President Stuart R. Bell’s Fall 2021 Campus Assembly address highlighted the vital part faculty and staff play in everything The University of Alabama has accomplished, and the importance of their role in the Capstone’s future.
He spoke of recent achievements in both athletics and academics, of record-breaking enrollment numbers for 2021, and the never-failing spirit of student commitment to service, then said to the audience of faculty and staff, “Through your encouragement, our students enroll at UA and persist in their academic journey and continue to pursue excellence until they achieve their goals.
“Students from Alabama, from across the nation and around the globe want to be here because of what you, our faculty and staff, accomplish in the classrooms, in the labs, in the offices, on the grounds, in the dining halls and all across our campus. Your belief in our students, your dedication to your craft and your work on behalf of our mission personifies what this University yields in the lives of those who have been forever changed through their education and your influence.”
Bell extolled the influence of faculty and staff on the throng of UA alumni who had achieved professional success and continue to make a deep impact on their communities. “Here, they were inspired and equipped for success, and because of the investment you made in them, they continue to give back to our community and to embrace and support our mission.”
Among the efforts and initiatives Bell highlighted were UA’s growth as a research institution, ranking No. 1 for all 14 universities in the SEC, and the momentum of the Rising Tide Capital Campaign, which has already raised over $949 million toward the $1.5 billion goal.
“Together, we are transforming the world.”
During the assembly several individuals and groups were honored for their dedication.
Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Awards
- Natalie Adams, New College and College of Education
- Luke Brewer, College of Engineering
- Lawrence Cappello, College of Arts and Sciences
- Katherine Chiou, College of Arts and Sciences
Outstanding Commitment to Advising Awards
- Amy Traylor, School of Social Work
- Jessica Richardson, Capstone College of Nursing
Sam S. May Commitment to Service Awards
- RISE Center
- Office of Disability Services
- Gift Accounting Team
- Facilities and Grounds Department
- Ceremonies and Events Department
- College of Community Health Sciences
Vergil Parks McKinley Sr. Employee Awards
- James Donahoe, College of Arts and Sciences
- Holly Groff, Dining Services
- Kristina Patridge, Dining Services
Watch the entirety of the event here: