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: Betsy Compton

Recognition places UWA at top of list of 225 colleges and universities for ability to create opportunities for students and meet rural communities’ needs

The University of West Alabama has been named the nation’s No. 1 college for rural America in a new national ranking by Washington Monthly, earning the top position for its ability to create opportunity for students while preparing graduates to meet critical workforce needs in rural communities.

The inaugural Best Colleges for Rural America ranking evaluated 225 four-year colleges and universities nationwide, measuring institutions on student access and affordability, graduate earnings, student debt, service to in-state students, retention of graduates within their states, and production of degrees in fields where rural communities face workforce shortages.

UWA ranked No. 1 overall and also led the nation in two key measures: earnings performance and the percentage of graduates earning degrees in fields in high demand in rural areas.

“This recognition validates something we know to be true about UWA: our location in rural West Alabama does not limit our impact—it helps define our purpose,” said UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch. “At UWA, we understand the communities we serve, and we are intentional about creating opportunities that help our students succeed while strengthening the places they call home. To see UWA at the top of a national ranking built around measurable outcomes is an extraordinary affirmation of the work our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners are doing every day.”

Numbers Speak

, 65 percent of UWA students graduate in fields identified as being in high demand in rural areas, including education, health professions, agriculture, natural resources, engineering, public administration, and social services. That percentage placed UWA first nationally in the category.

The ranking also placed UWA first in earnings performance. Four years after graduation, UWA alumni have median annual earnings of $64,122—$26,561 more than the publication’s predicted earnings based on student demographics.

Fritch said the results are particularly significant for a regional institution that operates with fewer resources than many of its peers.

“Since I came to UWA, I have said that the data shows that we do more with less,” Fritch said. “UWA receives less state funding per FTE than any other public university in Alabama, yet our people continue to produce results that compare exceptionally well on both the state and national levels. This ranking is not based on perception or reputation. It is grounded in outcomes, and those outcomes demonstrate the tremendous value UWA delivers to our students, our state, and rural America.”

National Recognition

The recognition follows . That designation recognizes institutions that provide broad access to higher education while their graduates achieve earnings outcomes that exceed those of comparable institutions.

Together, Fritch said, these recognitions underscore UWA’s effectiveness in translating access into meaningful opportunity.

“Regional universities are essential to the future of rural America,” Fritch said. “We educate teachers, healthcare professionals, engineers, public servants, and other professionals our communities need. We create pathways to careers and economic mobility, and we provide the talent that allows our communities and industries to grow. UWA has embraced that responsibility throughout its history, and we will continue building upon it.”

About the Ranking

Washington Monthly specifically highlighted UWA’s longstanding role in preparing educators, noting the University’s roots in teacher education and its continued production of education graduates in a region facing teacher shortages.

The publication developed the Best Colleges for Rural America ranking to identify institutions that not only are located in rural communities but also demonstrate measurable success in serving rural students and regions. Institutions were evaluated using data that included Pell Grant enrollment, net price, student debt, graduate earnings, in-state enrollment and retention, and degrees awarded in fields considered critical to rural communities.