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Board approves new UA Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and several endowed appointments
Summary
Trustees voted to approve a new bachelor of science degree in artificial intelligence at the University of Alabama and to appoint/establish multiple endowed professorships and distinguished Shelby endowments across the system.
The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees approved a new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Alabama on Nov. 7, 2025.
UA President Peter Moller said the program aims to equip students with technical knowledge and practical skills in data science and artificial intelligence for roles across health care, finance, e‑commerce, manufacturing, cybersecurity and government. “There’s a great need for professionals to join the workforce with expertise in data sciences and artificial intelligence,” Moller said during his presentation.
The board also approved administrative actions presented by the system office, including the establishment of the Thomas L. Jones Endowed Professorship in Law and two Shelby distinguished appointments (including the appointment of Dr. Alice E. Smith as a Shelby distinguished professor and Dr. Carla Atkinson as the first Shelby distinguished associate professor). The system office noted Dr. Smith’s national recognition in computational intelligence and Dr. Atkinson’s research in freshwater ecosystems in presenting the appointments to trustees.
Both the degree and the administrative endowment actions were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
