UA System | º£½ÇÉçÇø Thu, 08 Oct 2026 20:32:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 UA System Names Assistant Vice Chancellors for Federal and State Affairs /2026/10/ua-system-names-assistant-vice-chancellors-for-federal-and-state-affairs/ Thu, 08 Oct 2026 20:10:02 +0000 /?p=3924 Two experienced government relations professionals to join UA System Office of External Affairs, bolstering state and federal advocacy efforts

TUSCALOOSA, AL – º£½ÇÉçÇø has named Brennan Johnson Assistant Vice Chancellor for Federal Affairs and Kyle South Assistant Vice Chancellor for State Affairs in the Office of External Affairs, strengthening efforts to advance institutional priorities and foster relationships that support the teaching, research, service and health care missions of its universities and health system.

Johnson will support the UA System’s federal affairs efforts by helping advance strategic priorities, strengthening relationships with federal policymakers and agencies, and monitoring legislative and regulatory developments affecting higher education and health care. He joins the UA System from the Retirement Systems of Alabama, where he served as assistant legal counsel and supported legislative efforts involving the Alabama Legislature and congressional delegation. Johnson previously served as Senate Liaison for Gov. Kay Ivey and spent more than eight years in the Office of U.S. Senator Richard Shelby. He earned his J.D. from George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School and a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from The º£½ÇÉçÇø.

“Throughout his career, Brennan has earned the trust of government officials and stakeholders by pairing thoughtful policy analysis with a deep understanding of Alabama,� said Vice Chancellor for Federal Affairs Ray Cole. “His experience in both federal and state government will help strengthen our ability to demonstrate the impact of the UA System and advance priorities that benefit our institutions and those we serve across the state.�

With more than 15 years of experience in government affairs, public policy and stakeholder engagement, South will help advance the UA System’s state priorities through legislative advocacy, relationship building and strategic external engagement. South will join the UA System on Nov. 2 from the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, where he serves as CEO and leads efforts related to regional economic development, workforce development and public policy. He previously served nine years in the Alabama House of Representatives, representing District 16 and working on issues related to fiscal policy, appropriations, economic development and infrastructure. South also served as Floor Leader to House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter. He earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce and business administration from UA.

“Kyle has spent his career working at the intersection of public policy, business and community needs,� said Vice Chancellor for State Affairs Porter Banister. “His experience navigating complex policy issues, fostering collaboration and advancing initiatives that benefit communities throughout Alabama positions him to be a strong advocate for the UA System and its mission.�

The Office of External Affairs works with legislative and executive branch officials to improve education and healthcare in the state, coordinates with state and local leaders in the public and private sectors to ensure that the UA System continues to play an integral role in the development of the state’s workforce and serves as the liaison between the UA System Board of Trustees and the legislative and executive branches of state and federal government.

Brennan Johnson, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Federal Affairs, and Kyle South, Assistant Vice Chancellor for State Affairs

About the º£½ÇÉçÇø System

Committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service, the º£½ÇÉçÇø System includes three doctoral research institutions – UA, UAB, and UAH – and the world-class UAB Health System. The UA System educates more Alabamians than any other university system and provides transformational research in areas ranging from aerospace to biomedicine to transportation. Its hospitals and clinics care for millions of patients annually and serve people in every county of Alabama. As the largest employer in the state, the overall economic impact of the º£½ÇÉçÇø System exceeds $18 billion a year.

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UA System Powers Alabama’s Growing Role in America’s Space Mission /2026/10/ua-system-powers-alabamas-growing-role-in-americas-space-mission/ Tue, 06 Oct 2026 09:45:00 +0000 /?p=3910 TUSCALOOSA, AL – As the United States advances its focus on space exploration, national security and emerging technologies, the need for cutting-edge research and industry talent continues to grow. º£½ÇÉçÇø universities – , , and – are advancing scientific discovery, supporting NASA missions and preparing a highly skilled workforce through strong academic programs to support the nation’s important aerospace priorities.

