About The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service.
A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inquisitive, forward-thinking environment and more than 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus.
As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.
About Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa was founded on Dec. 3, 1819, and was named for Chief Tuskaloosa (which means “Black Warrior”). A pillar of the educational infrastructure for the state, Tuscaloosa is home to The University of Alabama, Shelton State Community College and Stillman College. Several multi-national corporations, including Michelin Tires and Mercedes-Benz, have selected Tuscaloosa as a site for their manufacturing plants, establishing Tuscaloosa as a mainstay of the global economic community.
Points of Pride
- The Carnegie Foundation lists The University of Alabama among the top doctoral research universities in the United States. UA is included among R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Spending and Doctorate Production status in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
- A record-breaking number of in-state first-year students highlights UA’s fall 2024 total enrollment of 40,846, surpassing 40,000 for the first time. With students from all 67 of Alabama’s counties, all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 95 countries, UA is educating and graduating more students than any university in the state.
- UA currently enrolls a record number of 1,173 National Merit Scholars, making UA one of the nation’s largest enrolling institutions of National Merit Scholars.
- In February, UA was named a Top Producing Institution for Fulbright U.S. Student Awards for the eighth time in 10 years.
- UA has produced a total of 17 Rhodes Scholars, 16 Truman Scholars, 69 Goldwater Scholars, 43 Hollings Scholars and 20 Boren Scholars.
- Forty current UA faculty have received NSF CAREER Awards, one of the nation’s most prestigious recognitions of top-performing young scientists, in disciplines ranging from nanoscience and engineering to biological sciences.
- UA made Forbes’ lists of Best Employers for New Grads 2024, America’s Best-In-State Employers 2024 and America’s Top Colleges 2023.
- UA made TIME’s list of Best Colleges for Future Leaders 2025.
- UA was listed among the Best Value Colleges by The Princeton Review.
- UA’s public relations program is among the top five in the nation according to PRWeek.
- The UA School of Law ranks No. 12 among public universities on U.S. News and World Report’s list of the Best Law Schools.
- The Culverhouse College of Business is ranked No. 31 among public universities on U.S. News and World Report’s list of Best Undergraduate Business Programs. The Manderson Graduate School MBA Program is ranked No. 27 among public business schools on the list of best business graduate schools.
- UA appeared on 14 U.S. News and World Report lists ranking the Best Online Programs.
- The Capstone College of Nursing boasts a 100% National Council Licensure Examination pass rate among its 2024 graduates.
General Campus Facts
- Dr. Stuart R. Bell is the 29th president of The University of Alabama.
- UA offers 85 undergraduate programs through 12 colleges and schools.
- The University of Alabama is one of three campuses in The University of Alabama System, all of which are governed by The University of Alabama Board of Trustees.
- UA Adapted Athletics sponsors competitive men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis. Parker-Haun Tennis Facility is the nation’s first collegiate tennis facility for adapted student-athletes.
- UA’s 1,400-acre campus is regularly cited as one of the most beautiful in the nation.
- UA has been named a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for 10 consecutive years.
Traditions
- “The Capstone” is a nickname for The University of Alabama coined by former UA President George Denny when he referred to the University as the “capstone of the public school system of the state” in 1913. Capstone means “the top stone or high point.”
- The University of Alabama is the only major university with an elephant as a mascot.
- UA has an official tartan, We Are Crimson, which was designed by a student in 2010.
Where Legends Are Made
The University of Alabama is steeped in tradition and success. Legends have been made in its academic halls, on its athletic fields and courts, and in its endeavors to shape a better world.
Where Legends Are Made is about the past, present and future of The University of Alabama.
It speaks to the aspirations of its students and their parents, to the pride of its alumni and donors, and to the devotion of its legions of fans in our state, across the nation and around the globe.
Select Legends
Nanette “Nan” Boden
Proven Tech Executive and Business Leader
- Google’s Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy and Operations.
- Everyday Robots’ former Chief Operating Officer.
- Google’s former Senior Director, Strategic Customer Programs – leading the organization that develops and operates strategic programs for Google Cloud customers.
- Former Chief Executive Officer of Myricom, a successful Caltech spinoff.
E.O. Wilson
Legendary Biologist
- Considered a pioneer and true visionary for his scientific study of sociobiology and ecosystems; known as the “the father of biodiversity.”
- Biologist, researcher, theorist, naturalist and author; the world’s leading expert in myrmecology – the study of ants.
- Developed the theory of island biogeography which is considered the foundation of the development of conservation area design, as well as the unified neutral theory of biodiversity of Stephen Hubbell.
- Two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction for “On Human Nature” and a New York Times bestseller for “The Social Conquest of Earth,” “Letters to a Young Scientist,” and “The Meaning of Human Existence.”
Jody Singer
Spearheading NASA Director
- Retired former Director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama — the first female center director.
