BEST BETS
UA-CREATED DIGITAL EXHIBITION OF ALABAMA ARTIST PUBLICLY AVAILABLE — A project by researchers at The University of Alabama to digitally display and preserve the work and stories of a well-regarded Birmingham artist has launched, drawing international attention. A website exhibiting the work of artist Joe Minter was recently published. It was created from the efforts from five disciplines across UA’s campus that included students from UA, historically black institutions and Shelton State Community College. The mapping and digital documentation of Minter’s work is the first large-scale application of this sophisticated technology to record and preserve an art installation. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA Strategic Communications, at adam.jones@ua.edu.
SIPPIAL NAMED DEAN OF UA HONORS COLLEGE — Dr. Tiffany Sippial has been named the next dean of the UA Honors College and will begin her tenure July 5. Sippial comes to UA from Auburn University after serving five years as director of the Honors College where she was responsible for the vision, mission and overall success of the college. She also served as a professor of history. “I am honored and humbled to serve as dean of The University of Alabama’s nationally ranked and widely celebrated Honors College,” said Sippial. “This is truly a dream opportunity to support and empower people, foster new initiatives, and guide growth in a college already considered a leader in honors education.” For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.
ALABAMA FORENSIC COUNCIL WINS 24TH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP — The Alabama Forensic Council, UA’s competitive speech team, recently competed in five national tournaments and brought home its 24th team national championship and nine individual event national championships among other awards. After completing five of their six total national tournaments this season, the team won more than 100 awards. Most notably, AFC won the national championship in Team Individual Events Sweepstakes at the Novice National Tournament. For more information, contact Morgan Johnson, UA College of Communication and Information Sciences, at morgan.johnson@ua.edu.
PUBLIC INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 100 ALABAMA MILES CHALLENGE — The UA Center for Economic Development and partner organizations kicked off the 2023 season of the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge April 22 and invite the public to participate in planned events. The 100 Alabama Miles Challenge is a free, statewide program designed to inspire all Alabamians to be active, go explore and connect with others by getting 100 miles of physical activity each year. While participants can walk, run, hike, bike, swim, paddle, ride or roll to their 100-mile goal anywhere, organizers encourage Alabamians to visit Alabama’s numerous parks, nature preserves and rivers with their friends and family. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA Strategic Communications, at adam.jones@ua.edu.
CURRENT COMMENT
TWITTER CHANGES CAUSE ISSUES WITH WEATHER WARNINGS — After Twitter’s recent changes many of the National Weather Service’s accounts are unable to post automated watches and warnings. “It’s unfortunate that these updates to the Twitter platform have made vital weather information less accessible for some people,” said Mike Gremillion, director of the Global Water Security Center at UA who spent more than 25 years of his career as a meteorologist. “This affects all types of weather warnings and watches, from tsunamis to tornadoes.” Gremillion said the changes are a vital reminder that people should have multiple ways of receiving important weather information. “We’re in the heart of Alabama’s tornado season, so this definitely hits home. People need to be sure they have a way to hear warnings other than just listening for a siren — and now, other than depending on Twitter. You never want to take a step back in terms of weather information accessibility, but we managed before Twitter, and we’ll manage now.” To schedule an interview, contact Misty Mathews, UA Global Water Security Center, at mmathews@ua.edu.
EVENTS
BURNUM AWARD LECTURE — Dr. Claire Major, professor of higher education with the UA College of Education, is the recipient of the 2022 Burnum Distinguished Faculty Award. Major will be presented her award and provide a special lecture titled “Engaged Teaching: Enhancing Faculty Knowledge to Improve Student Learning” during a ceremony April 27 at 4 p.m. in 118 Autherine Lucy Hall. A reception in 311 Carmichael Hall will follow the presentation. The lecture and reception are both open to the public.
PUBLIC SKY VIEWING WITH UA PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY — The Astronomy Group within the UA Department of Physics and Astronomy will hold its monthly Public Nights April 28 at Gallalee Hall. A brief lecture will take place at 7 p.m. in 227 Gallalee Hall. Observing from the rooftop will start at 8 p.m. Admission to Public Nights is free. Events may be cancelled in case of bad weather/cloudy conditions.
BIRDFEST — Moundville Archaeological Park will host its annual Birdfest April 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. As a member of the West Alabama Birding Trail, the park is hosting a bird walk with one of the park’s volunteers, Dwight Lammon, at 9 a.m. Birdfest is free with paid admission to the park.
DANCE ALABAMA! PRESENTS #SICKMOVES — Experience the first fully student-run and student-produced dance concert by the organization Dance Alabama!, #SICKMOVES, for one night only April 29 at 7 p.m. in the dance theatre in the English Building. #SICKMOVES provides opportunities for choreographic works to be presented to a live audience, while also promoting a positive and inclusive environment. #SICKMOVES aligns with this goal by allowing both dance majors and non-dance majors to choreograph and perform work. This concert presents original works in a variety of styles choreographed by students who share a love of dance.
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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.