado warms my heart,” said Williams. “I want to see people receive the necessary resources needed to rebuild not only their homes but also to help them rebuild their lives.”

Roll Tide Recovery will be held all day Aug. 24. There will be two work shifts, one from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and another from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lunch and refreshments will be provided for all volunteers. All volunteers must register prior to Aug. 24. To register as a volunteer, contact Kevin Lake, coordinator of student services in UA’s College of Arts and Sciences, at kevin.lake@ua.edu or 205/348-6814.

The College of Arts and Sciences is UA’s largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships, Truman Scholarships, and memberships on the USA Today Academic All American Team.