The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Dr. Ronnie Hebert as vice president for student affairs, dean of students for the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) on Friday.
Hebert has been serving in the position as an interim in the combined role.
“I am excited to continue serving the UAH community as the vice president for student affairs and dean of students,” Hebert said. “We have a great team of committed staff in the Division of Student Affairs, and they have a passion for this institution and for serving our students. I look forward to continuing our work together in support of the students at UAH.”
Hebert earned his doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Alabama and earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Hebert has been transparent online about his position on political and social issues, such as abortion, racial injustice and other left-wing causes.
When the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, Hebert went to Facebook to offer help to friends who wanted to get an abortion.
“I’ve lived my entire life in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama; three states that as of today’s SCOTUS decision will deny women, women that I love, autonomy over their own bodies, their futures, and the future of their families,” Hebert stated. “To the people in my life who ‘aren’t political’ or ‘don’t get into politics’ let today serve as a reminder that politics isn’t semantics. It is quite literally people’s lives, liberty, and freedom. Politics matters. Your voice matters. Most importantly, your vote matters. “
“To all the women in my life… your government may have shown you today that it doesn’t value your independence, your body, or your choice,” he continued. “But if you ever find yourself in a place of needing to cross a few state lines to get the care that you need I’ve got plenty of time off, 2 hands to hold, a car, and a credit card… I got you.”
Hebert also encouraged UAH students to get the COVID vaccine and publicly supported Doug Jones’ 2017 United States Senate campaign.
Hebert also voiced support on X for Honey Maid after the graham cracker company released a campaign supporting all families and depicting a gay couple with a baby.
“I’ll be buying some graham crackers this afternoon thanks to this,” he posted.
When liberal Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away in 2020, Hebert took to Facebook.
"I’m at a loss of what to say tonight.," he said in part. "Our country lost a giant and a hero for equality, for justice, and for progress. We should be collectively mourning the loss of a jurist who dedicated her life to service."
In his role, Hebert will have influence over counseling services. According to the UAH website, the school offers counseling for its diverse campus, including LGBTQ understanding and cultural issues and diversity. The school’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) also offers financial help for students through the SSAFE (Student, Staff, and Faculty Emergency) Fund, to pay for phone bills, car payments, utility bills and other items.
Hebert’s new title will put also him over campus life, Greek life, student conduct, housing and residence life, dining services, career services, university recreation, university unions, student health services and the university’s early alert program.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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