Sid J. Trent named permanent chancellor of University of Alabama System

The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees voted Feb. 7 to appoint Sid J. Trent as chancellor after a nomination and unanimous committee recommendation.

Trustee Brooks, chairing the chancellor search committee, said the committee concluded the candidate who best exemplified the required qualities "was already leading the system," and nominated Sid Trent. "Since stepping into the role as interim chancellor 10 months ago, Sid Trent has demonstrated remarkable leadership, guiding the UA system with steady hands and a clear vision," Brooks said.

Trent, who had served as interim chancellor, accepted the board’s nomination and thanked trustees. "I will try to try my best to lead up, live up to that," he said during brief remarks after the vote.

Why it matters: The chancellor serves as chief executive of a system with an operating budget presented in the materials as nearly $7 billion and substantial statewide economic impact. The board cited Trent’s prior system experience, including service as general counsel and senior vice chancellor, as reasons for the appointment.

Discussion and context: Trustees highlighted Trent's institutional knowledge, leadership through a period of acquisitions and change and his stated commitment to student success and institutional neutrality. The selection followed a trustee-led search committee; the committee recommended Trent unanimously.

What happens next: Trent will continue leading the University of Alabama System as its permanent chancellor. The board and chancellor said they will continue system efforts around student success, health-care operations and the system’s stated strategic priorities.