The search is OVER; Preparing for a new regime
Posted on Feb 19, 2013 in News
Doctor Ray L. Watts addressed the staff, faculty, and students last Tuesday to discuss his future outlook and goals for UAB.
Dr. Ray watts gave his introduction speach at the February faculty senate meeting. All students, faculty, and staff were welcome to meet UAB’s new president. Carlene Robinson/News Editor
“My priority and focus is on people, technology, economics and the best environment for UAB,” said Watts.
Watts emphasized the importance of economics in this unstable atmosphere of the country.
If the nation’s fiscal cliff is not cleared by beginning of March, UAB may not receive about $25 million in federal grants which hit the entire university hard, especially research and medicine.
“We have had some economic uncertainty over the past five years. We don’t have the resources that we had last year. We need more common sense decision making.”
Watts proposed a National Capitol Campaign in October to stimulate funds to be immediately put back into the school. Most of the money would be philanthropic donations in the University of Alabama System.
Watts also wants to continue to keep the UAB environment prosperous. UAB is known for its excellent research, medical school, and overall education.
“[I will be] taking the reigns of university in upward trajectory, and I promise that I will lead it onward,” said Watts.
The new student center and freshman dormitory began breaking ground this year. Their proposed finish date would be the summer of 2015.
“The heart of this campus is in the undergraduates,” said Watts.
There is an expansion in biomedical science and neuroscience bachelor degrees. In the fall, UAB is offering a new major in Public Health.
Freshman Initiative has already begun trying to raise our retention and graduation rate. Also, UAB is partnering with several community colleges for students that want to further their education.
“I look forward to working with you,” said UAB President.
Carlene Robinson
News Editor
news@insideuab.com