University of Alabama updates

[atlanta68]

I posted earlier that UA is already receiving more federal money for research than Auburn. AI was talking about the UA System, but did not specify that distinction.

Google AI has this to say:

Bad news
1. The Land-Grant Defense/Ag AdvantageAuburn’s structural advantage is tied to its historical mandate. Massive federal agencies like the Department of Defense (DOD) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funnel massive multi-million dollar contracts to institutions with established aerospace, cybersecurity, and agricultural complexes. UA Tuscaloosa does not possess a comparable agricultural extension or a dedicated military engineering wing on the scale of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.2. The UA System "Cap"UA Tuscaloosa is intentionally restricted from aggressively expanding into heavy aerospace and medical research because its sister campuses hold those state monopolies:UAB captures the state's federal health/NIH money.UAH sits in Huntsville and captures the massive DOD/NASA aerospace awards.Because UA Tuscaloosa cannot aggressively encroach on UAB and UAH's domains without cannibalizing its own system, it must limit its federal search to environmental sciences (like the Alabama Water Institute), data science, and the humanities. This naturally caps how fast its federal portfolio can expand.

Good news in Scenario B below
🔮 Predictive Scenarios🎯 Scenario A: UA Matches Auburn (Late 2030s – Low Probability)For UA to catch Auburn, it would require Auburn’s engineering and defense portfolio to completely stagnate while UA sustains an aggressive 10–12% year-over-year compound growth rate in federal awards for nearly 15 straight years. This is highly unlikely given Auburn's own Strategic Plan 2035, which explicitly prioritizes doubling its scholarly output and expanding extramural funding.🤝 Scenario B: Joint System Overtake (Already Happening)If the question is framed around when UA researchers will have access to more federal funding than Auburn, the answer is right now—but only when executed through collaborative system grants. By tethering Tuscaloosa's Data Science and Water hubs to UAH's top-tier aerospace/DOD infrastructure and UAB's $700M+ medical empire, then UA System effectively out-competes Auburn on major interdisciplinary federal bids.

David Matthews, the president at UA at the time, oversaw the transfer of the Medical School to UAB in 1969. This one act seriously undermined UA for decades and will contine to make it not impossible, but difficult for UA to overtake Auburn in research expenditures.

[Packer16]

Originally Posted by atlanta68

I posted earlier that UA is already receiving more federal money for research than Auburn. AI was talking about the UA System, but did not specify that distinction.

Google AI has this to say:

Bad news
1. The Land-Grant Defense/Ag AdvantageAuburn’s structural advantage is tied to its historical mandate. Massive federal agencies like the Department of Defense (DOD) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funnel massive multi-million dollar contracts to institutions with established aerospace, cybersecurity, and agricultural complexes. UA Tuscaloosa does not possess a comparable agricultural extension or a dedicated military engineering wing on the scale of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.2. The UA System "Cap"UA Tuscaloosa is intentionally restricted from aggressively expanding into heavy aerospace and medical research because its sister campuses hold those state monopolies:UAB captures the state's federal health/NIH money.UAH sits in Huntsville and captures the massive DOD/NASA aerospace awards.Because UA Tuscaloosa cannot aggressively encroach on UAB and UAH's domains without cannibalizing its own system, it must limit its federal search to environmental sciences (like the Alabama Water Institute), data science, and the humanities. This naturally caps how fast its federal portfolio can expand.

Good news in Scenario B below
🔮 Predictive Scenarios🎯 Scenario A: UA Matches Auburn (Late 2030s – Low Probability)For UA to catch Auburn, it would require Auburn’s engineering and defense portfolio to completely stagnate while UA sustains an aggressive 10–12% year-over-year compound growth rate in federal awards for nearly 15 straight years. This is highly unlikely given Auburn's own Strategic Plan 2035, which explicitly prioritizes doubling its scholarly output and expanding extramural funding.🤝 Scenario B: Joint System Overtake (Already Happening)If the question is framed around when UA researchers will have access to more federal funding than Auburn, the answer is right now—but only when executed through collaborative system grants. By tethering Tuscaloosa's Data Science and Water hubs to UAH's top-tier aerospace/DOD infrastructure and UAB's $700M+ medical empire, then UA System effectively out-competes Auburn on major interdisciplinary federal bids.

David Matthews, the president at UA at the time, oversaw the transfer of the Medical School to UAB in 1969. This one act seriously undermined UA for decades and will contine to make it not impossible, but difficult for UA to overtake Auburn in research expenditures.

The Board of Trustees was formed by a legislative act in Montgomery and UAB and UAH trancended from Extension Centers to Autonomous Universities in 1969. Then, all Presidents (Mathews at UA, Volker at UAB, and Graves at UAH) were hired. Mathews had nothing to do with a transfer of the medical school. The medical school transferred from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham in 1945. The reason for the transfer was that fast-growing Birmingham had become the population center of the state and a larger teaching hospital could be built. It's a lot like LSU choosing New Orleans as the location for their medical school, the University of Mississppi choosing Jackson, MS, and the University of Tennessee choosing Memphis. The University of Alabama School of Medicine still has a presence on the Tuscaloosa campus. And, that presence is growing.

