Homecoming season is upon us in Tuscaloosa — a week of spirited lawn decorations, competitions, a fun filled pep rally and above all else an ultimate expression of Crimson Tide pride.
Did you know the team responsible for delivering the homecoming experience to campus each year is comprised of 100-plus University of Alabama students? Here two of those leaders give a look inside what it takes to make this annual campus tradition happen.
Executive Director Eli Terry
From serving as committee member, assistant director of athletic events, to director of rules and regulations, Eli Terry has played a big role in the homecoming process. Now, as the Homecoming Board executive director, he oversees every single event taking place throughout the week and acts as the liaison between Homecoming Advisor Paige Acker-Price and the various directors that comprise the Student Homecoming Board.
Homecoming has been growing each year at UA, and this year’s board is the largest yet, consisting of 34 board members and 117 committee members.
“We really have tried to expand this year. Coming in, I really wanted to make homecoming the most it possibly could be,” Terry said.
With each homecoming theme being different from the rest, he gave insight into how this year’s theme, “Lights, Crimson, Action” came to be at the board’s annual retreat in March. Here, members came up with five to ten themes, and the final options were presented on the UA Homecoming Instagram page, putting the decision in the hands of the students.
“We felt like it was a broad enough theme that allowed for creativity…I wanted there to be room for the organizations to expand upon it and take it as they want to, and I think that they’re all doing such a great job with that. So far, the sketches have started to come in for the lawn decorations and parade, and it’s so exciting to see how their minds go and interpret the theme,” Terry said.
Being involved in homecoming reflects a genuine love for UA and offers an opportunity for students to connect with like-minded individuals and get plugged into campus. He applauds the organizations that compete in homecoming for all their hard work and effort that help make homecoming week so successful.
“It’s just a great way for us to celebrate everyone that has come before us, that are here now and that are going to come, and I just love seeing everyone come together for the same cause,” Terry said.
That shared passion for UA is seen through the entire Student Homecoming Board that dedicates their time to shaping the experience we all know and love.
Director of Pep Rally and Bonfire Josie Taylor
Senior Josie Taylor was given her position as director of pep rally and bonfire in February and began working right away to create another unforgettable homecoming event for students, alumni and the greater Tuscaloosa community.
Taylor shared her focus on expanding the pep rally and bonfire this year is to make it more family-oriented with photo opportunities, face paintings and other activities geared towards children.
“That’s the main thing we wanted to focus on…obviously college students are here, and obviously alumni will come back, but what’s the future of Alabama?” Taylor said.
Planning the pep rally and bonfire has taught her a lot about prioritization and organization, but most importantly the value of leaning on others. Taylor’s responsibilities include creating elements like the stage layout, script, and seating chart, while also getting in contact with key people like athletic coaches and the ROTC.
“I’ve realized you’re not meant to do things alone. I couldn’t do any of this without my assistant, without my advisor, without Eli, and the entire homecoming board,” she said.
This position has also given Taylor a chance to see her creative vision for the pep rally and bonfire come to life, thanks to its collaborative student-driven approach.
“I think that’s the coolest thing about homecoming — it’s student-led… It’s literally college students making it happen,” Taylor said.
Joining the Homecoming Board is an opportunity students don’t want to miss out on. Taylor emphasized that if she could go back and apply to a committee as a freshman, she absolutely would.
From building lasting friendships to professional skills that will prepare you for your future, this experience is one she will forever be thankful for.
“I can’t even describe how much I’ve been poured into and how I’ve gotten to pour into it. It’s taught me to just be intentional and, yes, you can love your university, but what are you doing for it? I feel like homecoming is such an important thing on our campus, where, if you love Alabama and you want to show it, apply for homecoming…it’s a lot of work, but every ounce of it’s worth it.”
Homecoming Events
As the big week approaches, Terry wants to remind students, faculty and community members that homecoming is for everyone.
“I feel like homecoming is one of those things that everyone knows what it is, but they don’t always know what they can get involved with,” Terry said.
You don’t have to belong to an organization involved or compete in a specific event to join the celebration. Terry encourages students to come hang out at these homecoming events if they don’t know where to start.
- Roll Tide Run, Nov. 9, The Quad
- 2025 Homecoming Kickoff, Nov. 9, UA Student Center Lawn
- Free Open Student Bowling, Nov. 10, Bowlero
- Choreography Competition, Nov. 11, Coleman Coliseum
- Pep Rally and Bonfire, Nov. 14, The Quad
- Homecoming Parade, Nov. 15, University Boulevard East
Of course, there is no better way to get involved with homecoming than applying for the Student Homecoming Board. It’s a unique opportunity to collaborate with your peers who share a love for the University, interact with various organizations on campus and develop leadership skills, all while making lasting friendships and great memories.
So, when you’re cheering at the homecoming game, remember the 100-plus stars who brought the lights, crimson, action this year. Maybe next year, one of them could be you!