Gremillion Named Interim Director Of Alabama Water Institute

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The University of Alabama has named Mike Gremillion as the interim executive director of the Alabama Water Institute, effective Sept. 19.

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Gremillion, who has worked as a weather professional in the military and intelligence communities, has led the Global Water Security Center (GWSC) at The University of Alabama for over a year. He has also served as deputy director of the Alabama Water Institute while heading up the GWSC.

“I am excited to lead the Alabama Water Institute in this new role,” he said. “My vision is to continue to grow upon the great work started by [AWI Executive Director] Scott Rayder and for the University to become nationally recognized as a top tier water research institution.”

Rayder announced he was stepping down for a new opportunity outside UA after he oversaw the expansion of the institute with the largest research grant ever awarded to the university earlier this year.

Gremillion first came to UA 2020 after nearly three decades working with the U.S. Department of Defense, where he provided providing scientific leadership and expertise for national security environmental support. UA said Gremillion's last military assignment was senior meteorology and oceanography officer for National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

Russell J. Mumper, vice president for research and economic development, said Gremillion has been involved on the ground floor of all the major initiatives of AWI over the past two years with a key role in leading the development of AWI’s five-year strategic plan and securing input from stakeholders around campus.

“We are very fortunate to have Mike and appreciate his willingness to take this critical leadership role to keep the momentum going," he said.

AWI has the mission of becoming a "world-class interdisciplinary water research institute that develops pathbreaking, holistic and environmentally friendly solutions to ensure people and ecological systems in its community, state, nation and around the world have access to clean water and are resilient to extreme events."

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