The University of North Alabama (UNA) is making significant strides in expanding its presence in North Alabama by inaugurating a new satellite campus at Bridge Street Town Centre in Huntsville. This initiative underscores UNA’s dedication to enhancing accessibility, fostering student achievement, and promoting regional involvement.
Nestled within the bustling Research Park of Huntsville, the newly established facility is set to serve as a dual-purpose center, acting as both a resource hub for students and a venue for community outreach. It aims to cater to current students, potential applicants, and alumni residing in the Huntsville area.
Dr. Brien Smith, who holds the position of Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at UNA, emphasized that the choice of location was strategic, prioritizing both visibility and ease of access. He highlighted that Bridge Street is a lively area with substantial foot traffic, providing the university with an excellent opportunity to engage with students in their everyday environment.
The services available at this new location will encompass a range of offerings, including admissions support, academic advising, assistance for transfer students, networking events for alumni, and initiatives focused on fundraising and community outreach, all aimed at reinforcing local connections.
As the fastest-growing university in Alabama, UNA is not only expanding its academic offerings but also its physical footprint throughout the region. This new site represents a calculated expansion into Huntsville, often referred to as the Rocket City, where the technology sector is thriving and the population is experiencing rapid growth.
Since its establishment in 2007, Bridge Street Town Centre has served as a prominent retail and business hub, providing UNA with a robust platform to engage with a diverse and vibrant community while ensuring strong ties to its main campus located in Florence.
The satellite campus is now officially operational, and further announcements regarding upcoming events and programming are anticipated in the near future.