Dr. Samory Pruitt is Making Black History in Community Affairs Across Tuscaloosa
Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, 92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, 105.1 The Block, and the Tuscaloosa Thread are proud to present the 2023 Black History Makers of Alabama.
Yellowhammer State is filled with great African American leaders from the past, present, and future. We thank our West Alabama community partners, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Delta Phi Lambda Chapter, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Xi Omega Chapter for their continued support.
Black History Maker of Alabama - Dr. Samory Pruitt
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Dr. Samory Pruitt is making black history in Tuscaloosa through his consistent service to community affairs at the University of Alabama and throughout the community.
Pruitt earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics, master's degree in public administration and PhD in higher education administration, all from the University of Alabama.
He began working at UA in 1986 in increasingly responsible positions in management and administration, including roles in the divisions of Financial Affairs and University Advancement, as well as in the President’s Office before being appointed as Vice President for Community Affairs upon its creation in 2004.
In his current role, Pruitt is responsible for developing and managing the university’s public outreach programs and providing campus leadership to enhance the quality of life both within and beyond the campus community, which he accomplishes through the formation of partnerships for engagement scholarship across the areas of teaching, research and service.
Under his leadership, the division has grown to include the Center for Community-Based Partnerships and the Crossroads Civic Engagement Center.
In 2002, the university presented him with the award for Outstanding Commitment to Public Service. He later received the E. Roger Sayers Distinguished Service Award from UA in 2016.
Pruitt is actively involved in the West Alabama area, where he has served on the board directors for over 10 community organizations, including The First Tee of Tuscaloosa; the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce; the Tuscaloosa Library Board; Big Brothers, Big Sisters among others.
Pruitt chairs the Martin Luther King Jr. Realizing the Dream Initiative committee and serves on the leadership team of the annual UA United Way Campaign. He is also the founding sponsor of the 100 Black Men of Tuscaloosa chapter.
In 2022, Pruitt was inducted into the Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame and was selected to serve as a grand marshal for the 46th Annual West Alabama Christmas Parade.
Pruitt currently serves on the Stillman College Board of Trustees and on the Board of the Academy of Community-Engaged Scholars, a member of the Tuscaloosa International Rotary Club and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
I think Black History Month is important because it represents an opportunity to share how African Americans have helped to make Alabama, our nation, and the world a better place as a result their valuable contributions.
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2022 Black History Makers of Alabama
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