The American Association of Colleges of Nursing appointed the Capstone College of Nursing’s Dean Julie Sanford, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN, as chair of its Board of Directors. Dean Sanford officially began her two-year term following AACN’s Deans Annual Meeting in March 2026.

Dr. James J. Cochran, professor of applied statistics and Mike and Kathy Mouron Chair in Culverhouse, was elected a 2025 American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow for his research at the intersection of statistics and operations research, his work improving statistics education in developing nations, and his application of statistics to societal and humanitarian challenges.

Dr. Andrew Billings, a leading scholar in sports media, was named UA’s recipient of the 2026 Southeastern Conference Faculty Achievement Award. This annual award, selected by SEC provosts, honors individuals whose work advances knowledge, elevates their universities and exemplifies excellence across the SEC.

Dr. Tricia McElroy, associate professor of English, has been appointed executive director of the nation’s largest professional organization dedicated to Shakespeare studies. With her appointment, the Shakespeare Association of America relocated its headquarters to UA.

Allison Grant, an associate professor of art, was awarded a 2026 Guggenheim Fellowship by the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. Grant is one of 223 distinguished thinkers, innovators and creators in this year’s class of fellows, chosen through a rigorous application and peer review process from nearly 5,000 applicants.

Rising Tide 2.0 Capital Campaign

The Rising Tide 2.0 Capital Campaign continues to build a strong foundation of charitable support for future Capstone students. Nearly 190K supporters, including over 111K first-time donors, have contributed to the most successful capital campaign in Alabama’s history. This 10-year campaign will conclude in September 2026, with final results announced in October.

Lee J. Styslinger Jr. College of Engineering

Catherine Styslinger committed $25 million to name UA’s College of Engineering in honor of her late husband, Lee J. Styslinger Jr. In October 2025, the University announced the Lee J. Styslinger Jr. College of Engineering, the third named college on campus. Lee J. Styslinger Jr. began studying mechanical engineering at UA before leaving at 19 to lead the family business, which he later developed into Altec, Inc., a global provider of equipment and services for the electric utility, telecommunications and tree care industries.

Fundraising Momentum Continues

The University of Alabama continued its record-breaking philanthropic support in fiscal year 2025, raising over $265 million. This marks UA’s fourth consecutive record fundraising year, increasing its five-year average to more than $233 million, compared to $102 million in 2015 before The Rising Tide Capital Campaign began. Over the past decade, the campaign has created more than 1,150 endowed scholarships, nearly 80 endowed faculty support funds and over 500,000 square feet of new campus facilities.

Gifts to Name Programs

Gifts to the Culverhouse College of Business have resulted in two programs being named for UA alumni. The Rance M. Sanders Real Estate Program was announced in September 2025 after a $5 million pledge from Rance Sanders and his wife, Angie. In November 2025, Culverhouse introduced the R. James Kelly LEAD program following a $5.5 million gift from Ginger Kelly, who has committed $8.5 million to the program since 2022 in honor of her late husband, Jim.

Wiregrass Hub Expands UA’s Reach in Alabama

The University of Alabama will expand its presence in southeastern Alabama through the UA Wiregrass Hub, a facility dedicated to research, economic development, student recruitment and community partnerships. The Wiregrass Hub is expected to open in fall 2026 in Enterprise, Alabama.

The facility will house the Critical Response and Information Management System for Operational Needs (CRIMSON) Water Initiative, which connects communities in southeast Alabama with UA’s water-related expertise. The initiative will use data analysis and forecasting tools to help communities prepare and respond quickly to floods, droughts and other water challenges.

AMI Connects Research and Industry

The Alabama Materials Institute completed major renovations and installed advanced research instruments, significantly expanding materials engineering capabilities at The University of Alabama. These upgrades enhance collaboration with industry and government partners and create a unified ecosystem for materials research.

The facility now features a unique collection of instruments among U.S. universities, offering students hands-on training and enabling faculty to conduct research comparable to national research laboratories.

Research in Orbit

The Alabama Materials Institute will support the Air Force Research Laboratory in developing technology for a new satellite propellant. The AFRL-developed Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non-Toxic propellant is less toxic and burns hotter than current satellite propellants, resulting in greater efficiency.

Inaugural Leaders to Legends Program

Forty juniors from Tuscaloosa City and County Schools constitute the inaugural Leaders to Legends class, an innovative program empowering students to drive positive change in their schools and communities. The program centers on character development, career pathways and community outreach.

UA Miracle Sets Fundraising Record

UA Miracle, the University’s largest student-led organization, set a fundraising record by raising $394,178 this year for pediatric care at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham. The total was announced after the annual BAMAthon event on February 28 at the UA Student Center. The 11-hour dance marathon celebrates patients and families while supporting pediatric healthcare, research and family services.

Breaking Ground for ROTC, Student Veterans Center

A new campus center, scheduled for completion in spring 2027, will provide Army and Air Force ROTC cadets with a modern facility that meets current military training and testing standards. The expanded space will support physical conditioning and advanced training, including combat simulators and leadership courses. The center will also serve as a gathering place for student and faculty veterans to share experiences and support student veterans transitioning to college life.

Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Champs

In April 2026, The University of Alabama’s women’s wheelchair basketball team won their sixth consecutive national title and 12th overall at the National Wheelchair Basketball Association intercollegiate tournament in Tucson, Arizona. UA’s Joy Haizelden was named tournament MVP.

Successful UA Exchange Program Gets
a Reboot

Fifteen first-year UA students form the first cohort of the Alabama-Esslingen-Mercedes Exchange (AEMX), an extension of a longstanding automotive engineering exchange. This program is a partnership between UA, Hochschule Esslingen and Mercedes-Benz U.S. International. Participants gain cultural experience and access to international study, internships and career opportunities in Alabama’s automotive industry.

Tree Campus USA

The Arbor Day Foundation recognized UA as a Tree Campus USA for the 11th consecutive year.

Psychology Building Renovation and Addition

The psychology department has relocated to a newly renovated and expanded facility, formerly Searcy Hall on Peter Bryce Boulevard. The project included a large lecture hall, classrooms, labs and office space to support the move from Gordon Palmer Hall. Additional upgrades include a new elevator; updated mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems, including life safety systems; UA-standard enterprise systems and audiovisual technology.

Capital Hall Renovation and Addition for Theatre & Dance

Capital Hall on the Peter Bryce Campus was renovated to accommodate the relocation of the theatre and dance costume shop from Rowand-Johnson Hall. The updated facility features a costume classroom, laboratory, shop, office, fitting room, storage and support areas. The new location is strategically situated near the Smith Family Center for the Performing Arts, scheduled for completion in December 2026.

Student Recreation Court Expansion

The Student Recreation Center has added eight new pickleball courts, reducing wait times for players. The courts feature appropriate lighting, access and security.