Engaging Globally, Acting Locally: Expanding Horizons in CASE

By Dr. Ryan Zayac, Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering

Over the past several months, the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering (CASE) at the University of North Alabama (UNA) has continued working toward its mission of building an engaged, inclusive, and global community. From academics and research to community partnerships, we’re proud to see how bringing global perspectives into our local work strengthens connections and creates opportunities. Together, our students, faculty, alumni, and community partners are finding new and creative ways to tackle challenges both here in the Shoals and around the world.

A wonderful example of CASE’s commitment to global innovation is the ongoing collaboration among UNA, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC). This partnership explores the promising role of organo-fertilizers as sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers, significantly boosting soil health and crop yields while mitigating environmental impacts. UNA students actively engage in cutting-edge molecular techniques and bioinformatics, contributing to research on microbial biodiversity and antibiotic resistance in agriculture. Such initiatives not only promise advancements in global food security but also offer our students invaluable hands-on experience, preparing them as future leaders in science and sustainability.

Complementing this global research, CASE’s international educational programs continue to flourish across a variety of disciplines. For example, this past May, faculty from the Department of Visual Arts and Design led students across Italy and France, exploring historic sites in Venice, Florence, Rome, and Paris. Students immersed themselves in centuries of European architecture, fashion, and interior design, gaining insights into how historical legacies have shaped contemporary innovation. By connecting with local artisans and professionals, our students enhanced their cross-cultural competencies and artistic perspectives, returning home inspired and equipped to impact both local and global design communities.

Community engagement remains central to CASE’s mission, as seen through events like UNA’s Experiential Expo during Scholar Day. This past spring, nearly 50 CASE students showcased their innovative research projects to peers, alumni, and local industry representatives, highlighting interdisciplinary studies ranging from astrophysics to literature and engineering technology. Alumni panelists shared invaluable career and graduate school insights, underscoring how UNA’s strong community bonds provide ongoing support networks for our students as they step into their careers.

Our commitment to community impact is further exemplified through the Department of Social Work’s new internship partnership with the Florence Fire Department EMS. Inspired by successful practices observed at Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue, this collaboration places social work students directly into critical community roles, bridging gaps in emergency services and enhancing local health outcomes. Initiatives like these demonstrate CASE’s dedication to applying academic knowledge in practical, community-focused contexts.

In the arts, CASE’s global and local engagement shines brightly through the Urban Music Symposium. This annual event unites artists, academics, and industry leaders, facilitating conversations around global trends in urban music and fostering collaborative projects that transcend cultural barriers. By supporting local artists and promoting initiatives for social good, the Symposium reinforces music’s role as a universal connector, empowering communities and advocating for change worldwide.

Finally, the UNA Planetarium continues to serve as a home for community education and awareness. With initiatives such as public observing nights, special astronomy events, and targeted outreach to schools across the region, the planetarium exemplifies UNA’s dedication to enriching public understanding of science. By partnering with organizations like NASA, the Alabama Space Grant Consortium, and the Southeastern Planetarium Association, the Planetarium enhances its capacity to engage a wide-range of audiences and inspire future generations to study our cosmos.

In CASE, we are as committed as ever to building a global mindset and strong community ties. Whether it’s through innovative research, life-changing study abroad opportunities, or meaningful local partnerships, we are focused on preparing our students not just to understand the world, but to make a positive and lasting impact. We are grateful for your support as we keep pushing forward and reaching new milestones together!

        Dr. Ryan Zayac