The University of Alabama had an exciting visitor last week with the iconic 27-foot Oscar Mayer Wienermobile making its grand return to Tuscaloosa, this time being piloted by a Crimson Tide alum.

Gabby Fulkerson, who is also known as “Grill ‘Em Up Gabby,” was the Hotdogger bringing the huge vehicle — which is the length of 60 hot dogs — to the student center.

 

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After graduating from Alabama last May, Fulkerson has traveled around the country with the Wienermobile as a spokeswoman for Oscar Mayer at various events, however coming back to Tuscaloosa certainly has to be her favorite.

In the midst of her one-year Hotdogger stint which began last June, Fulkerson certainly has to have one of the more unique post-graduation jobs a UA student could possibly have. As she continues to represent the hotdog giant across the country, she will certainly continue to add a flavor of Roll Tide to it as well.

The University of Alabama’s University Medical Center in Tuscaloosa announced it is expanding specialty services as one of Alabama’s largest private neurology practices prepares to join its system, a move expected to strengthen patient access to neurological and sleep-medicine care across West Alabama.

According to the University, Alabama Neurology and Sleep Medicine will transition to UMC-Neurology and Sleep Medicine on Dec. 12, while continuing operations at its Rice Mine Road Loop facility. The integration brings expanded services for neurological diseases and additional resources for patients managing sleep disorders.

Dr. Richard Friend, dean of the College of Community Health Sciences, said the partnership provides “much-needed care and access” for the UA community and the region. He added that the move also increases clinical training opportunities for medical students, residents, and fellows, while expanding the number of clinical trials available at UMC.

The practice includes six neurologists and sleep-medicine professionals with subspecialty training in neuromuscular disease, epilepsy, sleep medicine, and clinical neurophysiology. With the transition, UMC will offer enhanced services, including electrodiagnostics, EEG testing, and nerve conduction studies, used to assess muscle disorders, nerve damage, and irregular brain activity.

Dr. James Geyer, neurologist and director of the Sleep Program, said the group’s physicians, technologists, and nursing staff bring extensive experience in patient care, medical education, and clinical research. Geyer also serves as a clinical professor in UA’s Department of Family, Internal and Rural Medicine, director of the UA Research MRI, and medical director for the College’s Institute for Rural Health Research.

In 2024, the neurology and sleep-medicine group recorded more than 25,000 patient encounters and performed over 3,000 sleep studies. It operates a large accredited sleep center and is home to one of the nation’s few accredited Behavioral Sleep Medicine training programs.

UMC is the largest multi-specialty medical practice in West Alabama, serving patients from clinics in Tuscaloosa, Northport, Demopolis, Fayette, Carrollton, and Livingston. The addition of Alabama Neurology and Sleep Medicine builds on UMC’s longstanding neurology services in Tuscaloosa and Northport.

Together with the practices it oversees — including the UA Student Health Center and Pharmacy and Capstone Hospitalist Group — the College of Community Health Sciences recorded approximately 300,000 patient visits in 2024.

The partnership aligns with The University of Alabama’s ongoing efforts to expand health-care access, research, and clinical training capacity as part of its statewide mission.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

The University of Alabama now offers TSA PreCheck® enrollment services provided by CLEAR, an official TSA PreCheck® enrollment and renewal provider, at the UA Passport Acceptance Facility, making it the only location in Tuscaloosa County and the first college campus in Alabama to provide the service.

Beginning Dec. 3, students, faculty, staff and community members can complete the enrollment process during regular passport facility hours, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Individuals can now start the pre-enrollment process and book an appointment.

“This is an exciting opportunity to serve both our campus community and Tuscaloosa as a whole,” said Campus Mail Executive Director Stacy Vaughn.

“Providing access to TSA PreCheck® on campus means easier travel preparation and greater visibility for UA as an innovative leader.”

TSA PreCheck® members benefit from the convenience of keeping shoes, belts and light jackets on during the security checkpoint process.

They can also leave electronics and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in their carry-on bags. Members generally experience faster security screening, with about 99% of them waiting less than 10 minutes at airport checkpoints nationwide.

Participants may pre-enroll online before visiting the UA passport facility to finalize their enrollment.

