Big Changes Coming to UA Community Affairs!

Get ready for a bittersweet farewell! Dr. Samory Pruitt, the VP behind UA's Division of Community Affairs, is set to retire on June 1, 2026, after an incredible 40 years of service!

A Legacy of Giving Back

Since he started leading the Division of Community Affairs back in 2004, Dr. Pruitt’s been a driving force in connecting the University with our communities. He built this unit from the ground up, helping UA truly live its mission of improving lives both here in Alabama and beyond.

So Long, But Not Goodbye!

"It's time to wind down this chapter," Dr. Pruitt shared, "but my service to others will continue!" He's super grateful for the chance to work alongside so many amazing people and weave UA's mission into the heart of our community.

What's He Accomplished?

Under his watch, the division blossomed! Now it includes vital hubs like the Center for Community-Based Partnerships and the Crossroads Civic Engagement Center, running nearly two dozen super impactful programs. And, he's all about getting students involved, supporting grad assistants, undergrads, and tons of volunteers. Talk about mentorship!

The Impact He's Made

Dr. Pruitt is known worldwide for his innovative ideas and dedication to serving others. He even created the Journal of Community Engagement and Scholarship! President Bell noted that Dr. Pruitt's tireless work has left a lasting impact on the University and beyond, improving countless lives.

Shoutouts and Recognition!

The Alabama Senate and House recently recognized the division's 20th anniversary, highlighting amazing initiatives like the Crossroads Civic Engagement Center and the Center for Community-Based Partnerships. These initiatives provide opportunities for UA to support K-12 education and community-identified efforts.

He Gave Back!

Dr. Pruitt helped start programs like the Parent Teacher Leadership Academy, summer enrichment academies, Vision Days, the SCOPE student organization, and the New Faculty Community Engagement Tour.

What's Next?

Even as he prepares for retirement, Dr. Pruitt is finishing up a methods book this fall, focusing on the four "R's" of community-engaged scholarship: relevance, reciprocity, research, and resilience. So inspiring!

We wish Dr. Pruitt all the best and thank him for his dedication to service!

Big News from The University of Alabama!

Get ready to celebrate a legendary career! Dr. Samory Pruitt, the VP behind UA's awesome Division of Community Affairs, is gearing up for retirement on June 1, 2026. That's 40 years of Crimson Tide dedication!

A Legacy of Community Impact

Since launching the Division back in '04, Dr. Pruitt has been the driving force connecting UA to communities both near and far. He's turned the Division into a powerhouse with programs impacting countless lives!

From the Man Himself

"It's time for a new chapter, but my commitment to service isn't ending," shares Dr. Pruitt. "It's been an honor working alongside so many amazing people, weaving UA's mission into our community."

What He's Built

Think the Center for Community-Based Partnerships and the Crossroads Civic Engagement Center – all under his watch. The Division runs almost two dozen initiatives, giving students hands-on experience in community engagement and prepping them to be active citizens. It also helps develop future professors through real world experience.

Accolades and Appreciation

UA President Stuart R. Bell says it best: "Dr. Pruitt's left a lasting mark on the University and our community through his incredible dedication. His contributions have made a real difference!"

Making Waves

Dr. Pruitt's influence stretches across Tuscaloosa, the Black Belt region, and beyond! Just this year, the Alabama Senate and House recognized the Division's 20th anniversary. A big thanks is also owed to all of UA’s Alumni groups, like the Community Affairs Board of Advisors, for all of their hard work and contributions.

Some key Division initiatives include:

• The Crossroads Civic Engagement Center.
• The Center for Community-Based Partnerships.
• The Global Café and Language Partners program.
• The Winning Grants and Sustaining Communities Program.

More to Come!

Dr. Pruitt isn't slowing down! He's even finishing a book this fall, sharing his knowledge on community-engaged scholarship. Looks like even retirement won't keep him from serving!

Watch Out, ChumCity! Scammers are Targeting Seniors!

Tech is awesome, but it's also giving scammers new ways to swindle our older folks. From bogus calls from "grandkids" to sneaky data collection via smart gadgets, elder fraud is evolving faster than a TikTok trend. Knowledge is power, so let's keep ourselves and our loved ones safe!

According to the FBI, Americans over 60 lost a WHOPPING $3.4 BILLION to fraud in 2023 alone! And sadly, that number's still climbing.

"Criminals are smooth talkers who prey on emotions," says Jeff Taylor from Regions Bank. "We need to be aware of these risks and take simple steps to avoid getting scammed."

