Even the most energetic students and faculty at the University of Alabama need an occasional power boost during a long day of work. Alabama Power partnered with the student-run Capstone Agency to fill this need and further empower the UA campus.

One of the Alabama Power charging stations at the University of Alabama. (contributed)

“This semester, I have practically lived in Lloyd Hall,” said Nicole Pinto, 20, a junior from Elizabeth, New Jersey. “Most of the time, I forget to bring my own charger, and having charging stations here is incredibly helpful and a total lifesaver.”

During summer break, the Capstone Agency-Alabama Power partnership installed charging stations to be ready upon students’ return to campus for the fall semester.  To determine where students were spending the most time on campus, Capstone Agency conducted a campuswide survey. With different styles of charging stations including floor stands and tables, students don’t have to worry about the limited accessibility to outlets in the Ferguson Center, Lloyd Hall and Reese Phifer Hall.

A student uses one of the new Alabama Power charging stations at the University of Alabama. (contributed)

The Capstone Agency-Alabama Power partnership aims to empower students on campus through the “What Powers UA?” campaign, with initiatives including the charging stations, which have been well-received by students and faculty.

“I was so excited to see they put in these new stations,” said Nikki Sherrod, 22, a senior from Vestavia Hills. “It’s great that Alabama Power is getting involved on campus.”

Among students, charging stations in the Ferguson Center have been the most viewed with 73 percent of respondents seeing the stations and 85 percent of respondents liking the convenience, according to the August survey.

Students express excitement over the charging stations at the University of Alabama. (contributed)

“The charging stations are helpful for the entire university community: faculty, staff and students,” said Dana Sample. “Seeing individual students and student groups accomplish projects such as the implementation of charging stations or amazing events is what keeps me ‘powered up’ as the director of the Ferguson Student Center. I love working on a college campus and helping students accomplish their goals through any type of support that I can provide here at the Ferg.”

Capstone Agency invited students to share their preferred locations for future charging stations in the survey. Locations highlighted range from residence halls to classrooms.

The “What Powers You?” campaign also interacts with students through social media. “Humans of UA,” a campaign highlighting students on campus, is underway on Instagram (@WhatPowersUA). Capstone Agency is a nationally affiliated integrated communications firm.

Alabama Power and Capstone Agency are in the second year of a five-year partnership.

Alabama Power provides students with valuable, experiential learning and real-world training within their field. Since its implementation, the campaign has received three student medallion awards from the Public Relations Council of Alabama, two Gold Addy awards on the professional level from the American Advertising Federation-Tuscaloosa, and the Public Relations Student Society of America’s national Best Tactic Award in 2015.