Big Changes at UA: Dr. Samory Pruitt Announces Retirement!
Get ready for some bittersweet news, ChumCity! After an incredible 40 years of dedicated service to The University of Alabama, Dr. Samory Pruitt, VP for the Division of Community Affairs, is set to retire on June 1, 2026.
A Legacy of Service and Community
Dr. Pruitt hasn't just been working at UA; he's been weaving the university's mission into the very fabric of our community! He was hand-picked back in 2004 to create a division that would make a real difference in the lives of Alabamians and beyond, focusing on teaching, research, and good ol' fashioned service.
Building Something Special
Under his leadership, the Division of Community Affairs has blossomed, encompassing offices, the Center for Community-Based Partnerships, and the Crossroads Civic Engagement Center. They're collectively running nearly two dozen programs and initiatives, giving students amazing opportunities to get involved. Think grad assistants, undergrads, work-study students, and tons of volunteers!
"It's been an Honor..."
"It is time to wind down this chapter of my life," Pruitt shares. "It has been an honor to serve alongside so many individuals in helping weave the University's mission into the fabric of our community.†He's also working on a methods book based on the "4 R's" of community engagement: relevance, reciprocity, research, and resilience!
A True Inspiration
Dr. Pruitt's innovative spirit has made him a respected figure, even on the international stage. He even created the Journal of Community Engagement and Scholarship, a leading publication in the field.
Lasting Impact
President Stuart R. Bell says it best: "Dr. Pruitt has left a truly lasting mark on the University and the broader community."
From Clock Towers to Community Programs
Dr. Pruitt's contributions are too numerous to list! He's been instrumental in programs like the Crossroads Community Engagement Center, the Center for Community-Based Partnerships, the Global Café, and the Winning Grants and Sustaining Communities Program, which has brought in over $100 million for community partnerships!
A Heart for Service
Dr. Pruitt has served on numerous boards, including the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce and Big Brothers Big Sisters. His commitment is undeniable. As UA freshman Isiah Shareef put it, “At the core of Dr. Pruitt’s leadership is a simple but powerful tactic: serve first."
Looking Ahead
Dr. Pruitt will continue to make a difference on the Stillman College Board of Trustees and the Board of the Academy of Community-Engaged Scholars
"Over the next year, I look forward to helping our campus achieve even greater success while saying thank you to the amazing people both on and off campus who have helped to make the impact of our work on the lives of others possible,†says Dr. Pruitt.
ChumCity wishes Dr. Pruitt all the best in his well-deserved retirement!