Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

The University of West Alabama celebrated the completion of a 7,000 square foot renovation and expansion of its football locker room at Homer Field House with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 2.

The $4.7 million renovation and expansion project enhances the daily experience of UWA student-athletes while reinforcing the university’s commitment to excellence both on and off the field. Dedicated supporters of UWA Athletics contributed $1.3 million to help bring this project to life.

UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch said at the ribbon cutting ceremony that the project is a reflection of the University’s commitment to student success and strengthening the student experience.

“This celebration is a clear statement about who we are and who we are committed to becoming,” Fritch said. “Students are our purpose, and that guides every investment we make. Our student-athletes dedicate themselves to excellence in competition, in the classroom, and in leadership across our campus, and we want our facilities to match that dedication.”

Athletic Director Brett Gilliland, who previously served as head football coach for 11 years, told the crowd gathered that this renovation and expansion is a game-changer for UWA, built on a vision centered on students’ needs.

“It is rare for a facility construction project to turn out exactly like the vision,” Gilliland said. “So many times when a project is completed you may notice things you wish you had done differently, but not this one. This is exactly what we envisioned, especially for our student athletes.”

The new locker room features 116 lockers and a spacious meeting area designed to accommodate the entire roster. Fifty-three of the lockers have been sponsored by former Tigers and supporters and are recognized with commemorative plaques. Each state-of-the-art locker features integrated charging ports, built-in bench seating with storage, and secure lock boxes for personal valuables.

Named the “Tiny” Campora Locker Room, in memory of Don “Tiny” Campora through the generous support of Steve and Gayle Campora, the locker room marks the family’s commitment to and investment in UWA student-athletes and the Livingston community for more than a decade.

Head Football Coach Scott Cochran said that he looks forward to the program’s growth and development through his team’s use of the new amenities. The project was underway when Cochran joined UWA Athletics in February 2025.

“The vision for this place is incredible,” Cochran said. “We’ve been under construction since I walked in the door here. Just like the football team, we are always building, always trying to get better. Knowing that you have a facility like this—when it comes to recruiting, when it comes to a standard of excellence—it lines right up with everyone’s vision for this place, and I get to see it every day and am grateful to be a part of it.”

The renovation also includes a modernized cold plunge room, new restroom and shower facilities, and a separate entrance and exit to the field, eliminating the need to share space with the visiting team.

Upstairs, the facility features an updated reception area and the King-Ferris Football Team Room, honoring Coach Jim King, his wife, Sandy King, and their grandson, the late Patrick Ferris. The designation recognizes the family’s enduring legacy and profound impact on both the Livingston community and UWA football.

Adjacent to the King-Ferris Football Team Room is a dedicated student-athlete career development office designed to support professional growth beyond the playing field. The space will serve as a resource for virtual interviews, career preparation, and collaborative opportunities, including engagement with partners like Podium X who provide career preparation guidance for students. The room will be available to student-athletes across all programs as they prepare for life after graduation.

The Champions Deck, a new viewing terrace overlooking the south endzone, honors Livingston University alumni Ronnie and Kathy Gilliland and the 1971 NAIA National Championship football team. Made possible through the generosity of Steve and Gayle Campora, Champions Deck provides a premier vantage point while commemorating a milestone moment in UWA Athletics history.

“This space brings together the spirit of UWA Athletics and reflects the sense of community that is so strong at our University,” Fritch said. “This can be seen throughout the facility, whether in the gathering spaces that support team and fan fellowship, through the amenities offered to our student-athletes in the locker room, or the equipment that will support health and safety for the entire team. We can anticipate many exciting times ahead in this space.”

The post UWA cuts the ribbon at Homer field house’s new football locker room appeared first on University of West Alabama.

Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

The University of West Alabama has named Shannon Chandler vice president for Institutional Advancement, which includes the Office of Alumni Affairs, the Office of Development, and aligns with fundraising efforts with the UWA Foundation.

Chandler brings 18 years of experience at Shelton State Community College, including the last 11 years as director of development.  A 2008 UWA alumna, earning a master’s degree in continuing education from the University, she also holds a bachelor of science in communication from the University of Alabama and an associate degree from Wallace State Community College. 