“With U.S. Space Command coming to Huntsville and Alabama pursuing the United States Space Academy, our state has an extraordinary opportunity to play an even greater role in America’s space future,â€� said UA System Chancellor Sid J. Trant. “Across the º£½ÇÉçÇø System, our universities are already producing the discoveries, technologies and talent that this critical national mission will require.â€�

The º£½ÇÉçÇø in Huntsville

Located in Cummings Research Park, the nation’s second-largest research park, UAH is surrounded by more than 300 aerospace, defense and technology companies, as well as NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Redstone Arsenal and the future headquarters of U.S. Space Command. That concentration of academic, military, government and industry expertise places the university at the center of one of the nation’s most significant aerospace and defense hubs.

The university’s location and capabilities also strengthen Alabama’s bid to locate the proposed United States Space Academy in Huntsville. Gov. Kay Ivey announced the state’s formal bid on Oct. 1, citing Huntsville’s research capabilities, STEM education pipeline and aerospace workforce among the reasons Alabama is positioned to train the nation’s next generation of space leaders.

UAH , and the university’s researchers are working with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center to address some of the most significant challenges facing future missions. Led by Dr. Robert A. Frederick, Jr., the UAH Propulsion Research Center is that could significantly reduce travel times for missions to Mars and beyond. Dr. Gabe Xu is designed to help astronauts maintain healthier living environments during missions to the moon and Mars, while also conducting research in atmospheric plasmas, fusion propulsion and hypersonic systems with applications in aerospace, defense and energy.

UAH’s influence extends beyond research, with academic programs and experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for careers in aerospace, defense and advanced technology fields. Earlier this year, a UAH engineering team won , finishing first among 23 university teams after a nine-month rocket design and testing competition. UAH students also earned top finishes in and the , giving students hands-on experience addressing challenges encountered by aerospace professionals.

Headquartered at UAH, NASA’s brings together institutions across Alabama to support students pursuing aerospace-related careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics with scholarships, fellowships and research opportunities. In 2026, students at and received Alabama Space Grant awards supporting research across a range of STEM fields while providing opportunities to connect with scientists and pursue aerospace-related careers.

The º£½ÇÉçÇø

At The º£½ÇÉçÇø, researchers and students are contributing to spacecraft mission design, satellite technology and the systems that will support future space exploration.

One of UA’s most significant contributions is the developed by Dr. Rohan Sood and researchers in the Astrodynamics and Space Research Laboratory. NASA, federal laboratories, universities and private companies use the open-source software to calculate spacecraft trajectories and evaluate mission designs. ASSET plays an important part in NASA’s ongoing and future missions, including Artemis I and Artemis II, and helped boost the Orion spacecraft toward the moon.

Meanwhile, to develop a safer, more cost-effective satellite propellant in partnership with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Plasma Processes.

UA students extend their education through experiential learning programs that connect classroom work with real aerospace missions. The student team designs and builds autonomous rovers for NASA’s Lunabotics Challenge, while the student-led program develops satellites for NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative, including the BAMA-2 satellite expected to launch in late 2026.

The º£½ÇÉçÇø at Birmingham

At UAB, aerospace research brings together engineering, materials science and human health, all of which will become more important as space missions grow longer and more complex.

±«´¡µþ’s (EITD) group has worked alongside NASA for decades to develop technologies used aboard the International Space Station and other missions. A leader in cold-stowage hardware for microgravity and exploration environments, EITD has had as many as 17 payloads operating in orbit at one time through a $500 million NASA contract.

In 2025, to develop a lunar freezer system capable of safely transporting temperature-sensitive materials from the moon and the Gateway space station back to Earth. The technology is expected to preserve critical scientific samples collected during future Artemis-era missions and support long-duration exploration.

UAB researchers are leveraging the unique environment of space to advance scientific discovery. In 2026, investigators launched a examining how pneumonia can contribute to serious heart complications. Studying these effects in microgravity could provide insights that benefit human health both in space and on Earth.

