“At the 2005 NATIONAL OUTREACH SCHOLARSHIP CONFERENCE, Nisa Miranda and I presented a paper entitled,“Rivals as Partners: How Auburn University and the University of Alabama are Working Together to Revitalize Rural Alabama” (Athens, Georgia, October 2, 2005).  There is probably no closer relationship between our two universities than in the area of economic development outreach.  Nisa and I share a commitment to promoting economic prosperity and an improved quality of life for communities throughout Alabama.  We also share a belief that the combined forces of the University of Alabama and Auburn University is a powerful partnership.  We have worked on numerous projects throughout the years, including a HUD Community Outreach Partnerships Center Project in Uniontown, Alabama, and the Alabama Communities of Excellence (ACE) Program.  We were founding members of the ACE Board of Directors.  I am the current president and Nisa is the immediate past president.  I enjoy working with Nisa and greatly respect her energy and commitment, she is a valued colleague and good friend.  War Eagle!”

Joe Sumners Auburn University Economic and Community Development Institute

“the most collaborative folks I work with!”

“the impact of our master planning work in communities across Alabama is greatly amplified by our partnership with UCED”

“UCED’s knowledge of the people, needs and potential of Alabama’s communities makes an incredible difference in our work to help small town’s capture their assets and strategically plan for the future”

“UCED helps communities find partners, resources and expertise in ways that truly “makes things happen” in meaningful ways”

“I can always count on UCED to have a connection to the change-makers across the state”

“UCED’s regional and partnership perspective are critical to shaping and leveraging our assets in small towns and communities across Alabama”.

Cheryl Morgan Auburn University – Urban Studio

“I was referred to Nisa Miranda in 2003, shortly after I returned to Alabama and it’s been fast-paced dialog ever since!  I am continually refreshed by her professionalism and vast knowledge of Alabama resources. It is rare to find someone with both depth and breath of a wide range of subject matter, as well as the ability to be effective with that information.  She is definitely a positive “change-agent” for Alabama”.

Cindy Ragland Talladega National Forest – Oakmulgee District

“Nisa Miranda and UCED have worked tirelessly in the state to help Alabama’s smaller communities plan, grow and prosper.  Miranda was a founding member of the Alabama Communities of Excellence (ACE) program and has served as Treasurer, President and Past President as well as on the Board of Directors.  Her commitment to the success of Alabama and its communities and citizens is evident and she is a joy to work with.

Without the expertise and dedication of professionals such as Miranda and the support of UCED and our other partners, the ACE program would not be possible.  Nisa Miranda and UCED have been, and continue to be, instrumental in the success of the Alabama Communities of Excellence program and in the success of Alabama’s small towns.”

Stacey Bryan Alabama Communities of Excellence

Black Belt Treasures in Camden, AL: one of many projects UCED has been involved with.

The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development (UCED) provides technical assistance and applied research to economically distressed areas in the State of Alabama to enhance local economic development efforts that diversify the State’s economy and ensures positive growth. The Center was established in 1987 in partnership with Federal and State agencies and has successfully continued to provide the direction and leadership to Alabama counties enabling them to expand and develop their economic growth. Nisa Miranda was appointed Director in 1995 and has more than 28 years of experience in providing business assistance to communities, industries and private-public agencies in Alabama. The Center is located in 201 Bidgood Hall on The University of Alabama campus.

Over the past 22 years UCED has provided community-based strategic planning predominately to the economically distressed areas in the State with the chief purpose of enhancing local economic development efforts. The Center is successful in addressing all aspects of community preparedness that allows communities to compete in today’s global economy. By creating the environment for economic development opportunities and growth, these Alabama communities, organizations and private firms are better positioned to support new and existing business as well as attract new investments and jobs.

The mission and focus of the work are critical to improve sustainable economic growth in Alabama’s rural communities. The Center administers technical assistance and applied research in economic development efforts by developing and structuring programs that build local capacity; increase the elected and civic leadership base; increase tourism/recreation and entertainment; and provide a well-educated and prepared workforce. UCED is the focal point to leverage University resources and partners with a specific focus on the community development process and to encourage substantial capacity building at the local level. UCED staff provides the leadership and skills necessary to guide dedicated community leaders to partner with each other while working cohesively to create a stronger economy for their community.

These efforts have consistently helped to provide diversification of the State’s economy and created on-going positive growth. UCED’s work has simultaneously brought area leaders together which helped to create long-term community alliances for sustainable progress in towns all over the state while maintaining the sense of the small town existence.

UCED’s assistance varies depending on the needs of the community. Some typical services include engaging citizens in a community/regional asset-based strategic planning process to identify their needs and develop a plan that enables them to reach viable solutions; facilitating discussions and developing plans for downtown revitalization; supporting community efforts to promote tourism and recreation; facilitating town meetings; providing leadership development training; preparing feasibility studies; and assisting with industry related investments. UCED staff continuously assist in defining community needs and goals and provide support as solutions to achieve them are developed.

Assistance

The Center is successful in addressing all aspects of community preparedness to allow communities to compete in today’s global economy. By creating the environment for economic development opportunities and growth, communities, organizations and private firms are better positioned to support business and attract new investments and jobs in Alabama. The mission and focus of the work are critical to improve sustainable economic growth in our rural communities. The Center administers technical assistance in economic development efforts by developing and structuring programs that build local capacity; increase the elected and civic leadership base; increase tourism/recreation and entertainment; and provide a well-educated and prepared workforce. UCED is the focal point to leverage University resources and partners with a specific focus on the community development process and capacity building at the local level.

Leadership

Nisa Miranda was appointed Director in 1995 and has over 28 years of experience in providing business assistance to communities, industries and private-public agencies in Alabama. The director reports directly to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Typical Services

• Facilitate community/regional asset-based strategic planning
• Promote/enhance/cultivate community forestry programs
• Assist with downtown revitalization
• Support efforts to promote tourism/recreation
• Prepare feasibility studies
• Assist with industry related investments
• Facilitate town meetings
• Provide adult/youth leadership development