Category: Messages from the President

A Message from the President – April 30

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

‌Congratulations, Class of 2024! Your hard work and resilience have brought you to this pivotal moment. As you prepare to embark on the next chapter, remember the knowledge, skills and experiences honed at UA will guide you to achieve great things. I look forward to hearing about your future endeavors as legendary alumni.

To faculty and staff, my sincere gratitude for your dedication to our students’ success. Your passion for teaching and mentorship has shaped graduates for future opportunities, and I’m honored to work with such talented professionals.

‌Congratulations to Dr. Andrew Raffo Dewar, the 2023 recipient of the prestigious Burnum Award. His contributions to interdisciplinary arts exemplify excellence and innovation at UA, and we celebrate his outstanding achievements. Well done, as well, to Dr. Heather Cass White, professor of English, on being selected as a Guggenheim Fellow. Her achievement reflects exceptional talent and contributions to her field.

As we prepare to conclude the spring semester and celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating students, let’s remember the importance of community. Together, we have embraced growth opportunities and will continue to thrive as we look toward the future. Thank you for your commitment to the Capstone.

I wish you all the best of luck on final exams and projects, a successful conclusion to the semester and a rejuvenating summer break.

‌Roll Tide!

‌Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President – April 16, 2024

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Congratulations to Coach Nate Oats and our men’s basketball team for an unforgettable journey to the Final Four. Their remarkable performance on the court throughout the season showcased the true spirit of the Crimson Tide. 

‌It was also a delight to witness more than 72,000 fans on a beautiful spring A-Day, gathering to see the football team’s final spring practice and welcoming our new head coach, Kalen DeBoer. A highlight was local high school students and Million Dollar Band alumni joining our MDB members at the Walk of Champions and in the stands, adding to the vibrant atmosphere with cheers and music. Jalen Milroe, Malachi Moore and Dallas Turner sparked well-deserved celebration as they added their handprints to the Walk of Fame.

Congratulations to Alabama baseball for a stellar series shutout victory over No. 1-ranked Arkansas, made possible by their resilience and teamwork on the field. And as our gymnastics team prepares for the NCAA Championship Semifinals on Thursday, we send them our best wishes as they represent the Crimson Tide with skill, determination and grace.

Bama Blitz starts today at noon and will continue until noon Thursday. The fundraising campaign reflects the strong support of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. Through your varied efforts in championing UA’s mission, we highlight the significant impact that a dedicated community can achieve for The University of Alabama.

As a reminder, faculty and staff are invited to Spring Campus Assembly in Bryant-Denny Stadium on Wednesday, April 17. Your dedication and hard work are the foundation of our success, and I’m incredibly proud of all you do. It will be a privilege to gather as a community, present awards and hear from Coach DeBoer as our special guest.

And, we will hold commencement ceremonies May 3-5 at Coleman Coliseum to celebrate our graduates’ remarkable achievements. As we enter the final stretch, let’s maintain focus, diligence and a commitment to excellence. I’m honored to serve as your president.

Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President – April 1, 2024

Dear Campus Community,

‌It’s Honors Week at the Capstone, The University of Alabama’s recognition of our students’ academic achievements. I am continually inspired by the dedication and outstanding efforts of our legendary students, including our three recently selected Goldwater Scholars for 2024-2025.

‌Our student-athletes consistently exceed their own high standards as well. Last weekend the Crimson Tide men’s basketball team secured a historic victory, advancing to the NCAA Final Four for the first time. Their achievement reflects the talent, teamwork and determination that define our University community, and we eagerly anticipate their continued success on the national stage.

‌Students, as the semester progresses and projects and papers become more demanding, I urge you to leverage the many resources UA offers. University Libraries provides essential research tools to assist with your academic work. Additionally, the UA Counseling Center offers support for both academic success and personal growth. Don’t overlook Togetherall, a free peer support platform. Prioritizing mental and physical well-being will enhance your success.

‌Faculty and staff, the We Are UA giving campaign launched last week and continues through April 18. I encourage you to consider donating to an area of campus that holds special significance for you. As stewards of UA’s legacy, your contributions play a vital role in furthering our impact through transformational teaching, research and service.