In addition, exploring advanced materials with potential applications in future aerospace systems. Led by Dr. Kathy Lu, the research could help support future hypersonic vehicles and other aerospace technologies that operate under extreme heat and demanding conditions.

Students contribute to ±«´¡µþ’s aerospace efforts through research and projects that connect classroom learning with real-world applications. This year, the , where students designed, built and tested high-powered rockets. These experiences provide practical training that complements ±«´¡µþ’s broader contributions to aerospace research and technology development.

One System, Shared Impact

From spacecraft propulsion and mission design to human health and workforce development, UA System institutions are helping shape the next era of space exploration. The research, academic programs and partnerships across the UA System strengthen Alabama’s position as a national leader in aerospace and advance a mission of critical importance to the nation.


About the º£½ÇÉçÇø System

Committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service, the º£½ÇÉçÇø System includes three doctoral research institutions – UA, UAB, and UAH – and the world-class UAB Health System. The UA System educates more Alabamians than any other university system and provides transformational research in areas ranging from aerospace to biomedicine to transportation. Its hospitals and clinics care for millions of patients annually and serve people in every county of Alabama. As the largest employer in the state, the overall economic impact of the º£½ÇÉçÇø System exceeds $18 billion a year.

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º£½ÇÉçÇø System Announces Executive Leadership Appointments /2026/09/university-of-alabama-system-announces-executive-leadership-appointments/ Thu, 24 Sep 2026 20:50:47 +0000 /?p=3800 º£½ÇÉçÇø today announced three new executive leadership appointments as part of an organizational restructuring designed to support the continued growth of the UA System.

Effective Oct. 1, 2026, Dr. Dana S. Keith will serve as the UA System’s Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance & Investments, Mark Foley will serve as Vice Chancellor for Administration and Chief of Staff, and Mary Caroline Wynn will serve as Secretary of the Board of Trustees and System Counsel.

The new structure creates separate executive leadership roles for Finance & Investments and Administration, functions previously overseen together under the Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration. The change reflects continued growth of the UA System and the expanding scope of its academic, health care, research and administrative operations.

As Alabama’s largest higher education and healthcare enterprise, the UA System educates more than 71,500 students, provides millions of patient visits each year through its hospitals and clinics, and supports one in 14 jobs in Alabama. 

“Dana, Mark and Mary Caroline are all highly respected and extremely capable,â€� said UA System Chancellor Sid J. Trant. “This evolved leadership structure will strengthen our ability to support our institutions and the people we serve and position us for continued success across the º£½ÇÉçÇø System.â€�

Dr. Dana S. Keith, Mark Foley, Mary Caroline Wynn

Dr. Dana S. Keith – Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance & Investments

As the primary advisor to the Board of Trustees and the Chancellor on financial strategy and stewardship, Keith will oversee Systemwide fiscal integrity, institutional funding strategies, asset and debt management, investments and the long-term financial sustainability of the UA System and its affiliated entities. Deeply experienced across higher education and healthcare finance and public accounting, Keith joined the UA System in 2004 – first as Associate Vice President for Financial Affairs at The º£½ÇÉçÇø – and has served in senior financial leadership roles for more than two decades. She earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from UA, B.S. and MBA degrees from Southern Mississippi, and a B.S. degree from Mississippi State University. She is a certified public accountant.

Mark Foley – Vice Chancellor for Administration and Chief of Staff

Foley will oversee key administrative functions in the UA System Office, including Construction Management, Human Resources, Information Technology and Security Operations. Over the past seven years as Secretary of the Board of Trustees and System Counsel, Foley has successfully navigated complex legal, governance and operational issues while fostering strong relationships across the UA System. In his new role, Foley will continue advising the Chancellor on policy, operational and cross-functional matters while leading strategic initiatives through collaboration with institutional leaders and external stakeholders. Prior to joining the UA System, Foley practiced commercial litigation for several years. He graduated with honors from The º£½ÇÉçÇø with a B.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Chemistry and earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif.

