UAB will update its holistic admissions review process with phased changes to the university’s test optional policy. The first phase will apply to first year undergraduate applicants seeking to start their studies in 2027.

The SIF backs cross-campus projects — designed and led by UAB faculty and staff — that align with the university’s strategic plan, Forging Ahead. Funded projects this year focus on eSports, a rapid innovation pipeline for clinical/research ideas, and a makerspace for research and education in arts, sciences and engineering. Learn more about the projects.

The Vulcan Materials Academic Success Center is a centralized hub for academic support services that is open to all UAB students, regardless of major or academic standing. One growing offering is academic success coaching, which is available to all students, whether or not they are experiencing problems with grades.

Leaders shared key accomplishments of UAB's SUCCESS Initiative, including increased fall 2025 enrollment driven by enhanced scholarships and expanded student support. Four new thematic groups will implement 30 high-impact plans through August 2026. Read a recap or watch a full video of the town hall.

Applications strategies, tough interviews and “camping out in your Google Docs”: The leaders of the National and International Fellowships and Scholarships office share their methods for scholarship success.

The SIF backs large, cross-campus projects that align with UAB's strategic plan, Forging Ahead. Previously funded projects include a mobile maternal and child health project for underserved counties and a multi-disciplinary driving simulation lab. Applications for the next funding round are open now through Sept. 19. Learn more and apply online.

UAB has launched the Igniting Data Insights initiative and the cross-functional Technology Alignment and Collaboration Committee to strengthen our infrastructure, foster collaboration and ensure that our decisions are informed, efficient and future-ready.

Following review of action plans from the seven initial working groups in May, and incorporating UAB community feedback, four larger, thematic groups have been formed and are developing implementation plans.

Stacy Moak, Mary Kathryn Sewell-Loftin, Sarah Culver and Samiksha Raut demonstrated extraordinary commitment to engaging undergraduate students in service learning, undergraduate research, education abroad and core teaching.

The UAB SUCCESS Initiative honors Kathleen Stallings, executive director of Undergraduate Admissions and Scholarships, for going above and beyond in shaping the student experience at UAB. Champions are selected quarterly by the initiative’s executive steering committee.

UAB Graduate School and Global Affairs will become two distinct, collaborative entities with David Schneider, Ph.D., and Catherine Crowe, J.D., serving in interim leadership roles.

More than 200 attendees packed the Hill Center ballrooms for the fifth annual event, which focused on preliminary plans from the SUCCESS Initiative’s working groups. Read a recap here.

There are now more than 40 City as Classroom courses in UAB’s Blazer Core Curriculum. Data Dive Into Birmingham, launched this past fall, features projects with real-life datasets and guest speakers from local employers such as Alabama Power who explain how they use statistics and data science in their work.

Representatives from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges will make an on-site visit as part of the process of reaffirming UAB’s accreditation. SACSCOC requires all institutions to undergo an accreditation reaffirmation every 10 years.

The yearlong program began in June 2024 with a cohort of 18 faculty leaders. It is designed to equip department chairs with the skills necessary to excel as leaders on campus. The next cohort will be selected by early May.

The UAB SUCCESS Initiative honors Eric Ford, Ph.D., professor in the School of Public Health and chair of the UAB Faculty Senate, for going above and beyond in shaping the student experience at UAB. Champions will be selected quarterly by the initiative’s executive steering committee.

Read an overview (or watch the full video) of Monday’s town hall meeting about the SUCCESS Initiative, which is building a road map to continue UAB’s past decade of enrollment growth and improve student success across the university.

Following an analysis of results from a campuswide survey and stakeholder interviews, seven working groups have been created to address strategic priorities identified in the responses. Faculty and staff can apply to join a group. Learn more here. Also, RSVP for a town hall on the SUCCESS Initiative at 9 a.m. Feb. 24 at the Alumni House.

Amy Chatham, Ph.D., has been named executive director of the expanded center. “These offices are here to help faculty and are laser-focused on providing the tools, training and service that enable UAB’s teachers to be the most effective,” said Scott Phillips, Ph.D., vice provost for Innovative Teaching and Academic Engagement.

Bradley Barnes, Ph.D., joined UAB in 2017 as vice provost for enrollment management. His new role will focus on integrating and improving student experience.