📰 BEST BETS
UA System Honors Distinguished Professor
Dr. Jeff Gray, a Distinguished University Professor in the department of computer science and director of the Randall Research Scholars Program in the Honors College, has been awarded The University of Alabama System’s McMahon-Pleiad Prize.
Why This Matters: The McMahon-Pleiad Prize recognizes a member of the UA System faculty or staff who has made significant contributions through teaching, research and service in alignment with the UA System’s missions, values and core principles.
For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.
Culverhouse LIFT Offers Free Courses
Registration is now open for free community learning sessions for youth, seniors and veterans through Culverhouse LIFT.
Why This Matters: Culverhouse LIFT, a public service initiative through UA’s Culverhouse College of Business, provides free classes for low-income and disadvantaged individuals who would otherwise not have access to such courses and education.
For more information, contact Zach Thomas at rzthomas@ua.edu.
Emergency Management Director Named to National Commission
The International Association of Emergency Managers has appointed Dr. Donald Keith, UA’s director of emergency management, to the EMAP Commission.
Why This Matters: EMAP, the only accreditation process for emergency management programs, establishes standards and applies them in a peer-reviewed process to foster excellence and accountability in emergency management. Keith will serve a one-year term.
Alabama Transportation Institute Names New Leader
The Alabama Transportation Institute at UA will build on its successes in transportation research, policy and economic development with the selection of Dr. Steven Jones as its new executive director.
Why This Matters: ATI has established itself as a nationally recognized transportation center and has built a footprint of research and economic development in the state of Alabama. Jones served as deputy director of ATI from 2022 to 2023 and oversaw the ATI research portfolio and directed its Transportation Policy Research Center.
Bell to Step Down as UA President in July
Dr. Stuart R. Bell, the 29th president of The University of Alabama, has announced his plans to step down from the presidency mid-summer, completing a decade of excellence in leadership.
Why This Matters: The announcement comes as the University celebrates unparalleled achievements in enrollment, academic quality, research activity and funding, fundraising, athletics, campus development and more during his tenure. In the last century, only Presidents George Denny and Frank Rose have served more years working in the role. His thoughtfully planned transition leaves the campus in a position of distinction and strength.
💬 CURRENT COMMENT
Dr. Jessica Maddox, associate professor of digital media technology, is available to discuss the future of Tik Tok.
Sheena Gregg, a registered dietician nutritionist and director of the department of health promotion and wellness, is available to discuss ways to stay motivated to keep your health and wellness resolutions. Contact Gregg at sqgregg@ua.edu.
📅 EVENTS
Movement in the Museum: Candlelit Yoga
Jan. 28; Alabama Museum of Natural History
Chattanooga Ballet: Art/Motion Tour
Jan. 31; Dance Theatre in UA English Building
Learning from the Ancestors: Historical Influences on Contemporary Native American Art
Feb. 3-May 31; UA Moundville Archaeological Park
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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.