📰 BEST BETS
UA Launches College Readiness Programs
The University of Alabama is providing Alabama high school students new immersive, dedicated support and direction as they prepare for college.
Why This Matters: Crimson Compass offers two distinct programs: Tide to Success, a self-paced, online course that explores college planning fundamentals which will be offered at no cost to Alabama residents; and UA ACTivate, a new experiential summer program offering an early glimpse of life as a student at the Capstone. Both programs include an ACT test preparation component so participants can confidently prepare for the college admissions process.
For more information, contact Alex House at alex.house@ua.edu.
UA Nursing Expands to Address Statewide Shortage
UA has unveiled a transformative plan to double the enrollment of the Capstone College of Nursing and graduate more than 550 new nurses every year through its on-campus bachelor’s program. The expansion, developed in close partnership with The University of Alabama System and the UAB Health System, mobilizes the combined strength of these institutions and statewide leaders to address the state’s most pressing health care workforce challenge. When complete, this strategic growth initiative will position UA as one of the nation’s largest nursing programs.
Why This Matters: Alabama faces one of the most severe nursing shortages in the nation. According to the Alabama Board of Nursing, approximately 39,000 nurses indicatedretirement plans by 2027, leaving a projected statewide shortage of 14,000 nurses.
For more information, contact Alex House at alex.house@ua.edu.
Family Day at the Museum to Showcase Graduate School Research
The Alabama Museum of Natural History and University of Alabama Graduate School invite visitors to the free and family-friendly Family Day at the Museum Feb. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Why This Matters: This year’s superhero and comic book-themed event will feature hands-on exploration of subjects studied by UA graduate students, allowing community members the chance to connect with research actively being done on campus in an approachable and exciting way.
For more information, contact Rebecca Johnson at rljohnson8@ua.edu.
Tuscaloosa Africana Film Festival
The 13th annual Tuscaloosa Africana Film Festival will take place Feb. 21 from noon to 7:30 p.m. at Ten Hoor Hall on the UA campus. The festival is co-sponsored by the UA College of Community Health Sciences, UA African Students Association and Tuscaloosa Sister Cities Commission. Tuscaloosa is a sister city of Sunyani-Techiman in Ghana.
For the ninth time in the past 11 years, UA has earned the distinction of being named a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright Students.
Why This Matters: The Fulbright Program selected 15 UA students for various awards for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Fulbright Award of the U.S. Department of State offers one-year grants for independent study and research, and for English teaching assistantships overseas. The highly competitive program selects approximately 1,500 award recipients from more than 11,000 applicants annually.
For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.
SLP Searching for Inaugural Dean
UA has started the search for the inaugural dean of the recently established School of Leadership and Policy.
Why This Matters: The dean will be charged to refine the vision and mission for the School, create an organizational structure, appoint a robust faculty across various ranks, hire key administrative and support staff, and provide leadership on planning, curricular, research, and budgetary decisions. The dean is expected to deeply engage with campus and civic leaders, business and industry partners, and local, state, and federal partners to advance the goals of the new School and UA.
For more information, contact Alex House at alex.house@ua.edu.
Mardi Gras at Gorgas House Museum
Amelia Gayle Gorgas spent her childhood in Mobile, the home of Mardi Gras. To celebrate, the Gorgas House Museum invites visitors to enjoy a live jazz band of UA student musicians, eat free King Cake (while supplies last), and make Mardi Gras masks on Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Admission is free.
Spring Commencement Dates Announced
UA will hold spring commencement ceremonies May 1-3 at Coleman Coliseum on the UA campus.
Why This Matters: More than 6,000 students are expected to graduate and participate in these ceremonies. Each year, UA awards around 9,000 degrees, with graduates infusing the state and nation’s workforce with highly educated talent.
📅 EVENTS
Parenting Their Passion: Pathways, Pressures, & Possibilities in Elite Youth Athletics
Feb. 16; UA Student Center Ballroom
Feb. 20-21; Stran-Hardin Arena
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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.