A U.S. passport or other accepted form of identification is required. No appointment is necessary, and enrollment can be completed quickly in person.

UA joins only a handful of universities nationwide to provide this service, boosting its role as a hub for community resources.

For more information about TSA PreCheck® enrollment at UA, visit the Passport Acceptance Facility website.

Courtesy of The University of Alabama.

The University of Alabama has named the College of Engineering in honor of Lee J. Styslinger Jr., following a $25 million gift commitment from his wife, Catherine Styslinger.

The UA System Board of Trustees approved the gift and the College’s naming at its meeting Friday, Oct. 17.

The Lee J. Styslinger Jr. College of Engineering enrolls more than 5,500 students across seven departments, offering 14 undergraduate degree programs and 16 graduate degree programs.

Styslinger is the third college on UA’s campus to be named, joining the Hugh F. Culverhouse College of Business and the J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts & Sciences, announced earlier this year.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Styslinger family for investing in our students’ future,” UA President Peter J. Mohler said.

“This transformational gift empowers the College of Engineering to think bigger through education, research and innovation. Our graduates will turn knowledge into impact as they lead solutions to critical challenges in energy, manufacturing, space, mobility, data and AI — and this is only the beginning.”

The support from the Styslinger family provides the college with a fully discretionary endowment to position UA at the forefront of engineering and computer science, expanding its reach and ability to make lasting contributions for the state and beyond by:

• Strengthening the College’s research enterprise and attracting preeminent faculty
• Responding to emerging opportunities and innovating boldly
• Creating transformative experiences for UA engineering students

“The power of this endowment lies in its flexibility,” said Dr. Clifford L. Henderson, dean of the Styslinger College of Engineering.

“With discretionary resources of this scale, we can respond quickly to opportunities, enhance the student experience, recruit outstanding faculty and so much more. It positions us for immediate impact while giving us the means to invest strategically in the future.”

About Lee J. Styslinger Jr. 

Lee Styslinger Jr. was born in Birmingham in 1933 and pursued a degree in mechanical engineering at UA before leaving at age 19 to take over management of the Birmingham-based Alabama Truck Equipment Company after his father and the company’s founder passed away.

“Lee was a humble man, but he would be so proud to know the college was being honored in his name,” Catherine Styslinger said. “He would have wanted other students to have the education that he received there.”

Lee Styslinger Jr. passed away in 2021 at age 88.

Now known as Altec, Inc., the company became a worldwide leader in providing equipment and services to the electric utility, telecommunications and tree care industries under Lee Styslinger Jr.’s leadership.

“I’ve never seen a more determined guy than he was,” Catherine Styslinger said. “Once he said he was going to do something, he did it. And he never gave up. He had a strong determination and character.”

Lee Styslinger Jr.’s commitment to service and philanthropy was a cornerstone of his life. In 1997, he and his wife established the Altec/Styslinger Foundation, focusing on education and workforce development in the communities served by Altec.

Additionally, Lee Styslinger Jr. served on leadership boards for various non-profit organizations, including Highlands Day School, Children’s Harbor, Junior Achievement of Greater Birmingham, St. Vincent’s Hospital and the American National Red Cross.

Catherine and Lee Styslinger Jr. have three sons, Lee III, Jon and Mark.

About the Styslinger College of Engineering

One of the first five universities in the nation to offer engineering instruction, The University of Alabama has more than 185 years of engineering education excellence.

Styslinger College of Engineering students are among the best and brightest in the country, including a nation-leading 600 National Merit finalists.

Additionally, 3,086 engineering and computer science students received merit-based scholarships during the 2024-25 academic year.

Styslinger faculty are excelling at a high rate. For the first time in its history, the College received more than $100 million in new external research awards in a single fiscal year, with just over $100.5 million in new awards for fiscal year 2024.

This accomplishment marks a period of vast growth and success by the college and its faculty, staff and students, signified by a 244% increase in research grant awards over the past five years. Additionally, more than 70% of Styslinger College of Engineering faculty received new funding in fiscal year 2024 through 383 newly awarded grants in this record-breaking year.

About The Rising Tide 2.0 Capital Campaign 

The Rising Tide 2.0 capital campaign is the most successful capital campaign ever for higher education in the state of Alabama.

