UA Preview — June 29-July 5, 2026

BEST BETS

Expanded academic advising to give students more personalized support

The University of Alabama is launching a new, three-year initiative to transform and expand academic advising across campus, representing UA's commitment to ensuring every student graduates with clear direction and prepared to begin their career.

Why This Matters: This strategic investment focuses on strengthening the student advising infrastructure by investing directly in advisers, who serve as mentors, problem-solvers, advocates and guides through academic pathways. The University is freeing advisers for more meaningful one-on-one mentorship and proactive outreach by lowering adviser caseloads through a phased, college-by-college approach.

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

5 faculty named Fulbright Scholars

Five UA faculty members have been selected for Fulbright awards for educators to teach and research around the globe.

Why This Matters: The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers more than 380 awards in over 120 countries for U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research and complete professional projects abroad. Open to faculty, researchers, artists and other professionals, the program has connected nearly 450,000 Fulbrighters through new skills, global networks and deeper mutual understanding.

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

10 students offered Fulbright awards

The Fulbright Program selected 10 UA students for various awards for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Why This Matters: The Fulbright U.S. Student Program broadens perspectives through academic and professional growth and cross-cultural exchange. In partnership with more than 140 countries, it offers opportunities for graduating seniors, graduate students and young professionals to study, conduct research or teach English abroad. The program also supports knowledge, innovation and solutions to complex global challenges.

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

Study shows national identity found through international sports

This summer, the United States will be hosting FIFA World Cup games for the first time since 1994. Dr. John Vincent, a professor of sport management at The University of Alabama, has studied the fanfare around huge international sporting events for three decades. His recent book, "Sport, National Identities and the Media: Battling Brits", explores the way these competitions become a stage on which national identity is celebrated, contested and reimagined.

For more information, contact Jessica Nelson at [email protected].

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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.