Originally Posted by Packer16
A few weeks ago, I was able to talk to some people at UA who know a lot about UA and its future plans. I was told that Dr. Mohler is big on “Inclusiveness” and this is one of the reasons he was so attractive to the BOT. The University of Alabama has a mission to serve the State of Alabama by educating as many Alabama students as possible. The State of Alabama has around 42,000 high school grads each year with an average ACT score of 18. A lot of school districts in the State are underfunded, to no fault of its students. Students who can succeed, in whatever environment they are subjected to, deserve a shot at an education at UA if they are willing to pay the tuition. If they make a 3.5 grade point average, a solid B average, and if there is room, they will be admitted. When they are in a classroom on campus, no one wears labels with their high school GPAs or ACT scores. Therefore, a student with a lower or higher score has no effect on the classroom experience. And, it has nothing to with the “Academics” of a University. The University teaches with the best professors and provides the best programs and facilities in the State, and some of the best in the Nation. If UA had not given Alabama kids with a 3.5 high school GPA a chance, we wouldn’t have a winner and great alum, like Frank Barefield, who has become our biggest donor with his generous $35 million donation to UA’s growing endowment.
The University of Alabama has developed into a very attractive University across the state and across the country. After a record year in applications, UA is already up 22% in applications, 28% in admissions, and 36% in deposits over this time, last year. UA has become a true National University and that has been the plan since Dr. Witt stepped on campus in 2003. The University of Alabama has been holding at just over 8,000 entering freshmen for the last four years and that will continue into the foreseeable future. This will hold undergrad population around 35,000. We have a lot of students from out-of-state who apply to several Universities, including UA, and could go anywhere they want. UA admits them, but, they end up staying in their home state or have a great scholarship offer elsewhere or decide they want to go to a small liberal arts college, etc. But, we get our fair share and, after polling them through the years after they come, UA gets high marks for their choice.
The University of Alabama’s goal is to teach and mold future winners and Legends with the “BAMA Experience”, not feed the egos of losers who have squandered their opportunities to contribute positively to society. Winners come in all shapes and sizes, from those who make positive impacts through teaching, designing, developing, building, nursing, healing, inventing, providing goods, etc. Unfortunately, like anywhere, some fall through the cracks and become a burden on society by leaching, stealing, defrauding, or becoming some other negative influence. But, several studies have shown University of Alabama alums to be some of the most impactful (top 25-50) in the Nation. The strength of UA’s alumni is a product of their experience at the Capstone.
The University of Alabama is continuing to build on a world class faculty who teach in top-notch facilities and provide top-notch academics to students from Alabama, the Nation, and the World. Recent graduates are some of our most loyal alumni and give back to their University at a higher rates that allow UA to continue to break records. The “BAMA Experience” that today’s students receive is by design. Students have a lot of resources at UA to help them be successful. The new core curriculum has a required class that teaches students about the University and how to find resources they need. Also, a massive Student Wellness Center is being built on the eastern side of the old Bryce property. When complete it will provide even more resources to help students. So much thought and dollars have been put into making sure every student has everything they need to be successful and graduate. And, even the students who don’t graduate will be better for the experience.
The University of Alabama is thriving. It has never been better and the future is even brighter. RTR
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