Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, 92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, 105.1 The Block, and the Tuscaloosa Thread are proud to present the 2022 Black History Makers of Alabama supported by Sealy Furniture Outlet, Twelve25 Sports Bar & Entertainment Venue, and Red Oak Credit Union.

The 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.

Dr. Christine Taylor is a Black History Maker

“I have always been in awe of the “anyhow...in-spite-of spirit” of African Americans. I am here today because someone in my lineage made it through the trans-Atlantic slave trade…“anyhow and in spite of” those atrocities. U.S. history is replete with examples of the contributions and accomplishments of African Americans — people who did extraordinary things that impact our lives today. They did it “anyhow and in spite of” 400 years of slavery; Jim Crow; the quest for voting rights, equal accommodations, and employment opportunities; and the need to say Black Lives Really Matter to everyone. Black History Month provides all of us with an opportunity to reflect upon the contributions of African Americans to our nation’s history.” - Dr. Christine Taylor 

Dr. Christine Taylor is Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She has nearly 30 years of experience, Dr. Taylor joined The University of Alabama in August 2017. 

She has stressed the importance of intentionality in improving student diversity at The University of Alabama. She spearheaded the 2020 Path Forward Plan, with 75 strategies outlined for recruiting, retaining, and graduating more diverse students, faculty, and staff, and creating a more welcoming campus community. While work continues, there has been much progress.

In 2020, the professionally staffed Intercultural Diversity Center and moved to a central location in The University of Alabama Student Center, promoting equity and inclusion for members of sharing. In 2021, the Safe Zone Resource Center, promoting equity and inclusion for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, hired its first director. In Fall 2021, UA welcomed its largest and most diverse freshman class, with record-high percentages of underrepresented students. 

Before coming to UA, Dr. Taylor served as Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer for nearly six years at Purdue University, where she led and provided strategic direction for the Division of Diversity and Inclusion. During that time, she implemented more than 35 programs to support increasing enrollment, retention, and recruitment of underrepresented minority students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, Dr. Taylor provided critical leadership in the development of a more inclusive campus environment with an emphasis on the development of cultural competencies for all faculty, staff, and students. 

In 1979 Dr. Taylor received for bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Middle Tennessee State University. She earned her master’s degree and doctorate from Ohio University in 1989 and 1997, respectively.

Dr. Taylor continues to make ways for the underrepresented making the University of Alabama a better institution.  

Be sure to download this station free app for more details on the Black History Makers of Alabama 

Get our free mobile app

10 Commandments of Living in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Must-Visit Quirky Museums in Alabama

Gorgeous & Relaxing Afternoon Drives in Alabama

More From Tuscaloosa Thread