University of Alabama president to step down
Dr. Stuart Bell – Photo from The University of Alabama
University of Alabama President Dr. Stuart R. Bell has announced that he will step down this summer.
Bell is the 29th president in university history and has served for a decade.
In the last century, the university says only Presidents George Denny and Frank Rose have served more years working in the role.
The announcement says the university is celebrating unparalleled achievements in enrollment, which is 40,800, as well as academic quality, research activity and funding, fundraising, athletics, campus development and more.
“It has truly been an honor to serve and represent The University of Alabama as president over the last 10 years,” Bell said. “I am grateful for the longstanding support of our Board of Trustees and filled with pride and gratitude for all the accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff and alumni. Collectively, we have witnessed record-breaking successes and as our University continues its positive trajectory, the moment is right to initiate the completion of my tenure as president.”
Bell began his presidency in July 2015 after serving in leadership roles at Louisiana State University and the University of Kansas. He earlier served 16 years on the UA faculty and was chair of the mechanical engineering department and founder and first director of the Center for Advanced Vehicle Technologies.
His announcement provides time for The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees and UA System leadership to conduct a national search for the next campus leader.
Bell emphasized his intention of continuing work on important campus priorities while supporting the transition. He looks forward to a future return to the faculty.
The UA System will launch a comprehensive national search for the University’s next president and will retain an executive search firm to support the Search Advisory Committee, which will soon be appointed and announced.
— Information from the University of Alabama