Mary Caroline Wynn – Secretary of the Board of Trustees and System Counsel

The UA System Board of Trustees appointed Wynn to serve as Secretary of the Board at its annual meeting held on Sept. 11, 2026. In the role, Wynn will coordinate Board and Committee meetings, maintain records of Board actions, serve as a liaison between the Board and the UA System, and support strategic initiatives across the enterprise. Wynn previously practiced law as a shareholder in Maynard Nexsen’s Insurance and Financial Services Litigation Practice Group. She earned her J.D., magna cum laude, from The º£½ÇÉçÇø School of Law, where she served as Executive Editor of the Alabama Law Review and was a national quarterfinalist on the ABA National Moot Court Team. She also earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts from UA, graduating summa cum laude and gaining membership in the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.

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UA System Board of Trustees Elects Mike Brock as New President Pro Tempore /2026/09/ua-system-board-of-trustees-elects-mike-brock-as-new-president-pro-tempore/ Thu, 24 Sep 2026 20:44:44 +0000 /?p=3804 º£½ÇÉçÇø Board of Trustees elected Mike Brock of Montgomery as its new President pro tempore during its annual meeting in Tuscaloosa on September 11, 2026. Brock has represented Alabama’s Second Congressional District on the Board of Trustees since 2020. Prior to his election as President pro tem, Brock served as chair of the Athletics Committee and vice chair of the Legal Affairs Committee.

Brock is a nationally recognized trial lawyer with more than 30 years of experience. He maintains a national trial practice with Kirkland & Ellis LLP from offices in Montgomery and Washington, D.C.

Brock earned a B.S. degree in Business and Commerce from The º£½ÇÉçÇø in 1981 and a J.D. degree from The º£½ÇÉçÇø School of Law in 1984. As a student-athlete, he was an All-SEC lineman on Coach Paul “Bearâ€� Bryant’s National Championship teams of 1978 and 1979. During law school, he was the first recipient of The º£½ÇÉçÇø Athletics Department Graduate Scholarship, and he was a member of the Law School’s Moot Court Board

Mike Brock
President pro tempore Mike Brock

“While Mike’s accomplishments speak for themselves, it is his character and approach to leadership that make him especially well-suited for this role,â€� said Trustee Emerita Karen Brooks, who served as chair of the Nominating Committee. “He leads with both compassion and conviction. He cares deeply about our students, believes in the power of education to change lives, and is passionate about expanding access and opportunity across our educational and health care institutions. I am confident that under his leadership, this Board and the entire º£½ÇÉçÇø System will continue to make great strides in advancing our important mission.â€�

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UA System Board of Trustees designates Karen P. Brooks Trustee Emerita /2026/09/ua-system-board-of-trustees-designates-karen-p-brooks-trustee-emerita/ Sat, 12 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000 /?p=3735

º£½ÇÉçÇø Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution designating Karen P. Brooks Trustee Emerita during its annual meeting on Sept. 11, 2026. Brooks, who represented Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District on the Board from 2005 to 2026, was presented with a framed copy of the resolution during the meeting. Trustees and colleagues reflected on her legacy of distinguished leadership, steadfast belief in elevating others, and enduring impact on the Board and the UA System.

(Left to right): Mary London Moore, Jim Brooks, Trustee Emerita Karen P. Brooks, Trustee Scott Phelps, Chancellor Sid J. Trant, Trustee Kenneth Simon

At the meeting, outgoing President Pro Tempore Scott Phelps credited Brooks with fostering a culture of service and stewardship among her fellow trustees. “You have passed that forward to the rest of us throughout your time here, and your impact on this Board will go forward for decades,� he said.

Over her 21 years of service, Brooks held numerous leadership positions on the Board of Trustees, in 2014, she became the first woman in Board history to serve as President pro tempore, a position she held for three consecutive terms. She also chaired the Executive, Physical Properties, Nominating and Compensation committees and led search committees that resulted in the appointments of Chancellor Sid J. Trant and º£½ÇÉçÇø Presidents Peter J. Mohler and Stuart R. Bell.

