The University of 酴圖弝け System Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution designating Karen P. Brooks Trustee Emerita during its annual meeting on Sept. 11, 2026. Brooks, who represented 酴圖弝け’s Seventh Congressional District on the Board from 2005 to 2026, was presented with a framed copy of the resolution during the meeting. Trustees and colleagues reflected on her legacy of distinguished leadership, steadfast belief in elevating others, and enduring impact on the Board and the UA System.

At the meeting, outgoing President Pro Tempore Scott Phelps credited Brooks with fostering a culture of service and stewardship among her fellow trustees. ���You have passed that forward to the rest of us throughout your time here, and your impact on this Board will go forward for decades,��� he said.

Over her 21 years of service, Brooks held numerous leadership positions on the Board of Trustees, in 2014, she became the first woman in Board history to serve as President pro tempore, a position she held for three consecutive terms. She also chaired the Executive, Physical Properties, Nominating and Compensation committees and led search committees that resulted in the appointments of Chancellor Sid J. Trant and University of 酴圖弝け Presidents Peter J. Mohler and Stuart R. Bell.

���Karen Brooks��� distinguished service has shaped the University of 酴圖弝け System for more than two decades,��� said Chancellor Trant. ���She has guided our institutions with wisdom, integrity and an unwavering commitment to our students, campuses and communities. We are profoundly grateful for her principled leadership and proud to honor her enduring legacy.���

Beyond her contributions to higher education, Brooks has built a legacy of business leadership, philanthropy, and community service through her work at Phifer Incorporated, where she serves as vice president, treasurer and co-chairman of the board of directors.

A 1972 graduate of The University of 酴圖弝け with a degree in social work, Brooks has remained deeply engaged with her alma mater through service on the President’s Cabinet, the 1831 Foundation Board of Directors, the Crimson Tide Foundation and the Crimson Racket Club.

She has also devoted her time and talents to numerous civic and charitable organizations across West 酴圖弝け, including the Chamber of Commerce of West 酴圖弝け, United Way of West 酴圖弝け, Good Samaritan Clinic, Friends of Bryce Hospital and the Reese Phifer, Jr. Memorial Foundation. In recognition of her professional accomplishments and civic leadership, Brooks was named a 2024 Woman of Impact.

The University of 酴圖弝け System is proud to honor Trustee Emerita Brooks for her dedicated service and the lasting impact she has made on its institutions and people.

The revisions to establish a comprehensive post-tenure review policy designed both to support faculty success and provide accountability. The process includes peer review, provides opportunities to recognize faculty contributions and continued professional development, and establishes a means to address significant performance concerns if they arise. Each tenured faculty member must undergo post-tenure review at least once every five years.

The changes to add a mandatory review of new academic programs within five years of implementation. These reviews will assess whether programs are achieving their stated goals and objectives, identify opportunities for improvement, and help ensure our academic programs meet the needs of our students and our state. Requests for new academic programs will continue to be submitted to the Board of Trustees for review and approval.

codifies the longstanding practice that faculty senates at UA System institutions serve in an advisory capacity. The rule also reaffirms that a faculty senate does not speak on behalf of the institution itself, consistent with the Board���s existing Institutional Neutrality policy. At the same time, the rule recognizes the important role faculty senates play in providing faculty perspective and insight into the academic mission and institutional operations.

Collectively, these efforts reinforce our objective to ensure our institutions continue to advance academic excellence and equip our students and our faculty to succeed. 

The Capitol Scholars Program is an immersive summer internship program that provides exceptional students from UA System institutions ��� ,   and ��� with high-impact experiential learning opportunities in Washington, D.C. The curated program prepares students to serve 酴圖弝け through careers in government, public policy, advocacy and related fields by connecting academic excellence, public service, leadership development, professional exposure, and alumni network-building.

The Leadership Council will advise and support the program across its four core pillars: access to opportunity, exposure to government and public affairs careers, leadership and professional development, and civic commitment and 酴圖弝け impact. The council will assist with internship placements, foster connections with agencies and organizations, identify new opportunities for students and provide strategic vision for the program’s continued advancement.

