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📰 BEST BETS
Strategic growth, Alabama focus highlights fall enrollment
Enrollment at The University of Alabama holds strong at more than 42,000 students, with a growing number of those from Alabama.
Why This Matters: Total fall 2026 enrollment reached 42,431. While the total is a new record, the measured increase reflects a deliberate approach to strategic growth as UA advances its future-ready flagship vision. UA enrolled 18,652 Alabama residents, up 3.6% from 18,007 last year. The growth reinforces UA’s role as the state’s flagship university and its commitment to Alabama students who go on to serve the state’s workforce and communities.
For more information, contact Alex House at alex.house@ua.edu.
Helping businesses thrive through exporting
Exporting is often invisible, but it supports jobs, expands markets for Alabama companies, and strengthens the state economy. The Alabama International Trade Center has been in operation since 1979, serving between 150 and 200 Alabama companies each year.
Why This Matters: AITC aids Alabama businesses in learning the basics of exporting when they are ready to think bigger. It also helps businesses navigate import and export regulations, connect to potential customers, and secure credit or working capital to support the expansion of their operations. Even with the vast resources of the internet at hand, an experienced guide through the process is still irreplaceable.
For more information, contact Jessica Nelson at jessica.nelson@ua.edu.
The College of Community Health Sciences welcomed its 31st class of Rural Medical Scholars and fourth class of Rural Dental Scholars this fall, continuing the College’s commitment to develop future physicians and dentists who will serve rural Alabama.
Why This Matters: The Rural Medical Scholars Program and Rural Dental Scholars Program are part of the College’s Rural Health Leaders Pipeline. The pipeline was created to address the shortage of primary care physicians and dentists in Alabama’s rural communities.
For more information, contact Kandis Snyder at kasnyder2@ua.edu.
Annual flu shot campaign kicks off
UA’s 15th annual Flu Shot Campaign is underway, offering free flu vaccinations to UA students, faculty and staff at locations across campus through mid-November.
Why This Matters: Led by UA’s College of Community Health Sciences, the campaign provides free flu shots at pop-up clinics throughout campus, including locations near the Quad, University buildings and student residence halls. Students and employees do not need health insurance to receive a vaccination. Vaccinations are also available to retired UA faculty and staff and their spouses, as well as spouses and dependents of University employees.
📅 EVENTS
Author Signing: “Remember the Rose Bowl”
Sept. 26; Paul W. Bryant Museum
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.