University of Alabama System Chancellor Sid J. Trant has been selected as a member of Leadership Alabama’s Class XXXVI, joining a distinguished group of leaders from across the state who are committed to moving Alabama forward to achieve its full potential.
Leadership Alabama is a statewide program that brings together professionals from various industries to explore the opportunities and challenges impacting communities throughout the state. Class members will participate in presentations, discussions and site visits designed to provide a deeper understanding of the issues, initiatives and partnerships shaping Alabama’s future.
“Alabama’s continued growth depends on strong partnerships and a shared understanding of the matters facing our state,” said Trant. “I am honored to be selected for Leadership Alabama’s Class XXXVI and look forward to engaging with leaders from across the state to gain new perspectives that will serve our mission to improve the lives of all Alabamians.”
As Chancellor, Trant is the chief executive officer of Alabama’s largest public employer and largest higher education and health care enterprise, which is comprised of three dynamic research universities – The University of Alabama, The University of Alabama at Birmingham and The University of Alabama in Huntsville – as well as the world-class UAB Health System. Together, our institutions enroll more than 71,500 students, support and sustain more than 166,000 jobs, create a statewide economic impact of $18.6 billion and generate more than $1.3 billion in research and development expenditures each year. He serves as the principal liaison between the Board of Trustees and the UA System’s component institutions, working closely with the university presidents and health system CEO to implement policies set forth by the Board while supporting the multi-faceted missions of the System’s institutions.
A member of the UA System’s executive leadership team since 2017, Trant has helped guide the enterprise through a period of historic growth. Before being appointed Chancellor in 2025, he served as Interim Chancellor and, for more than six years, as General Counsel and Senior Vice Chancellor.
Prior to joining the UA System, Trant was a partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP for 30 years, serving in various roles inside the firm, including practice group chair, hiring partner, and member of the firm’s Executive Committee. He graduated summa cum laude from UA in 1983 as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his juris doctorate degree in 1986 from Georgetown University Law Center, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif and graduated magna cum laude. Trant is a member of several distinguished professional organizations and chairs the Freshwater Land Trust Board of Directors.
Other Leadership Alabama alumni in the UA System Office include Vice Chancellor for Security Operations Steven Anderson, Chief Audit and Compliance Officer Marvell “Chip” Bivins, Jr., and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs Tonjanita Johnson.