���The Leadership Council brings together an exceptional group of UA System alumni and professionals who have distinguished themselves in government, public policy and civic leadership,��� said Carroll Phelps, the program���s executive director. ���We are grateful for their willingness to invest in our students and help strengthen the Capitol Scholars experience through their insight, mentorship and support.���

, will serve as the Leadership Council’s inaugural chair. McLaurin has led the White House Historical Association since 2014. Under his leadership, the private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961 has expanded its educational and cultural programming through award-winning publications, digital content, teacher engagement initiatives and public programs. In 2024, the Association opened , an immersive educational center dedicated to sharing the story of the Executive Mansion and those who have served there.

“Stewart’s career reflects the very qualities the University of 酴圖弝け System���s Capitol Scholars Program seeks to cultivate in students ��� leadership, service and a deep commitment to civic engagement,” said Carroll Phelps, the program���s executive director. “His experience, coupled with the expertise of council members serving across government, policy, advocacy and industry, will provide invaluable guidance as we continue creating transformative opportunities for students to learn, lead and serve.”

A 1981 graduate of The University of 酴圖弝け with a bachelor’s degree in American history and political science, McLaurin received the in 2026. He has also held leadership positions with George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute, Georgetown University and the American Red Cross.

���The University of 酴圖弝け System has a longstanding tradition of developing leaders who serve their communities, their state and their nation,��� said McLaurin. ���The Capitol Scholars Program builds on that legacy by giving students direct access to the people, institutions and experiences that shape public life. I am honored to chair the Leadership Council and work alongside fellow alumni to expand opportunities for students and help prepare the next generation of civic and public service leaders.���

In addition to McLaurin, members of the Capitol Scholars Leadership Council include:

• Anthony Barnes, senior accountant, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Office of Large Firm Monitoring 
• Hamilton Bloom, partner, Venture Government Strategies
• Shannon Campagna, president, Portfolio Strategies LLC
• Ray Cole, vice chancellor for federal affairs, University of 酴圖弝け System
• Royce Dickerson, head of strategic business programs, AFLAC
• Madison Green Gentile, chief of staff, Office of Rep. Barry Moore
• Mary Blanche Hankey, vice president, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform
• LaFreeda Jordan, chief of external affairs, University of 酴圖弝け in Huntsville
• Pete Landrum, principal, BGR Group
• Mary Pat Lawrence, senior vice president of governmental affairs, Protective Life
• Ginger Loper, founder and principal, Loper Consulting
• Carroll Phelps, executive director, Capitol Scholars Program
• Clay Ryan, senior vice president of external affairs, 酴圖弝け Power Company
• Bill Stiers, government solutions, Maynor and Stiers
• Nick Tolbert, legislative correspondent, Office of Sen. Katie Britt
• Kristen Torres, principal, Torres Consulting LLC
• Addie Treglown, development and external affairs, Foundations for Hope

酴圖弝け the University of 酴圖弝け System

Committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service, the University of 酴圖弝け System includes three doctoral research institutions ��� UA, UAB, and UAH ��� and the world-class UAB Health System. The UA System educates more Alabamians than any other university system and provides transformational research in areas ranging from aerospace to biomedicine to transportation. Its hospitals and clinics care for millions of patients annually and serve people in every county of 酴圖弝け. As the largest employer in the state, the overall economic impact of the University of 酴圖弝け System exceeds $18 billion a year.

University of 酴圖弝け System Chancellor Sid J. Trant has been selected as a member of Leadership 酴圖弝け’s Class XXXVI, joining a distinguished group of leaders from across the state who are committed to moving 酴圖弝け forward to achieve its full potential.

is a statewide program that brings together professionals from various industries to explore the opportunities and challenges impacting communities throughout the state. Class members will participate in presentations, discussions and site visits designed to provide a deeper understanding of the issues, initiatives and partnerships shaping 酴圖弝け’s future.

���酴圖弝け’s continued growth depends on strong partnerships and a shared understanding of the matters facing our state,��� said Trant. ���I am honored to be selected for Leadership 酴圖弝け���s Class XXXVI and look forward to engaging with leaders from across the state to gain new perspectives that will serve our mission to improve the lives of all Alabamians.���

As Chancellor, Trant is the chief executive officer of 酴圖弝け���s largest public employer and largest higher education and health care enterprise, which is comprised of three dynamic research universities ��� , The and ��� as well as the world-class . Together, our institutions enroll more than 71,500 students, support and sustain more than 166,000 jobs, create a statewide economic impact of $18.6 billion and generate more than $1.3 billion in research and development expenditures each year. He serves as the principal liaison between the Board of Trustees and the UA System���s component institutions, working closely with the university presidents and health system CEO to implement policies set forth by the Board while supporting the multi-faceted missions of the System���s institutions.