The Rising Tide 2.0 surpassed its $1.8 billion goal in June, more than 15 months ahead of schedule. This most recent milestone came just 16 months after the campaign reached its original goal of $1.5 billion and announced an even more ambitious goal of $1.8 billion.

The campaign continues to raise funds to support UA students, faculty and staff through September 2026, when the campaign draws to a close.

To date, The Rising Tide 2.0 has generated more than 1,200 new endowed scholarships, produced 66 new endowed faculty support funds and supported the construction or renovation of more than 500,000 square feet of campus facilities.

Courtesy of The University of Alabama.

The Alabama Crimson Tide surprisingly found themselves at the center of the college football universe this past weekend when it was announced that College GameDay would be in town for their rematch game against the Vanderbilt Commodores after last year’s shocking loss.

With the impressive start for Vanderbilt that led to them being ranked, a game that used to feel like a glorified cupcake now all of the sudden had a big-game feel to it. When the announcement of the guest picker was named to be comedian Theo Von — who has a close relationship with Commodores QB Diego Pavia — some were upset.

After the fact though, despite his rooting for Vanderbilt, it sounds like Von absolutely loved his experience in Tuscaloosa and had nothing but extremely positive things to say about the University of Alabama:

https://x.com/KirkHerbstreit/status/1975332112447209664

“Alabama, it is amazing,” Von said when asked about preferential treatment shown to the SEC. “We were upstairs looking out over the campus…just the attire when you’re pulling up on campus and you see people walking in their. This is their Saturday best to a T. That was one of the most picturesque things I’ve ever been a part of to be honest with you.

“It was the most welcoming…it was exceptional, just the treatment, it was all perfect…they’re protecting something there that means something to them, and they show up and you feel that. I felt like a visitor, and I felt like the most welcomed visitor that could be there.”

‌Today marks the beginning of my tenure as the 30th president of The University of Alabama, and I thank you for such a warm welcome. In the short time since my arrival, I have already felt the kindness and hospitality that reflect the unique pride and spirit that make UA such a special place.

‌Excellence defines our University — in our classrooms and labs, on our fields and courts, and through the proud service and strong leadership of our students, faculty and staff.

It is an honor to join you and help advance our mission as we build the future and create impact together.

RELATED: Dr. Peter Mohler named as 30th President of The University of Alabama

‌With the summer semester coming to a close, I look forward to celebrating the achievements of our summer graduates at my first commencement on Aug. 2.

Soon after, a new academic year will begin, bringing fresh opportunities for innovation, collaboration and discovery.
‌
‌Over the next several months, my focus will be on engaging our community and listening. I want to hear your ideas, your experiences and your hopes for how we can expand UA’s reach and impact.

Working together, we will build on our proud tradition and find new ways to empower and elevate our students and the communities we serve.
‌
‌I am excited to get started. I look forward to getting to know you and working in partnership as we write the next chapter of Alabama’s story together.

Courtesy of The University of Alabama.

The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees today officially named Peter Mohler, PhD, former Interim President of Ohio State University, as the 30th President of the University of Alabama, following the announced retirement of longtime President Dr. Stuart R. Bell, who will step down this July after a decade of leadership.

Dr. Bell, who became the 29th president in 2015, has led the Capstone through a period of historic growth. During his tenure, enrollment soared past 40,800 students, record-setting student success metrics were achieved, and fundraising efforts — most notably the Rising Tide campaign — surpassed $1.5 billion. Campus infrastructure expanded significantly, and UA climbed in academic research rankings, earning and maintaining its R1 status.

RELATED: Bell: University of Alabama’s ‘fundamental’ mission is student success

The board’s recommendation was brought by Chancellor Sid Trant, who described Mohler as a “transformative leader” capable of guiding the university to even greater heights.

“His presidency was marked by steady values-driven leadership of a university with a $10 billion budget, as he oversaw the complexity of a large and, as you know, a successful NCAA Division 1 athletics program, he strengthened relationships with government and industry leaders and spearheaded major philanthropic efforts,” Trant said.

“During his presidency, he led 15 academic colleges, colleges and programs serving over 65,000 students, while advancing key initiatives in enrollment growth, academic excellence and campus safety, among others.”

