Hoover’s Barbara Humphrey nominated to be UA System trustee

Barbara Humphrey, a Hoover resident, track coach at Simmons Middle School and wife of former University of Alabama All-America running back Bobby Humphrey, was nominated to the UA System Board of Trustees at its Sept. 19 meeting.

Humphrey must still be confirmed by the Alabama Senate, but that is usually just a formality. That should happen when the Senate reconvenes in early spring.

Humphrey, who will replace the retiring Andria Scott Hurst, will bring a unique view to the board. She is a UAB graduate and a former Blazer athlete, starring on the first UAB track and field team in 1986. Her time in the 400 meters is still the school record. Besides being the wife of a famous Alabama football star, she is mother to one current Crimson Tider — defensive back Marlon — to one current Blazer footballer — wide receiver Maudrecas — and to a current Blazer track athlete — Breona.

Two other children, Brittley and Marion, are currently standout athletes at Hoover High.

To complete the trifecta, she has a nephew, Alex May, who competes in track and field at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

“I was approached by someone who suggested I consider it and at first I thought, ‘Are they sure about this?’” Humphrey said. “But I thought it over and said I’d love the opportunity.”

Humphrey declined to say who suggested she consider serving but said it was not a member of the board.

Although she has the strong sports background and no doubt has goals she’d like to see accomplished during her term, she said she is “going in blind with so much to learn. I’m not going to go too fast. Once you get inside, you find out how things work. With or without my help, the board and the universities have done a great job. I may bring some different assets, but I’m going to wait until I get inside and see what it’s all about.”