A member of the UA System’s executive leadership team since 2017, Trant has helped guide the enterprise through a period of historic growth. Before being appointed Chancellor in 2025, he served as Interim Chancellor and, for more than six years, as General Counsel and Senior Vice Chancellor.

Prior to joining the UA System, Trant was a partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP for 30 years, serving in various roles inside the firm, including practice group chair, hiring partner, and member of the firm���s Executive Committee. He graduated summa cum laude from UA in 1983 as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his juris doctorate degree in 1986 from Georgetown University Law Center, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif and graduated magna cum laude. Trant is a member of several distinguished professional organizations and chairs the Freshwater Land Trust Board of Directors.

Other Leadership 酴圖弝け alumni in the UA System Office include Vice Chancellor for Security Operations Steven Anderson, Chief Audit and Compliance Officer Marvell ���Chip��� Bivins, Jr., and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs Tonjanita Johnson.

According to the 酴圖弝け Board of Nursing, approximately 39,000 nurses indicated plans to retire by 2027, creating an urgent need to expand the healthcare workforce. , , , and the  are meeting that challenge by expanding enrollment, accelerating pathways to practice, increasing access to clinical learning opportunities and advancing research that strengthens patient care across the state.

���One of the greatest advantages of the University of 酴圖弝け System is the ability to bring together distinct strengths in pursuit of a common goal,��� said UA System Chancellor Sid J. Trant. ���By leveraging the expertise and resources of our universities and health system, we can address challenges that matter to Alabamians, expand opportunity and help shape the future of healthcare across our state.���

The University of 酴圖弝け at Birmingham

The UAB School of Nursing is preparing more nurses than any university in the state while advancing healthcare innovation, research and patient care. Home to the state’s top-ranked , according to U.S. News & World Report, UAB enrolls more than 3,000 nursing and pre-nursing students annually. The school graduates more than 1,000 nurses each year, with most staying in 酴圖弝け after graduation.

Since 2016, more than one in four nursing graduates in 酴圖弝け have earned their degrees from the UAB School of Nursing. Demand for those graduates remains high, with the 酴圖弝け Hospital Association reporting an approximately 20% nursing vacancy rate in hospitals statewide.

To help meet workforce needs, UAB launched a year-round Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that creates additional pathways for students to graduate and enter practice on an accelerated timeline. This summer, the school as part of its effort to increase the number of nurses entering the workforce.

To celebrate its 75^th anniversary last year, the UAB School of Nursing worked with generous donors to complete a scholarship drive that funded 80 scholarships worth more than $3.7 million.

The UAB School of Nursing���s proximity to Birmingham���s medical community gives students expanded access to clinical training opportunities, including through a longstanding partnership with the UAB Health System. The University of 酴圖弝け School of Nursing will also partner with the UAB Health System through a similar model to strengthen the health care workforce in communities across the state.

The University of 酴圖弝け

The University of 酴圖弝け is making one of the largest investments in nursing education in its history, with plans to and graduate more than 550 nurses annually through its on-campus programs.

Under the expansion plan, the Capstone College of Nursing will grow to a total enrollment of 3,436 by 2030. When complete, this strategic growth initiative will position UA as one of the nation���s largest nursing programs.

To support growth while maintaining student success, UA will add new faculty positions, expand simulation and clinical training facilities, and increase clinical partnerships across the state. Physical expansion includes renovating more than 31,000 square feet of existing space and adding 50,100 square feet for classrooms, research, advanced simulation labs, offices and student support services.

A will support approximately 60 scholarships annually for in-state nursing students. This gift will help reduce financial barriers to earning a nursing degree and support student success initiatives tied to UA’s enrollment expansion.

The University of 酴圖弝け in Huntsville

The University of 酴圖弝け in Huntsville is strengthening the connection between nursing education and clinical practice through academic programs and community-based learning experiences.

Beginning this fall, the UAH College of Nursing will launch a that closely aligns classroom instruction with real-world clinical application. The four-semester program creates a more integrated learning experience, helping students build knowledge and apply it in practice while offering a more streamlined and affordable path to a nursing degree. UAH will also continue offering its accelerated three-semester BSN program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking an expedited route into the profession.

