Story: Lisa Sollie

First cohort to begin Fall 2027

As part of the University of West Alabama’s commitment to student success and academic excellence, University Honors Program has been reestablished, renewing a tradition that has been part of UWA’s history while creating new opportunities for academically motivated students.

As UWA works to strengthen enrollment, improve student retention and enhance the student experience, the University Honors Program will serve as an important avenue for attracting and supporting high-achieving students while reinforcing UWA’s commitment to academic excellence.

“The University Honors Program aligns with President Fritch’s vision for UWA’s continued growth and momentum,” explained UWA Provost Dr. Amy Jones. “Just as importantly, it represents another investment in the kind of educational opportunities that distinguish UWA and prepare graduates for meaningful success beyond the classroom.”

UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch announced the University’s 10-year strategic plan in January, the roadmap intended to guide the University to its 200^th year. “Bridging Tradition, Igniting Transformation” outlines the institution’s strategic priorities, and the University Honors Program will be a key contributor to the measures of those priorities.

Caleb Walters, chair of the Department of University Studies, will direct the University Honors Program. In this role, he will provide leadership for the continued development of the program, working with faculty across the University to create an honors experience that challenges, supports, and inspires high-achieving students.

A former UWA honors student, Walters said he’s thrilled for the opportunity to relaunch this initiative for a new generation.

“My goal is to attract high-achieving students that are dedicated to their respective fields of study,” he noted. “Students who are looking for that extra something to set their college experience apart on the academic side. We have so much planned for this recruitment year. I’m excited to get started.”

The University Honors Program is a selective academic experience for students who want to challenge themselves academically while making the most of the opportunities available at UWA. Through honors coursework, undergraduate research, faculty mentorship, experiential learning and a close-knit community of scholars, students will develop the knowledge, skills and connections to prepare for success beyond graduation.

The first group of incoming freshmen will begin the program in Fall 2027.

Walters said that during the 2026–2027 academic year, UWA will focus on developing the honors curriculum, establishing experiential learning and scholarship opportunities, recruiting the inaugural cohort and expanding avenues for faculty involvement across campus.

The program will also place a strong emphasis on career and graduate school preparation. In collaboration with the Office of Career Development and its forthcoming initiatives, honors students will receive individualized guidance as they progress through their academic journey. Support will include exploring career interests and graduate school options, developing résumés and curriculum vitae, preparing personal statements and cover letters, and building the professional skills and confidence needed to pursue future goals.

As UWA continues implementing its strategic plan, the University Honors Program represents a significant step toward strengthening academic excellence, creating meaningful student experiences and supporting student success and retention.

For more information about the University Honors Program email honors@uwa.edu.

Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

The University of West Alabama has announced the schedule for its annual Homecoming celebration, with events for alumni scheduled Oct.1-3.

For students, homecoming week kicks off with Casino Night on Monday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Bell Conference Center. The event features a full slate of casino-style gaming.

On Tuesday, Sept. 29, students will have a chance to get a free homecoming t-shirt from 3 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. outside the CAF. There is no cost for current students, but shirts are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The excitement continues Wed., Sept. 30, at Serendipity, the annual homecoming talent show where students compete for prize money and bragging rights. The student-only event will begin at 7 p.m. in UWA Auditorium and will also spotlight the 2026 Homecoming court.

On Thursday, Oct. 1 beginning at 6:00 p.m. the community is invited to join the Tiger football team, the West Alabama Marching Band, UWA cheerleaders and LUie for the Homecoming pep rally and campus carnival, featuring live music by Daniel Houze. After dark, a bonfire and fireworks show, presented in collaboration with the Offices of Student Affairs and Alumni Affairs, will light up the intramural fields.

The annual homecoming alumni party, one of the most anticipated events of the year, is set for Friday, Oct. 2. Hosted by the Office of Alumni Affairs, the party begins at 6 p.m. at Bell Conference Center. Always a great time for friends, food and fun, this year’s party will feature the band 3 Miles South. Admission to the party is $40.

On Sat., Oct. 3, the annual homecoming parade will begin at 10 a.m. when UWA students and organizations, special guests, and marching bands from across the state will wind through downtown Livingston and back onto campus at Stadium Drive. Following the parade there will be an alumni tailgate party beginning at 11:30 a.m. on the hill in front of the Campus School across from the home gate of Tiger Stadium. Alumni are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or quilts to be comfortable and enjoy live music by Tyler Sellers.

On Saturday at 4 p.m., UWA will kick off against Chowan University at Tiger Stadium. The 2026 Homecoming King and Queen will be announced on the field during halftime festivities.

The will be open during Homecoming festivities on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

For more information about UWA Alumni events, please contact Banks Gordy, director of Alumni Affairs, at 205-652-3867 or email bgordy@uwa.edu.

Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

Writing a dissertation requires hours of independent research and a passion for the subject being studied. For Autumn Blalock, that passion paid off when her dissertation, “The Impact of the Alabama Literacy Act on Third-Grade Reading Proficiency in Rural and Non-Rural Alabama School Districts,” earned her the University of West Alabama’s Distinguished Dissertation Award for the Spring 2026 commencement cycle, along with a job offer.

One of Blalock’s most meaningful findings from examining statewide data from 2021 through 2025 was that rural students demonstrated substantial growth in reading proficiency, challenging some of the assumptions often associated with rural education. She said the research reinforced for her that, with the right systems, support and instructional practices, students in rural communities can achieve at high levels.

For Blalock, receiving the Distinguished Dissertation Award was an honor that was deeply personal to her.

“I have spent my career as an educator believing that every child deserves the opportunity to become a strong, confident reader, and my doctoral research allowed me to explore that belief through a research lens,” she said.

The opportunity to continue that work with the Alabama Reading Initiative is especially meaningful to Blalock, and she is excited to bring together her experiences as a classroom teacher, researcher, and now reading specialist to support educators across Alabama.

“For me, the work is more than legislation, data, or assessment scores,” Blalock said. “It is about building the capacity of teachers and creating the conditions necessary for all of Alabama’s children to become successful readers.”

UWA’s Distinguished Dissertation Award recognizes outstanding scholarly work produced by doctoral candidates who have made significant contributions to their field of study, demonstrating exceptional research, originality and academic excellence.