UA Preview — May 4-10, 2026

BEST BETS

UA Seeks State's First School of Data Science

The University of Alabama will pursue the establishment of the School of Data Science, the first academic unit of its kind in the state of Alabama focused on artificial intelligence and one of the first dedicated data science schools in the southern United States.

Why This Matters: Pending approval by The Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama, this transformative initiative positions UA as a regional and national leader in data-driven research, education and innovation centered on the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

For more information, contact Alex House at [email protected].

Students, Alumnus Earn NSF Research Awards

Five UA students and one alumnus have been selected for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program, which supports fellowships for outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time, research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering or math, including STEM education.

Why This Matters: The NSF GRFP is one of the nation's most prestigious fellowship programs, providing three years of financial support, over five years, to graduate students who have demonstrated potential for significant achievements in research. For more than 75 years, GRFP has played a critical role in developing the talent pipeline required for sustaining U.S. leadership in science.

For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne at [email protected].

Summer Road Closures

Several roadways and service areas across campus will experience temporary closures in summer 2026. Faculty, staff, students and guests are encouraged to plan alternate routes and allow additional travel time in affected areas.

UA Launches AI-Readiness Initiative

UA will be among the first higher education institutions in the country addressing the steady growth of artificial intelligence campuswide when the UA AI Experience launches this fall.

Why This Matters: As the use of AI continues to expand across academic, research and administrative contexts, the University plans to establish a coherent, campus-wide foundation for effective, responsible and future-ready engagement.

For more information, contact Alex House at [email protected].

English Professor Receives Burnum Award

Heather Cass White, a professor of English in the Barefield College of Arts and Sciences and an internationally recognized authority on modernist American poetry, is the recipient of the 2025 Burnum Distinguished Faculty Award.

Why This Matters: Established by Dr. and Mrs. John F. Burnum of Tuscaloosa, the award recognizes and promotes excellence in research, scholarship and teaching during a distinguished UA career.

EVENTS

The Domestic Liminal Exhibition

Open through Aug. 21; Paul R. Jones Museum

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The University of Alabama strives to remain neutral on public policy issues. Strategic Communications may facilitate interviews or share opinions expressed by faculty, staff, students, or other individuals regarding policy matters. However, those opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the University or its leadership, and do not constitute a statement on behalf of the University unless explicitly designated.