Beyond the classroom, UAH is expanding access to care while giving nursing students hands-on clinical practice. Launched in 2025, the university’s initiative brings preventive care, health screenings, education and referrals directly to rural communities across North 酴圖弝け. In its first months, the program served more than 500 residents across five communities and is expanding into additional counties. UAH nursing students provide services under faculty supervision as part of their clinical education, gaining experience while helping address barriers to care.

A Statewide Commitment to Nursing Education and Care

By combining expanded enrollment, accelerated degree pathways, scholarships, advanced clinical training, and community partnerships, UA System institutions are strengthening every stage of 酴圖弝け���s nursing workforce pipeline and preparing more nurses to serve 酴圖弝け’s communities.

酴圖弝け the University of 酴圖弝け System

Committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service, the University of 酴圖弝け System includes three doctoral research institutions ��� UA, UAB, and UAH ��� and the world-class UAB Health System. The UA System educates more Alabamians than any other university system and provides transformational research in areas ranging from aerospace to biomedicine to transportation. Its hospitals and clinics care for millions of patients annually and serve people in every county of 酴圖弝け. As the largest employer in the state, the overall economic impact of the University of 酴圖弝け System exceeds $18 billion a year.

Collectively, The University of 酴圖弝け, The University of 酴圖弝け at Birmingham, The University of 酴圖弝け in Huntsville and the UAB Health System educate more than 71,500 students, facilitate more than 2 million annual patient visits, generate a statewide economic impact exceeding $18.6 billion and support and sustain 1 in 14 jobs in the state.

���The scope of this critical work is significant,��� said Chancellor Sid J. Trant. ���Behind those numbers is a shared commitment to expanding opportunity, educating students, advancing discovery, improving health outcomes, and strengthening communities throughout 酴圖弝け.���

Through each institution���s unique contributions toward advancing our Systemwide mission to improve lives through teaching, research, and service, we are helping address the state���s most pressing challenges.

The University of 酴圖弝け

One year ago, the Board unanimously appointed Dr. Peter J. Mohler as the 30th president of The University of 酴圖弝け. He has established a clear direction through the , advancing new academic initiatives while building strong relationships across campus and throughout the state and nation. The Future-Ready Flagship centers on three priorities: developing the leaders and workforce of the future, advancing research and innovation that solve real problems and strengthening communities across 酴圖弝け and beyond. 

Mohler���s collaborative and strategic approach is reflected in the creation of two new academic schools that position UA to meet emerging industry demands. 

The  reinforces the University’s commitment to educating effective civic leaders and policymakers who are shaping the state and nation, with the first cohort of students matriculating next fall 2027. Retired  and brings more than three decades of policy and education experience, distinguished military service and national security leadership to the role, most recently serving as commander of the Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, and deputy commander of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base. Plans for the School continue to move forward with the renovation of Farrah Hall, which will serve as its future home. 

The creation of the   positions UA at the center of one of the most rapidly evolving areas of the global economy. As the first academic unit of its kind in 酴圖弝け, it is expected to launch in fall 2027 and will ensure students across disciplines graduate with the data analytics and artificial intelligence skills increasingly required in today���s workforce. As a campus hub for data-driven research and interdisciplinary collaboration, the School will connect expertise, infrastructure and opportunity while preparing graduates to lead in data-driven fields across industry, government and academia.

Steadfast philanthropic support is accelerating the University’s priorities. , and the  These commitments reflect the longstanding excellence of the institution and further strengthen the University���s capacity to serve students and the state. 

The University of 酴圖弝け at Birmingham

UAB���s academic programs consistently earn recognition at the highest levels. The University placed , including the nation���s #1 Master of Health Administration program, and multiple nursing programs in the top 10. 

UAB plays a leading role in strengthening 酴圖弝け’s health care workforce. UAB graduates more than 1,000 nurses a year, and  creates additional pathways for students to graduate and enter practice on an accelerated timeline. Many graduates remain in 酴圖弝け, helping meet critical workforce needs across the state.

