UA Preview — May 26-31, 2026

BEST BETS

Reid Named Next Provost

Dr. Lesley Reid has been selected as The University of Alabama's next provost after serving as interim provost since November 2025.

Why This Matters: Reid will continue to provide innovative academic and administrative leadership that will propel the University to develop leaders, drive research, strengthen communities and steward resources.

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

UA Hosts Alabama Boys, Girls State

UA will host hundreds of the state's top rising high school seniors for experiential learning of a model state government through American Legion Alabama Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State. Alabama Boys State will take place May 24-30, and Alabama Girls State will follow May 31-June 5.

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

Blackburn Institute Students Support Selma Business Owners

A group of five Blackburn Institute students partnered with the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute, the EDGE and Selma Resilience Initiative to develop and deliver a one-day certificate program for small business owners last month. The event was the first AEI certificate program for entrepreneurship, growth and innovation.

Why This Matters: The students developed relationships with small business owners prior to the event by visiting small businesses around Selma to advertise and recruit. Students also helped with the second annual Selma River Pitch event, like economics and legal history major Micah Adams, who served as a timekeeper.

For more information, contact David Bedsole at [email protected].

UA Junior Earns Udall Scholarship

Lilly Roehrig, a junior at The University of Alabama, was among 65 college students nationally to earn a Udall Undergraduate Scholarship, which identifies future leaders in environmental, tribal public policy and healthcare fields.

Why This Matters: The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship Program honors the legacies of Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall, whose careers had a significant impact on Native American self-governance, healthcare, and the stewardship of public lands and natural resources.

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

UA Alumni Named Knight-Hennessy Scholars

UA alumni Nick Hayes, of Collierville, Tennessee, and John Richardson, of Birmingham, are part of the ninth cohort of Knight-Hennessy Scholars and will continue their postgraduate education at Stanford University through the fully-endowed, multidisciplinary leadership development program.

Why This Matters: Knight-Hennessy Scholars develop deep domain expertise in their Stanford graduate program and enhance their expertise through exposure to a wide range of disciplines and cultures within the Knight-Hennessy Scholars community. Through the King Global Leadership Program, scholars collaborate and prepare to address important challenges and opportunities facing the world, such as climate change, healthcare, government and policy, and education.

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

CURRENT COMMENT

The highly invasive Asian longhorn tick was recently discovered on a dog in Dekalb County, Alabama. While mostly a serious threat to livestock, they will also bite humans. UA's resident entomology expert, Dr. John Abbott, is available to discuss what Alabamians should know about this pest. Contact John at [email protected].

We've seen recent reports of snake bites in Alabama. While most snakes want to be left alone, sometimes humans and snakes come face to face. UA herpetology specialist, Dr. Scott Jones, is available to discuss which snakes Alabamians should look out for and why. Contact Scott at [email protected].

EVENTS

Grounded at Moundville

May 28; Moundville Archaeological Park

Moundville Minis: A Possum's Tale

May 29; Moundville Archaeological Park

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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.