ANNOUNCEMENT
Due to the need for social distancing, UA is operating under limited business operations, which includes remote work assignments. While employees in the department of communications are working remotely, they are available to assist members of the media. Reporters are encouraged to contact the sources below or to use our experts directory to find contact information for other subject matter experts.
BEST BETS
UA CROSSINGPOINTS STUDENT WINS NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP – Melissa Walker, a member of UA’s CrossingPoints Certificate in Occupational Studies Program, was recently awarded the Ruby’s Rainbow Warriors for Walt Scholarship. Walker, a native of Tuscaloosa, is the first UA CrossingPoints student to receive a scholarship through Ruby’s Rainbow, a national nonprofit organization that grants scholarships to adults with Down syndrome who are seeking post-secondary education, enrichment or vocational classes. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.
PUBLIC RELATIONS PROGRAM NAMED NO. 1 IN COUNTRY BY PRWEEK – The University of Alabama was recently recognized for offering the nation’s top public relations program. The UA Department of Advertising and Public Relations was named the Most Outstanding Education Program by PRWeek during the 2020 PRWeek Awards in late July. It is the department’s ninth recognition as a finalist for the award, and first selection as the top program. For more information, contact Rand Nelson, UA College of Communications and Information Sciences, at james.nelson@ua.edu.
CURRENT COMMENT
FOR ECONOMY TO SURVIVE, HELP NEEDED FROM D.C. AND CITIZENS – Dr. Sam Addy, associate dean for economic development outreach and senior research economist for the Center for Business and Economic Research in the Culverhouse College of Business is available to offer insight into the effect COVID-19 on the national and state economy. “The help coming from the federal government and the discussion of new aide are not stimulus bills,” Addy said. “They are actions and investment for survival of the economy. If we don’t survive, nothing else matters.” Along with federal aid, people need to do their part in practicing and following public health mandates and guidelines, he said. “We can pass all the policies and bills, but if we the people don’t embrace doing what we can do, as well, it will be a challenging environment.” For more information, contact Dr. Sam Addy at saddy@cba.ua.edu.
UA EXPERTS AVAILABLE TO DISCUSS ISSUES AMID CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC – Faculty at UA are available to discuss aspects of the coronavirus pandemic including topics related to health care, education and the economy. This list will be updated, so check back often for new sources. For assistance with reaching any of these sources or for topics not highlighted, contact Shane Dorrill at shane.dorrill@ua.edu.
NEED A SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT ON TOPICS MAKING NEWS? – See our frequently updated experts directory here.
VISIT THE UA NEWS CENTER FOR STORY IDEAS.