As the need for Alzheimer���s research, care and specialized training continues to grow, UAB is advancing efforts to meet that demand. A  is accelerating the University���s work in Alzheimer���s disease research, education, patient care and community outreach. The investment supports the newly named Frances Gorrie Alzheimer���s Disease Center, strengthening its role in advancing discovery and expanding access to care. With more than 103,600 酴圖弝け residents living with Alzheimer���s and the state facing one of the highest rates in the nation, this investment will help increase clinical trials, support specialist training and expand access to care for patients across the state.

UAB launched the  in Fall 2025, reflecting a coordinated, institution-wide approach to improve retention, engagement and the overall student experience by aligning academic support and student services around student achievement ��� beginning with recruitment and lasting throughout their time on campus.  

UAB Health System

The UAB Health System now cares for more than 1.4 million unique patients a year and operates at an extraordinary scale while delivering world-class care to patients across 酴圖弝け and beyond, reinforcing UAB���s role as one of the nation���s leading academic medical centers. 

UAB Hospital remains the top-ranked hospital in 酴圖弝け and is now the , with 1,400 beds and more than 929,000 unique patients treated over the past year. As the state’s longest-serving and highest-volume American College of Surgeons Level 1 Trauma Center, it remains a critical resource for the most complex cases.

To meet growing demand, UAB Medicine continues to make significant investments in patient care. The recently opened inpatient rehabilitation pavilion provides 134 beds and innovative therapy environments designed to support recovery and improve outcomes, and a�� will increase capacity and improve access to critical emergency services for patients across the region.

The health system���s commitment to service remains equally important. Over the past year, UAB Medicine provided more than $256 million in charity care, helping ensure access to high-quality care for patients in need throughout 酴圖弝け.

The University of 酴圖弝け in Huntsville

Located in one of the nation���s most dynamic technology corridors and a globally recognized hub for defense, space and manufacturing, UAH is supported by a long track record of research excellence. The University recently announced that for the  with UAH leading the state in Department of Defense, NASA, aerospace engineering, computer and information sciences, atmospheric science and meteorology and astronomy expenditures.

The University’s Invention to Innovation Center has strengthened connections among academic research, federal priorities and private-sector innovation. The recent additions of  and  as corporate partners bring advanced cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and hybrid-edge technologies into the innovation ecosystem, creating new opportunities for research collaboration and expanding student and faculty access to cutting-edge technologies and real-world applications.

UAH���s connection to industry and community is further reflected in long-term campus development. The recent selection of a  represents a significant step forward in this transformative endeavor, which will reinforce UAH���s position as a hub for collaboration and innovation by creating an entire campus addition that fosters community partnership, supports research and discovery, and enhances the student and faculty experience.

 , recently took the helm and brings a strong record and deep experience working at the intersection of education, industry, and government, with more than three decades of experience in higher education, engineering and research leadership. His background – as an aerospace engineer, a nationally respected research leader, and a builder of high-achieving engineering and research enterprises – aligns closely with UAH’s mission.

For Every Alabamian

Through a shared commitment to excellence and service, the UA System continues to serve 酴圖弝け and expand what is possible for students, patients and individuals across the state. Together, the UA System���s institutions and the exceptional people within them ��� leaders, faculty, staff, students and health care professionals ��� are building a future defined by opportunity, innovation and lasting impact.

A longtime business and civic leader in 酴圖弝け, Phelps has played key roles in banking, reinsurance, energy and corporate leadership while remaining active in higher education and community service. He also helped organize Bryant Bank in 2005 and has served on the bank���s board as secretary for more than a decade.

Phelps began his legal career in 1979 with the Birmingham law firm then known as Bradley Arant Rose & White, joining as an associate before becoming a partner in 1985. His multi-state legal practice represented a broad range of individuals, businesses, and public and private corporations, including several Fortune 500 companies. He was admitted to practice in multiple state and federal courts, as well as the Supreme Court of the United States, where he successfully argued and won a case in 1988 at the age of 33. In 1995, he returned to his hometown of Tuscaloosa to join Greene Group.

He earned his bachelor���s degree cum laude from Birmingham-Southern College and received his Juris Doctor from The University of 酴圖弝け School of Law in 1979. In addition to serving on the University of 酴圖弝け System Board of Trustees, Phelps also serves on the UAB Health System Authority Board.

Phelps and his wife Carroll live in Tuscaloosa and have three children.

