June 26, 2000
BIRMINGHAM, AL — Rosalia N. Scripa, Ph.D., P.E., associate dean for academic and student affairs in the School of Engineering, has been named UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) associate provost for undergraduate programs effective August 1. She succeeds Michael Neilson, Ph.D., who will retire after 25 years with the university. As associate provost Scripa will chair the Undergraduate Programs Council and advise the provost on undergraduate academic affairs, including degree programs, pre-program tracks and general studies.
“Dr. Scripa brings both experience and sincere concern for students to this position,” said UAB Provost Peter V. O’Neil. “She is well-known across campus by students and faculty alike as an outstanding teacher and researcher, as well as a student mentor and avid supporter of meaningful educational initiatives at UAB.”
Scripa joined the UAB School of Engineering faculty in 1976 as its first woman faculty member. She is a professor of materials and mechanical engineering. During her tenure at UAB she has been involved in NASA-sponsored microgravity research and in 1995 was assistant program scientist for the Materials Science Microgravity Science and Applications Division at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C.
In addition to her teaching and research responsibilities, Scripa has been UAB's faculty athletic representative to the NCAA and Conference USA. She twice chaired the Conference USA Faculty Athletic Representatives Committee and now chairs the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Committee.
Scripa earned a bachelor’s degree in 1970 from Alfred University and a master’s degree in 1972 from Pennsylvania State University, both in ceramic science. She earned a master’s degree in 1975 and a Ph.D. in 1976 in materials science and engineering from the University of Florida. She also is a Registered Professional Engineer.
She has been the recipient of more than 25 awards and honors, including the UAB Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching, the National Society of Woman Engineers Distinguished Engineering Award, the 1995 NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center Certificate of Excellence, the 1997 Alabama Society of Professional Engineers Outstanding Engineering Faculty Award, the 1997 Outstanding Alumni of Achievement Award from The University of Florida, and the 1998 Outstanding Service Award from the National Research Council Space Studies Board awarded for her extensive contributions to the area of microgravity research. In 1999, she was awarded the International Order of Merit by the International Biographical Centre in Cambridge, England.
Scripa has authored, co-authored and published more than 85 technical publications. She and her students have made more than 120 presentations at scientific meetings throughout the world. Scripa serves on numerous professional boards and committees, including the prestigious National Research Council Space Studies Board Microgravity Committee.