“Karen Brooks’ distinguished service has shaped the º£½ÇÉçÇø System for more than two decades,â€� said Chancellor Trant. “She has guided our institutions with wisdom, integrity and an unwavering commitment to our students, campuses and communities. We are profoundly grateful for her principled leadership and proud to honor her enduring legacy.â€�

Beyond her contributions to higher education, Brooks has built a legacy of business leadership, philanthropy, and community service through her work at Phifer Incorporated, where she serves as vice president, treasurer and co-chairman of the board of directors.

A 1972 graduate of The º£½ÇÉçÇø with a degree in social work, Brooks has remained deeply engaged with her alma mater through service on the President’s Cabinet, the 1831 Foundation Board of Directors, the Crimson Tide Foundation and the Crimson Racket Club.

She has also devoted her time and talents to numerous civic and charitable organizations across West Alabama, including the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, United Way of West Alabama, Good Samaritan Clinic, Friends of Bryce Hospital and the Reese Phifer, Jr. Memorial Foundation. In recognition of her professional accomplishments and civic leadership, Brooks was named a 2024 Woman of Impact.

º£½ÇÉçÇø is proud to honor Trustee Emerita Brooks for her dedicated service and the lasting impact she has made on its institutions and people.

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UA System Board of Trustees Approves Policies to Advance Academic Excellence and Student and Faculty Success /2026/08/ua-system-board-of-trustees-approves-policies-to-advance-academic-excellence-and-student-and-faculty-success/ Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:35:14 +0000 /?p=3659 º£½ÇÉçÇø is committed to student success, academic excellence and institutional accountability. The policies approved by the Board of Trustees today will strengthen academic quality, support faculty development and productivity, and ensure our institutions are fulfilling their core teaching, research and service missions. The changes are also consistent with HB 580, enacted by the Alabama Legislature earlier this year.

The revisions to establish a comprehensive post-tenure review policy designed both to support faculty success and provide accountability. The process includes peer review, provides opportunities to recognize faculty contributions and continued professional development, and establishes a means to address significant performance concerns if they arise. Each tenured faculty member must undergo post-tenure review at least once every five years.

The changes to add a mandatory review of new academic programs within five years of implementation. These reviews will assess whether programs are achieving their stated goals and objectives, identify opportunities for improvement, and help ensure our academic programs meet the needs of our students and our state. Requests for new academic programs will continue to be submitted to the Board of Trustees for review and approval.

codifies the longstanding practice that faculty senates at UA System institutions serve in an advisory capacity. The rule also reaffirms that a faculty senate does not speak on behalf of the institution itself, consistent with the Board’s existing Institutional Neutrality policy. At the same time, the rule recognizes the important role faculty senates play in providing faculty perspective and insight into the academic mission and institutional operations.

Collectively, these efforts reinforce our objective to ensure our institutions continue to advance academic excellence and equip our students and our faculty to succeed. 

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º£½ÇÉçÇø System Establishes Capitol Scholars Leadership Council /2026/08/university-of-alabama-system-establishes-capitol-scholars-leadership-council/ Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:20:09 +0000 /?p=3618 TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – º£½ÇÉçÇø today announced the appointment of the inaugural members of the Capitol Scholars Leadership Council, a distinguished group of alumni and professionals who will help guide the continued growth and long-term vision of the UA System’s Capitol Scholars Program.

The Capitol Scholars Program is an immersive summer internship program that provides exceptional students from UA System institutions – ,   and – with high-impact experiential learning opportunities in Washington, D.C. The curated program prepares students to serve Alabama through careers in government, public policy, advocacy and related fields by connecting academic excellence, public service, leadership development, professional exposure, and alumni network-building.

The Leadership Council will advise and support the program across its four core pillars: access to opportunity, exposure to government and public affairs careers, leadership and professional development, and civic commitment and Alabama impact. The council will assist with internship placements, foster connections with agencies and organizations, identify new opportunities for students and provide strategic vision for the program’s continued advancement.