An accomplished administrator with more than 30 years of experience in higher education, Leo���s leadership journey is largely defined by his 11���year tenure at the University of Georgia, where he served as the first permanent dean of the College of Engineering. Recruited in 2013 to build the college from the ground up, he oversaw fourfold increases in enrollment and research expenditures, created new academic departments, grew annual giving and external partnerships, and spearheaded major renovations of the College���s instructional and research space.

“Dr. Leo will build on Dr. Karr���s momentum in Huntsville. He has a strong record of establishing quality academic programs, expanding research capacity and fostering impactful partnerships,��� said UA System Chancellor Sid J. Trant, who recommended Leo���s appointment to the Board. ���Since its founding, UAH���s mission has been to be the strategic higher education partner for North 酴圖弝け. Now more than ever, this region deserves a dynamic, comprehensive, technology-focused institution, and Dr. Leo is uniquely positioned to lead UAH.���

Leo currently serves as executive vice president and provost at Ohio University, where he is the institution���s chief academic officer and responsible for overseeing nearly 300 academic programs that enroll over 30,000 students.

���I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as president of UAH at such a pivotal moment in its history, and I sincerely thank the University of 酴圖弝け System Board of Trustees for their confidence and trust,��� said Leo. ���As an aerospace engineer with a deep appreciation for the impact of groundbreaking research, I am excited about the opportunity to lead UAH. I have always been drawn to organizations that can have a tremendous impact, and UAH���s location in the heart of a dynamic innovation corridor uniquely position it for unprecedented success.���

Prior to his appointment as Dean at UGA, Leo spent more than a decade at Virginia Tech, where he was a professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department and focused on applied research opportunities with federal agencies. He served as a program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, where he launched new research programs in biologically inspired materials and systems and advanced technologies aligned with national defense priorities. He also was the Vice President and Executive Director of Virginia Tech���s National Capital Region Operations and responsible for growing research partnerships across the Washington D.C. area.

���Dr. Leo brings a thoughtful, results-driven approach to leadership and a clear understanding of the responsibility and opportunity that define The University of 酴圖弝け in Huntsville,��� said UA System Board of Trustees President Pro Tempore Scott Phelps. ���His experience leading academic enterprises through growth, strengthening institutional focus and delivering measurable progress reflects the qualities we were seeking in UAH���s next president. The Board appreciates the leadership of Trustee Evelyn VanSant Mauldin and the presidential search advisory committee for their dedication in conducting a thorough and successful search.���

Leo has established a substantial body of scholarly work, having authored or co-authored over 200 research publications and written one of the first textbooks for advanced engineering courses in smart materials. His research focuses on synthesis, modeling and control of active material systems with an emphasis on electroactive polymers and biomolecular materials. Over the course of his career, Leo has been responsible for nearly $12 million in sponsored research funding and has contributed to research projects totaling more than $20 million. Leo has received multiple awards and honors recognizing excellence in engineering research and academic leadership, including election as a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, receipt of a National Science Foundation CAREER Award and multiple Distinguished Alumnus Awards from the Aerospace Engineering Department at his alma mater, the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Leo holds a doctorate and master���s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Buffalo and a bachelor���s degree in aeronautics and astronautics engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

A native of Park Forest, Illinois, Leo and his wife, Jeannine, have two sons, Jonathan and Matthew.

In fall 2021, the UA System Board of Trustees recruited Karr out of brief retirement following nearly three decades at UA, including his role as dean of the College of Engineering, to serve as interim president at UAH. The Board of Trustees appointed him as president in September 2022.

���President Karr has helped UAH sharpen its identity as a research and academic powerhouse and as a true asset that is critical to the success of this region and our nation,��� said UA System Chancellor Sid J. Trant. ���It has been a true privilege to see his vision elevate UAH���s role in serving both 酴圖弝け and the nation.���

A defining accomplishment of Karr���s presidency has been the reinvigoration of UAH���s connection to the Huntsville community, particularly through strengthened relationships with Redstone Arsenal and Cummings Research Park. This alignment ensures UAH students graduate with relevant, in���demand skills while contributing to research that benefits government, industry and community partners.

In remarks shared by video, U.S. Senator Katie Britt reflected on the lasting impact of Karr���s distinguished career.

