Former UA President Stuart Bell Named United Way Of West Alabama Campaign Chair

TUSCALOOSA, AL — United Way of West Alabama (UWWA) has named former University of Alabama President Stuart R. Bell as its 2026 campaign chair as the organization marks its 80th anniversary year.

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Bell, who served as UA’s 29th president from 2015 to 2025, will lead the nonprofit’s annual fundraising effort aimed at supporting programs focused on education, health and financial stability across nine counties in West Alabama.

A nationally recognized higher education leader, Bell oversaw a decade of growth at the University of Alabama, including record enrollment, increased research activity and major fundraising milestones.

During his tenure, the university’s Rising Tide capital campaign exceeded its goals, creating more than 1,100 endowed scholarships and nearly 70 endowed faculty support funds.

Bell and his wife, Susan, have been longtime supporters of United Way, both prior to and during their time in Tuscaloosa.

Under Bell’s leadership, the university consistently ranked first among Southeastern Conference schools in employee participation in United Way campaigns.

“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,” Bell said in a statement. “With the growing needs in our community, we are prepared to do whatever it takes to meet our goal this year.”

United Way of West Alabama President and CEO Jackie Wuska Wear said Bell’s leadership and reputation in the community will help strengthen the campaign.

“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,” Wear said. “He has a proven history of building strong fundraising foundations and surpassing large goals.”

The 2026 campaign will kick off with a luncheon scheduled for Aug. 11 at the Bryant Conference Center. Additional details, including ticket information, are expected to be announced in the coming months.

The organization also announced its 2026 board of directors, which includes representatives from local government, business, higher education and community organizations across West Alabama.

Phyllis Belcher, Greene County IDA
Stuart Bell, Former President, University of Alabama
Karen Burklew, Alabama Power Company
Marcus Campbell, Commissioner, Sumter County
Johanna Cole, Community Volunteer
David Coleman, Hunt Refining Company
Erwin Dudley, Sr., Alabama Basketball
Willie Forte, Tuscaloosa Housing Authority
Kelli Gant, Warrior Met Coal Mining, LLC
Shawn Gilliam, Mercedes Benz U. S. International
Brian Groeschell, SmartBank
Chris Gunter, Buffalo Rock
Schnavia Hacher, University of Alabama School of Social Work
Josh Hayes, Prince Glover Hayes
Alison Hewson, Hewson Family Foundation, Inc.
Steven Hood, University of Alabama Student Affairs
Briana Houston, DCH Health System (Young Leaders Society President)
Brock Jones, Thornhill Capital Management (Board Chair)
Katrina Keefer, DCH Health System
Stephanie Kemmer, Bibb County Probate Judge
Jonathan Koh, Shelton State Community College
Barbara Kucharski, Community Involvement
Tim McCool, McCool, Owens & McCool, Pickens County
Yolanda Page, Stillman College
Brian Phillippi, Nucor Steel
Pam Pruitt, Community Involvement (ReUnited Chair)
Sandra Hall Ray, Community Involvement
Misty Renfroe, Pickens County DHR
Jerry Smith, County Extension Director, Lamar County
Justice Smyth, IV, Tuscaloosa County EDA
Chad Tindol, University of Alabama Partnerships & Strategy
Mark Vaughn, BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing
Terri Wallace, Publix Super Markets

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