University of Alabama - Graduate School

🔦 Graduate Ambassador Spotlight: Meet Taye Akinrele! (Oladeyi)

🏠 Hometown: Ondo State, Nigeria

📘 Program: Computer Science Ph.D.

🎓 Past Education: B.Tech. in Computer Science, Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Nigeria

📚 Research Interests: Trustworthy AI, Cognitive AI, Large Language Models, Machine Learning.

🐘 Campus Involvement: Graduate Student Ambassador, Vice President of the Computer Science Graduate Student Association (CSGSA), General Secretary of the International Student Association (ISA), ASA Social/Welfare Committee Member, Graduate Teaching Assistant, and Researcher with the Alabama Water Institute (CIROH).

➡️ Future Plans: Taye would love to work as an AI Scientist, building trustworthy AI systems that solve real-world problems in healthcare, environmental science, and other areas where AI can make a meaningful impact.

❓ Why UA Graduate School?
"I chose UA because of the amazing research opportunities, supportive faculty, and welcoming community. It's given me the chance to work on exciting interdisciplinary projects, grow as a researcher, and get involved in campus organizations. I have met incredible people here, and it's been a great place to learn, lead, and challenge myself."

To connect with a Graduate Ambassador visit: https://buff.ly/J5skKBb

Happy World Elephant Day to our favorite elephant! 🐘❤️

Today we're celebrating Big Al, the mascot who brings the Alabama family together. Whether it's cheering from the sidelines, taking photos on campus or showing off that unmistakable Crimson Tide spirit, Big Al reminds us what it means to be part of the Capstone community.

Roll Tide, and Happy World Elephant Day! 🐘

A major investment in the future of graduate education and the arts. 📚🎨

The Windgate Foundation has awarded The University of Alabama a $4 million grant to expand scholarships and graduate assistantship opportunities for students in the nationally recognized Book Arts program. The gift quadruples the foundation's original investment and will also support studio equipment upgrades, strengthening opportunities for current and future graduate students.

Learn more about how this transformative gift will impact UA's Book Arts program at: https://buff.ly/MdvW39m

🔦 Graduate Ambassador Spotlight: Meet Presleigh Johnson!

🏠 Hometown: Rowlett, Texas

📘 Program: Interdisciplinary Studies PhD

🎓 Past Education: B.A. in Public History - Flagler College; M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies - UA

📚 Research Interests: American Presidents, Presidential Biography, Presidential Libraries, 20th-Century American Literature + History

🐘 Campus Involvement: Graduate School Ambassador; TA & Instructor in History Department; Education Chair in the Graduate History Association (2024-25); Research Assistant for Rosenwald School Exhibition in Pickensville, AL; Research Assistant for Sharing Stories from 1977 oral history project

➡️ Future Plans: After graduating, Presleigh would love to become a professor, inspiring students to be passionate about English and History while also creating Public History projects to help the community!

❓Why Graduate School? "I knew this was exactly where I was supposed to be - UA was so excited about my goals and dreams! I've also found a ton of support from faculty who embrace my desire to make a difference on campus and through my research. My innovative program, the level of support, and the mentorships/friendships I've made here have changed my life!"

We asked. You answered. ❤️🐘

From iconic spots on campus to the people and places that make the University of Alabama feel like home, these are just a few of the things you said remind you of UA Graduate School.

Which one is your favorite?

It's Graduation Day! 🎉🎓

Congratulations to all of our Summer 2026 graduates! Today marks the culmination of your hard work and the beginning of an exciting new journey.

For commencement schedules, parking, ceremony details and important day-of information, visit: https://buff.ly/3vtugij

Roll Tide, and congratulations, graduates! 🐘

As we prepare to celebrate commencement, we're taking a moment to recognize our Graduate School student assistants who are graduating tomorrow. ❤️

🎓 Claudia Bawole — Communication & Information Sciences PhD
🎓 Natalia Rivera — Master of Public Health (MPH)
🎓 Jackson Quarles — Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Thank you for your hard work and the many ways you have all supported the Graduate School. We're grateful for everything you've contributed and can't wait to see where your next chapter takes you. Congratulations and Roll Tide!

🔦 Graduate Ambassador Spotlight: Meet Jihane Amayou!

🏠 Hometown: Marrakesh, Morocco

📘 Program: Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction + Certified Academic Language Therapist (In training)

🎓 Past Education: B.A.: English literature - Cadi Ayyad University (Marrakesh, Morocco); M.A.: Educational Technology - Bahçeşehir Üniversitesi (Istanbul, Türkiye); CELTA (The Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

📚 Research Interests: AI & Digital Literacies; AI in Education; CS/STEM/Makerspace Education; Assessment and Evaluation; Elementary/Upper Elementary Education; Teacher Education & Professional Development

🐘 Campus Involvement: Graduate Research Assistant: Digital, Computational, & Data Literacies Lab (D.CoaD); Vice President: COE-FIRE; Graduate Ambassador

➡️ Future Plans: Jihane plans to continue her work as a scholar and educational innovator, designing equitable digital and AI literacy frameworks and curriculum that support teachers and students together in critically engaging with emerging technologies.

❓Why UA Graduate School? "It really felt like it was meant to be! Things just eventually aligned, and I ended up at UA. One major factor that led me to choose UA in the end was the support of the staff and faculty, who were very responsive and understanding throughout my application process (shoutout to Allison Lami & Dr. Spector!). But honestly, knowing what I know now, I am very happy to be here, surrounded by the best. UA has provided me with amazing opportunities to grow as both an educator and a researcher, while being mentored and guided by many wonderful and well-respected scholars in the field."

One of the University of Alabama's most recognizable landmarks now has a digital home. 🐘🔔

Recent graduate Luke Turner, who earned his bachelor's degrees in management information systems and music along with his master's degree in management information systems this May, created the official Denny Chimes website to preserve the history, traditions, and legacy of one of UA's most beloved campus icons.

Learn more about the project and read the full story at: https://buff.ly/vR0kPry