The University of Alabama has adopted a pair of initiatives recognizing former U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby.
The Shelby Endowment for Distinguished Faculty and the Shelby Institute of Policy and Leadership were approved Friday by the Board of Trustees.
The endowment provides $100 million, allotted by Congress, for “recruitment and retention of exceptional faculty members in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, disciplines.”
“Education is key to unlocking opportunity, which is why I believe one of the most important investments we can make is in our classrooms and is why I dedicated several years to securing a permanent endowment that will allow he University of Alabama to multiply its impact in STEM,” Shelby said. “This will be critical to innovation that advances success and security across Alabama and the nation.”
The Shelby institute will provide the former senator’s official papers, records, and materials for students interested in studying policy.
“My wife Annette and I are also honored by the university’s establishment of the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership, which will train generations of future leaders with a shared passion for policy and public service,” Shelby said.
“On behalf of the UA System Board of Trustees and the entire UA System, we are forever grateful for Sen. Shelby and Dr. Shelby’s selfless service and dedication to education,” said UA System Chancellor Finis St. John. “Sen. Shelby has already improved countless lives through his commitment to teaching, research and service, and through these two initiatives, his legacy will forever positively impact our students and our state.
“This institute will offer leadership and policy training in ways that the university has never provided before.”
University President Dr. Stuart Bell said the “initiatives will boost the experience of UA students in and out of the classroom, helping them prepare for careers of impact in their communities. Sen. Shelby’s long support and advocacy of the university and higher education will continue through these initiatives and in the lives of the faculty, staff and students impacted.
“Sen. Shelby and Dr. Shelby have been making our country, making our state, certainly the University of Alabama better for more than 50 years.”
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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