📰 BEST BETS
Don’t Let Shorter Days Get You Down
The recent time change can play a major role in one’s mood with less sunlight interrupting sleep schedule and daily routines.
Why This Matters: “The effects of losing an hour in the day are more than just seeing less sunlight,” said Dr. John Burkhardt, associate professor with the department of psychiatry and behavioral medicine. “It is linked to adverse health effects such as increased stress, lower cognitive functioning, heart attack and stroke. It can disrupt an individual’s circadian rhythms, altering their sleep/wake cycle causing sleep debt, and hormone level changes.”
To schedule an interview, contact Burkhardt at jeburkhardt@ua.edu.
Information Technology Leadership
Mike Shelton has been named the next vice provost and chief information officer at The University of Alabama and will begin his tenure Dec. 1.
Why This Matters: As the vice provost and chief information officer, Shelton will provide visionary and operational leadership to enable a forward-thinking, enterprise-focused IT organization that champions the strategic use of technology to further UA’s mission.
For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.
UA has achieved another record-breaking year in fundraising for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, with more than $261 million in charitable gifts and pledges from over 60,000 donors.
Why This Matters: This year eclipsed the $226 million mark set in 2023 by 15% and has helped propel The Rising Tide 2.0 capital campaign past 90% of its $1.8 billion goal. UA is in the ninth year of this comprehensive, 10-year campaign to elevate all areas of campus — from student scholarships and faculty research to campus facilities and athletics.
For more information contact Alex House at alex.house@ua.edu.
The College of Communication and Information Sciences recently recognized four distinguished professionals for their exceptional contributions to the fields of communication and library and information science.
Why This Matters: The 23rd class of C&IS Hall of Fame honorees includes Dr. Elizabeth Aversa, a leader in library and information sciences; Robert “Bob” Cohn, an award-winning journalist and founder of global public relations firm Cohn & Wolfe (now Burson); Dr. Jesse Lewis, newspaper publisher and founder of Alabama’s first Black-owned advertising agency; and Christi Parsons, former White House correspondent and mentor to the next generation of journalists.
The School of Social Work recently honored James Slaughter, retired deputy commissioner for field administration of the Alabama Department of Human Resources, as its 2024 hall of fame inductee.
Why This Matters: Throughout his career, Slaughter demonstrated unwavering dedication to both his clients and colleagues. He was not only a mentor to aspiring social workers but also a catalyst for transformative change within the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
📅 EVENTS
Nov. 7; UA Student Center Ballroom and Heritage Room
UA Museums’ John S. Steiner Endowed Lecture: Cherokee Cave Inscriptions
Nov. 9; Math and Science Building Room 1001
Nov. 11-15, 17; Marian Gallaway Theatre
Brothers Bound: Four Positive Powers Gained in Vietnam
Nov. 14; Autherine Lucy Hall Room 118
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.