Dr. Judy Bonner
Judy Bonner served as the 28th President of The University of Alabama from November 2012 until July
2015, having previously served as Provost and Executive Vice President for almost a decade. She is the first woman to be named president of Alabama’s flagship university, as well as the first woman to be named president of one of the 14 universities that make up the Southeastern Conference. Dr. Bonner provided bold, visionary leadership for Alabama’s Capstone of Higher Education during a period of unprecedented growth both in size and quality.
Her career at UA also includes positions as department chair, assistant academic vice president, special assistant to the president, dean and interim president.
Dr. Bonner serves on the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority, National Merit Corporation and Air University. Honors include receiving the James V. Thompson Leadership Award, American Legion Alabama Boys State 2015; Distinguished Service Award, Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama 2015; Delta Omicron Kappa Living Legend Award 2015; National Society of Leadership and Success Excellence in Teaching Award 2015; Certificate of Honorary Membership Alabama Corps of Cadets 2015; Amanda Grace Taylor Watson Distinctive Image Award, 2007 and 2015; induction into the 2014 Alabama Academy of Honor; Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, Woman of Distinction 2014; Delta Gamma Cream Colored Rose Award, 2014; Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, 2010; ODK Frances S. Summersell Award, 2010; and Carleton K. Buder Service to the University Award, 2006. In addition, The Ohio State University honored her with the induction into the Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Distinguished Alumna Award in 1995.
An Alabama native, Dr. Bonner grew up in Camden. Her childhood in rural Wilcox County instilled a great love and appreciation for Alabama’s many challenges and tremendous potential.
