UA Preview — Aug. 5-11, 2024

📰 BEST BETS 

Improving Idle Diesel Emissions 

With a $4 million grant from the United States Department of Transportation, researchers at The University of Alabama will develop and test a novel diesel-engine technology in collaboration with the Alabama Port Authority. 

Why This Matters: The technology has potential to reduce idle emissions, save on operating costs, and improve efficiency in diesel trucks. 

Summer Degree Candidates  

Close to 1,200 degrees were awarded during UA’s summer 2024 commencement at Coleman Coliseum on Aug. 3. The 2024 summer class includes graduates from 50 Alabama counties, 46 U.S. states and 19 countries.

Why This Matters: The University provides numerous opportunities for service and growth through its education, social and cultural experiences. A recent economic analysis found that a degree from UA can pay more over time than investments in U.S. stock market indexes.  

UA Finance and Operations Leadership 

Dr. Dan Layzell will join the University as vice president for finance and operations and treasurer starting Sept. 30, pending approval by the Compensation Committee of The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees. 

Why This Matters: Layzell brings more than two decades of experience in administration, strategic planning and financial oversight in higher education. 

Commitment to Rural Communities 

UA has joined the STARS College Network, a coalition of 32 of the nation’s most prominent institutions dedicated to ensuring that students from rural and small-town communities have the resources they need to be successful throughout their college journey. 

Why This Matters: The University builds upon its longstanding commitment to these students and their families by combining its own resources with STARS philanthropy to support pipeline programs and recruiting efforts aimed at students from small-town and rural communities. 

2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the Miss UA competition and several events are planned to honor former winners the weekend of Sept. 14. Email Miss UA Director Carol Wright at cwwright4@comcast.net for more info.  

💬 CURRENT COMMENT 

Dr. Brett Bentley, associate professor of sports medicine, can discuss the importance of hydration in young athletes and signs of heat-related illness as school sports practices start in the summer heat.  

Jay Waters, a senior instructor in the College of Communication and Information Sciences, is available to discuss the process and thinking behind brands spending premium dollars on advertisement and sponsorships during the Olympic games

📅 EVENTS 

Yvonne Wells Story Quilts  

Through Sept. 27; Paul R. Jones Museum 
 

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.