In his speech at the spring 2026 campus assembly on April 22, UA President Peter J. Mohler unveiled a new vision for the University. Future-Ready Flagship, Mohler explained, will shape the way UA faculty and staff talk about their work.
“[The University is] not just of Alabama, but for Alabama, for leaders, and for the future,” he said.
After Mohler’s speech, campus leaders gave updates. Dr. Tricia McElroy spoke on behalf of the faculty senate as its newly elected president, and OCTSA President Allyson Holliday represented the Office, Clerical and Technical Staff assembly. And Professional Staff Assembly President Kelly Wolfe highlighted the work of the professional staff assembly, and SGA President Samantha Simmons described the priorities of her new administration.
Finally, campus award winners were announced.
Award Winners
Dr. Samory Pruitt Capstone Engagement Award
The Dr. Samory Pruitt Capstone Engagement Award recognizes an individual whose efforts reflect an exceptional commitment to engagement and collaboration. Introduced for the first time in spring 2026, the annual award is named for its first recipient:
- Dr. Samory Pruitt (vice president for community affairs)
Sam S. May Commitment to Service Award
Named in honor of Sam S. May, who exemplified service in his work as a custodian in the Chemistry Department from 1911 to 1941, this award recognizes teams and departments that demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovation and creativity in customer service.
- Campus mail passport services team
- International student and scholar services team
- Office of Disability Services testing center team
- Publications team (Office of Alumni Affairs)
- Tisch student services and engagement team
- University programs team (Division of Student Life)
Dr. Minnie C. Miles Endowed Excellence Award
This award honors exempt non-faculty administrative employees who perform in exemplary ways, exceeding expectations while advancing the mission of The University of Alabama. It recognizes individuals whose work often happens behind the scenes, but whose impact is felt across this University every day.
- Jane Batson (Randall research scholars program coordinator, Honors College)
E. Roger Sayers Distinguished Service
Named in honor of Dr. E. Roger Sayers, who served as UA president from 1988 to 1996 and whose leadership helped shape the University during a period of significant growth and progress, this award recognizes faculty and exempt administrative staff whose contributions have advanced the mission of The University of Alabama in meaningful and lasting ways.
- Sarah Johnston (assistant director of emergency management)
Vergil Parks McKinley, Sr. Employee Award
This award honors staff members whose service, dedication and impact strengthen The University of Alabama in meaningful ways.
- Hannah Blanchard, CNP (director of gift and records management, Division of Advancement)
- David Kimbrell (mechanician, engineering Services, Styslinger College of Engineering)
- Gieva Patton (procurement specialist III, Division of Finance and Operations)
Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award
Presented by The University of Alabama National Alumni Association, this award is one of the University’s highest honors for teaching excellence, recognizing faculty whose dedication to teaching and learning has a profound and lasting impact on their students. Each year, four faculty members are selected based on nominations from students, faculty, and alumni — a reflection of the meaningful connections they build in the classroom and beyond.
- Dr. Sriram Aaleti (professor and associate department head for graduate studies, department of civil, construction, and environmental engineering, Styslinger College of Engineering)
- Dr. Patrick A. Frantom (professor, department of chemistry and biochemistry, Barefield College of Arts and Sciences)
- Dr. Heather Ashley Hayes (associate professor and director of the doctoral program, College of Communication and Information Sciences)
- Dr. Kagendo Mutua (CrossingPoints program executive director and professor of severe & profound disabilities, special education, College of Education)
Outstanding Commitment to Advising Award
Presented by The University of Alabama Academic Advising Association, this award honors faculty and professional staff who demonstrate exceptional dedication to student development through advising and mentoring, reflecting the vital role advising plays in the student experience at this University.
2025 Professional Advisor
- Cathy Elliott (academic advising manager, Barefield College of Arts and Sciences)
2025 Faculty Advisor
- Dr. Justin Hart (professor and environmental science director, department of geography & the environment, Barefield College of Arts and Sciences)
2026 Professional Advisor
- Mary Sella, BSW (academic advisor II, School of Social Work)
2026 Faculty Advisor
- Dr. Paulo Araujo (associate professor, department of physics and astronomy, Barefield College of Arts and Sciences)
Capstone Catalyst
This new award recognizes faculty whose work accelerates progress — scholars and educators whose impact strengthens disciplines, colleges, communities, and the University as a whole. All recipients receive a permanent $10,000 base salary increase.
- Dr. John Abbott (associate professor, chief curator and director of The University of Alabama Museums Research & Collections)
- Dr. Lucy Barnard-Brak (professor, department of special education, College of Education)
- Dr. Robin Bartlett (professor, Capstone College of Nursing)
- Dr. Blake Berryhill (associate professor, human development and family studies, College of Human Environmental Sciences)
- Dr. Sergei Gleyzer (associate professor, physics and astronomy, Barefield College of Arts and Sciences)
- Dr. Jessica Goethals (associate professor, modern languages and classics, Barefield College of Arts and Sciences)
- Dr. Adam Hauser (associate professor, physics and astronomy, Barefield College of Arts and Sciences)
- Dr. Amy Lee (clinical professor, Capstone College of Nursing)
- Dr. Tara Mock (assistant professor, Honors College)
- Dr. Tibor Szilvási (assistant professor, chemical and biological engineering, Styslinger College of Engineering)