[TheCapstone]

Non development news but good to see former UA golfer Bud Cauley win the TPC. He had a life threatening car crash back in 2018 that forced him to not play a professional event from 2020 to early 2024. Got his PGA card back last year and now just won $1.7 million.

Side note, I really wish Tuscaloosa would maximize on the opportunity to build more golf courses and communities in northern Tuscaloosa. Seems like there's enough land there to do so.

[Packer16]

Originally Posted by TheCapstone

Non development news but good to see former UA golfer Bud Cauley win the TPC. He had a life threatening car crash back in 2018 that forced him to not play a professional event from 2020 to early 2024. Got his PGA card back last year and now just won $1.7 million.

Side note, I really wish Tuscaloosa would maximize on the opportunity to build more golf courses and communities in northern Tuscaloosa. Seems like there's enough land there to do so.

Thanks for sharing that info. I didn't know that Bud Cauley was involved in a serious automobile accident. Great that he has been able to recover and get back on the tour. He has really been playing well this year and it's great to see him win a PGA event.
I heard, a few years ago, that RSA (Retirement Systems of Alabama) was looking to expand the Robert Trent Jones Trail and build a course and spa resort, similar to Ross Bridge, to the east of the Lake Nicol/Lake Harris area. Hopefully, that will come to fruition.

[atlanta68]

Originally Posted by Packer16

The Board of Trustees was formed by a legislative act in Montgomery and UAB and UAH trancended from Extension Centers to Autonomous Universities in 1969. Then, all Presidents (Mathews at UA, Volker at UAB, and Graves at UAH) were hired. Mathews had nothing to do with a transfer of the medical school. The medical school transferred from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham in 1945. The reason for the transfer was that fast-growing Birmingham had become the population center of the state and a larger teaching hospital could be built. It's a lot like LSU choosing New Orleans as the location for their medical school, the University of Mississppi choosing Jackson, MS, and the University of Tennessee choosing Memphis. The University of Alabama School of Medicine still has a presence on the Tuscaloosa campus. And, that presence is growing.

Of course the medical school moved in the 1940s. But the management location of the med school did change in 1969 and Matthews did have something to do with it. UAB was not autonomous till 1969. He and other UA leaders created a compromise where a newly independent UAB would stay in the system, and manage the medical school, thus keeping the medical school in the system. AI argues it was the best deal UA could get given the push among Birmingham's business elites to create a University of Birmingham that would forever sever ties with UA.

If Alabama grows to the point that there is a physician shortage, then maybe state leaders will be willing to create a new medical school in Tuscaloosa. UGA is about to open its medical school in Athens.

[Packer16]

Originally Posted by atlanta68

Of course the medical school moved in the 1940s. But the management location of the med school did change in 1969 and Matthews did have something to do with it. UAB was not autonomous till 1969. He and other UA leaders created a compromise where a newly independent UAB would stay in the system, and manage the medical school, thus keeping the medical school in the system. AI argues it was the best deal UA could get given the push among Birmingham's business elites to create a University of Birmingham that would forever sever ties with UA.

If Alabama grows to the point that there is a physician shortage, then maybe state leaders will be willing to create a new medical school in Tuscaloosa. UGA is about to open its medical school in Athens.

Absolute horse shit. Like I said, above, AI is still a developing technology and is subject to mistakes (called hallucinations) where it spits out complete garbage. The University of Alabama Board of Trustees OWNS all its assests, including UA, UAB, UAH, the Medical and Dental schools, and the Hospital. None can LEAVE the System. That fantasy is amazing.

[atlanta68]

Originally Posted by Packer16

Absolute horse shit. Like I said, above, AI is still a developing technology and is subject to mistakes (called hallucinations) where it spits out complete garbage. The University of Alabama Board of Trustees OWNS all its assests, including UA, UAB, UAH, the Medical and Dental schools, and the Hospital. None can LEAVE the System. That fantasy is amazing.

Yes, but UAB manages the Medical School and the system does not allow duplication in specialized fields like medicine. Birmingham eltes had enormous power, and some were threatening to push for an independent University of Birmingham. There was however, no formal threat.

Laws CAN be changed was my point, and the Birmingham elite were threatening to push for a change in the laws to allow for the creation of a University of Birmingham. You think the pro AU legislators would have advocated for UA holding onto the medical school or UAB staying in the system had the Birmingham elites gone beyond threatening?

[Packer16]

Any power that the so-called Birmingham elites would have pales in comparison to the University of Alabama Board of Trustees. I remember, years ago, an attention hound, grand-standing politician, Rep. John Rogers, tried to make some noise about UAB leaving the System. He knew all along that it was not possible, but, searched for every news media microphone to spew his garbage. Well, he got out of prison last year and has kept his mouth shut since. Anyway, as for expansion of The University of Alabama School of Medicine, think of the University of Texas Medical School model. There is a doctor shortage in this State and in this Nation and it needs to be addressed.

[TheCapstone]

Goodrich Plant closing in Tuscaloosa, affecting 1200 jobs. Already a fragile economy, completely dependent on the University and Mercedes.