Shortly after, Trant’s recommendation was motioned, seconded, and approved unanimously by a full vote of the Board.

RELATED: UA’s Chief Administrative Officer: Dr. Bell a ‘true history maker’ at the university

The appointment, effective July 21, 2025, was met with enthusiasm by the trustees

UA System Board of Trustees Secretary Karen Brooks detailed the rigorous selection process, which privileged community input that clearly favored qualities exhibited by outgoing president Dr. Bell: leadership at a top research institution, commitment to student success, impeccable character, and capability in overseeing a major athletic program.

“Serving on this committee was a significant commitment, but I know we all agreed that the process yielded an outstanding and most exciting outcome. Thank you again to all who helped make this search such a successful one,” Brooks said.

RELATED: University of Alabama again named top producer of Fulbright Students

Previously, Mohler served as Executive Vice President for Research, Innovation and Knowledge at Ohio State, where he led its research enterprise and acted as Chief Scientific Officer for the Wexner Medical Center. He also served as Acting President of Ohio State in 2023 during its executive transition.

A nationally recognized cardiovascular researcher with over 250 peer-reviewed publications — including in Nature, Cell, and Nature Medicine — Mohler has earned prestigious awards such as the Pew Scholar designation and an NIH Outstanding Investigator award. He holds a PhD from UNC–Chapel Hill and completed a fellowship with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Duke University.

“75 days till kick off,” Mohler began his first official remarks as UA President. “Roll Tide.”

Mohler expressed deep gratitude to the trustees, Chancellor Sid Trant, and the search committee for their careful consideration and trust. He also acknowledged outgoing President Stuart Bell for his leadership, praising Bell’s accomplishments and describing them as essential groundwork for continued success at UA.

He also reflected on the values instilled by his upbringing in Grand Junction, Colorado — loyalty, integrity, hard work, and community — and credited his wife, Nancy, and their three children, Eleanor, Caroline, and John, for their support. He noted Nancy’s particular excitement to return to the South, adding that she has missed sweet tea.

“To the faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters of the University of Alabama, I cannot wait to meet you, listen to you and learn from you. I’m excited by the talented leadership team in place here, and honored to join you in the work ahead together. Together, we have the opportunity to build upon a legacy of excellence and shape the next era of impact at UA,” President Mohler said.

RELATED: President Trump: ‘The University of Alabama has a brand – and that brand is winning’

“From my days in the lab, working to unlock the genetic basis of cardiac arrhythmia in children athletes, my time in the classroom to my leadership roles in higher education, the heart of my work has always been about one thing: bringing people together to create impact, building strong interdisciplinary teams with a common purpose and a deep focus on outcomes that matter is my true north. I believe deeply in partnering with faculty, staff and students, by locking arms together with shared vision and determination.”

“That’s when universities show their true power. What drew me here was not just University of Alabama’s impressive reputation for academic and athletic excellence as a student centered University,” he said.

“The University of Alabama is distinctly positioned to ascend as the nation’s premier public flagship university, the future at the capstone is incredibly bright, and I can’t wait to get started,” Mohler concluded.

“Thank you and Roll Tide.”

The University of Alabama Board of Trustees has approved plans to build a high-performance computing and data center on the eastern edge of campus. Construction can now begin with a projected completion date in late 2026.

The UA HPC will host a large, connected computing system that will be the fastest in the state and on par with peer research institutions. The center will hold an estimated $25 million of computing power alongside additional space that will provide a cloud storage alternative for potential research partners.

The center will serve as a powerful computing and data center, supporting research across all campuses of the University of Alabama System, and will foster collaboration with external partners through shared infrastructure for research and workforce development.

The system is expected to attract world-leading faculty members to UA who strengthen educational experiences and recruit more high-achieving students. The HPC positions the UA System for more industrial, government and academic partnerships that enlarge economic development and intensify discovery, particularly in key research areas of water, materials, transportation, health, national security and quantum computing.

Most of the funding for the project comes from a disbursement from the United States Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology, and supplemental appropriation from the state’s Education Trust Fund, as approved by the Alabama Legislature and signed by Gov. Kay Ivey in 2023.

