UA Preview — March 2-8, 2026

📰 BEST BETS 

Moundville Lithic Arts Festival March 6-7 

Moundville Archaeological Park, part of The University of Alabama, will host the Moundville Lithic Arts Festival March 6-7. 

Why This Matters: Formerly the Knap-In, the traditional arts festival will bring together flintknappers from across the country alongside nonprofit organizations and educators. The event welcomes visitors of all ages, families, students and community members interested in traditional arts, Indigenous lifeways and hands-on learning. 

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

UA Wiregrass Hub to Support Water Research 

UA will increase its presence in southeastern Alabama with the UA Wiregrass Hub, a facility supporting research and economic development, student recruitment and community partnerships.   

Why This Matters: The new facility will house the Critical Response and Information Management System for Operational Needs, or CRIMSON, Water Initiative, a program to provide access to UA’s water-related expertise for communities across southeast Alabama. The CRIMSON Water Initiative will use data analysis and forecasting tools to help communities prepare for and rapidly respond to floods, droughts and other water-related challenges.   

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

Construction on ROTC Facility, Student Veterans Center to Begin 

UA is continuing its longstanding commitment to provide resources for students training to be part of our nation’s armed forces and those who have already served with the construction of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Facility and Student Veterans Center. 

Why This Matters: The center will give Army and Air Force ROTC cadets access to a modern training facility that meets updated military training and testing standards. The facility will also offer a space to enhance resources for veterans on campus. 

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

Search Opens for VP for Community Impact 

UA has started its search for a vice president for community impact. 

Why This Matters: The vice president for community impact serves as the University’s executive leader responsible for leading strategy for forging meaningful partnerships with local communities, statewide leaders and national organizations. Working side-by-side with academic and administrative leadership, the vice president will align the University’s strengths with real-world needs, ensuring its work makes a measurable difference across Alabama and beyond. 

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

📅 EVENTS 

Cotton, Cloth and Community: Alabama Quilting Traditions 

March 3-May 30; Moore-Wilson Gallery in the Catherine and Pettus Randall Welcome Center 

Crimson Couch to 5K Run/Walk 

March 7; Walk of Champions at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium 

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.