University of Alabama will host Lilly Ledbetter, advocate for pay equality
Tuscaloosa News – Aug. 20
Alabama native and gender-pay equality advocate Lilly Ledbetter will give a public lecture and take questions on Aug. 29 during the Blackburn Institute’s annual symposium at the University of Alabama. The leadership institute’s two-day symposium will be Aug. 28-29 in the Ferguson Center. This symposium’s theme will be “Courage in Alabama,” which will be explored through discussions of topics including prison reform, education, and economic development. The symposium requires registration, but Ledbetter’s talk in the Ferguson theater, which will conclude the event, is free and open to the public. Ledbetter will give the Frank A. Nix Memorial Lecture at 3 p.m. Aug 29. The lecture is co-sponsored by the UA Panhellenic Council. Seating will begin at 2 p.m. and will be first come, first served. Her memoir, “Grace and Grit,” will be available for sale, and Ledbetter will be available for to sign books immediately after her talk. Ledbetter was also on the UA campus during the spring semester as a speaker during the inaugural Culverhouse Leadership Diversity Competition.
Alabama Scientists Develop New Weir Approach For Wetland Studies
Environmental Monitor – Aug. 20
Researchers at the University of Alabama have come up with a new method to study wetland dynamics, according to a release from the school. The method relies on constructing weirs, which the scientists say can also be used in investigations studying sea level rise. Much of the hardware needed to use weirs for wetland studies can be easily sourced. All that’s really needed to put one up is sheets of plastic, wood and some nails or screws. From there, the three-sided constructions, with one side being replaced by shorelines, are straightforward to install. The method was developed at the National Estuarine Research Reserve at Alabama’s Mobile Bay while U. Alabama scientists were looking for ways to study the effects of flooding on wetlands. The scientists note that using weirs is comparable to using mesocosms for wetland research, but say that their weir approach is superior because mesocosm creation typically disturbs marsh ecosystems.
Are men incapable of having platonic relationships with women?
The Telegraph (U.K.) – Aug. 19
In Thomas Hardy’s tragic rural romance Jude the Obscure, Sue tells her love interest and cousin that women could maintain a non-sexual relationship with the opposite sex but “men can’t, because they — won’t.” “An average woman,” she continues, “Is in this superior to an average man — that she never instigates, only responds.” Thanks very much, Sue. No Christmas card for you … But is she right? … A recent study has revealed that most people think a little bit better of us menfolk than Mr. Hardy (and Sue). Researchers at The University of Alabama surveyed 418 college students and found that both genders are equally optimistic about men and women being platonic friends. However, the findings also revealed that both sexes assume the majority (63pc) of cross-gender friendships involve some kind of secret romantic interest, and that the sex more likely to try it on was – you’ve guessed it – the man (61pc vs 54pc). Oh Alabama, you were doing so well! William Hart, study’s leader and Assistant Professor of Social Psychology at Alabama, told me that the belief that men are less capable of platonic cross-sex friendships “has a kernel of truth to it” as “men do struggle more than women with sexual interest in these relationships.”
We’re looking for Alabama’s Top HR Executives
Birmingham Business Journal – Aug. 20
We hear it time and again from the most successful companies in Birmingham: our secret ingredient is our people. But to keep those people happy, it often takes a tremendous, innovative human resources department. Thanks to increasing regulations and massive changes like the Affordable Care Act, HR managers’ plates are fuller than ever. But their work is critical when trying to create a great workplace. Because of the critical role they play, the Birmingham Business Journal is preparing to honor Alabama’s Top HR Executives in an upcoming awards program. Does your company have a talented HR pro? If so, tell us about him or her by making a nomination. You can click here to nominate. The deadline is Sept. 10. We’re specifically looking for nominees who have sparked tangible results at their companies, such as improved retention. Their involvement in innovative wellness programs or similar initiatives is a plus. This year, we are partnering with the University of Alabama on these awards, which will be presented during the Human Resources Management Conference on Oct. 6-7 at The Club. Click here for more details on the event.
Back to School at Shelton and UA (gallery)
Tuscaloosa News – Aug. 19
Students walk to and from classes across the Quad at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala. on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015. Wednesday was the first day of the fall 2015 semester at UA as well as Shelton State Community College.