‌Lastly, I invite all faculty and staff to UA’s spring Campus Assembly on April 17 at 1:30 p.m. in Bryant-Denny Stadium. I will present the state of the University, recognize outstanding faculty and staff and celebrate our collective achievements. Additionally, important updates from Faculty Senate, PSA, OCTSA and SGA will be presented. New Crimson Tide head football coach Kalen DeBoer will also attend and offer remarks before the reception. Don’t miss this special occasion!

‌Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
‌President

A Message from the President – March 19, 2024

Dear Campus Community,

‌A warm welcome back as we resume our work and academic pursuits. I encourage you to focus on your goals with renewed energy and enthusiasm and maximize the opportunities each day presents to learn, grow and make meaningful contributions to our UA community.

Heartfelt congratulations to The University of Alabama women’s wheelchair basketball team for winning their fifth consecutive national championship. Their victory earned on our home court in Stran-Hardin Arena marks the team’s fifth national title in six years and exemplifies the standard that defines the Crimson Tide.

We are also proud to commend three outstanding UA students among 47 from around the nation selected for the prestigious Brooke Owens Fellowship in space and aviation. We applaud them for their commitment to excellence and for representing our institution with distinction on the national stage.

Furthermore, we are pleased to announce enrollment opportunities for the Capstone Learning Academy, which will provide full-time child care services beginning this September. This initiative underscores our dedication to supporting UA employees and students by offering transformational resources and services.

Finally, excitement is building as March Madness tips off this week. We’re thrilled to rally behind both our men’s and women’s basketball teams as they gear up to compete in the NCAA Tournament.

As we move forward for the remainder of the semester, let’s continue to collaborate and inspire one another to build upon the rich tradition of success and innovation at the Capstone.

Roll Tide!

‌Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President – March 5, 2024

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

Your steady support has brought us to a moment of celebration for The Rising Tide Capital Campaign, and we proudly announce that the initial $1.5 billion goal has been met. As our journey evolves, we have raised our sights and set a new $1.8 billion goal for maximum impact. Thank you for your commitment to giving, which has already created a strong wave of progress and success, strengthening the bonds of the UA family.

‌As we embrace the vibrant energy of the impending spring, I’m proud to share some additional notable achievements as a hallmark of the talents of our UA community.

  • The University of Alabama has once again been recognized as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. Students and achieved an inaugural designation as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. Scholars. We take pride in being one of only 12 universities nationwide to receive both honors.
  • Please join me in congratulating Dr. Claire Major, professor of higher education and the faculty director of The University of Alabama Teaching Academy, for being named UA’s recipient of the 2024 Southeastern Conference Faculty Achievement AwardThe award highlights significant contributions to advancing academic excellence through teaching, innovation and service.
  • Give a round of applause for the eight individuals who received Premier Awards, UA’s top honors, for exemplifying the highest standards of scholarship, service, leadership and character.
  • And finally, I am immensely proud of our entirely student-led organization, UA Miraclewhich raised an impressive $233,200 over the past year for Children’s of Alabama. Their cumulative efforts over the last 13 years have surpassed $2.5 million for Miracle families. 

‌Please mark your calendars for spring commencement ceremonies in Coleman Coliseum on May 3-5 for the approximately 6,000 students expected to graduate and join alumni status. We look forward to celebrating this legendary achievement!

As we anticipate spring break, I am grateful for the dedication and effort you all consistently put into your work, whether in classrooms, offices or labs. Enjoy a well-deserved rest and explore the exciting events that March has to offer on campus and around Tuscaloosa. 

Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President – February 20, 2024

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

At The University of Alabama, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our community members. Each semester, I reaffirm our commitment to fostering a secure and respectful campus environment. We actively promote the prevention and reporting of sexual misconduct, offering a range of resources, support and reporting avenues for students, employees and community members. I urge each of you to review the information and links below to stay informed about these invaluable services.

The Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy outlines prohibited conduct, how to report prohibited conduct, reporting procedures, supportive measures and the University’s prevention initiatives. Students, employees and visitors are encouraged to report sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual or gender-based discrimination, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation or other sexual misconduct-related concerns to law enforcement or University officials. 

The University of Alabama Police Department offers 24/7 law enforcement services with a dedicated team of sworn, state-commissioned officers. To file a criminal report, contact UAPD at 205-348-5454 or visit their campus headquarters at 1110 Jackson Ave.

