UA President Stuart R. Bell To Step Down This Summer

TUSCALOOSA, AL — University of Alabama President Stuart R. Bell on Wednesday announced his plans to step down this summer following a decade leading the university.

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The university said in the announcement that this comes as UA celebrates achievements in enrollment, academic quality, research activity and funding, fundraising, athletics, campus development and more during his tenure.

Bell is also the third longest-serving UA president, behind only Presidents George Denny and Frank Rose.

“It has truly been an honor to serve and represent The University of Alabama as president over the last 10 years,” Bell said. “I am grateful for the longstanding support of our Board of Trustees and filled with pride and gratitude for all the accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff and alumni. Collectively, we have witnessed record-breaking successes and as our University continues its positive trajectory, the moment is right to initiate the completion of my tenure as president.”

Bell was first named president in July 2015 after serving in leadership roles at Louisiana State University and the University of Kansas.

He had previously served 16 years on the UA faculty and was chair of the mechanical engineering department and founder and first director of the Center for Advanced Vehicle Technologies.

The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees and UA System leadership will now conduct a national search for Bell's replacement.

“President Bell’s visionary leadership over the past decade has been nothing short of extraordinary for The University of Alabama, and the future is bright thanks to his contributions,” UA System Interim Chancellor Sid J. Trant said. “Dr. Bell has led the University with total dedication and has represented the Capstone with excellence at every turn. It has been an honor to serve with Dr. Bell, and I look forward to our continued work together over the next several months as we build upon the University’s success and ensure a seamless transition.”

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