Tuscaloosa, Ala. – Leadership and student impact were highlighted as key areas of focus at the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees’ UA Institutional Meeting in Tuscaloosa.

 In his report to the Board, UA System Chancellor Sid J. Trant reflected on mission-driven leadership and how our universities are preparing the next generation of effective and principled leaders.

“[Students] are learning that leadership is not just about having a title or making decisions – it’s about building trust, solving problems together, and using influence to make a positive difference,” said Chancellor Trant. “Whether these students go on to lead in business, education, government, healthcare, or their local communities, we want our graduates to lead with purpose and to remember that true leadership serves others.”

The School of Leadership and Policy

The UA Institutional Meeting featured remarks from key campus leaders reviewing recent developments and collaborative efforts advancing the University’s mission. UA President Peter J. Mohler emphasized the University’s shared pursuit of impact through student success and breakthrough research, reinforcing the purpose and optimism that move the institution forward. He underscored UA’s commitment to high-quality education and accessible pathways for all students through the new experiential learning requirement. Participating in internships, leadership, research or service ensures students can apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, preparing them for the jobs and technologies of tomorrow while creating lasting impact in Alabama and beyond.

Consistent with President Mohler’s emphasis on developing future leaders, the Board of Trustees approved the establishment of the University of Alabama School of Leadership and Policy, expanding on the Capstone’s long-standing legacy of educating civic leaders and policymakers who have influenced both the state and the nation.

Designed to prepare students for leadership roles in government, nonprofit organizations and the broader civic sector, the new school reinforces the UA System’s commitment to cultivating principled leaders equipped to navigate the complexities of policy and governance.

“Through rigorous interdisciplinary studies rooted in the foundational principles of American democracy, The University of Alabama’s School of Leadership and Policy will educate and empower our students to become effective and principled leaders equipped to improve lives across Alabama and beyond,” said Chancellor Trant. “I am very excited for the role this school will play in the future of our state and nation.”

UA System Student Leaders Summit

In Chancellor Trant’s remarks to the Board, he also recognized the students in attendance for the inaugural UA System Student Leaders Summit and commended them for modeling servant leadership in the way that they advocate for their peers, build community and work to make their campuses stronger.

The UA System Student Leaders Summit brought together Student Government Association leaders from all three institutions, providing a forum for students to exchange ideas, share campus perspectives, and coordinate efforts to enhance the student experience across the UA System.

Student leaders explored opportunities related to wellness, accessibility, academic support and civic engagement, with a focus on unifying efforts across all three institutions. The SGA presidents led discussions on how to implement successful initiatives from each university and shared lessons learned from their respective experiences. Participants also met with their SGA counterparts to explore shared opportunities for supporting one another and improving the lives of the more than 70,000 students in the UA System.

This collaborative exchange allowed participants to identify strategies that could be adapted systemwide, strengthening connections among SGAs and advancing initiatives with broader impact. The summit accentuated the value of learning from each other, celebrating the unique strengths of the UA System, and exploring opportunities for meaningful partnership. Student leaders left inspired to work together to advance initiatives that reflect shared goals and will leave a lasting impact on the state’s largest university system.

In other business, trustees:

  • Reelected Mike Brock, Evelyn VanSant Mauldin and Myla E. Calhoun to serve on the UA System Board of Trustees, representing the second, fourth and sixth congressional districts, respectively. Their reelections will be submitted to the Alabama State Senate for confirmation.
  • Advanced capital projects to improve student experience and modernize facilities.
    • At UA, the Board granted authorization to execute a construction contract for the audio-visual and technology package of the Coleman Coliseum Basketball Training and Player Development Facility (Stage IV), approved the preliminary project scope and budget and granted authorization to execute an owner/architect agreement for the Capstone College of Nursing Addition and Renovation (Stage I & Stage II), and approved the proposed architectural design for the ROTC Facility and Student Veterans Center (Stage III).
    • UAH advanced planned renovations of the Bevill Center as well as construction of a new Track and Field Complex. The Board approved the revised project budget and granted authorization to execute a construction contract for the track, infield construction, and lighting package for Track and Field Complex (Stage IV) and approved the revised project scope and budget and the proposed architectural design for the Center for Cybersecurity Research, Education & Advanced Training (Stage III). The Board also approved the preliminary project scope and budget and granted authorization to negotiate a Pre-Development Agreement for the Exploration Plaza Development - Phase I (Stage I & Stage II).
    • The Board granted authorization to negotiate an owner/architect agreement for the renewal of building envelope and interior of Blount Residence Hall at UAB (Stage II).
  • Received institutional reports from UA Student Representative Lucy Bonhaus, UA Faculty Representative Dr. Matthew Hudnall, and UA President Peter J. Mohler.