Five Red Flags You Can't Ignore:

Spotting a scam early can prevent major heartbreak and financial devastation. Keep an eye out for these warning signs:

• Random Contact: Out-of-the-blue calls, emails, or social media messages from strangers claiming to be government officials, tech support, or even long-lost relatives. If it's unexpected, be suspicious! Never hand over personal info without double-checking the source.

• Pressure to Act NOW!: Scammers often create fake emergencies – like your bank account is hacked or a loved one is in trouble. "These crooks try to rush you," Taylor warns. "Always take a breath and verify first!"

• Weird Payment Demands: If someone wants you to send money via wire transfer, gift cards, or crypto, HUGE RED FLAG! These payment methods are hard to trace and almost impossible to recover.

• Requests for Sensitive Info: No legit organization will ask for your Social Security number, bank details, or passwords through an unsolicited call or email. If they do, hang up or delete immediately!

• Too Good to Be True Promises: A sweepstakes you never entered? A guaranteed investment opportunity? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably IS!

Taylor advises talking things through before acting: “If you're unsure, speak to someone you trust – a banker, family, or friend. That simple step can save you.”

The Sneaky Danger in Your Smart Home

Phishing emails and scam calls are still around, but elder fraud is also creeping into our homes through smart devices! Virtual assistants, smart TVs, doorbell cameras – they make life easier, but also gather data about your habits.

This growing network is the Internet of Things (IoT). The FBI warns it's crucial to understand the security risks, especially for seniors who might not realize what these devices are capturing or sharing.

Simple Steps to Secure Your Smart Home:

• Change Default Passwords: Smart devices often come with easy-to-guess passwords. Create strong, unique ones for each device.
• Keep Software Updated: Like computers, smart devices need regular updates to fix security holes.
• Secure Your Wi-Fi: Use strong encryption (like WPA3), and don't reuse passwords across accounts.
• Know What Your Devices Are Doing: Check settings, read privacy policies, and turn off features you don't need. You might be surprised by what's being recorded or sent.

"Many of us are welcoming these gadgets into our homes for convenience," Taylor says, "but it's vital to know how they work and what info they're collecting. Protecting personal data is as important as protecting your wallet!"

Stay Alert, Stay Safe!

Fraud can hit anyone, whether it's through a phone call or a smart speaker. The good news? You don't need to be a tech whiz to stay safe. Just stay informed, ask questions, and know when to hit pause.

Talk to your older loved ones about common scams. Keep an eye on their finances. Make sure smart devices are secure. And if something feels fishy, take a moment before acting.

If you think you've been scammed, report it to local law enforcement or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Scammers Targeting Seniors: Are You Protected?

Technology's amazing, right? But it's also giving scammers new ways to trick folks, especially our older adults. From fake grandkids calling to smart devices sneakily collecting data, elder fraud is evolving faster than ever. But don't worry, ChumCity's got your back! Staying informed is key to protecting yourself and your loved ones.

Did you know that in 2023, Americans over 60 lost over $3.4 BILLION to fraud? And the FBI says that number's still climbing!

Five Red Flags to Watch For

Spotting a scam early can save you heartache and money. Here's what to look out for:

• Unsolicited Contact: Strangers calling, emailing, or messaging you pretending to be officials or even relatives. Be SUPER cautious and NEVER share personal info without verifying who they are.

• Pressure to Act NOW! Scammers love to create a fake emergency, saying your bank's compromised or a loved one's in trouble. Don't fall for it! Always take a breath and verify first.

• Weird Payment Requests: If someone asks you to send money via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency... HUGE red flag! These payments are almost impossible to trace or recover.

• Demands for Sensitive Info: No legit organization will ask for your Social Security number or bank details out of the blue. Hang up or delete the message!

• Too Good to Be True? Sweepstakes you didn't enter? Guaranteed investment wins? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Smart Devices: The Hidden Risk in Your Home

Phishing emails are annoying, but elder fraud is also sneaking in through our smart homes. Virtual assistants, smart TVs, and even internet-connected fridges collect data. It's the Internet of Things (IoT), and the FBI warns us to be aware of the security risks, especially for seniors who might not realize what's being shared.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Change Default Passwords: Many smart devices come with easy-to-guess passwords. Create strong, unique ones!

• Keep Software Updated: Just like your computer, smart devices need updates to fix security holes.

• Secure Your Wi-Fi: Use strong encryption and don't reuse passwords.

• Know What Your Devices Are Doing: Check settings, read privacy policies, and disable features you don't need. You might be surprised what's being recorded!

Stay Aware, Stay Secure!

