UA in the News: February 6, 2009

The University of Alabama has 83 new National Merit Scholars
Birmingham News – Feb. 6

The University of Alabama enrolled 83 new National Merit Scholars for the current academic year, ranking the school second in the SEC and 28th nationally…Officials at UA said the numbers are evidence that a concerted effort to bring top minds to the university is working. “This ranking once again underscores the University of Alabama’s ability to attract the best students in the nation,” UA President Robert E. Witt said in a prepared statement. Of the 83 who were newly enrolled at UA for the 2008-09 academic year, 43 are from Alabama. The university has 325 National Merit Scholars…

Dave Hart takes over daily operations of Alabama athletic department
Tuscaloosa News – Feb. 6

Mal Moore announced a reorganization of the University of Alabama athletic department Thursday, officially handing day-to-day control over to Dave Hart. Moore, Alabama’s director of athletics, announced that Hart, UA’s executive director of athletics, is now the department’s chief operating officer. Hart is in charge of daily operations of the athletic department, while Moore will maintain oversight of the department while focusing on fundraising and facilities enhancements…
MSNBC.com – Feb. 6
Montgomery Advertiser – Feb. 6

Trustees OK stadium expansion
Tuscaloosa News – Feb. 6

University of Alabama President Robert Witt said Thursday that a favorable bond market was the last financial piece that he and other administrators needed to see before charging ahead with an expansion of Bryant-Denny Stadium. Without discussion, a committee of trustees approved an $80.6 million, 9,000-seat expansion of the football stadium’s south end zone, which administrators hope to finish by the start of the 2010 season…The bond will pay for the stadium up front, but donations and tickets sold for the additional seats should more than pay off the loan, according to board documents…“The level of interest in the football program is stronger than ever, and the demand for tickets is stronger than ever,” Witt said. Moore said Tuesday that 10,000 fans who do not have tickets are on a waiting list, and 3,000 season-ticket holders want more…
Birmingham News – Feb. 6
Crimson White – Feb. 6

Street to be named after Stallings’ son
Tuscaloosa News – Feb. 6

University of Alabama trustees approved the renaming of Fourth Street East on campus after John Mark Stallings. The son of former Crimson Tide football coach Gene Stallings,
46-year-old “Johnny” Stallings was born with Down syndrome. The Stallingses were influential donors and supporters of the Rise Center on campus, which provides day care and preschool for children with special needs. Fourth Street East runs in front of the center. The younger Stallings died Aug. 2. ‘“He lived and breathed Alabama football and loved ‘the little kids’ at the Rise program as well of his hundreds of friends,” wrote Rise director Martha Cook in a letter to trustees. “I cannot think of a better tribute to Johnny. He was a tremendous role model for all of us.” Johnny Stallings Drive will soon be the main drive to the new home of the Capstone College of Nursing, which is about to begin construction.

Capstone Woman handles questions, plans for future
Crimson White – Feb. 6

Yates, a senior majoring in public relations, has been the president of the Capstone Men and Women for the last year, but has made it a major priority the past three years she has been a part of the organization. “I’ve been very fortunate to have Capstone become the one thing that my college experience has been about,” Yates said…The Capstone Men and Women, composed of 25 members, gives around one to four tours of the University per day. This week, the group has been conducting interviews for prospective members, which should be finalized by Feb.12. Every member is required to apply on a yearly basis in order to be placed into the group…

iPods used as clickers in some classes
Crimson White – Feb. 6

The College of Arts and Sciences is piloting a new clicker system that, if implemented, will allow students to eschew the traditional blue and white clickers in favor of technology they already own…The new system, which is being tested in three classes in the School of Arts and Sciences, works with iPod Touches, smart phones such as Blackberrys and iPhones, and laptops with wireless capability. “It would be really nice if students didn’t have to bring another unit with them,” said Carmen Burkhalter, associate dean of technology in the College of Arts and Sciences. “If we can show by doing a research project that the Touches are just an effective as the clicker, it could potentially eliminate that.”…