BEST BETS
ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN ALABAMA AT ALL-TIME HIGH — Small business entrepreneurship is healthy in Alabama, according to an analysis of websites registered with a popular web hosting platform. To better understand the nuances of Alabama’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Dr. Nyesha Black, director of demographics for The University of Alabama’s Center for Business and Economic Research, partnered with GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research initiative to analyze new data from a recent study and found entrepreneurship is at an all-time high in Alabama. In Alabama, Venture Forward estimates that there are over 150,000 online ventures — businesses with GoDaddy-registered domains and active websites. Most of the ventures are microbusinesses with fewer than 10 employees. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA Strategic Communications, at adam.jones@ua.edu.
HISTORICAL EMISSION INFO KEY FOR CLIMATE AGREEMENT — With world leaders set to discuss paying for climate change mitigation later this year, a new study led by UA shows failure to consider historical emissions by countries lowers the chances of reaching an agreement. Knowledge of how the citizens of developed countries benefit from past greenhouse gas emissions could persuade developed countries to pay more to mitigate the effects of climate change, according to a paper recently published in Nature Communications. “Our study suggests that more and better information about historical emissions may induce the public in Western democracies to push their governments to do more about climate change,” said Dr. Alessandro Del Ponte, UA assistant professor of political science. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA Strategic Communications, adam.jones@ua.edu.
SUMMER 2023 COMMENCEMENT DATE ANNOUNCED — UA will hold a summer commencement ceremony Saturday, Aug. 5, at Coleman Coliseum on the UA campus. All colleges and schools will participate in a single ceremony that begins at 9 a.m. Around 750 degree candidates are expected to be in attendance. More information, including live and recorded webcast details, an interactive campus map, parking information, lodging details, graduate profile stories and fast facts about the 2023 summer class can be found on UA’s commencement website. Commencement information can be heard on UA’s radio station, 92.5 FM.
UA OFFERS INTERACTIVE, FUN YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS — UA is offering a variety of youth camps that will provide enriching learning opportunities throughout the summer. For a list of summer camps and registration information, visit the UA Youth Programs website.
UA STUDENTS RECEIVE U.S. FULBRIGHT PROGRAM AWARDS FOR 2023-2024 — The Fulbright Program has selected 13 University of Alabama students for various awards for the 2023-2024 academic year including three Alabamians. Fulbright is the most prestigious United States international exchange program, offering opportunities for students, scholars and professionals. The Fulbright Award of the U.S. Department of State offers one-year grants for independent study and research, and for English teaching assistantships overseas. The highly competitive program selects approximately 1,500 award recipients from more than 11,000 applicants each year. UA was recognized as a Top Producing Institution for Fulbright U.S. Student Awards for the sixth time in eight years in February. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.
CURRENT COMMENT
DOLLY PARTON TAKES ON HOT TOPICS — Dolly Parton’s new song “World on Fire” breaks from her usual musical style and addresses several current hot topics. “Over many decades, Dolly Parton has consistently cultivated a humorous image that always included public advocacy of select issues important to her, including literacy and public health concerns,” said Dr. Lance Kinney, presenter of “Dolly Parton: Crisis Communication CEO” and associate professor of advertising and public relations in UA’s College of Communication and Information Sciences. “She transcends politics with her non-partisan work in these and other areas. Her criticism of politics, generally, rather than specific political figures, allows her to be involved without alienating her politically diverse fanbase.” To schedule an interview, contact Kinney at kinney@apr.ua.edu.
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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.