The Alabama Commission on Higher Education held its quarterly meeting Friday, March 13, 2026, with Executive Director Jim Purcell outlining legislation pending in the Alabama Legislature that could affect colleges and universities statewide.
Purcell highlighted two bills sponsored by State Representative Terri Collins, R-Decatur, that have been enrolled and sent to Governor Kay Ivey for her signature.
House Bill 124 would expand the state’s loan repayment program for K-12 math and science teachers to include recent graduates in other acute teacher shortage areas identified by the State Department of Education and the Alabama Commission on Higher Education.
House Bill 125 would broaden eligibility for the ReEngage scholarship by lowering the minimum age from 25 to 22 and allowing returning adults with associate degrees to use the scholarship to complete bachelor’s degrees. The program serves students returning to college in fields tied to high-demand, high-wage careers.
Purcell also said several other higher education bills are advancing through the Legislature, including measures dealing with performance funding for colleges and universities, expanded eligible expenses under the Alabama National Guard program, and scholarships for dependents of law enforcement officers.
The commission also approved several new academic programs at public institutions across the state, including new degrees in artificial intelligence, aviation, entrepreneurship, health care management, cybersecurity management, clinical mental health counseling and public health.
Approved programs include:
- Alabama A&M University: Master of Arts in interdisciplinary studies
- Auburn University at Montgomery: Bachelor of Science in health care management
- Jacksonville State University: Bachelor of Science in aviation
- Jacksonville State University: Bachelor of Science in entrepreneurship
- The University of Alabama: Bachelor of Science in artificial intelligence
- The University of Alabama: School of Leadership and Policy
- University of Alabama in Huntsville: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in cybersecurity management
- University of Alabama in Huntsville: Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling
- University of South Alabama: Master of Public Health in public health
- Bishop State Community College: Associate of Applied Science and certificate in funeral services education
- Calhoun Community College: Associate of Applied Science in film and multimedia production
- Marion Military Institute: Associate of Applied Science in criminal justice
- Marion Military Institute: Associate of Applied Science in fire science
- Reid State Community College: Associate Degree in Nursing in nursing
Commissioners also gave final approval to administrative procedures for the Move On When Ready Initiative, created by Act 2025-412 and scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026. The program will allow rising 11th- and 12th-grade students who are ready for college to enroll full time at Alabama colleges and universities while completing high school graduation requirements. Participating students will receive financial support.
