UA Preview — Jan. 27-Feb. 1, 2026

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UA Renews Classification for Community Engagement

The University of Alabama has successfully renewed its Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, making it one of only 237 institutions that hold the distinction.

Why This Matters: This designation recognizes UA as one of the nation's premier institutions in community-engaged scholarship, underscoring UA's commitment to community partnerships that integrate the University's mission of teaching, research and service.

UAPD Communications Earns Accreditation

The UAPD Communications Division has received Agency Training Program Accreditation, a Project 33® Initiative, from the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International, recognizing the division's commitment to nationally recognized training standards for public safety telecommunicators.

Why This Matters: UAPD is one of only three law enforcement agencies in the State of Alabama - and one of only two university police departments nationwide - to receive this recognition for excellence in training.

Graduate by Hilton Coming to Campus

Hilton, Capstone Hotel LTD and Jackson Hospitality Services have announced the iconic Graduate by Hilton lifestyle hotel brand will soon come to Tuscaloosa with the Hotel Capstone converting into Graduate by Hilton Tuscaloosa.

Why This Matters: With the conversion comes an entirely new design by Andrew Alford Creative that will introduce Graduate by Hilton's storytelling-first stays and "newstalgic" design-forward approach to the property. Alford, the hospitality design visionary who designed the first thirty-five Graduate hotels, returns to the brand to ensure the Graduate Tuscaloosa will deliver an elevated, conceptual hospitality experience for guests, locals, and students alike. Completion is expected in 2027.

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.

CURRENT COMMENT

Sheena Gregg, a registered dietician nutritionist and director of the department of health promotion and wellness, is available to discuss ways to stay motivated to keep your health and wellness resolutions. Contact Gregg at [email protected].

EVENTS

Law School Fair

Jan. 29; UA Student Center

Behind the Scenes of Mortuary Exhibitions

Jan. 30; Zoom Webinar

NEED A SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT ON TOPICS MAKING NEWS? - See our frequently updated experts directory here.

VISIT THE UA NEWS CENTER FOR STORY IDEAS.

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.