UA Preview — June 23-29, 2025

📰 BEST BETS 

Mohler Appointed 30th UA President 

The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Peter J. Mohler, PhD, as the 30th president of The University of Alabama. He will assume the role on July 21. 

Why This Matters: A distinguished leader with over 20 years of experience in higher education, Mohler currently serves as executive vice president for research, innovation and knowledge at Ohio State University and chief scientific officer of OSU’s Wexner Medical Center. He served as the university’s acting president in 2023, successfully leading one of the largest public flagships in the nation.  

For more information, contact Alex House at alex.house@ua.edu. 

Propelling Satellites to Space 

The Alabama Materials Institute at UA will aid the Air Force Research Laboratory in developing technology related to a new satellite propellant. 

Why This Matters: The AFRL-developed Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non-Toxic propellant, formerly known as AF-M315E, is less toxic and burns hotter than current satellite-based propellants, resulting in greater efficiency. 

For more information, contact Jessica Nelson at jessica.nelson@ua.edu 

Capital Campaign Exceeds Goal Ahead of Schedule 

The University of Alabama’s surge of philanthropic giving under President Stuart R. Bell has propelled the Rising Tide 2.0 capital campaign past its $1.8 billion goal. 

Why This Matters: The Rising Tide 2.0 has reached its fundraising goal with more than a year remaining in the original campaign timeline. The University will continue raising funds toward scholarships, faculty support funds and campus facilities through September 2026, when the 10-year campaign draws to a close. 

For more information, contact Alex House at alex.house@ua.edu. 

Summer Commencement Date Announced 

UA will hold summer commencement Saturday, Aug. 2, at 9 a.m. at Coleman Coliseum on the UA campus. 

Why This Matters: Over 1,200 are expected to graduate, with about 750 of those participating in these ceremonies. Each year, UA awards around 9,000 degrees, with graduates infusing the state and nation’s workforce with highly educated talent. 

Pre-Medical Students Learn Rural Primary Care 

The UA College of Community Health Sciences recently welcomed the 2025 class of the Tuscaloosa Rural Pre-Medical Internship, a summer program for college students in pre-medical studies who are interested in rural primary care. 

Why This Matters: The seven-week program allows students to learn about the health needs of rural Alabama residents, particularly in family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics. The students also gain a better understanding of the day-to-day life of family medicine doctors. In addition, the program seeks to enhance their understanding of medical school and increase their competitiveness for medical school admission. 

For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu. 

📅 EVENTS 

Adapted Athletics Camps and Champ Matchup 

UA’s Adapted Athletics Wheelchair Basketball programs are hosting campers from across the country during an overnight camp June 25-28 and a day camp June 29-July 2 at Stran-Hardin Arena in Tuscaloosa. Each camp concludes with a championship game between campers led by Adapted Athletics coaches and athletes from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The championship games are open to the public. 

For more information, contact Kellcie Temple at kellcie.temple@ua.edu. 

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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.