Board of Trustees Annual Meeting - June 12, 2026

The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees held its Annual Meeting on June 12, 2026, where multiple academic and administrative items were considered and approved. Key procurement-related discussions included the approval of new academic degree programs such as the Master of Public Policy, Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, and the establishment of a new School of Data Science at the University of Alabama, aimed at addressing workforce needs in data analytics and AI. The board also approved various endowed chairs and professorships across UA, UAB, and UAH, reflecting significant philanthropic contributions, including a $35 million gift to the College of Arts and Sciences and a $25 million gift to the College of Engineering. Additionally, the board approved participation renewal in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and naming rights for buildings and centers, including the Shelby Biosciences Research Building at UAB, supported by $152 million in federal funding. The audit risk and compliance committee received and approved the fiscal year 2025 uniform guidance audit results with no findings and endorsed the appointment of PwC as external auditors for fiscal year 2026, including a 3% inflationary fee increase. A policy amendment was approved to standardize recruitment practices for senior leadership positions, including the creation of a preferred provider list for executive search firms. Overall, the meeting focused on advancing academic programs, securing funding and endowments, and ensuring sound financial oversight to support the system's strategic goals.