Accolades

Benson Named Interim Vice President for Research

Dr. Joe Benson, a long-time faculty member and administrator at UA, has been named interim vice president for research and vice provost.

“Dr. Benson has the expertise and experience that we need to provide leadership for the Office of Research,” said Dr. Judy Bonner, executive vice president and provost. “He has an impressive record of achievement as an outstanding teacher and scholar and he is highly regarded as an effective administrator.”

“Research at The University of Alabama is a broad enterprise. Our investigations involve creative activities, scholarly work and, particularly, interdisciplinary projects, and include stakeholders ranging from undergraduate students to corporate partners,” Benson said.

“The University of Alabama has a long tradition of improving quality of life – economically, socially and culturally – through our research. This is an exciting time at the Capstone with many new research opportunities. I look forward to working with faculty, staff and students to take advantage of these opportunities and to advance the University’s profile as a premier research institution.”

Benson’s appointment became effective Aug. 1. He replaces Dr. Keith McDowell, who was recently appointed vice chancellor for research and technology transfer for the University of Texas System.

Benson, who served two terms as president of the UA Faculty Senate, had been senior associate dean of the UA College of Arts and Sciences since 2000. In this position he was responsible for academic and administrative matters in the natural sciences and mathematics, research, fiscal operations, and facilities planning including serving as College liaison in the planning and construction of Shelby Hall.

He joined the UA faculty in 1978 as an assistant professor of geology. Promoted to associate professor and then professor, he served as chair of the department of geological sciences from 1990-1998 and as associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 1998-2000. Prior to joining UA, he was a research geologist for the Ohio Division of the Geological Survey.

Benson’s research record in the area of petroleum geology has led to more than 80 publications in academic journals and substantial external funding to support his research projects.

Jones Named Interim Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs

Dr. David P. Jones has been appointed interim assistant vice president for student affairs.

Jones will continue in his capacity as executive director of housing and residential communities and will take on the additional responsibility of First Year Experience and Parent and Family Programs. He also will be the reporting channel for University Recreation.

“Dr. Jones is a committed student affairs professional who offers significant experience in the areas of faculty collaboration, residential communities, student governance, student development theory and programming, crisis management, assessment, construction, and leadership.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Jones is willing to expand his role and become even more involved in the areas of freshmen student engagement, parent relations, and academic collaboration,” said Dr. Mark Nelson, interim vice president for student affairs and assistant provost for academic affairs.

Hebson Promoted to Dean of Students

Dr. Tim Hebson has been promoted to dean of students. He formerly served as associate dean of students and executive director for student development in the division of Student Affairs.

Hebson will continue to have oversight responsibilities for the Office of Judicial Affairs.

“Dr. Hebson will bring a great deal of experience and innovation to this critical role on our campus. The reinstatement of the dean of students position ensures that we have that immediate contact with our students and their families,” said Dr. Mark Nelson, interim vice president for student affairs and assistant provost for academic affairs.

Coleman Shows Crimson Spirit

Robin Coleman, Action Card specialist with auxiliary services, was honored as recipient of the Crimson Spirit Award for the division of financial affairs.

Coleman, chosen for this award for her outstanding ability to provide calm to customers during times of chaos was described by her nominator as “an expert problem solver and ambassador of service for The University of Alabama.”

Support for Robin’s nomination came from UA facility departments praising her helpfulness with their building access needs, new employees commenting on her extremely helpful service skills that made them feel welcome, and coworkers throughout the division appreciative of her role with annual events.

The Crimson Spirit Award serves to recognize staff members who make an extraordinary contribution to the University community by exhibiting the winning spirit that makes UA a great place. For more information and nomination forms visit the human resources Web site at http://hr.ua.edu/empl_rel/index.htm or contact human resources development at 348-9700.

Miller Named Executive Director of UA Crimson Care

Melanie Miller, a staff member and administrator with a background in counseling and social work, has been named executive director of Crimson Care in the division of student affairs.

“Melanie brings to this office a wealth of knowledge and a proven record of leadership. Her years of experience in developing educational programs, assisting students and their families in times of crisis, and advocating for a safe environment will benefit the whole student population,” said Dr. Mark Nelson, interim vice president for student affairs and assistant provost for academic affairs.

Miller will oversee Parent and Family Programs, the Women’s Resource Center and the On-Call Dean Program. She also will provide divisional leadership for the development of educational programs that focus on student well-being, provide administrative support and intervention for student crises, and oversee the division’s emergency planning and preparation.

“I look forward to my expanded role as executive director of Crimson Care. It is a great privilege to be able to provide support and assistance to students and their families during times of crisis, while at the same time working on initiatives to proactively address some of the issues facing our students,” Miller said.

Miller’s appointment became effective July 1.Miller has served as director of the UA Women’s Resource Center since 1995 and she also served as associate director of Russell Student Health Center for two years during that time. Prior to coming to UA, she was executive director of Turning Point Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Services in Tuscaloosa.

A UA graduate and licensed social worker, Miller is enrolled in UA’s executive Ed.D. program in Higher Education Administration and will complete her doctorate in May 2008.

She serves as a consultant to the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence and serves on the advisory board for the Alabama Coalition Against Rape.

Additionally, Miller has written a book chapter on domestic violence in the book Extraordinary Behavior and recently published the article “Empowering Battered Women by Validating their Decision Making Skills: The Role of Moral Development.”