Witt evaluates state of University at speech

UA President Robert Witt made his fall address at the faculty and staff meeting Wednesday, announcing enrollment growth, faculty and staff raises, campus construction updates and other goals the University is working toward.

Witt said the meeting gives the group a moment to think about where the University is headed.

"[The meeting] provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on the University's current position and, equally important, on its future," Witt said. "If we were to take a snapshot of the University's current position, it would present, I believe, a very encouraging picture."

Witt also said officials may consider another expansion to Bryant-Denny Stadium.

"I'm anticipating that by early spring, we will begin the process of giving serious consideration to again expanding our football stadium by closing in the other end of the stadium," Witt said.

Witt said construction on the second building of the Shelby Science Complex will begin by December. He also said a $24 million renovation project of Lloyd Hall has begun, and construction on Ridgecrest South will begin this year as well.

As the University grows, the members of the Capstone's academic community must also make an investment in personal responsibility, Witt said.

"This investment is less easily quantified but equally important," Witt said. "This investment may well be as important as the people, buildings, bricks and equipment we bring to our campus in the years ahead.

"I strongly believe that the members of our academic community must step forward and assume a greater sense of personal responsibility for the future of our University."

Faculty Senate President John Vincent said last year's Faculty Senate goals of increasing interaction with the Office of Student Services and reestablishing a balance of research control between the administration and faculty have both been accomplished.

"Simply, things are happening on this campus at a pace not dreamed possible only a few years ago," Vincent said. "One thing that concerns me personally in this time of exponential growth and change is that our University not lose its distinctive character."

Witt also presented four professors with the Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Awards.

John Baker, professor of engineering; Beth Bennett, professor of communications; James Cashman, professor of business; and Kevin Shaughnessy, professor of chemistry, received the award.

SGA President R.B. Walker also spoke at the meeting and said he is still working toward making wireless Internet available everywhere on campus, exempting taxes from textbook purchases and helping students feel safe on and off campus.

He also spoke about how he thinks it is important that every student feel safe.

"We [the SGA] were elected to represent student's interests and there's nothing more important than the safety and well-being of those here at the University of Alabama," Walker said. "I feel that it is imperative that students take a strong leadership role in ensuring their own safety. My goal is for each and every Alabama student to feel safe because they are here as a student."