Fraud can hit anyone, anytime. But you don't need a PhD to protect yourself. Just stay informed, ask questions, and take a moment to pause before acting.

Talk to your older loved ones about common scams. Keep an eye on their financial activity. Secure those smart devices. And when something feels fishy, trust your gut!

Watch Out, Chumsters! Scammers Targeting Seniors!

Hey ChumCity citizens! Let's talk about protecting our elders. Scammers are getting craftier, using technology to trick our senior friends and family. In 2023 alone, folks over 60 lost a whopping $3.4 BILLION to fraud! Don't let it happen to someone you love.

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Random Calls & Messages: Beware of strangers contacting you out of the blue, pretending to be government officials, tech support, or even family. If it feels fishy, it probably is!
• Urgent Demands: Scammers love to create panic. If someone pressures you to act immediately because your bank account is "compromised" or a loved one is in "trouble," pump the brakes! Verify everything first.
• Weird Payment Requests: Anyone asking for money via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency is a HUGE red flag. These methods are untraceable, and you'll never see that money again.
• Sensitive Info Requests: No legitimate organization will ask for your Social Security number, bank details, or passwords over the phone or email. Hang up or delete!
• Too-Good-To-Be-True Promises: Won a sweepstakes you never entered? Guaranteed investment opportunity? If it sounds too good to be true, RUN!

Smart Homes, Sneaky Risks

Smart devices are cool, but they can also be risky. Virtual assistants, smart TVs, even internet-connected refrigerators collect data about your habits. The FBI warns this "Internet of Things" can be a goldmine for scammers if you're not careful.

Keep Your Smart Stuff Safe:

• Change Default Passwords: Hackers know the default passwords for many devices. Create strong, unique ones!
• Keep Software Updated: Just like your computer, smart devices need updates to fix security holes.
• Secure Your Wi-Fi: Use strong encryption and don't reuse passwords.
• Know What Your Devices Are Doing: Check privacy settings and disable features you don't need. You might be surprised what's being recorded!

Stay Safe, ChumCity!

Fraud can happen to anyone, so stay informed, ask questions, and don't rush into anything. Talk to your older loved ones about these scams and keep an eye on their financial activity. If something feels wrong, trust your gut!

If you suspect fraud, report it to the police or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Let's protect our community!

Rogers Rakes in the Cash!

Our very own U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) is making waves! Just as his committee was prepping the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, Rogers topped all Alabama U.S. House members in fundraising.

War Chest is Growing!

Rogers, representing Alabama's 3rd District since '03 and leading the House Armed Services Committee since '23, reported a cool $2,393,061.39 on hand. Talk about a campaign kitty!

Big Bucks, Big Influence

That puts him at the top for GOP members in the state, only trailing U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham). But the real kicker? He raked in $413,843.19 in the last quarter alone—a record-breaker!

A Leader, Plain and Simple

Being the head honcho of the House Armed Services Committee means Rogers has serious sway over defense matters. But his deep Alabama roots are key too.

Supporters Speak Up

"Chairman Rogers wouldn’t be where he is without the generosity of his supporters," a campaign insider shared. "These numbers prove he’s a respected leader, both here and nationwide!"

Watch Out, Chumsters! Scammers Are Targeting Our Elders!

The digital age is awesome, but it also means grifters have more ways to swindle folks – especially our amazing seniors! From fake grandkids calling for cash to sneaky smart home gadgets, elder fraud is getting craftier. Knowledge is power, so let's stay sharp and protect our loved ones!

Last year alone, folks over 60 lost a whopping $3.4 BILLION to scams, according to the FBI. That's a crazy number that keeps climbing!

Five Red Flags to Sniff Out

Spotting a scam early can save a lot of heartache (and money!). Here are some warning signs:

• Out-of-the-Blue Contact: Random calls, emails, or social media messages from strangers claiming to be government officials, tech support, or even relatives? Be super cautious and ALWAYS verify the source before sharing anything.
• Pressure Cooker Tactics: Scammers love to create fake emergencies, like a compromised bank account or a loved one in trouble. Don't panic! Take a breath and verify the story before doing anything rash.
• Weird Payment Requests: Anyone asking for money via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency is a HUGE red flag. These methods are almost impossible to trace or recover.
• Requests for Secret Stuff: Legitimate organizations NEVER ask for your Social Security number, bank details, or login info over the phone or in an email. Hang up or delete!
• Too-Good-to-Be-True Promises: Won a sweepstakes you never entered? A guaranteed investment opportunity? If it sounds fishy, it probably is!

