University of Alabama President Stuart R. Bell is retiring, he announced today.

He took office as president in 2015.

“As I reflect on this last decade, I am filled with pride and gratitude for all the accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff and alumni,” he wrote in an email Wednesday. “The University of Alabama has enjoyed consistent record-breaking momentum in enrollment, research and fundraising while enhancing the Alabama Experience to equip our students for success.”

Under Bell’s leadership, UA had the largest number of in-state, first-year students in history. Last fall’s enrollment is 40,800, according to a news release.

The campus earned R1 status from Carnegie Classification for “high research activity and UA remains one of the fastest growing universities in research activity in the nation.” Research funding reached nearly $270 million in 2024.

Bell launched UA’s “Rising Tide” fundraising campaign in 2016. The campaign reached its $1.5 billion goal last year.

He previously served 16 years on the UA faculty and was chair of the mechanical engineering department and founder and first director of the Center for Advanced Vehicle Technologies. 

The university will launch a national search for its next president.

“‌‌As our University continues its positive direction, the moment is right to announce plans to complete my tenure as president mid-summer. I am grateful for the longstanding support of our Board of Trustees and UA System leadership and will work with them for a seamless transition. It has been my honor to work with you during my 26 years here, including the last 10 as your president, and I look forward to a future return to the faculty.”