It is with great sadness that we notify our alumni, faculty and staff, as well as the broader community, that our former Department Chair, Dr. Martha Powell, passed away on June 20th after battling a debilitating condition for a few years. Dr. Powell joined the department in 1997 and oversaw unprecedented growth in both student enrollment and faculty numbers during her time as chair.  Under her leadership the department greatly expanded its research profile and her impact on our success is still felt today.  Dr. Powell stepped down as Department Chair in 2007 but remained in the department as a full professor until her retirement in 2019. Dr. Powell was a dedicated researcher and tireless educator. In her time at the University of Alabama she won many awards, including the university’s highest achievement, the Blackmon-Moody Outstanding Professor Award.  She will be greatly missed.

There will be a Celebration of Life Visitation held at Memory Chapel Funeral Home on July 19, 2023, from 7-9 pm. The address is: 2200 Skyland E Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL. There will be a table if you have items to share that remind you of Martha if you choose. Additionally, there will be an open mic for sharing memories. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of West Alabama (Tuscaloosa).