UA Preview — Sept. 2-7, 2025

BEST BETS

UA Leading Economic Development Initiative

Area governors, power company executives and university presidents recently established the Mississippi-Alabama-Georgia Network for Evolving Transportation, or MAGNET for short - a regional economic development initiative aimed at leveraging the Southeastern U.S. automotive vehicle and battery industry to stimulate economic development and job growth.

Why This Matters: This tri-state initiative, which will be headquartered at The University of Alabama, will create a premier research and development hub for research-enabled mobility innovation that drives economic and workforce development.

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

Engaging with the Black Belt

The University of Alabama School of Social Work continues to strengthen its commitment to community engagement and service to the state of Alabama with its Black Belt Internship Initiative.

Why This Matters: This initiative focuses on addressing systemic issues in under-resourced regions within the Black Belt, known for its historical and economic challenges. In the first two years of the partnership, over seven community agencies have taken part.

For more information, contact Jennifer Brady at [email protected].

Preparing for Flu Season

UA will kick off its 14th annual Flu Shot Campaign this week, providing free flu shots to students and employees throughout the fall.

Why This Matters: Led by the College of Community Health Sciences, UA offers flu shots at no cost for students and employees, and health insurance is not required.

For more information, contact Kandis Snyder at [email protected].

Alumnus Creates Soda Machine Monitoring System

While a student at UA, alumnus John Podsednik developed technology that monitors when sodas are nearly empty in machines at UA dining halls.

For more information, contact Jennifer Brady at [email protected].

CURRENT COMMENT

Dr. Shaheen Kanthawala, associate professor in the department of journalism and creative media, can discuss her research on how people use health-related technologies, such as health apps, the internet and social media, and online health communities, to self-manage their health conditions.

EVENTS

Alabama Autism Advocates Fall Meeting

Sept. 3; UA Student Center Room 3108

Afro-American Gospel Choir Back 2 School Concert

Sept. 7; UA Student Center Theater

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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.