University of Alabama president stepping down in July

Dr. Stuart Bell, the 29th president of The University of Alabama, has announced his plans to step down from his position this summer.

Bell was appointed president in 2015 after the departure of Dr. Judy Bonner. In the last century, only Presidents George Denny and Frank Rose have served more years working in the role.

“It has truly been an honor to serve and represent The University of Alabama as president over the last 10 years. 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.”  

~ Dr. Stuart Bell

Bell will stay in his role until July, giving the university time to conduct a national search for the next president. He emphasized his intention of continuing work on important campus priorities while supporting the transition.

Dr. Stuart Bell

Prior to becoming president, Bell served 16 years at the University of Alabama including as the chair of the mechanical engineering department. He was also the founder and first director of the Center for Advanced Vehicle Technologies.

Bell would become president after serving in leadership roles at Louisiana State University and the University of Kansas.

“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. 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.”  

~ Sid J. Trant, UA System Interim Chancellor

While the UA campus witnessed unprecedented success, Bell’s personal accomplishments and commitment to service continued to earn recognition. Currently serving as president of the SEC, he was inducted into the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame, and received the Texas A&M University College of Engineering Alumni Honor Award, among other achievements.  

Bell and his wife Susan have made an indelible impact on the Tuscaloosa community, spearheading the University’s annual United Way campaign among many other civic and philanthropic efforts.   

University of Alabama growth

Enrollment growth has been a hallmark of Bell’s presidency with record numbers, including topping 40,800 students last fall, highlighted by the largest number of in-state first-year students in campus history.

Under Bell’s watch, the University enrolled more than 1,000 National Merit Scholars this fall, among the most of any institution in the country. Over the last decade more than 90,000 students have earned degrees from the Capstone.  

Bell has also overseen the tremendous growth of a vibrant institution, with 26 new and more than 60 renovated buildings to the campus, including critical donor-funded projects like the Randall Welcome Center, Hewson Hall, Stran-Hardin Arena for adapted athletics, Drummond Lyon Hall, and the soon-to-be-completed Smith Family Center for the Performing Arts. 

“I had the honor of leading the presidential search that welcomed Dr. Bell back to The University of Alabama in 2015, and it has since been a privilege to work alongside him throughout his exceptional presidency. The University of Alabama has been fortunate to have this beloved leader at the helm for 10 years, and we will certainly miss working with him. The Board of Trustees proudly celebrates President Bell’s historic success and legendary legacy, and we congratulate him and his equally outstanding wife, Susan, on this well-deserved next chapter following a decade of exemplary service.” 

~ Trustee Karen P. Brooks, who will also chair the search for Bell’s successor

Early in his tenure, Bell led the campus to earn the Carnegie Classification’s R1 status for very high research activity and UA remains one of the fastest growing universities in research activity in the nation. Sponsored research funding grew exponentially, reaching nearly $270 million last year, and the University’s economic impact on the state of Alabama tops $2.9 billion annually.  

Under Bell’s leadership, the University and the Southeastern Conference were highlighted on the world stage as UA student-athletes excelled across many sports with three national championships in football, the school’s first appearances in the men’s basketball Final Four and numerous SEC championships. UA student-athletes also won numerous individual national championships and recorded the highest academic performance rate in school history.  

“Stuart Bell has provided a decade of exceptional service to The University of Alabama where his steady leadership has proved valuable in managing the myriad challenges present in modern day higher education. The lives he touched through his passion for the advancement of the Alabama student experience will be his lasting legacy. He has also been an important leader in the Southeastern Conference during a time of significant change in college sports and I am appreciative of the wise counsel he has provided on the transformative issues that are shaping the future of college athletics.”  

~ Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner

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