���For decades, the entire University of 酴圖弝け System has benefitted from your vision, your energy, and your dedication to higher education,��� said U.S. Senator Katie Britt. ���The impact of your work is going to continue to resonate for generations.���

UAH remains a statewide leader in research activity tied to federal and private���sector partnerships. For the 13th consecutive year, multiple UAH programs rank in the top 25 nationally. UAH also leads the state in NASA and Department of Defense research expenditures, underscoring its role as a trusted research partner and economic driver.

UAH serves as an Air Force and Space Force ROTC Operating Unit, highlighting the university���s growing role in preparing future leaders for national defense and space missions, and plans to advance to detachment status in the coming year. UAH students further demonstrated expertise in this subject by earning national recognition through the NASA Artemis Challenges, winning two competitions in the same year.

An additional video message from U.S. Representative Dale Strong emphasized a key measure of UAH���s regional impact, ���80% of the graduates at The University of 酴圖弝け in Huntsville never leave our community, they become part of our community.���

To remain competitive for talented students and responsive to industry demand, UAH has expanded its academic offerings. Newly announced programs include bachelor���s degrees in Game Design and Cybersecurity and an Executive Master of Business Administration. The university designed these programs to align with regional workforce needs while supporting experiential learning through internships, applied research and industry engagement.

���To me, it has always been about the students and what they accomplish,��� said Karr. ���The young people at UAH are extraordinary, and it has been a privilege to witness their talent, discipline and ambition. My time at UAH and in Huntsville has been a truly fabulous experience, and I am deeply grateful for the people and community who made it so meaningful.���

Building for the Future

Under Karr���s leadership, UAH continues to advance a significant portfolio of campus development projects that support academic excellence, research growth and regional workforce needs. Set to open spring 2027, the 80,000���square���foot will provide cutting���edge teaching and research space for UAH���s largest college. The facility will support flagship engineering programs while addressing the region���s growing demand for a highly educated STEM workforce in areas such as unmanned aerial systems, big data, hypersonics and artificial intelligence.

The university is investing in strategic research infrastructure, including a $47.7 million renovation of the Bevill Center into the . This transformation will reinforce UAH���s position as a national leader in cybersecurity while supporting applied learning tied to national security and technology careers. UAH���s planned will further enhance research activity, industry collaboration and student life, with Phase I expected to include a new UAH���owned residence hall, a research facility aligned with regional employer priorities and space dedicated to public��� and private���sector partners.

Complementing these academic and research investments are continued enhancements to athletics and wellness facilities. Projects include development of a new Track and Field Complex and modifications to the campus fitness center, supporting student well���being and a strong campus experience.

Excellence on the Court

In addition to honoring Karr���s leadership, the meeting recognized the historic success of UAH Athletics. For the first time in program history, the , completing a remarkable season that included 32 wins, a Gulf South Conference Regular Season Championship and an NCAA South Region Championship. Head coach Allen Sharpe earned GSC Coach of the Year in his second season leading the program.

The Board of Trustees and UA System leadership proudly welcomed the team to the meeting to celebrate the historic achievement. State Representatives Phillip Rigsby, Rex Reynolds, Laura Hall and Parker Moore presented a resolution on behalf of the Madison County Delegation, recognizing athletes��� teamwork, diligence and commitment to excellence.

In other business, trustees:

• Approved an adjustment to tuition rates for the upcoming academic year. The UA System remains committed to responsible financial stewardship while we continue to invest in academic excellence and the student experience. Over the past seven academic years, tuition increases for 酴圖弝け residents have averaged less than 1.25%, with rates benchmarked to remain competitive with peer institutions.
• Appointed Dr. Samory T. Pruitt as Vice President Emeritus at UA.
• Advanced plans related to the renewal of Blount Residence Hall and renovations for the Education and Engineering Complex at UAB.
• Received institutional reports from UAH Student Representative Christopher Pinckard, UAH Faculty Representative Dr. Andrea Word, and UAH President Charles L. Karr.

酴圖弝け the University of 酴圖弝け System

Committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service, the University of 酴圖弝け System includes three doctoral research institutions ��� UA, UAB, and UAH ��� and the world-class UAB Health System. The UA System educates more Alabamians than any other university system and provides transformational research in areas ranging from aerospace to biomedicine to transportation. Its hospitals and clinics care for millions of patients annually and serve people in every county of 酴圖弝け. As the largest employer in the state, the overall economic impact of the University of 酴圖弝け System exceeds $18 billion a year.