ABOUT US
The office serves as UA's home for external outreach and partnership strategy, working alongside academic and administrative leaders to ensure the University's strengths translate into measurable progress for Alabamians, from local neighborhoods in Tuscaloosa and West Alabama to statewide and national initiatives.
OUR MISSION
The Office of Community Impact advances the University's commitment to serve and strengthen the state's workforce and economy, and improve quality of life through meaningful engagement. By forging durable partnerships with community leaders, industry, government and philanthropic organizations, the office amplifies UA’s contributions to our state and how UA helps shape its long-term trajectory.
WHAT WE DO
The office leads an evidence-based, enterprise-level strategy for community engagement and external partnerships. Core areas of focus include:
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Aligning external service efforts with the University’s strategic priorities as the Future-Ready Flagship.
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Building partnerships with local communities, statewide leaders, federal agencies, chambers of commerce, industry and philanthropic organizations to advance shared priorities.
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Supporting educational, economic and workforce development across Alabama through targeted initiatives and cross-sector collaboration.
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Cultivating relationships across the University, the UA System and state leadership while advising senior leaders on partnership opportunities.
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Driving philanthropic, local, state and federal support for UA and UA System initiatives.
MEASURING IMPACT
Accountability and transparency are central to the work of the office. The Office of Community Impact applies clear metrics and data-driven frameworks to track outcomes, share results and continuously strengthen the University's contributions to the communities it serves. This commitment to measurable impact reflects the broader expectation across UA to demonstrate value to students, families, partners and the public who invest in the University's mission.
LATEST NEWS
Dr. LeNá Powe McDonald has been named vice president for community impact. A three-time UA alumna, McDonald brings extensive experience leading enterprise-wide academic initiatives, workforce and economic development strategy, and institutional governance.
The Office of Community Impact is part of a broader focus on partnerships and strategy under the Division of Partnerships and Strategy.
Contact Us
Allison Payne
allison.payne@ua.edu
205-348-5100
Impact Report
UA students, faculty and staff are committed to collaboration, innovation and service. Together with alumni, supporters and citizens of our great state, we are making Alabama a better place to live, work and play. Our Impact Report shows how we are leveraging our expertise to serve students on campus, create opportunity for the citizens of Alabama, and collaborate with communities to make them stronger and more successful.
Frequently Asked
Questions
What is the Office of Community Impact at The University of Alabama?
The Office of Community Impact is UA's executive office for community engagement, external outreach and partnership strategy. As part of UA's Future-Ready Flagship vision, the office advances the University's commitment to serve the communities of Alabama by connecting the University's teaching, research and service mission with real-world needs. Working alongside local leaders, statewide organizations, industry, government and philanthropic partners, the office helps make a measurable difference across the state and beyond.
The Office of Community Impact is part of a broader focus on partnerships and strategy under the Division of Partnerships and Strategy.
Who leads the Office of Community Impact?
Dr. LeNá Powe McDonald serves as vice president for community impact at The University of Alabama. A three-time UA alumna, McDonald previously served as associate commissioner for academic relations with the Southeastern Conference and has held leadership roles with the UA Office of the President, the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce and the Birmingham Business Alliance. She reports to Chad Tindol, senior vice president for partnerships and strategy, and helps lead the University's efforts to meet Alabama's economic and workforce needs as the Future-Ready Flagship.
What does the Office of Community Impact do?
The Office of Community Impact leads UA's strategy for community engagement, external partnerships and statewide outreach. Its work supports the Serve commitment of the Future-Ready Flagship vision by expanding access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities across Alabama. Core responsibilities include building partnerships with local, state and national organizations, supporting educational, economic and workforce development, advancing philanthropic and government support for UA and UA System initiatives, and aligning the University’s strengths with community needs through evidence-based, measurable programs.
How does the Office of Community Impact support Alabama communities?
The Office of Community Impact supports Alabama communities by connecting them with the University's academic expertise, research capacity and student talent. Guided by President Peter Mohler's Future-Ready Flagship vision, which positions UA as a university for Alabama, for leaders and for the future, the office collaborates with community leaders, industry, government and philanthropic partners to strengthen the state’s workforce, drive economic development and improve quality of life. The University’s work reaches all 67 Alabama counties as part of its commitment as the state’s flagship institution.
What is the focus of the Office of Community Impact?
The Office of Community Impact focuses on external partnerships and statewide outreach that advance educational, economic and workforce development across Alabama. Its work centers on measurable outcomes and is guided by clear metrics and enterprise-level strategy to ensure UA's contributions to Alabama are transparent, accountable and lasting.
How can I partner with The University of Alabama's Office of Community Impact?
Community leaders, industry representatives, government officials and philanthropic organizations interested in partnering with The University of Alabama can connect with the Office of Community Impact to explore opportunities for collaboration, focusing on educational, economic and workforce development priorities that strengthen communities across Alabama.
Contact: Allison Payne at allison.payne@ua.edu or 205-348-5100.