UA Preview — Sept. 15-21, 2025

📰 BEST BETS 

Real Estate Program Named for Birmingham-Area Developer 

The Rance M. Sanders Real Estate Program, which includes an all-new undergraduate major and an existing minor in the Culverhouse College of Business, has been named in recognition of a discretionary $5 million gift from UA alumni Rance M. Sanders and Angie L. Sanders of Vestavia Hills.  
 
Why This Matters: Over the last five years, Culverhouse has experienced a 300% increase in students pursuing a real estate minor. Students in the new major will learn to develop, purchase, sell, lease, appraise and manage real estate. The Sanders’ gift will expand experiential learning opportunities that enhance their skill sets through real-world applications 

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

Crocodilians Headline Alabama Fossil Fest 

Crocodilians will take center stage at Alabama Fossil Fest hosted by the Alabama Museum of Natural History and University of Alabama Museums department of museum research and collections Sept. 20 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. 

Why This Matters: The free event suitable for all ages will feature hands-on learning spanning 500 million years of Alabama’s past, a new exhibit unveiling, exciting talks by Drs. Ron Buta and David Schwimmer and presentation of the Alabama Avocational Paleontologist Award. 

For more information, contact Rebecca Johnson at rljohnson8@ua.edu 

Theatre and Dance Set for Exciting Season 

The department of theatre and dance kicks off its 2025-2026 season Sept. 15 with “Desert Oceans.” 

Why This Matters: With an exciting lineup of plays, musicals and dance concerts, students and faculty are eager to share bold voices and fresh perspectives with audiences in Tuscaloosa. 

Six Inducted to Nursing Hall of Fame  

Six distinguished individuals in health care are part of the 2025 class that will be inducted into the Alabama Nursing Hall of Fame, presented by the Alabama Nurses Foundation, Nov. 13 at the Bryant Conference Center in Tuscaloosa. The event will be hosted by the UA Capstone College of Nursing. 

Why This Matters: Established by the Capstone College of Nursing’s Board of Visitors in March 2001, the Alabama Nursing Hall of Fame was created to honor nurses and others who, through their work and accomplishments, have brought honor and fame to the profession of nursing and the state of Alabama. 

For more information, contact Rosemary Kirby at rosemary.kirby@ua.edu 

Legends to Leaders Selects 40 

Forty juniors from across Tuscaloosa City Schools and the Tuscaloosa County School System have been selected for the inaugural class of Leaders to Legends. 

Why This Matters: Legends to Leaders is an innovative program designed to empower students to become changemakers in their schools and communities. 

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

💬 CURRENT COMMENT 

As Healthcare Simulation Week arrives, Dr. Heather Cole, director of simulation with the Capstone College of Nursing, can discuss how the College’s simulation center prepares the next generation of nurses through state-of-the-science technology and innovative teaching strategies.  

Dr. Grier Stewart, assistant dean for undergraduate medical education and associate professor in the department of family, internal and rural medicine, is available to discuss the importance of early screening and detection of prostate cancer.  

📅 EVENTS 

Entrepreneur Resource Groups Monthly Meeting 

Sept. 16; The EDGE 

The Next Chapter Book Drive 

Book drive runs through Oct. 1 

February 1956: The Photographs of Gus Robinson 

Exhibit runs through Dec. 5; Paul R. Jones Museum  

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.