“The Leadership Council brings together an exceptional group of UA System alumni and professionals who have distinguished themselves in government, public policy and civic leadership,â€� said Carroll Phelps, the program’s executive director. â€œWe are grateful for their willingness to invest in our students and help strengthen the Capitol Scholars experience through their insight, mentorship and support.â€�

, will serve as the Leadership Council’s inaugural chair. McLaurin has led the White House Historical Association since 2014. Under his leadership, the private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961 has expanded its educational and cultural programming through award-winning publications, digital content, teacher engagement initiatives and public programs. In 2024, the Association opened , an immersive educational center dedicated to sharing the story of the Executive Mansion and those who have served there.

“Stewart’s career reflects the very qualities the º£½ÇÉçÇø System’s Capitol Scholars Program seeks to cultivate in students – leadership, service and a deep commitment to civic engagement,” said Carroll Phelps, the program’s executive director. “His experience, coupled with the expertise of council members serving across government, policy, advocacy and industry, will provide invaluable guidance as we continue creating transformative opportunities for students to learn, lead and serve.”

A 1981 graduate of The º£½ÇÉçÇø with a bachelor’s degree in American history and political science, McLaurin received the in 2026. He has also held leadership positions with George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute, Georgetown University and the American Red Cross.

“º£½ÇÉçÇø has a longstanding tradition of developing leaders who serve their communities, their state and their nation,â€� said McLaurin. “The Capitol Scholars Program builds on that legacy by giving students direct access to the people, institutions and experiences that shape public life. I am honored to chair the Leadership Council and work alongside fellow alumni to expand opportunities for students and help prepare the next generation of civic and public service leaders.â€�

In addition to McLaurin, members of the Capitol Scholars Leadership Council include:

  • Anthony Barnes, senior accountant, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Office of Large Firm Monitoring 
  • Hamilton Bloom, partner, Venture Government Strategies
  • Shannon Campagna, president, Portfolio Strategies LLC
  • Ray Cole, vice chancellor for federal affairs, º£½ÇÉçÇø System
  • Royce Dickerson, head of strategic business programs, AFLAC
  • Madison Green Gentile, chief of staff, Office of Rep. Barry Moore
  • Mary Blanche Hankey, vice president, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform
  • LaFreeda Jordan, chief of external affairs, º£½ÇÉçÇø in Huntsville
  • Pete Landrum, principal, BGR Group
  • Mary Pat Lawrence, senior vice president of governmental affairs, Protective Life
  • Ginger Loper, founder and principal, Loper Consulting
  • Carroll Phelps, executive director, Capitol Scholars Program
  • Clay Ryan, senior vice president of external affairs, Alabama Power Company
  • Bill Stiers, government solutions, Maynor and Stiers
  • Nick Tolbert, legislative correspondent, Office of Sen. Katie Britt
  • Kristen Torres, principal, Torres Consulting LLC
  • Addie Treglown, development and external affairs, Foundations for Hope

About the º£½ÇÉçÇø System

Committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service, the º£½ÇÉçÇø System includes three doctoral research institutions – UA, UAB, and UAH – and the world-class UAB Health System. The UA System educates more Alabamians than any other university system and provides transformational research in areas ranging from aerospace to biomedicine to transportation. Its hospitals and clinics care for millions of patients annually and serve people in every county of Alabama. As the largest employer in the state, the overall economic impact of the º£½ÇÉçÇø System exceeds $18 billion a year.

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UA System Chancellor Sid J. Trant Selected for Leadership Alabama Class XXXVI /2026/08/ua-system-chancellor-sid-j-trant-selected-for-leadership-alabama-class-xxxvi/ Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:31:50 +0000 /?p=3607

º£½ÇÉçÇø System Chancellor Sid J. Trant has been selected as a member of Leadership Alabama’s Class XXXVI, joining a distinguished group of leaders from across the state who are committed to moving Alabama forward to achieve its full potential.

is a statewide program that brings together professionals from various industries to explore the opportunities and challenges impacting communities throughout the state. Class members will participate in presentations, discussions and site visits designed to provide a deeper understanding of the issues, initiatives and partnerships shaping Alabama’s future.

