Alabama Senate confirms a slate of nominees to university boards and state agencies

The Alabama Senate confirmed a series of nominees to state boards and university trustees during its floor session. Senators moved confirmations on the floor after committee reports, and the presiding officer announced each confirmation following roll calls.

Committee reports showed favorable recommendations and the Senate acted on them in sequence. Thomas Ellis was confirmed to the Agriculture Exhibition Center board (committee report read on the floor). The chamber also confirmed Evelyn Van Sant Malden and Robert C. Brock to the University of Alabama board of trustees; Mila Calhoun to the University of Alabama board; Chip Fuqua to the Alabama Workforce board; Thornton Stanley and Jamestikin Parham to the Alabama Forestry Commission; and Elena Barranco to the University of Montevallo board of trustees. Votes reported on the floor were overwhelmingly in favor, with many confirmations recorded as unanimous or near‑unanimous (tallies announced in the session ranged from unanimous 30–0 counts to 29–0 and similar results depending on the roll called).

Senator Weaver (floor mover for multiple confirmations) asked for long rolls where required; the clerk read member names during those roll calls. After each confirmed nominee was announced, the presiding officer invited nominees who were present in the gallery to stand to be recognized.

The confirmations followed routine committee procedures: the committee on confirmations presented its reports on each appointment, a senator moved to confirm (often by previous roll), and the Senate recorded the roll and announced the outcome.

Next steps: Confirmed appointees will assume their duties according to the statutes and rules governing each board or commission. The Senate continued work on other legislative items during the same session and concluded confirmations before moving to the day's calendar business.