DIVISION OF
PARTNERSHIPS

The Division of Partnerships connects The University of Alabama with the people, places and relationships that shape Alabama's future. As part of the Future-Ready Flagship, we align the University's teaching, research and service mission with the real-world needs of communities across the state and beyond, serving Alabama while preparing leaders and advancing discovery. 

Homepage

Teaching, Research and Service sign

ALIGNED FOR IMPACT

The Division of Partnerships advances the University's mission by cultivating strategic relationships, strengthening communities, and creating measurable impact on local, state, regional, and national levels. Through collaboration with business, industry, government and nonprofit organizations, we align the vision of a university for Alabama, for leaders and for the future. And we create opportunities that enhance workforce development, community well-being and innovation.

ABOUT US

We serve 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 Alabama.

Dynamic photo of the Minverva statue near the riverfront

WHAT WE DO

Through an evidence-based, enterprise-level strategy for community engagement and external partnerships, our core areas of focus include: 

building-columns

Aligning external service efforts with the University’s strategic priorities as the Future-Ready Flagship. 

handshake

Building partnerships with local communities, statewide leaders, federal agencies, chambers of commerce, industry and philanthropic organizations to advance shared priorities. 

chart-line-up

Supporting educational and workforce development across Alabama through targeted initiatives and cross-sector collaboration. 

circles-overlap

Cultivating relationships across the University, the UA System and state leadership while advising senior leaders on partnership opportunities. 

gift

Driving philanthropic, local, state and federal support for UA and UA System initiatives. 


Whether you represent business, industry, a community organization or anything in between, the Division of Partnerships can connect you with the right people and places across The University of Alabama, linking you to the best resources and opportunities to advance shared goals.

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.

LATEST NEWS

Dr. LeNá Powe McDonald has been named vice president for the Division of Partnerships. A three-time UA alumna, McDonald brings extensive experience leading campuswide academic initiatives, workforce development strategy and institutional governance.  

The division reports directly to Dr. Peter J. Mohler, president.


Contact Us

Allison Payne
allison.payne@ua.edu
205-348-8376 

Portrait of LeNa Mcdonald

Frequently Asked
Questions

What is the University of Alabama's Division of Partnerships?

The Division of Partnerships serves as The University of Alabama’s central office for the cultivation of strategic statewide relationships, industry engagement and business impact. The division connects the University’s mission of teaching, research and service with opportunities that strengthen Alabama’s communities, economy, workforce and quality of life. By creating strategic connections and leading collaborative initiatives, the Division advances institutional priorities while creating measurable outcomes for the people and communities the University serves.

How can my organization partner with The University of Alabama?

Whether you represent business, industry, a community organization or anything in between, the Division of Partnerships connects you with the right people and places across The University of Alabama. The Division links your organization to the best resources and opportunities to advance shared goals, building the kind of relationships that help UA strengthen and expand opportunity across our state. To start a conversation about partnering with UA, contact allison.payne@ua.edu.

Who leads the Division of Partnerships at The University of Alabama?

Dr. LeNá Powe McDonald, vice president for Partnerships, is the University's primary point of contact under the Office of the President for external relationships involving business enterprise functions, workforce development and community engagement. A three-time UA alumna, McDonald brings extensive experience leading campuswide academic initiatives, workforce development strategy and institutional governance.