“Alabama’s continued growth depends on strong partnerships and a shared understanding of the matters facing our state,â€� said Trant. “I am honored to be selected for Leadership Alabama’s Class XXXVI and look forward to engaging with leaders from across the state to gain new perspectives that will serve our mission to improve the lives of all Alabamians.â€�

Sid Trant
Sid J. Trant – Chancellor of º£½ÇÉçÇø

As Chancellor, Trant is the chief executive officer of Alabama’s largest public employer and largest higher education and health care enterprise, which is comprised of three dynamic research universities – , The and – as well as the world-class . Together, our institutions enroll more than 71,500 students, support and sustain more than 166,000 jobs, create a statewide economic impact of $18.6 billion and generate more than $1.3 billion in research and development expenditures each year. He serves as the principal liaison between the Board of Trustees and the UA System’s component institutions, working closely with the university presidents and health system CEO to implement policies set forth by the Board while supporting the multi-faceted missions of the System’s institutions.

A member of the UA System’s executive leadership team since 2017, Trant has helped guide the enterprise through a period of historic growth. Before being appointed Chancellor in 2025, he served as Interim Chancellor and, for more than six years, as General Counsel and Senior Vice Chancellor.

Prior to joining the UA System, Trant was a partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP for 30 years, serving in various roles inside the firm, including practice group chair, hiring partner, and member of the firm’s Executive Committee. He graduated summa cum laude from UA in 1983 as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his juris doctorate degree in 1986 from Georgetown University Law Center, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif and graduated magna cum laude. Trant is a member of several distinguished professional organizations and chairs the Freshwater Land Trust Board of Directors.

Other Leadership Alabama alumni in the UA System Office include Vice Chancellor for Security Operations Steven Anderson, Chief Audit and Compliance Officer Marvell “Chip� Bivins, Jr., and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs Tonjanita Johnson.

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UA System’s Commitment to Academic Excellence /2026/08/ua-systems-commitment-to-academic-excellence/ Mon, 10 Aug 2026 20:58:18 +0000 /?p=3604 As discussions around higher education continue nationally, the º£½ÇÉçÇø System — including The º£½ÇÉçÇø, The º£½ÇÉçÇø at Birmingham, and The º£½ÇÉçÇø in Huntsville — reaffirms its unwavering dedication to academic and research excellence, accountability and public service. Higher education is essential to the prosperity of our state and nation, and we take seriously our great responsibility to fulfill our universities’ educational, research and service missions. The UA System remains focused on providing accessible and high-quality education, preparing students for success, advancing research and innovation, fostering free speech and civil discourse, meeting workforce needs and remaining accountable for the resources entrusted to us. These longstanding commitments will continue to guide the UA System and our institutions.

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º£½ÇÉçÇø System Expands Nursing Education as State Faces Looming Nurse Shortage /2026/08/university-of-alabama-system-expands-nursing-education-as-state-faces-looming-nurse-shortage/ Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:01:22 +0000 /?p=3598 TUSCALOOSA, AL – As Alabama confronts a projected shortage of 14,000 nurses by next year, the º£½ÇÉçÇø System is taking action to expand nursing education, prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals, and bolster one of the state’s most comprehensive nursing workforce pipelines.

According to the Alabama Board of Nursing, approximately 39,000 nurses indicated plans to retire by 2027, creating an urgent need to expand the healthcare workforce. , , , and the  are meeting that challenge by expanding enrollment, accelerating pathways to practice, increasing access to clinical learning opportunities and advancing research that strengthens patient care across the state.

