UA Preview — March 25-31, 2024

📰 BEST BETS 

State Economic Impact 

The University of Alabama remained steadfast and resilient in its contributions to the state with an economic impact that approached a near-record of $2.948 billion for the 2020-2021 academic year despite the declining effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on enrollment and visitor impacts. 

Why This Matters: The economic analysis showed employment and fiscal impacts of 13,613 jobs, and $136.5 million in income and sales taxes. Although seating was limited at its five home football games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 UA football season left a $134.5 million impact on the state. 

Community Safety 

UA and the city of Tuscaloosa continue to make the Strip, an area along University Boulevard just west of campus, a place the community and Alabama fans can enjoy.   

Why This Matters: The precinct is staffed 24 hours a day and a UAPD officer is always on patrol in the area. Other enhancements including additional security cameras, a new PA system and portable speed bumps have made positive impacts to the overall safety and security of the Strip.

Space and Aviation Scholars 

Three University of Alabama students were among 47 from around the nation selected for the prestigious Brooke Owens Fellowship

Why This Matters: The Brooke Owens Fellowship is a nationally acclaimed nonprofit program that awards exceptional women and gender minorities with an internship in the fields of space and aviation. 

💬 CURRENT COMMENT 

Billions of Cicadas Ready to Emerge  

Dr. John Abbott is an entomology expert who can talk about the billions of 13-year and 17-year cycle cicadas that will emerge this spring and summer.  

📅 EVENTS 

UA Wind Ensemble 

March 26; Moody Music Building Concert Hall 

AAPI Heritage Month Celebration 

March 28; UA Student Center Ballroom  

Huxford Symphony Orchestra 

March 28; Moody Music Building Concert Hall 

Need a subject matter expert on news-making topics? See our frequently updated experts directory here.  

Visit the UA News Center for more 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.