The HPC will be a petascale computing system, meaning it will be capable of performing quadrillions of calculations per second. It will be the only system in Alabama to meet the benchmarks for the Top500 list, the ranking system for the nation’s high-performance supercomputers.

The facility’s 40,000 square feet will allow for a substantial increase in UA’s computing power in a modern facility that also enables UA researchers to compete for and lead federal and private industry grants and contracts.

“The application of machine learning to scientific problems means high-performance computing is needed for scientific discovery,” said Dr. Allen Parrish, executive director of the Alabama Cyber Institute. “The new center will offer UA students opportunities to work with faculty to answer our biggest questions related to water, mobility and power technologies.

“The high-performance computing and data center touches every discipline on campus and is an opportunity to incorporate technology in the university’s entire fabric to engage and prepare students for their careers,” he said. “This center will be a driver for developing a highly skilled workforce that will spur economic development in Alabama for the 21st century.”

This story originally appeared on the University of Alabama’s website.

It’s a long way from a battle with cancer at age 5 to Homecoming Queen at the University of Alabama. That is the journey made by Hannah Adams of Birmingham.

Hannah was announced at the Friday night Homecoming Pep Rally as the Capstone’s new Homecoming Queen. She will be crowned at halftime of the Alabama v. Missouri homecoming football game.

Adams is a senior with a double major of public relations and political science. She is in the very first class of ‘Shelby Scholars,’ an innovative leadership training started by retired U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby and headed by former UA trustee Finis St. John.

Adams is already using those leadership skills with the non-profit she and family started to assist kids with cancer and their families.

She was diagnosed with Stage 3 Nephroblastoma. A grapefruit-sized tumor was found on her left kidney. She underwent radiation, 28 weeks of chemotherapy, two blood transfusions, and an eight-hour surgery to remove her tumorous left kidney.

Hannah was blessedly diagnosed as cancer-free and remains cancer-free.

“Over the past three years as a student, I have developed a deep love and appreciation for The University of Alabama. From pursuing dual degrees, running my own non-profit and collaborating with various university organizations, my hope is to connect with all students and inspire them to have hearts of service,” Adams said.

People think of cancer as targeting adults. Hannah and family know all too well that 400,00 kids a year battle cancer. They are taking the lead in awareness and resources for those cancer-fighting families. You can support that cause at https://www.hugs4childhoodcancer.org/

The author, Jim Zig Zeigler, is retired State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. He was President of the Student Government Association of the University of Alabama and crowned the 1970 Homecoming Queen.

The University of Alabama will host a drone light show for fans attending Friday night’s annual homecoming pep rally and bonfire.

The pep rally is being held at 6:30 p.m. CST and the drone show will be held immediately after at 7:30 p.m. CST according to a post on the school’s official social media pages.

According to the university, the show will be actually taking place directly above Bryant-Denny-Stadium and the best viewing will be found directly on the Quad. UA is working with a company known as Pixis in order to put the show on, who have done numerous of these types of events for both NFL and MLB teams.

https://x.com/UofAlabama/status/1848814858671653079/

“We invite you and your family to come see this amazing display of Crimson spirit – you don’t want to miss this,” the post states.

Homecoming sounds like it’s going to be a weekend full of fun as per usual in Tuscaloosa with the pep rally and bonfire on Friday night along with the annual parade at 10:00 a.m. on game day before the Crimson Tide take on Missouri at 2:30 p.m. CST.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.

On October 15, 1984 — 40 years ago today — President Ronald Reagan visited the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa for a re-election rally at Coleman Coliseum.

During his 45-minute remarks, President Reagan made several references to the Crimson Tide football program and to his friendship with Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. He was also presented with a Crimson Tide team jacket and posed for photos in it alongside the team’s Big Al elephant mascot.

Following his remarks, Reagan made a surprise visit to the McDonald’s in Northport for lunch. Before it was torn down in 2006, the restaurant housed a small exhibit commemorating the visit, which included the $20 bill that Reagan used to pay for his burger, fries, and iced tea. A plaque on the table where he sat read, “President Ronald Reagan ate here.”

A newly-constructed McDonald’s that replaced the old one still displays the original plaque and a bust of Reagan.