Smart Devices: The Sneaky Home Invaders

Scams aren't just happening over the phone anymore. Smart home gadgets – like virtual assistants, TVs, and even refrigerators – can collect data about your habits and routines. The FBI says it's crucial to understand the security risks of these devices, especially for seniors who might not realize what they're capturing.

Tips to Secure Your Smart Home:

• Change Default Passwords: Many devices come with easy-to-guess passwords. Create strong, unique ones for each device.
• Keep Software Updated: Just like computers, smart devices need regular updates to fix security holes.
• Secure Your Wi-Fi: Use strong encryption (like WPA3 if possible) and don't reuse passwords across accounts.
• Know What Your Devices Are Doing: Check settings, review privacy policies, and disable features you don't need. You might be surprised at what's being recorded!

Stay Alert and Stay Safe, Chumsters!

Fraud can happen to anyone, anywhere. But you don't need to be a tech wizard to protect yourself. Just stay informed, ask questions, and take a moment before acting.

Talk to your older loved ones about common scams. Keep an eye on their financial activity. Secure those smart home devices! And if something feels off, trust your gut.

If you suspect fraud, report it ASAP to local law enforcement.

Rogers Raking It In!

Our very own Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) is sitting pretty! Fresh off pushing the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act through his committee, he's boasting some serious fundraising numbers. Turns out, being in charge has its perks!

Top of the Fundraising Heap!

Rogers, who's been holding down the 3rd District since '03 and leading the House Armed Services Committee since '23, is reporting a whopping $2,393,061.39 in the bank. That's the biggest Republican stash in Alabama's congressional crew, only beaten by Democrat Terri Sewell's impressive $3.6 million.

A Quarter to Remember

But the real kicker? He hauled in $413,843.19 just this last quarter! Talk about a good few months! Even Senator Katie Britt's impressive $779,512.55 can't steal the spotlight from Rogers' House hustle.

Power Player

Being the head honcho of the House Armed Services Committee means Rogers has a major say in all things defense – from budgets to oversight. Plus, being a local boy from East Alabama keeps him grounded. His campaign says that's why he's so effective both in D.C. and back home.

Thanks, Supporters!

"Chairman Rogers wouldn’t be where he is without the generosity of his supporters," a campaign spokesperson said. "These numbers prove he’s a well-respected leader, not just in Alabama, but across the country."

Rogers Rakes in the Dough!

Our very own U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) is making headlines! Just before his committee gave the thumbs-up to the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, Rogers topped the fundraising charts in Alabama's U.S. House crew.

Power & Pocketbooks

Rogers, who's been representing Alabama's 3rd District since way back in '03 and leading the House Armed Services Committee since '23, is sitting pretty with $2,393,061.39 in the bank, according to his latest FEC filing.

That's a whole lotta cheddar! It makes him the wealthiest Republican in the state's congressional posse, nipping at the heels of Democrat U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham), who boasts a cool $3.6 million.

Fundraising Firepower

But the real kicker? Rogers pulled in a whopping $413,843.19 this last quarter – one of his best showings ever! To put it in perspective, U.S. Senator Katie Britt hauled in $779,512.55 during the same period.

Alabama Roots

Being the head honcho of the House Armed Services Committee definitely has its perks, giving Rogers major sway over defense matters. Plus, as a sixth-generation East Alabama boy, he's got deep ties to the 3rd District. His campaign claims it's this winning combo that makes him so effective both in D.C. and back home.

A Word from the Campaign

"Chairman Rogers wouldn't be where he is without his generous supporters," a campaign spokesperson said. "These numbers show he's a respected leader, not just in Alabama, but nationwide."

Rogers Raking in the Dough!

Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) is making headlines! Just as his committee greenlit the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, Rogers topped Alabama's U.S. House members in fundraising.

Big Money Mike

Rogers, representing Alabama's 3rd District since '03 and leading the House Armed Services Committee, boasts a hefty $2,393,061.39 war chest! That's the biggest Republican pile in the state, only bested by Rep. Terri Sewell's impressive $3.6 million.

Fundraising Firepower

But get this: Rogers pulled in a staggering $413,843.19 this last quarter – one of his best showings ever. For context, Senator Katie Britt grabbed $779,512.55 in the same period.

Power Player

As head honcho of the House Armed Services Committee, Rogers commands serious influence over all things defense. His campaign folks say he's effective in D.C. and back home, thanks to his East Alabama roots.

Supporters Speak

“Chairman Rogers wouldn’t be where he is without the generosity of his supporters,” a campaign spokesperson said. "These numbers prove that he’s a well respected leader not only in Alabama but also across the country.”