BEST BETS
TO COMFORTABLY PAY RENT, ALABAMIANS NEED $59,000 INCOME — The average renter in 12 metro areas across Alabama must make about the median annual income for the state to avoid rent becoming a financial burden, according to a recent report from researchers at The University of Alabama and two other schools. The median household income for Alabamians is about $56,900, only slightly less than the $58,800 needed, on average, for rent not to consume too much of a household’s expenses across 12 of Alabama’s largest metro areas. Consumers are considered rent-burdened when they spend 30% or more of their incomes on rent, lessening the ability to pay for other necessities. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA Strategic Communications, at adam.jones@ua.edu.
SEC ANNOUNCES 2023-2024 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE; UA’S DR. BELL TO SERVE AS PRESIDENT — UA President Stuart R. Bell began a two-year term as the president of the SEC’s Executive Committee starting July 1. The SEC Executive Committee is comprised of the three officers of the Conference and four individuals elected at the regular annual conference meeting. The primary responsibility of the SEC Executive Committee is to approve the annual operating budget of the Conference and oversee all financial and fiscal affairs of the Conference as administered by the commissioner.
UA EARNS MULTIPLE EMMY AWARDS — UA’s Center for Public Television and Radio and the Division of Strategic Communications were recently awarded multiple Southeast Emmy Awards. The Division of Strategic Communications was awarded in the Magazine Platform – Series category, with the Center for Public Television and Radio winning the Arts/Entertainment – Short Form Content and Historical/Cultural – Short Form Content categories.
UA RECEIVES $3.5 MILLION TO CONFRONT NURSING FACULTY SHORTAGE — The UA Capstone College of Nursing is addressing the need to grow and diversify Alabama’s nursing education workforce with the support of more than $3.5 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Labor. Dr. Susan Welch, associate professor with the Capstone College of Nursing, secured the funding from the department’s Employment and Training Administration’s Nursing Expansion Grant Program that supports innovative partnerships and strategies that expand and diversify America’s pipeline of qualified nursing professionals. Specifically, these grants will increase the number of nursing instructors and educators. For more information, contact Rosemary Kirby, UA Capstone College of Nursing, at rurussell@ua.edu.
STELLAR BENEFITS AWAIT NEW UAPD OFFICERS — The University of Alabama Police Department is seeking officers looking for a team-oriented career that provides the highest level of training for both new and experienced police officers, along with an impressive benefits package. UAPD is offering the best police officer pay in West Alabama — a starting salary of $65,200 for those with no prior experience and $71,240 for officers who are Alabama Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission certified with two years of law enforcement experience. UAPD also offers lateral transfer pay and a $7,500 recruitment incentive, often referred to as a signing bonus. In addition, officers will receive a $4,000 retention incentive and an additional $100 for each year of service, provided every three years, to reward commitment and longevity. For more information, contact Shane Dorrill, UA Public Safety, at shane.dorrill@ua.edu.
CURRENT COMMENT
FOOD SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR JULY 4 CELEBRATION — “With Fourth of July celebrations right around the corner, it’s time to once again think about food safety,” said Denise DeSalvo, senior instructor with the department of human nutrition and hospitality management. “Health experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Department of Agriculture emphasize the importance of good hand hygiene as possibly the best way to avoid foodborne illness. The USDA’s Food Safety Information Service outlines cleaning, separating raw and uncooked meat, and thorough cooking, among others, as best practices for a safe cookout.” To schedule an interview, contact DeSalvo at dmdesalvo@ches.ua.edu.
EVENTS
PALEONTOLOGY SHOW AND TELL — The Alabama Museum of Natural History is hosting Paleontology Show and Tell July 6 from 10 to 11 a.m. Discover the wonders of what paleontology is and what types of tools are used to uncover different types of fossils. Participants in grades 1-3 will have a show and tell experience with real life fossils and equipment and can dress up as a paleontologist. This program is free with paid museum admission.
JUNIOR NATURALIST: BIRDS OF PREY — Join the Alabama Museum of Natural History to discuss the traits of owls and other predatory birds through the Junior Naturalist program July 8 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Participants can pre-register for the event. The cost of the program is $8 per child and adult pair.
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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.