BEST BETS
11 ALABAMIANS CHOSEN FOR NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED RURAL MEDICAL PROGRAM — The University of Alabama’s Rural Health Scholars Program recently accepted 11 students from around the state studying to become physicians with plans to practice in rural Alabama communities. The Rural Medical Scholars Program, part of the UA College of Community Health Sciences, is a five-year medical education program that leads to obtaining a medical degree. The program is exclusively for rural Alabama students who want to become physicians and practice in rural communities. It has been cited nationally as a model initiative. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.
UA HONORED BY GOVERNOR IVEY FOR DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE — UA was named the Alabama Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities Large Business Employer of the Year. Over the past two and a half years, through a partnership with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, the University Enable Program served to drive disability inclusion within the workforce community and state. The purpose of the program and partnership is to provide a work-based learning experience for individuals with disabilities within various university departments. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.
NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION TO HONOR YOUNG ALUMNI WITH NEW AWARD — The University of Alabama National Alumni Association is accepting nominations for the inaugural 18 Under 31 Young Alumni Awards. The awards honor outstanding young graduates who have made significant contributions to their industry, field or community. A complete list of criteria for the award can be found on the 18 Under 31 website. Nominations may be submitted through Oct. 14. Recipients will be announced later this year and will be recognized at the 18 Under 31 Young Alumni Awards ceremony on Jan. 20, 2023. For more information, contact Julia Service, National Alumni Association, at jmservice@ua.edu.
RECORDS BROKEN: UA SEES HIGHEST ENROLLMENT, NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS — Enrollment at The University of Alabama reached a record this fall. It includes some of the most academically talented students and a record number of National Merit Scholars. The 38,645 students enrolled tops the previous record of 38,563 set in 2017. This fall there are also 1,088 students recognized as National Merit Scholars, the most ever to attend the Capstone and 16% more than a year ago. For more information, contact Deidre Stalnaker, UA Strategic Communications, deidre.stalnaker@ua.edu.
UA, AUBURN FANS CLASH IN CITIZEN SCIENCE COMPETITION — A new competition aims to excite everyone’s inner scientist by bringing the gridiron competition of the Iron Bowl into the realm of citizen science. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System has organized the Marble Bowl for fans of The University of Alabama and Auburn University to compete in collecting much-needed data for Alabama’s ecosystems. The competition is ongoing throughout the fall and will end Nov. 27. For more information, contact Rebecca Johnson, UA Museums, at rljohnson8@ua.edu.
CURRENT COMMENT
BUSINESS SUITS, LEATHER HEADLINE FALL FASHION TRENDS — “While temperatures haven’t cooled much here in Alabama, you can still find plenty of new fall fashion trends,” said Babs Davis, an instructor in UA’s department of clothing, textiles and interior design. “Many people returning to the office after working remotely want to dress up with a little more flair and we’re seeing bright colored and patterned suits, eschewing the traditional colors of black or navy. While we see leather in some form every fall, this year we’re seeing it in abundance in the form of long leather coats and leather blazers paired with leather pants for a head-to-toe leather look. In footwear, we’re still seeing plenty of the platform shoes we saw in spring, just more closed up, and several clogs. Cowboy and western style boots are also huge.” To schedule an interview, contact Davis at bdavis@ches.ua.edu.
AFTER THE PANDEMIC, WEDDINGS ARE BACK — Weddings are back and bigger than ever according to Kim Boyle, assistant professor in the department of human nutrition and hospitality management at The University of Alabama. “During COVID, the ceremonies that did take place were small but intimate putting safety at the forefront,” Boyle said. “While safety is still a concern for event planners, the main focus is to plan a wedding to remember.” Boyle said the trends for 2022 include non-traditional weddings, larger guest lists, destination weddings, big wedding weekends and formal attire. “COVID allowed the wedding industry to stop, reflect and make positive changes to the event world. At the end of the day, people just want to celebrate love with friends and family. That part, however, will never change.” To schedule an interview, contact Boyle at kboyle@ches.ua.edu.
UA EXPERT STILL POSITIVE ABOUT HOUSING MARKET IN ALABAMA — Even with rising interest rates, an increase in the supply of homes on the market and slower home sales, Alabama’s housing market should continue to see prices increase, albeit at a slower growth rate, said Stuart Norton, associate director of Alabama Center for Real Estate at UA. Norton expects home sales to slows 10-15% from last year by the end of 2022, but he still sees a positive outlook for the state’s housing market in 2023. “Sustained economic growth in a majority of the state’s metro areas has resulted in a relatively strong job market,” Norton said. “The state continues to see in-migration, especially in Huntsville and Baldwin County, as people relocate from more expensive regions of the country for job opportunities, lower taxes and Alabama’s unique amenities.” To schedule an interview, contact Stuart Norton at tsnorton@culverhouse.ua.edu.
EVENTS
UA 2022-2023 SEASON OPENS WITH ‘GLORIA’ — The University of Alabama Department of Theatre and Dance kicks off its season with “Gloria” — a dark comedy that follows several young editors whose lives are changed after co-worker Gloria goes on a shooting rampage within their office. “Gloria” runs Sept. 26 through Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 2 at 2 p.m. in the Allen Bales Theatre. Tickets are $15 for adults, faculty, staff and senior citizens, and $10 for UA students. Purchase tickets at ua.universitytickets.com. For more information, contact Emilia Stuart, marketing manager for UA Theatre and Dance, at epstuart@crimson.ua.edu.
CROSSINGPOINTS ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT — CrossingPoints will host its annual Betty Shirley Golf Tournament Oct. 6 at Ol’ Colony Golf Course. It is the program’s biggest fundraiser of the year and benefits CP’s employment initiatives. Lunch and registration begin at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. The format is a four-person scramble. Team prizes will be awarded in addition to the closest to the hole and closest to the pin. Hole sponsorships are available. Contact Jeremy Reid at jeremy.reid@ua.edu for more information.
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The University of Alabama strives to remain neutral on public policy issues. Strategic Communications may facilitate interviews or share opinions expressed by faculty, staff, students, or other individuals regarding policy matters. However, those opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the University or its leadership, and do not constitute a statement on behalf of the University unless explicitly designated.