“One of the greatest advantages of the º£½ÇÉçÇø System is the ability to bring together distinct strengths in pursuit of a common goal,â€� said UA System Chancellor Sid J. Trant. “By leveraging the expertise and resources of our universities and health system, we can address challenges that matter to Alabamians, expand opportunity and help shape the future of healthcare across our state.â€�

The º£½ÇÉçÇø at Birmingham

The UAB School of Nursing is preparing more nurses than any university in the state while advancing healthcare innovation, research and patient care. Home to the state’s top-ranked , according to U.S. News & World Report, UAB enrolls more than 3,000 nursing and pre-nursing students annually. The school graduates more than 1,000 nurses each year, with most staying in Alabama after graduation.

Since 2016, more than one in four nursing graduates in Alabama have earned their degrees from the UAB School of Nursing. Demand for those graduates remains high, with the Alabama Hospital Association reporting an approximately 20% nursing vacancy rate in hospitals statewide.

To help meet workforce needs, UAB launched a year-round Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that creates additional pathways for students to graduate and enter practice on an accelerated timeline. This summer, the school as part of its effort to increase the number of nurses entering the workforce.

To celebrate its 75th anniversary last year, the UAB School of Nursing worked with generous donors to complete a scholarship drive that funded 80 scholarships worth more than $3.7 million.

The UAB School of Nursing’s proximity to Birmingham’s medical community gives students expanded access to clinical training opportunities, including through a longstanding partnership with the UAB Health System. The º£½ÇÉçÇø School of Nursing will also partner with the UAB Health System through a similar model to strengthen the health care workforce in communities across the state.

The º£½ÇÉçÇø

The º£½ÇÉçÇø is making one of the largest investments in nursing education in its history, with plans to and graduate more than 550 nurses annually through its on-campus programs.

Under the expansion plan, the Capstone College of Nursing will grow to a total enrollment of 3,436 by 2030. When complete, this strategic growth initiative will position UA as one of the nation’s largest nursing programs.

To support growth while maintaining student success, UA will add new faculty positions, expand simulation and clinical training facilities, and increase clinical partnerships across the state. Physical expansion includes renovating more than 31,000 square feet of existing space and adding 50,100 square feet for classrooms, research, advanced simulation labs, offices and student support services.

A will support approximately 60 scholarships annually for in-state nursing students. This gift will help reduce financial barriers to earning a nursing degree and support student success initiatives tied to UA’s enrollment expansion.

The º£½ÇÉçÇø in Huntsville

The º£½ÇÉçÇø in Huntsville is strengthening the connection between nursing education and clinical practice through academic programs and community-based learning experiences.

Beginning this fall, the UAH College of Nursing will launch a that closely aligns classroom instruction with real-world clinical application. The four-semester program creates a more integrated learning experience, helping students build knowledge and apply it in practice while offering a more streamlined and affordable path to a nursing degree. UAH will also continue offering its accelerated three-semester BSN program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking an expedited route into the profession.

Beyond the classroom, UAH is expanding access to care while giving nursing students hands-on clinical practice. Launched in 2025, the university’s initiative brings preventive care, health screenings, education and referrals directly to rural communities across North Alabama. In its first months, the program served more than 500 residents across five communities and is expanding into additional counties. UAH nursing students provide services under faculty supervision as part of their clinical education, gaining experience while helping address barriers to care.

A Statewide Commitment to Nursing Education and Care

By combining expanded enrollment, accelerated degree pathways, scholarships, advanced clinical training, and community partnerships, UA System institutions are strengthening every stage of Alabama’s nursing workforce pipeline and preparing more nurses to serve Alabama’s communities.

About the º£½ÇÉçÇø System

Committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service, the º£½ÇÉçÇø System includes three doctoral research institutions – UA, UAB, and UAH – and the world-class UAB Health System. The UA System educates more Alabamians than any other university system and provides transformational research in areas ranging from aerospace to biomedicine to transportation. Its hospitals and clinics care for millions of patients annually and serve people in every county of Alabama. As the largest employer in the state, the overall economic impact of the º£½ÇÉçÇø System exceeds $18 billion a year.

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