United Way of West Alabama Taps Former UA President to Lead Campaign

Marking a milestone 80^th Anniversary, United Way of West Alabama (UWWA) has announced that Dr. Stuart R. Bell, former President of The University of Alabama, will serve as Campaign Chair.

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“Bell is a nationally respected leader in higher education whose career has been defined by service-driven leadership, institutional advancement, and community partnership,” said. UWWA. “As the 29^th President of The University of Alabama (2015-2025), he guided the University through a period of historic growth, including record enrollment, record research activity, and unprecedented philanthropic success.”

Guided by his leadership, the Rising Tide Capital Campaign exceeded its goal, resulting in more than 1,100 new endowed scholarships and nearly 70 endowed faculty support funds.

Long before arriving in Tuscaloosa, Bell and his wife, Susan, demonstrated a deep commitment to United Way and a spirit of giving back. Since joining The University of Alabama, they have helped elevate the University’s annual United Way campaign and strengthen its role as a leading supporter of local nonprofits serving children and families in the region.

“Susan and I have been champions of United Way for many years, and I am honored to lead this year’s campaign at a pivotal and important moment when so many organizations are dependent on these funds to provide critical services,” said Dr. Bell. “With the growing needs in our community, we are prepared to do whatever it takes to meet our goal this year.”

The 2026 UWWA campaign will launch with a luncheon at the Bryant Conference Center on August 11.

“Having Dr. Bell as our Campaign Chair is an honor, and the respect for him in our community will help us open new doors and build new relationships that will have a lasting impact for our United Way,” said Jackie Wuska Wear, UWWA President & CEO. “He has a proven history of building strong fundraising foundations and surpassing large goals and we look forward to learning from him as he guides our campaign.”

The 2026 UWWA campaign will launch with a luncheon at the Bryant Conference Center on August 11. Click here for more information.