MONDAY, DEC. 21, 2015 – SUNDAY, JAN 3, 2016
BEST BETS
RESEARCHER SEES LEADERSHIP DO’S AND DON’TS WITHIN TOY CHARACTERS –Parents looking for holiday gifts that instill character should check out the Transformer toys and DVDs, a UA researcher says. In a study to be printed in the spring, Dr. Peter Harms, UA assistant professor of management in the Culverhouse College of Commerce, says the Transformers franchise provides key lessons about leadership, teams and the characteristics necessary to get ahead. “We were trying to have a little a fun in what is a traditionally very serious discipline,” Harms said. “Leaders are important individuals in organizations. Their decisions and the way they treat those around them can make or break the firms and teams they lead.” The special issue concerns leadership in unusual contexts. The study, “Children’s Stories as a Foundation for Leadership Schemas: More than Meets the Eye,” by Harms and his coauthor, Seth Spain of Binghamton University, will be featured in Emerald Group Publishing’s book series “Monographs in Leadership and Management.” Harms, who is NOT available for on-camera interviews, may be reached at pdharms@cba.ua.edu. For assistance, contact Richard LeComte in media relations, rllecomte@ur.ua.edu, 205/394-3040.
UA LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE – The University of Alabama unveiled a new website. The newly designed site features responsive design technology, which allows the screen to collapse to fit all screen sizes for mobile, tablet, laptop and desktop devices. It has a strong emphasis on photography, and it integrates video and social media to drive engagement and interaction. To arrange interviews about the site, contact Chris Bryant in media relations, 205/348-8323 or cbryant@ur.uaedu.
WHAT’S IN STORE FOR 2016? CHECK OUT UA’S ANNUAL FACULTY PREDICTION PACKAKGE – For the 35th consecutive year, UA’s Office of Media Relations offers predictions from faculty experts for the coming year. Our “Educated Guesses” for the new year include: Trump Will Make a Run, but Clinton Will Prevail, Package Delivery by Drones Closer to Reality, In-state Jobs to Increase, Cheap Natural Gas Means No Return to Coal. For more information, contact, Chris Bryant, cbryant@ur.ua.edu, 205/348-8323 (print/online media) or Shane Dorrill, sdorrill@ur.ua.edu, 205/348-8319 (broadcast media).
HONORS COLLEGE EXPANDS EDUCATION OUTREACH – UA’s Honors College is expanding its Education Outreach program beginning in 2016. Education Outreach pairs Honors College mentors with underprivileged students in the Tuscaloosa County and Tuscaloosa City school systems to provide them with guidance and positive influence. Some 265 Honors College students participate in three mentoring initiatives: a literacy program for elementary students; a character development program for middle school students; and a science, technology, engineering, arts and math program for pre-kindergarten children. By the start of the spring 2016 semester, the number of student volunteers is expected to increase to more than 400 as Education Outreach adds more schools to its scope and doubles the number of shifts during which mentors work with children. The program is estimated to reach some 1,000 children a week next year. Contact: Richard LeComte, media relations, rllecomte@ur.ua.edu, 205/348-3782.
UA EXPERT TIPS
UA MATTERS: HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP QUALITY — Before giving up on getting a good night’s sleep, consider your “sleep hygiene” before you throw in the towel. You spend one-third of your life sleeping. It is worth the investment to make sure that one-third of your life is the best it can be. UA’s Dr. Norma G. Cuellar offers some tips for sleep hygiene to improve those hours of sleep in this week’s UA Matters. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA media relations, at 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.
UA MATTERS: STOCKING STUFFERS FOR CHILDREN – Although holiday shopping is in full swing, stocking stuffers seem to get lost in the shuffle. Sometimes it’s difficult to come up with cute ideas for your children. UA’s Amy Walker provides some tips on finding the ideal stocking stuffers for your children. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA media relations, at 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.
LOOKING AHEAD
UA EcoCAR 3 TEAM TO UNVEIL CAR –The UA EcoCAR 3 team will unveil its 2016 Chevrolet Camaro at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 5, 2016, at Tuscaloosa Chevrolet. Media are invited to attend for interviews with team members and get access to the car for photos or videos. After nearly 18 months preparing, the EcoCAR 3 team received their all-new Camaro from General Motors and is beginning to transform it into an advanced, significantly more energy-efficient vehicle that should maintain the original speed and performance of the muscle car. Contact: Adam Jones, media relations, acjones12@eng.ua.edu, 205/348-6444.
REALIZING THE DREAM — Award-winning South African artist Jonathan Butler will be the featured performer for the 2016 Realizing the Dream Concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, at the Moody Music Concert Hall on UA’s campus. Sponsors are Shelton State Community College, Stillman College, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and UA. This will be the Tuscaloosa area’s 27th annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Former U.S. attorney G. Douglas Jones will deliver the annual Legacy Banquet lecture at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in downtown Tuscaloosa. Legacy Banquet tickets are $25 for individuals or $200 for a table of 10. Dress is semiformal. Concert tickets are $15. Tickets for both events will go on sale through the Moody Music Building box office Wednesday, Jan. 6. Box office hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday; phone 205/348-7111. For more information about Realizing the Dream activities and events, email community.affairs@ua.edu. Contact: Richard LeComte, media relations, rllecomte@ur.ua.edu, 205/348-3782.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK CONFERENCE SLATED FOR JAN. 14 – The UA Center for Business and Economic Research’s 28th Annual Economic Outlook Conference takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, at the Embassy Suites in downtown Montgomery. This year’s speakers include Dr. Robert E. Witt, chancellor of the UA System, and Dr. David Bronner, CEO of Retirement Systems of Alabama. Registration of $150 is due by Jan. 11. Contact: Ahmad Ijaz, Center for Business and Economic Research, 205/348-2955, Aijaz@culverhouse.ua.edu; or Edith Parten, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8318, eparten@culverhouse.ua.edu.