Forecast calls for Alabama economy to grow nearly 4 percent in 2011
Birmingham News – Jan. 14
University of Alabama forecasters said the state’s economy could grow as much as 4 percent this year, and should outperform the nation. That could be almost double Alabama’s 2010 growth rate, though hiring is unlikely to pick up as quickly, said Samuel Addy, director of UA’s Center for Business and Economic Research. It’s one of the most optimistic 2011 forecasts issued for the state, which saw unemployment balloon in 2009 before beginning to recover in 2010. Addy delivered the forecast Thursday at the school’s annual Economic Outlook Conference in Montgomery. In December, UA forecasters predicted 3.4 percent growth for the state in 2011. But like other economists, they are raising their predictions following the tax cuts passed by Congress. “We got a nice sugar fix with the tax deal at the end of the year,” Addy said. “It will help 2011 as well as 2012.” Another factor expected to push the state forward: Car and light truck sales should grow to 13 million vehicles this year, which will help the state’s auto industry. Despite that relatively bright picture, job growth is expected to be slow. UA predicts payrolls will increase 0.7 percent…
Gadsden Times – Jan. 14
Tuscaloosa News – Jan. 14
Online degrees offered for military personnel
Crimson White – Jan. 14
The University of Alabama’s College of Continuing Studies offers military personnel the option to receive an accredited degree online… “The University became a participating institution with the e-ArmyU program in 2003,” said Nina Smith, the program manager for Student Services Academic Outreach and the GoArmyEd program. “E-ArmyU provides select online degree programs to soldiers who are in active duty with the army. ” In 2007, the College of Continuing Studies converted to the GoArmyEd program to broaden the degree options for soldiers by allowing them to select from any online degree that is available through the University. Currently, degree programs are offered through the College of Commerce and Business Administration, the College of Human and Environmental Sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Nursing, the College of Engineering and the College of Library and Information Studies…
Science presentation talks nanotechnology
Crimson White – Jan. 14
University researchers are hosting a Science Café to inform the public about the benefits of nanotechnology Saturday, according to a UA news release. The event, organized by Nitin Chopra, assistant professor of metallurgical and materials engineering, will be held at Barnes & Noble on McFarland Boulevard from noon to 7 p.m. and aims to promote community awareness of the technological impact of nanotechnology… “The basic idea is that this is an emerging technology and we’re trying to make the community aware of it,” Chopra said. “Along with the graduate students and undergraduates attending, I would also like to encourage high school students to come visit our booth and do internships this summer.”…Associate professor of chemistry and Center for Materials for Information Technology Education Coordinator Martin Bakker and his students have been asked to attend the event and demonstrate some of these practical uses for nanotechnology…
Lecture to explore women’s changing roles in politics
Crimson White – Jan. 14
…Associate professor of communication studies Janis Edwards will be giving the lecture “(What) Can Sarah Palin Teach Us About Women in Politics” in Manly Hall Room 308 at noon Wednesday to take an in-depth look at female politicians who seem to be defying every stereotype. The hour-long event is free for students, and everyone is invited to bring a sack lunch…This lecture is the first installment of the Brown Bag Lecture series for the semester. The series, co-sponsored by the Women’s Resource Center and Women’s Studies, is designed to bring the UA community together on the first Wednesday of every month to discuss issues that are relevant to women…
Retailers see more ‘surgical shopping’
Nashville Business Journal – Jan. 14
…And while analysis of consumers’ purchases showed increased spending during the holidays, it was not on high-ticket items. So methodical shopping, or “surgical shopping,” will be key in 2011, said Kristy Reynolds, marketing professor at the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce. “Shoppers are likely to continue being careful and methodical with their shopping, even though they have loosened the purse strings somewhat,” Reynolds said. “Many shoppers are going to be more likely to buy what they need at the moment, as compared to stocking up ahead of time.” To lure reluctant shoppers, retailers will have to resort to some familiar tactics and price drops, she said.” Retailers will likely rely on events, educational classes, entertainment and merchandise scarcity to lure shoppers into the stores in the coming months,” Reynolds said. Shoppers “will be hunting for the best bargains, regardless of where they shop or what they are buying. There is increasing evidence that impulse buying is declining.”…
New SGA constitution in the works
Crimson White – Jan. 14
The Student Government Association is in the final stages of adopting a new constitution, Attorney General Ryan Sprinkle said at Thursday’s Senate meeting. The proposed constitution is a total revision of the current document which was written in 1996, Sprinkle said…Sprinkle said the four platforms the proposed constitution is based on are functionality, transparency, accountability and inclusivity. These platforms, Sprinkle said, will provide for the best student self-government at the University…
UA loses dean, adviser, friend
Crimson White – Jan. 14
The assistant director of student judicial affairs died Dec. 25 at his home in Tuscaloosa, said Jill Satcher, assistant director of judicial intake. Mark Foster, 49, served in many positions at the University, including working as a student building manager in the Ferguson Center when he was a student in the mid-‘80s and as operations manager of the Ferguson Center from 1989 to 1999. That year, he became the assistant director of judicial affairs where he worked until his death, said Satcher, who worked with Foster for 17 years…
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Jan. 13
Longtime Board of Trustees member dies
Crimson White – Jan. 14
T. Massey Bedsole, who served on the University of Alabama’s Board of Trustees from 1979 to 1988, died on New Year’s Day. He was the University’s oldest trustee emeritus, meaning he was an honorary member of the board but was no longer active. However, Bedsole remained interested and involved in the University of Alabama System campuses… “T. Massey Bedsole served on the Board of Trustees during a very pivotal time in the history of our University system,” said Kellee Reinhart, spokeswoman for the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama System. “He was a wise adviser to our chancellor and campus presidents and carried out his responsibilities in a very thorough fashion.”…Pam Parker, the vice president of advancement at the University, remembers Bedsole not only as a trustee member, but also as a friend… “I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who loved the University more than T. Massey Bedsole,” Parker said. “He was one of those special people. He was always there if you needed help; whether it be recruitment or fundraising, his door was always open.”…