Reports can be made to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs at 2418 Capital Hall. The office manages Title IX compliance, investigating sexual misconduct reports and addressing retaliation. It connects individuals with supportive measures like counseling and safety planning, offering training on policies, reporting, prevention, bystander intervention and conflict resolution. Tal Lieber, director of Informal Resolution Services, oversees the Alternative Dispute Resolution Process which assists parties to a report in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement to resolve a report. For inquiries or to make a report, contact the Title IX coordinator, Jessica Humber, at 205-348-5496 or titleix@ua.edu.

The University offers confidential reporting and counseling through the Women and Gender Resource CenterThe WGRC provides free victim advocacy, counseling and on-call support for survivors of interpersonal violence and their families. To schedule appointments, call 205-348-5040. On-call advocates are available 24/7, reachable after hours through UAPD at 205-348-5454. The WGRC also conducts programs and training, including events like Take Back the Night on April 2 and Survivors Bloom from Within on April 10, focusing on University and community resources for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Additional confidential counseling services are offered through the Counseling Center for students; the Capstone Family Therapy Clinic for individuals, couples and families; and the Employee Assistance Program for eligible employees and their families. The Tuscaloosa Safe Center, a 24/7 sexual assault crisis center, provides free and compassionate sexual assault forensic examinations. Visit the Sexual Assault and Misconduct Services and Support website for a summary of these crucial resources.

We all share the responsibility to foster a culture of safety and respect. Thank you for taking the time to explore University and community resources. I encourage each of you to personally commit to partnering with us in the continuous effort to combat and prevent sexual misconduct.

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President on Saban’s Retirement

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

This afternoon Coach Saban met with the football team and informed them of his decision to retire. Words cannot adequately express our appreciation for his exemplary leadership and service to The University of Alabama over the past 17 years. We are grateful for the lasting impact he has made on the lives of our student-athletes and the incredible memories his teams have created for our students, alumni, fans and supporters.

Coach Saban and Ms. Terry are tremendous ambassadors for The University of Alabama and our community and we celebrate their many contributions and indelible legacy.

As we would all expect, the University and its leadership will work tirelessly to ensure our proud tradition and standard of excellence continues in football and every endeavor that supports the mission of The University of Alabama.

A detailed release regarding today’s announcement is available at rolltide.com.

Stuart R. Bell
President

Roll Tidings 2023

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Whether you find yourself surrounded by loved ones or enjoying moments of solitude, may the spirit of the season fill your hearts with warmth and gratitude. Enjoy this festive video, a wonderful holiday break and a bright start to the new year.

Roll Tidings!

‌Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President – November 16, 2023

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

As we prepare for the holiday break, I am reminded of the many people, opportunities and experiences we are thankful for this season. From family and friends to our great nation and beloved institution — I hope you will take the time to reflect with gratitude and optimism for our shared futures.

Please help me welcome Dr. Joyce Alexander, who is joining the UA community as dean of the College of Education in January, bringing 16 years of success in college administration, research, teaching, student achievement and community partnerships. 

And, after initial approval from The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees, we are pleased to share plans for a new child care facility for our campus community, with more information forthcoming.

Students, enjoy the respite from your studies and get revitalized for the weeks remaining in the semester. Last week we celebrated industrious first-generation scholars at the Capstone who are crafting new paths and building new connections in our community through Legacy Scholars.

Congratulations to our five student-athletes on the legendary Adapted Athletics women’s wheelchair basketball team who were part of Team USA and recently brought home the World Champion title and gold medals.

‌Finally, a sincere “thank you” to our veterans for their service to our country. I am proud of our students and members of the UA Campus Veterans Association for continuing the Veterans Day tradition of cleaning the graves of veterans at local cemeteries in respect for their service and sacrifice.

As you enjoy fellowship and laughter around the table next week, please know I am grateful for you. It is my ongoing honor to serve as your president.

Happy Thanksgiving, and Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President – November 7, 2023

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

The University of Alabama annually reaffirms its full commitment to equal opportunity and non-discrimination, including the policies and procedures that prohibit discrimination and unlawful harassment throughout our campus community. 

I pledge my personal commitment to uphold the values expressed in this declaration, as well as to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all employment-related decisions. I trust all of you will join me in this pledge. 

‌Please review the Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy. This policy, as well as other policies and information related to equal opportunity and unlawful discrimination in employment and education is available on the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs website and the Human Resources website. If you have any questions, I encourage you to contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs. Director of Equal Opportunity Programs Marques Evans can be reached at 205-348-5496 or eop@ua.edu.

Stuart R. Bell

President