A Reagan Library video of his full remarks in Tuscaloosa is here:

A Reagan Library video showing highlights of his visit, including his stop at McDonald’s, is here:

The original ABC News coverage of the visit is here:

This story originally appeared in The Art of Alabama Politics, an outlet dedicated to the the wild, weird, and wonderful history of Alabama politics.

The Alabama Crimson Tide men’s and women’s golf programs have revealed an inside look into their new golf facility known as the ‘Crimson Reserve’, which was previously announced back in April.

In mid-June, the program tweeted out behind the scenes footage of what they are calling the nation’s premiere college golf facility:

https://x.com/AlabamaMGolf/status/1801955474700382359

But it seems the opening of the facility may be drawing nearer, with another collection of footage dropping over the weekend along with a “coming soon” caption:

https://x.com/AlabamaMGolf/status/1819825501319442808

The project reportedly saw costs rise up to just under $50 million and is the first of its kind across collegiate golf. It’s expected to be officially completed sometime this coming fall.

 

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The Crimson Reserve is a part of a larger collection of projects by the university known as the “Crimson Standard’, a 10-year, $600 million plan to renovate athletic facilities including the construction of a new basketball arena.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.

The University of Alabama has announced via a social media post a massive amount of students who qualified to be to the dean’s list for Spring 2024.

13,103 students qualified for either the dean’s or president’s list, which requires at least a 3.5 Grade Point Average and a 4.0 for the president’s list.

“Legendary news incoming…A total of 13,103 students enrolled this spring were named to the dean’s list with an academic record of 3.5+ or the president’s list with an academic record of 4.0. These driven students are making waves across UA’s more than 70 undergraduate programs! Join us in congratulating your student in the comments below & find their name on the list,” the official Facebook page stated.

You can look up students who qualified here.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.

The University of Alabama is making progress on its latest phase of the ‘Crimson Standard’, a series of construction projects designed to improve athletic facilities across multiple sports teams within the University.

The latest project is the construction of a massive player facility for the golf team that resembles a massive fraternity house:

The project, which includes a full course on site with the facility, is expected to be completed by the Fall of 2024.

Facilities have been a hot topic among Alabama fanbases for a number of years now with plans for a new basketball arena to replace Coleman Coliseum being repeatedly delayed due to inflation and the economy.

Athletics Director Greg Byrne reflected optimism for the basketball project last month, saying that the University has had a successful fundraising period and the plans for the arena have not been scrapped.

“We’ve actually had a pretty good last few months from a fundraising standpoint. We’ve been continuing to ask, our development team that’s been out there, we’ve had some very generous contributions from our supporters,” Byrne told Ryan Fowler in March.

“And obviously we need to make sure it works financially and it doesn’t put our entire department in a very challenging financial position,” he added. “But know it’s still a priority for us, still something we’re raising money for and so I can honestly say we’ve had some very positive conversations from a financial and fundraising standpoint.”

The Crimson Standard is still supposedly in Phase 2 of a 10-year, $600 million plan which includes both the golf and basketball facilities.

Despite challenges however, it appears the golf facility is nearing completion, and Tide fans will be hopeful that attention can now turn to basketball.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP

Four presidential candidates took the stage at Moody Music Building on the University of Alabama’s campus earlier this month for an official GOP debate. Thousands were in attendance and many thousands more followed along at home.

Among those in the audience were local and state officials who couldn’t be prouder of the Capstone as it hosted a tradition that goes back over half a century.

“This has been in the works for over a year,” Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl told Yellowhammer News. 

“What an opportunity for the state of Alabama. First presidential primary debate in Alabama history, an opportunity for us to showcase Alabama, but then also, get the opportunity to have the candidates be introduced to our state. Wherever they end up, whether it’s a cabinet position, or maybe running for president four years from now, it’s very unlikely they forget the night they spent in Alabama on the debate stage,” Wahl said. 

The bench of Alabama officials proved to be an all-star cast of legislators, government and corporate executives, university administrators, major party donors and industry association chiefs alongside the crowd of GOP officials and national political influencers who gathered to see history in the making in Tuscaloosa.

RELATED: GOP candidates will find the University of Alabama a beacon of free speech

“It’s amazing, the opportunity to showcase Alabama, the opportunity to showcase one of our universities, the opportunity to showcase what we have here, and to be able to show that on a national stage, first ever debate in Alabama – that’s exciting,” State Sen. Lance Bell told Yellowhammer News. 

