Portraits from a Presidency: Dr. Bell’s Legacy in Photos

Dr. Bell on the porch of the president's mansion

Over his past decade as president, Dr. Stuart R. Bell has left an indelible mark on The University of Alabama, shaping its future while honoring its cherished traditions.

During his tenure, the University has reached historic milestones and grown to new heights. But beyond leading the University through major achievements, Bell has embodied a leadership style grounded in connection and care, working tirelessly behind the scenes and on the frontlines to connect personally with students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and more.

These moments captured on camera reflect a legacy of service, growth and an unwavering commitment to the Capstone.

Dr. Bell writes with a pen while sitting as his office desk — Pictured in his office at Rose Administration in February 2020, Bell works quietly and consistently behind the scenes, ensuring that every decision and milestone reflected the values and mission of The University of Alabama.

Appointed in July 2015, Bell became the 29th president of the University, bringing with him a vision rooted in academic rigor, research advancement and student success. A mechanical engineer by training, Bell previously served on the UA faculty for 16 years, where he chaired the Department of Mechanical Engineering and founded the Center for Advanced Vehicle Technologies. His return to the Capstone as president marked a full-circle moment — one that would shape the institution’s trajectory for years to come.

Dr. Bell shakes hands with a mother in her daughter's dorm room during move in day — *Bell greets a family in August 2017 during move-in, where he could be found every fall, welcoming incoming students as they took their first steps into campus life.*

Under Bell’s leadership, UA reached record-breaking enrollment, including the largest in-state freshman class in University history and record enrollment for incoming graduate students. 2024 saw the sixth straight year of increases in in-state first-time freshmen as well.

Bell has personally played an important role in student recruitment, traveling across the country to connect with prospective students at over 300 recruiting events nationwide during his tenure.

Dr. Bell talks to a table of students — *At the 2019 Ripple Effect day of service, Bell talks with students beginning their journey at the Capstone.*

Student success has been a priority for Bell since day 1. Retention and graduation rates have climbed over the last 10 years, with second-year retention nearing 90%, reflecting a deepened commitment to student support and academic excellence. In addition to the launch of several new degree programs over the last several years, a new core curriculum was developed and will debut in fall 2025.

Dr. Bell addresses graduates from the commencement stage — *Bell welcomes graduates at the spring 2025 commencement – his final ceremony.*

As president, Bell has been a fixture at important campus events and milestones. He has presided over nearly 100 commencement ceremonies — that’s nearly 100,000 handshakes. The number of degrees awarded annually has grown to more than 9,000.

Dr. Bell at the Board of Trustees meeting — *At the July 2024 Board of Trustees meeting, Bell makes comments before a unanimous vote to name the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium in honor of Coach Nick Saban.*

Under Bell’s visionary leadership, the University crafted two comprehensive five-year strategic plans, paving the way for the future. His tenure also saw the completion of the SACSCOC reaffirmation of accreditation in 2015, with 2025 reaffirmation well underway. Adding to this legacy of innovation and foresight, Bell spearheaded the nationally celebrated Where Legends Are Made branding campaign, an initiative that continues to embody and amplify the spirit and achievements of the UA community.

Dr. Bell and other dignitaries cut the ribbon on a new building — *With leaders from across the state and nation in 2024, Bell helps cut the ribbon on the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility, a boost for water research and innovation at The University of Alabama.*

One of the biggest areas of growth over the last decade has been the University’s research and economic development inputs and impact. During Bell’s tenure, UA achieved R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity status in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education for the first time. Sponsored awards soared from $74 million in 2024 to $270 million in fiscal year 2024, and numerous research institutes and centers were established. All this activity has placed UA among one of the fastest growing R1 institutions in the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development Survey.

Dr. Bell speaks at a podium in stran hardin arena — *Bell gives remarks at the opening of Adapted Athletics’ Stran-Hardin arena in 2018.*

Campus has marked tremendous growth over the last decade with the opening of several new academic and research facilities. Sixty building renovations have been completed, and 26 new buildings were opened, including athletic facilities like Stran-Hardin Arena to academic buildings like Drummond Lyon Hall and Hewson Hall. The Capstone has achieved rankings among the nation’s most beautiful campuses.

*Bell and men’s basketball Head Coach Nate Oats take the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium during A-Day 2024.*

The renowned UA Athletics program continued to soar to new heights over the past decade with football winning three national championships, men’s basketball making its first Final Four appearance, along with multiple team SEC championships and individual national championships. In 2024, UA achieved the highest Academic Progress Rate in University history, including a top in the SEC APR ranking for football.