Tuscaloosa, Alabama, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The University of Alabama’s College of Engineering has officially opened the newly renovated FORTE building, enhancing its capabilities in workplace safety training and professional development. This facility will host the UA Safe State program’s OSHA training institute and features state-of-the-art classrooms and a safety training lab. The FORTE building is set to serve both students and industry professionals, contributing to community safety initiatives and workforce readiness across Alabama.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama – The University of Alabama’s College of Engineering officially opened the newly renovated FORTE building on September 26. The facility, which stands for Facility for Outreach, Research, Training, and Education, marks a significant upgrade in the university’s capabilities to enhance workplace safety training and professional development.
Located at 1408 Second Ave., the FORTE building replaces a locally owned music store and is set to become the new home of the UA Safe State program’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training institute and education center. With modern amenities, FORTE’s design includes state-of-the-art classrooms, a hands-on learning space, and a safety training lab, all aimed at providing effective learning environments for both students and industry professionals.
Clifford Henderson, the dean of UA’s College of Engineering, emphasized the positive impact that the facility will have on the university, the college, and the surrounding community. The opening of FORTE reflects UA’s ongoing commitment to providing education to future engineers and computer scientists while serving as a center for community outreach and engagement.
Each year, UA Safe State delivers education and outreach services to thousands of workers and hundreds of companies throughout Alabama. Their offerings include OSHA training, environmental services, and safety consulting. The new facility will enable UA Safe State to expand its reach and enhance its impact on workplace safety and industry health across the state.
The modern classrooms and hands-on learning spaces at FORTE are engineered to support both in-person and hybrid instruction, broadening access to the programs offered. By strengthening UA’s role as a statewide leader in safety education and workforce readiness, FORTE plays a pivotal role in preparing students for the demands of the workforce while ensuring that safety remains paramount in all professional environments.
Henderson highlighted the importance of workplace safety, emphasizing that everyone should return home safely after work. The facility will provide students with invaluable real-world practice-based learning opportunities, offering them direct connections to industry professionals. As a result, FORTE is expected to make significant contributions to advancing safety in various sectors.
In conclusion, the renovation of the FORTE building marks a significant milestone for UA Safe State, establishing it as a prominent entity in worker safety training across Alabama. Supporters and contributors were recognized for their efforts in transforming the building into a hub of safety, innovation, and education, further solidifying the university’s mission to empower current and future professionals in the field.
FAQ Section
What is the FORTE building?
The FORTE building stands for Facility for Outreach, Research, Training, and Education and serves as the new home of the UA Safe State program’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training institute/education center.
When was the FORTE building opened?
The University of Alabama opened the FORTE building on September 26.
What features does the FORTE building include?
The building features state-of-the-art classrooms, a hands-on learning space, and a safety training lab.
How will the FORTE building impact the community?
FORTE will play a crucial role in community outreach and engagement, helping to enhance workplace safety and industry health across Alabama.
Key Features of the FORTE Building
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 1408 Second Ave., replacing a locally owned music store |
| Purpose | Home of the UA Safe State program’s OSHA training institute |
| Facilities | State-of-the-art classrooms, hands-on learning space, safety training lab |
| Community Impact | Enhances workplace safety and industry health, community outreach initiatives |
| Support | Transformative contributions from various supporters and contributors |
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Additional Resources
- Tuscaloosa News: University of Alabama Facility to Focus on Workplace Safety Issues
- Tuscaloosa Thread: UA FORTE Safety Training Hub
- ABC 33/40: UA’s FORTE Building Opens as New Hub for Safety Training
- Tuscaloosa News: University of Alabama School of Law Path Makers Legacy Plaza
- Google Search: University of Alabama FORTE Building
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