“It’s not only tourism, it’s economic impact that’s created here,” Bell (R-Pell City) said. “Just like a ballgame, just like a Talladega Super Speedway racing event. When you walk through here and see the streets lined up, law enforcement everywhere, it’s incredible.” 

Yellowhammer News spotted some of the influential Alabama leaders present at the event:

• Greg Reed, President Pro Tem of the Alabama State Senate
• Bill Poole, Alabama Finance Director
• Twinkle Cavanaugh, President of the Alabama Public Service Commission
• Attorney General Steve Marshall
• State Senator Lance Bell (Pell City)
• State Senator Gerald Allen (Tuscaloosa)
• State Representative Danny Garrett (Trussville)
• State Representative Rhett Marques (Enterprise)
• State Representative Cynthia Almond (Tuscaloosa)
• State Representative Ron Bolton (Northport)
• State Representative Bill Lamb (Tuscaloosa)
• Secretary of State Wes Allen
• Ed Aldag, Medical Properties Trust CEO
• Phill Webb, CEO Webb Concrete and Building Services
• Kevin Savoy, President Great Southern Wood Preserving
• Robert Dohr, President of the American Enterprise Institute
• Paul Pinyan, Executive Director Alabama Farmers Federation
• Walt Maddox, Mayor of Tuscaloosa
• Dr. Stuart Bell, President of the University of Alabama
• Finis St. John, Chancellor of the University of Alabama System
• Scott Phelps, President of the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees
• Bill Battle, former UA Athletic Director

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

More students from within the state and across the country were called to the “Alabama Experience” this fall at the University of Alabama than ever before. 

Official enrollment data reports a headcount of 39,623 students.

That total includes 3,184 freshmen representing every county. It is the largest number of in-state freshmen since 2010 and the fifth consecutive year with an increase in in-state enrollment. 

This year’s incoming class continues to be academically talented, with 43.4% boasting a 4.0 high school GPA, a record average high school GPA of 3.87, and 300 National Merit Scholars. 

RELATED: Bell: University of Alabama’s ‘fundamental’ mission is student success

“Students – and their parents – are not only drawn to UA’s academic excellence but to what we refer to as the ‘Alabama Experience’,” said UA President Stuart Bell. “With over 600 student organizations, experiential learning opportunities like our remarkable entrepreneurship program, and boundless undergraduate and graduate research opportunities, students choose The University of Alabama to become well-rounded global citizens, ready to make a difference.”

In-state students are growing faster than the state’s population, increasing 1.5% overall and 6.6% among first-time undergraduates. 

The university said it has a record enrollment of 9,342 ethnic and racial minority students, a 9.4% increase from 2022, and likely includes the highest number of under-represented minority students enrolled at any university in the state. This includes an all-time high of 4,579 Black students and 2,610 Hispanic students. 

The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees froze in-state tuition for the 2023-24 academic year. Prior to the 2022-2023 school year, when tuition was increased marginally to account for inflation, in-state students did not see an increase for five consecutive years. 

RELATED: UA System: No tuition increase for in-state students

“We’re proud of our enrollment numbers – for all the new students, but also for those we are helping to thrive here and persist through graduation,” Bell said. “UA is a First-Generation Forward institution, which means we have dedicated programs and resources designed to support those who are the first in their families to go to college.”

With students from all 67 counties, all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 92 countries, UA is educating and graduating more students than any university in the state.

According to its latest impact report, UA has a $2.8 billion economic impact on the state, spanning all 67 counties. 

UA characterizes their enrollment growth as a deliberate aspect of a broader mission to meet the state’s workforce needs: Each year, UA awards around 9,000 degrees and, of the graduates that may be tracked since 2015, 52% remain in Alabama. 

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees elected Scott Phelps as president pro tempore. Phelps of Tuscaloosa was elected during the board’s annual meeting Friday.

Phelps has represented Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District on the board since 2015. H hase served as chair of the Finance and Legal Affairs committees.

