The President's Mansion with Preview text across the photo

UA Preview — May 8-14, 2023

BEST BETS 

SPRING 2023 DEGREE CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED — Some 5,885 degrees were awarded during The University of Alabama’s spring 2023 commencement at Coleman Coliseum. A recent economic analysis found that a degree from UA can pay more over time than investments in U.S. stock market indexes. The University provides numerous opportunities for service and growth through its educational, social and cultural experiences. 

FIVE UA FACULTY RECEIVE FULBRIGHT AWARDS — Five UA faculty members have received Fulbright awards for educators to teach and research around the globe. Dr. Deepa Das Acevedo, associate professor of law, received a Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship; Dr. Ellen Csikai, professor of social work, received a Fulbright Senior Scholar; Dr. Prasad Gogineni, professor of electrical and computer engineering, received a Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship Award; Dr. Bryan Koronkiewicz, associate professor of Spanish linguistics, received a Fulbright Scholar Award; and Dr. Eric Weisbard, professor of American studies, received the Fulbright-Uppsala University Distinguished Scholar in American Studies. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.  

BREWBAKER NAMED DEAN OF UA SCHOOL OF LAW — William S. Brewbaker III has been named the next dean of the UA School of Law and will begin his tenure July 10. Brewbaker currently serves as the William Alfred Rose Professor of Law with the School of Law. “Our goal will be to continue and improve upon our rich tradition of excellence in research, teaching and service to our profession, the state of Alabama and our nation,” said Brewbaker. “We want to provide an outstanding educational experience for every one of our students while they are in law school and great professional opportunities when they graduate. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together.” For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu

UA NAMES SANFORD DEAN OF CAPSTONE COLLEGE OF NURSING — Dr. Julie Sanford has been named the next dean of the UA Capstone College of Nursing and will begin her tenure Aug. 1. Sanford comes to UA after serving four years as dean and professor with the School of Nursing at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. Under her leadership, research funding quadrupled, enrollment increased by 35% and $55 million was obtained for a new building. “I am thrilled to return to The University of Alabama as dean of the Capstone College of Nursing,” said Sanford. “Our world is changing, and we have the opportunity in academic nursing to shape our future and prepare nurses who are patient-centered and practice-ready. The next three to five years will be a time of transformation in nursing education with the transition to competency-based education.” For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu

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

EVENTS 

UA OLLI HOSTS OPEN HOUSES ACROSS STATE — The UA Osher Lifelong Learning Institute will host open house events in three locations across the state in May. Locations include Birmingham at the Riverchase United Methodist Church May 15 from 10 a.m. to noon, Tuscaloosa at the Bryant Conference Center May 16 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Gadsden at the Holy Church of the Comforter May 18 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. OLLI at UA’s lifelong learning program is designed for adults age 50 and over who are interested in exploring new ideas, identifying new hobbies and interests, and socializing with others in both an in-person and online space. 

NEED A SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT ON TOPICS MAKING NEWS? — See our frequently updated experts directory here.  

VISIT THE UA NEWS CENTER FOR STORY IDEAS. 

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.