BEST BETS

UA Students Win Big at Entrepreneurial Competition

University of Alabama students once again impressed the judges during the 2025 River Pitch competition, where West Alabama entrepreneurs shared over 60 unique business ideas. Twelve booths were set up based on topic, and each team presented a three-minute pitch to a panel of judges at their respective booth.

Why This Matters: UA students comprised 18 of the 24 winning teams, earning seed money to propel their ideas.

New UAPD Chief Named

The UA Police Department has named former deputy chief and longtime police executive Scott Thurmond as chief.

Why This Matters: Thurmond, who served as interim chief, brings more than 25 years of policing experience, including serving as chief of the Birmingham Police Department from 2022 to 2024. As chief of UAPD, Thurmond will lead day-to-day operations and implement goals, policies, procedures and standards.

EVENTS

Entrepreneur Resource Groups Monthly Meeting

Jan. 20; The EDGE

Universities Against Cancer

Jan. 21; UA Student Center

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