RELATED: UA System: No tuition increase for in-state students

“We on the Board are very fortunate that Scott Phelps is available and willing to serve our state in this critical capacity,” said Trustee and outgoing President pro tem Stan Starnes, who served three years. “He is a person of uncommon intellect and unparalleled devotion to the University of Alabama System.

“He will serve us with distinction.”

Phelps began his career in Birmingham as an attorney at Bradley Arant Rose & White. He returned to his hometown of Tuscaloosa in 1995, joining Greene Group Inc., where he is vice president and secretary.

RELATED: University of Alabama launches four new bachelor’s degree programs

In 2005, he played an instrumental role in establishing Bryant Bank and has been a board member since its inception. 

Phelps holds a bachelor’s degree from Birmingham-Southern College and a J.D. degree from the University of Alabama School of Law.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

For the seventh consecutive year, the University of Alabama was awarded record external funding for research and other sponsored activities.

For Fiscal Year 2020, sponsored awards at UA reached more than $168.4 million, an increase of more than 27% over the previous year’s then-record. In the last two fiscal years, sponsored awards increased by 70%. Sponsored awards include all competitive external funding for research, instruction, other sponsored activity, fellowships and construction.

This announcement shows that the Capstone, a part of the University of Alabama System, has further secured its stature as a major comprehensive research-intensive university and one of the fastest growing research institutions in the nation.

“UA’s research enterprise is thriving and making a difference to our students and to the lives of citizens in our state and beyond,” stated UA president Stuart R. Bell. “Innovation in research at UA promotes economic development through faculty and student-led start-up companies, providing solutions to industry partners and critical services to Alabama communities, businesses and the state.” (more…)

The University of Alabama on Friday announced that its fall 2020 enrollment saw an increase in the number of in-state undergraduate students, plus record-setting graduate school enrollment.

The university’s total student headcount for this semester was a strong 37,842, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

This reportedly included a 2% increase of in-state undergrads, marking the second consecutive year in-state enrollment was up. The number of students who identify as African American, Hispanic or Asian American was up a total of 3.6%. (more…)

University of Alabama Student Government Association president Demarcus Joiner on Monday morning interviewed on “CNN Newsroom” with Jim Sciutto about the university’s return-to-campus efforts.

The interview came after the university’s latest publicized data on Friday evening showed that its attempts to flatten the curve appear to be working.

“We’re happy to say that no students are in the hospital or have been hospitalized from COVID,” Joiner said. (more…)

Over the last five months, a program based at The University of Alabama helped thousands of small businesses in the state successfully tap into federal disaster funds to preserve jobs and stay open during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Alabama Small Business Development Center led an effort to assist businesses to learn about the federal disaster programs and to aid their efforts to access the critically needed federal funds.

The statewide SBDC, part of the UA Office for Research and Economic Development, delivered over 55 workshops on applying for disaster funding, addressing almost daily changes in the funding programs. Close to 6,600 individuals participated in the SBDC training webinars and advising services, resulting in $117 million in funding for small businesses. (more…)

The University of Alabama System announced Thursday that its three campuses will be transitioning to online cases due to COVID-19.

The system published an updated interim emergency policy regarding the coronavirus.

“Based on recent developments, discussions with leadership on our campuses and with other institutions, and advice of the University of Alabama System Task Force, we are making immediate preparations to transition to online or alternate instruction for all academic courses to protect the health and safety of our communities. This policy will be re-evaluated on or before Monday, April 6, 2020,” the policy memo stated.

The details vary slightly among the campuses: (more…)

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — A $20 million comprehensive gift from C.T. and Kelley Fitzpatrick will significantly enhance the Culverhouse College of Business and intercollegiate athletics at the University of Alabama.

When completed, the commitment will increase the Fitzpatricks’ total giving to UA to $24 million and make them the largest cash donors in the University’s history.

Pending approval by the University of Alabama Board of Trustees, the $20 million gift will establish the C.T. and Kelley Fitzpatrick Center for Value Investing.

It also provides funding for research in value investing, enhances the Culverhouse Investment Management Group student-led investment program, elevates the Fitzpatrick Endowed Chair of Value Investing to the C.T. and Kelley Fitzpatrick Endowed Director of the Center for Value Investing and supports enhancements to Crimson Tide Athletics facilities. (more…)