UA Preview — Feb. 9-15, 2026

BEST BETS

Leader in Fulbright Students

For the ninth time in the past 11 years, The University of Alabama has earned the distinction of being named a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright Students.

Why This Matters: The Fulbright Program selected 15 UA students for various awards for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Fulbright Award of the U.S. Department of State offers one-year grants for independent study and research, and for English teaching assistantships overseas. The highly competitive program selects approximately 1,500 award recipients from more than 11,000 applicants annually.

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

SLP Searching for Inaugural Dean

UA has started the search for the inaugural dean of the recently established School of Leadership and Policy.

Why This Matters: The dean will be charged to refine the vision and mission for the School, create an organizational structure, appoint a robust faculty across various ranks, hire key administrative and support staff, and provide leadership on planning, curricular, research, and budgetary decisions. The dean is expected to deeply engage with campus and civic leaders, business and industry partners, and local, state, and federal partners to advance the goals of the new School and UA.

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

Mardi Gras at Gorgas House Museum

Amelia Gayle Gorgas spent her childhood in Mobile, the home of Mardi Gras. To celebrate, the Gorgas House Museum invites visitors to enjoy a live jazz band of UA student musicians, eat free King Cake (while supplies last), and make Mardi Gras masks on Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Spring Commencement Dates Announced

UA will hold spring commencement ceremonies May 1-3 at Coleman Coliseum on the UA campus.

Why This Matters: More than 6,000 students are expected to graduate and participate in these ceremonies. Each year, UA awards around 9,000 degrees, with graduates infusing the state and nation's workforce with highly educated talent.

EVENTS

Movement in the Museum: Pilates

Feb. 10; Alabama Museum of Natural History

An Evening with Rajiv Mohabir

Feb. 10; Gorgas Library 2020

Huxford Symphony Orchestra Concert

Feb. 12; Moody Music Building

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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.