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UAB sets enrollment record for fourth year in a row

BIRMINGHAM TIMES — The University of Alabama at Birmingham has set an enrollment record for the fourth consecutive year, and reached a new milestone — growing its student body to more than 22,000 students for the first time in its 50-year history. UAB’s Office of Enrollment Management reports that the 2019 census of 22,080 students is the highest mark ever for the institution, which is celebrating its 50th year in 2019. The number of first-time freshmen entering UAB rose 2 percent from 2018, with 2,346 enrolled this fall. In addition, in-state, out-of-state and international enrollment all saw year-over-year increases, as did the graduate and professional student populations.

Published

5 years ago

September 20, 2019

Oakland Post

UAB tops 22,000 students for the first time in its history and features its largest and most academically accomplished freshman class. (UAB News)

By Tyler Greer

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has set an enrollment record for the fourth consecutive year, and reached a new milestone — growing its student body to more than 22,000 students for the first time in its 50-year history.

UAB’s Office of Enrollment Management reports that the 2019 census of 22,080 students is the highest mark ever for the institution, which is celebrating its 50th year in 2019. The number of first-time freshmen entering UAB rose 2 percent from 2018, with 2,346 enrolled this fall. In addition, in-state, out-of-state and international enrollment all saw year-over-year increases, as did the graduate and professional student populations.

“In an increasingly competitive landscape where colleges and universities around the country continue to experience declines in enrollment, the attractiveness of UAB continues to grow — which says a lot about our curriculum, our culture and the opportunities provided to students,” said Bradley Barnes, Ph.D., vice provost for Enrollment Management. “We strive to deliver students a world-class education and engaging research opportunities. We also endeavor to graduate students who will contribute to a 21st century economy and become positive, influential leaders. Potential students and their families see this. They see the growth and impact of our institution, and they want to be a part of it.”

The University of Alabama System instituted a tuition freeze for in-state residents in time for the current school year, and UAB’s freshman class features 81.9 percent Alabamians, or 1,922 students. Alabamians represent 85 percent of UAB’s undergraduate student population. More than 350 freshmen, or 15 percent, are out-of-state students.

The academic quality of the UAB 2019 freshman class is the university’s strongest to date. The average freshman ACT score rose from 25.2 in fall 2018 to 25.6, and the average GPA increased from 3.73 to 3.78.

More freshmen are living on campus than ever also, with 71.4 percent of the 2019 freshman class living on campus. The increases continue to highlight the importance of several projects on campus, including the new Residence Hall 2020, which is slated to open next fall.

UAB continues to be one of the most diverse institutions in the country as well, with 41.9 percent of the student body representing minority populations. And 2,836 UAB undergraduate students have self-identified as first-generation college students — an increase of 2.2 percent from 2018.

“These talented, diverse and deserving students are attracted to our campus in increasing numbers by accessible educational opportunity, unrivaled research experiences and academic programs that equip them for successful 21st century careers,” said Ray L. Watts, president of UAB. “These students are also drawn to a campus that is among the most vibrant, state-of-the-art and sustainable in the nation, with the recent opening of our new University Hall, a shining example of how our campus continues to transform. Our faculty and staff are effectively mentoring and inspiring our students, united behind collaboration, innovation, diversity and all of our shared values. We will continue to forge ahead in all areas of our mission.”

The record-breaking enrollment underscores the historic strides UAB has made in the past year. These include:

The Top Young U.S. University for the second consecutive year, and No. 12 globally, in the recent Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
$527 million in research awards, the highest ever for UAB — with award increases in every school on campus.
One of only eight schools of medicine nationally to increase their NIH funding by more than $100 million over five years.
Exceeding the $1 billion goal of The Campaign for UAB, the largest philanthropic effort in the university’s history — which also included the largest-ever gift of $30 million to name the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center.
A growing athletics program, competing at the highest level of Conference-USA across multiple sports.

UAB Senior Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit says the continued growth across the UAB enterprise is a positive reflection on many groups, including recent students and current faculty.

“Our students and graduates are proud of the world-class, interdisciplinary programs they can be a part of here,” Benoit said. “Our faculty delivers a socially conscious education to diverse students to prepare them to be the next generation of citizens and leaders.”

This article originally appeared in The Birmingham Times.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org