- Led the Marshall team through the 2022 successful launch of the historic Artemis I mission which restored America’s capability to send humans to the Moon — a feat not undertaken since 1972.
- In leadership roles of increasing responsibility in human spaceflight, technology and science flight mission projects, including return to flight activities after the space shuttle Challenger accident, served as the first female project manager for the Reusable Solid Rocket Booster Project.
- In 38 years of service, received numerous awards, including NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals, two Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive Awards, the Space Flight Awareness Leadership Award and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal.
Derrick Henry
Heisman Trophy Winner
- Rushed for 2,219 yards during the 2015 season — the fifth-best single-season total in Football Bowl Subdivision history and an SEC record.
- Set multiple University of Alabama records, including: rushing touchdowns (28), rushing yards per game (147.9), all-purpose yards (2,310), total carries (395), and points scored (168).
- Led the 2015 Alabama Crimson Tide to victory in the College Football Playoff, defeating Michigan State and Clemson to claim the school’s 16th national championship.
- Rushed for 2,027 yards during the 2020 season with the Tennessee Titans, making him one of eight NFL players ever to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a single season.
- Current running back for the Baltimore Ravens; set a franchise record in 2024 with 16 rushing touchdowns and surpassed 10,000 career rushing yards.
Harper Lee
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Literary Icon
- Author of the highly acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1960), which became a classic of modern American literature.
- Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contribution to literature.
- Published a second novel, “Go Set a Watchman (2015),” a sequel to “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
- Known for assisting her friend Truman Capote in research for his book “In Cold Blood” and was the inspiration for the character Idabel in Capote’s book “Other Voices, Other Rooms.”
Justin Thomas
Two-Time PGA Championship Winner
- Starred at The University of Alabama, winning six tournaments for the Crimson Tide, capturing the Haskins Award in 2012 as the nation’s top collegiate golfer, and helping lead Alabama to the 2013 NCAA National Championship.
- Turned professional in 2013 and secured his first professional win in 2014; followed by a standout 2015 season with seven top-10s and 15 top-25 finishes, including his first PGA Tour victory.
- Broke into the elite ranks of golf in 2017 by winning five PGA Tour events, including a major championship, joining legends Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Jordan Spieth in that rare feat.
- Made history at the Sony Open in Hawaii, becoming the youngest golfer to shoot a sub-60 round and only the seventh player in PGA Tour history to shoot a 59; also set PGA Tour records for 36 and 72 holes and tied the 54-hole record.
- Matched the U.S. Open single-round record with a 63 during the third round in 2017, eagling the final hole for a 9-under-par finish and setting a new U.S. Open scoring record.
- Claimed the 2017 PGA Championship and was named FedEx Cup Champion the same year; won his second PGA Championship in 2022.
Janet Gurwitch
Remarkable Businesswoman and Investor
- Former Operating Partner for Advent International, one of the largest and most experienced global private equity firms with deep sector expertise.
- Gurwitch Products Co-founder (1995), launching the Laura Mercier Cosmetics boutique line in 1996.
- Neiman Marcus former Executive Vice President, and Foley’s department store former Senior Vice President of Merchandising.
- Serves on the Houston Astros Board of Directors, Front Row Board of Directors, and Cosmetic Executive Women Board of Governors.
Laurece “Rece” Davis
Industry-Leading Television Sports Journalist
- One of the sports industry’s leading hosts and a mainstay on ESPN for 30 years.
- Host of ESPN’s award-winning College GameDay football and basketball road shows and host for premier college football events including the College Football Playoff National Championship and the NFL Draft on ABC.
- Regular contributor to SportsCenter and host of the College Football Playoff Top 25 Ranking Show.
- Recipient of CoSIDA’s Lester Jordan (2019) and Jake Wade (2016) awards, both for outstanding contributions to intercollegiate athletics, and Best Sports Host (2008).
Sonequa Martin-Green
Film and TV Star
- Best known for her role as Sasha Williams in the television hit “The Walking Dead.”
- Starred opposite LeBron James and a host of other NBA superstars as the female lead in “Space Jam: A New Legacy” (2021).
- Awarded a lead actress role in “Star Trek: The Discovery” as lieutenant commander of the USS Discovery, making her the first Black woman to lead the cast of a “Star Trek” ensemble.
- Recurring television roles include “The Good Wife,” “Once Upon a Time,” “Army Wives” and “NYC-22,” and appearances on episodes of “Lip Sync Battle” and “New Girl.”
Millard Fuller
Compassionate Founder and Executive
- Habitat for Humanity International Founder and former President.
- Widely known as the leader of the modern-day movement for affordable housing.
- Rose from humble beginnings to a young, self-made millionaire by age 29.
- Received more than 50 honorary degrees and numerous awards during his lifetime, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest honor.