Sankofa African-American Museum on Wheels visits UA
Fox 6 (Birmingham) – March 23
A globally recognized exhibit has made its first stop at The University of Alabama. The Sankofa African-American Museum on Wheels parked at the Capstone School of Social Work today. Historian Angela Jennings covers hundreds of years of history from slavery to the Tuskegee Airmen and beyond. Jennings has been traveling for about 20 years.
Fox 6 (Birmingham) – March 24
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – March 23
UA to host Service Member to Civilian Summit (Live Interview)
ABC 33/40 (Birmingham) – March 23
After military members have served, the transition back into civilian life isn’t always an easy one. Joining me today is Crystal Ransom. She’s an Army wife. And Dr. Karl Hamner, an assistant dean at The University of Alabama. They’re joining us today to talk about the Service Member to Civilian Summit.
Poke your feet out of the covers to sleep better tonight
Canberra Times (Australia) – March 23
As far as sleep aids go, they don’t come much simpler. But keeping your feet outside the covers may be one of the best ways to induce a night of quality shut-eye. The trick’s premise is that our body temperature decreases when we go to sleep. By the time you reach the deepest stage of the night’s sleep, your core body temperature is one or two degrees below normal. Maintaining airflow over your feet (or hands) assists the thermoregulation process – at least in the summer months, when your room is warmer … According to New York magazine, the feet-out-of-the-covers trick has never been the subject of scientific investigation. But Natalie Dautovich, of the University of Alabama, said the principle makes sense. “Sticking your toe out or your foot out could bring you to a more restorative sleep,” she told the magazine.
Alabama needs more state troopers
Montgomery Advertiser – March 23
More speeding drivers. More aggressive drivers. Fewer DUI checkpoints that keep impaired drivers off the road. Longer wait times for law enforcement agents at accident scenes. Those are the results that accrue when the number of state troopers patrolling highways falls below a critical mass. Absent their watchful eyes, some drivers ignore speed limits and otherwise break the law in ways that endanger everyone. That’s the reckless status quo in Alabama, where trooper force numbers for years have been far below needed levels. The dearth of troopers is yet another negative consequence of irresponsible budget cuts for the most basic state functions. In 2014, only 289 troopers patrolled the state’s 67 counties … Minimally, Alabama needs 1,016 troopers, according to a new study by the University of Alabama’s Center for Advanced Public Safety. The staggering shortfall of nearly 600 troopers poses an unacceptable risk to all who use the roads, including troopers themselves, who face life-threatening scenarios when they respond to potentially violent situations with no backup nearby.
Communication studies to host spring colloquia
Crimson White – March 24
This spring, the department of communication studies will host a Spring Colloquia Series to showcase the research of faculty and graduate students. The department requires graduate students to present their research before completing their masters’ degrees, but faculty members can present their research as well to hear the opinions and advice of their colleagues. The series takes place in the fall and spring semesters and includes presentations, workshops, discussions and readings. “For some [graduate students], this is the closest experience they will have to giving a scholarly conference presentation,” said Beth Bennett, chair of the department of communication studies. “Having to respond to the Q-and-A afterwards is also a good experience for job interviews and other types of formal situations where they must think and respond without a script.” While the series has been around for many years, it now focuses more heavily on diversity. Each year in October, the department of communication studies partners with Safe Zone to host a workshop and discussion panel for LGBT History Month. Lecturers for the event include Jason Garvey in 2013, Tony Adams in 2014 and Mary Weems in 2015.
Bonner’s UA cookbook to return
Crimson White – March 24
The College of Human Environmental Sciences is bringing back a cookbook started by the University’s current president. “Nothing But the Best,” developed 20 years ago by Judy Bonner while she was dean of HES, will be a collection of recipes from students, faculty, alumni and friends of the University. The cookbook was originally developed to unite members of the University community and to create scholarships for HES students. “The first edition of the cookbook is a well-loved treasure that many members of the community regularly reference in their kitchens,” said Theresa Mince, a graduate student studying health studies who is working on the cookbook. Mary Meyer, professor and assistant dean of HES, said she loves to cook and has taught cooking classes for 35 years. “Being able to work on a project that combines my passion for foods and being able to help the college all in one, what could be better?” she said.
UA Revive members empower high schoolers
Crimson White – March 24
The University of Alabama’s Revive Progress Association has made efforts to make voter registration more convenient for University of Alabama students, working with political organizations and by providing high school students with opportunities to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. RPA focused specifically on mentoring in two schools, Oak Hill and Central High School, and it collaborated with The University of Alabama to help students succeed. Trevin Fluker, a junior majoring in political science and president of RPA, said the organization began as a partnership between UA students and the principal of Central High School. “A class was developed in the New College with a ten-day program that focuses on getting CHS of off the failing school list,” he said.
Moore emphasizes volunteerism
Crimson White – March 24
Matt Moore is a senior at The University of Alabama and the president of Al’s Pals. With law school in his sights, he is triple majoring in political science, public relations and economics. Q: Why did you decide to first get involved with the Al’s Pals organization? A: It was sophomore year and I was taking a good look at myself and said, ‘You’ve done well academically but you haven’t done anything extracurricularly.’ I heard about Al’s Pals and from my experience working with kids in high school, I thought it would be my best fit. Q: What is your most memorable moment at Al’s Pals (or as a tutor)? A: My most memorable moment was with a girl I tutor. She loves recess but absolutely hates math, so I told her in order to go play basketball she needs to do her math. The next day she was telling me we need to hurry up and get to work so she can go play. It was an incredible feeling.
CHOM to host Duck Derby at UA pool
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – March 23
The ducks are coming. Rubber ducks to be exact! The Children’s Hands on Museum is hosting their 9th annual Duck Derby on Sunday at The University of Alabama’s outdoor pool. The money raised helps CHOM to fund their programs.