[atlanta68]

Originally Posted by Packer16

Any power that the so-called Birmingham elites would have pales in comparison to the University of Alabama Board of Trustees. I remember, years ago, an attention hound, grand-standing politician, Rep. John Rogers, tried to make some noise about UAB leaving the System. He knew all along that it was not possible, but, searched for every news media microphone to spew his garbage. Well, he got out of prison last year and has kept his mouth shut since. Anyway, as for expansion of The University of Alabama School of Medicine, think of the University of Texas Medical School model. There is a doctor shortage in this State and in this Nation and it needs to be addressed.

I was referring to chatter in the late 1960s among the Birmingham business community and among the UA Med School doctors who resented having to be managed from Tuscaloosa.

[chadinhsv]

Originally Posted by TheCapstone

Goodrich Plant closing in Tuscaloosa, affecting 1200 jobs. Already a fragile economy, completely dependent on the University and Mercedes.

That is absolutely devastating for Tuscaloosa/Northport. I believe that is the 5th most employed company in Tuscaloosa. What is their reasoning for closing? Walt Maddox needs to bring in more jobs. Don't know why people keep voting for him

[Packer16]

Interesting read. This property is directly across the Interstate from the Mercedes plant. It was recently annexed by the city of Tuscaloosa.

https://www.cbs42.com/news/westervelt-re...E2%80%9D%20according%20to%20the%20agenda.

[chadinhsv]

Originally Posted by Packer16

Interesting read. This property is directly across the Interstate from the Mercedes plant. It was recently annexed by the city of Tuscaloosa.

https://www.cbs42.com/news/westervelt-re...E2%80%9D%20according%20to%20the%20agenda.

Interesting. That is a lot of acres. Some data centers are that large and that could be it since the University is focusing on data analytics and AI research

[atlanta68]

Originally Posted by chadinhsv

Interesting. That is a lot of acres. Some data centers are that large and that could be it since the University is focusing on data analytics and AI research

Hopefully it is a research park. AI predicts UA WILL build a research park with perhaps two locations, one close to the Data Center on campus, and one closer to the automotive and industrial areas south of I 20. I think that is where it said.

[TheCapstone]

Originally Posted by chadinhsv

That is absolutely devastating for Tuscaloosa/Northport. I believe that is the 5th most employed company in Tuscaloosa. What is their reasoning for closing? Walt Maddox needs to bring in more jobs. Don't know why people keep voting for him

I'm with. I don't think he's a bad mayor, but Tuscaloosa could do better. It's a city with a ton of potential just being wasted each year. I'm still surprised to see that it has grown the way it has population wise.

Walt has done decent for Tuscaloosa but he has the least vision possible when it comes to tackling Tuscaloosa's biggest issues. One major one I discussed with him years ago was increasing walkability and prioritizing biking infrastructure. It allows to create more connectivity with the area and improve corridors. I think the city has done okay from a marketing standpoint when it comes to boosting non-football amenities (the Amphitheater; Kentuck Art Festival; etc..) but it really needs to hone in on strengthening its art and developing a better food scene. Lastly - and I talked with him as long as I could on this - but focusing better on retiree amenities and attracting jobs to the area. Some of this is also on state leaders to really attack the problem and lure in companies (manufacturing plants for example). Younger professional retention is not very good. Many alumni do not seek out to live in Tuscaloosa either in the same way you see our counterparts (Tennessee with Knoxville; Auburn with Auburn, AL; Georgia with Athens). Walt is not a very aggressive when it comes to handling bigger issues. It has been the same concerns for nearly two decads now.

The city would do well to collaborate with Culverhouse on its economic shortcomings.

[TheCapstone]

Originally Posted by atlanta68

Hopefully it is a research park. AI predicts UA WILL build a research park with perhaps two locations, one close to the Data Center on campus, and one closer to the automotive and industrial areas south of I 20. I think that is where it said.

That's the first I've heard of this. I really hope it comes to fruition.

[SpawnOfVulcan]

Walt Maddox is an outstanding mayor. It takes a lot of effort to balance the wants and needs of a college town. As for the tire plant specifically, I imagine it's the same reason all other tire plants shut down, they can't manufacture tires at a cost that allows them to make the necessary profit. Labor is expensive. The tire plant in Gadsden used to be the largest in the world, but in the end, they couldn't make the math work; I'm surprised BF Goodrich stuck around as long as they did.

[Packer16]

Spawn, I agree 100% about Mayor Maddox. He has guided the city through a disaster in 2011 and has built infrastructure that Tuscaloosa will be benefiting from 100 years from now. And, the BF Goodrich situation was of their own making. They have two large plants that are only working at 50 percent capacity and they have decided to merge the two to make a profit. The tire business has become much more competitive in the last fifty years and they have lost a significant share of the market. It's a dirty plant that produces a lot of toxins and carcinogens as a byproduct. This can be an opportunity for Tuscaloosa to bring in some cleaner industry. RTR

[TheCapstone]

Culverhouse has announced the formation of the AI Advisory Board. Great move.