At the helm of Shelton State’s fundraising efforts, Chandler designed and implemented a comprehensive development plan that secured more than $7.4 million in external funding for scholarships and other support initiatives. She also generated more than $2 million in additional funding through creative engagement strategies and increased corporate partnerships by 75 percent, while managing daily operations and overseeing balanced budgets for the development office.

“Ms. Chandler’s proven record of designing and executing high-impact fundraising and engagement strategies, combined with her deep commitment to the region we serve, positions us powerfully as we launch our new 10-year strategic plan and build the necessary support to bring its bold initiatives to life,” said UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch.

Prior to serving as director of development at Shelton State, Chandler spent seven years as coordinator of community education at the college. In that role, she directed Kid’s Kollege, developed and launched a remedial education summer program, and led numerous youth enrichment and community outreach initiatives. 

Chandler has also demonstrated leadership and relationship building on both statewide and national stages. After being crowned Miss Alabama in 2004, she represented the state nationally and later served as a public speaking ambassador for Miss Alabama Pageant, Inc.’s home office in Birmingham. In that capacity, she cultivated high-level relationships with state leaders, corporate partners, and nonprofit organizations; hosted and directed more than 250 fundraising and corporate partnership events; and supported nearly 500 organizational events to ensure their visibility and success.

“It’s a privilege to serve UWA and give back to a place that has given me so much,” Chandler said. “I am deeply grateful for the foundation this University has provided in my own life, and I look forward to bringing my background in relationship-building and strategic fundraising to support our mission.”

“Working alongside our faculty, alumni, and community partners, I am eager to support initiatives that align with our priorities and strengthen our funding opportunities,” she added. “By extending the University’s reach across West Alabama and beyond, we can create lasting opportunities for our students and help our region thrive for generations to come.”

The post Shannon Chandler named UWA’s vice president for institutional advancement appeared first on University of West Alabama.

Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

The Camporas’ Legacy in Livingston

On the corner of Lafayette and South Street in downtown Livingston, Alabama, sits a modest building that’s easy to overlook. But to those familiar with its story, it’s much more than brick and mortar. It’s home to Campora Development, a company founded by Steve and Gayle Campora—California natives who had never heard of the University of West Alabama or Livingston until their daughter Kayla landed a graduate assistant spot with UWA’s women’s basketball team a decade ago.

A standout basketball player in high school and junior college, Kayla surprised everyone when she decided not to continue playing or attend a four-year university.

When Steve told her to find a job, she found two. But five months later, Kayla had a change of heart and began searching schools again, determined to return to the court.

Though previous offers had expired, she didn’t give up. Kayla sent out game footage and eventually caught the attention of Rusty Cram, head coach at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi. He offered her a partial scholarship, and she returned to the court.

When Coach Cram later accepted the head coach position at UWA, he invited Kayla to join him in Livingston as a graduate assistant. Recognizing early a charm about Livingston, her parents purchased land and built a house for Kayla and themselves to stay in when they visited.

What began as a way to support their daughter’s next chapter quietly planted the roots of something much bigger.

A Loss that Changed Everything
As Kayla settled into her new role, the Camporas’ other daughter, Dominique—known affectionately as Nikka— fell seriously ill. In January 2017, she passed away from heart valve complications. The loss devastated the family.

At the time, the Camporas knew only a few people in Livingston, including Coach Cram and a handful of UWA staff. Yet, as Nikka lay in the hospital, messages and photos began arriving from other athletic teams at the University, many of whom had never met her, gathered in prayer for her recovery.

“Those prayers meant everything,” Steve said, his voice thick with emotion. 

That moment of grace marked a turning point. The Camporas realized they had built more than a house for their daughter. They had begun building a deep and lasting bond with the Livingston community.

Steve continued practicing law in California, earning accolades such as Attorney of the Year and recognition as one of the state’s top 100 lawyers. While building a successful career on the West Coast, he and Gayle were pouring their hearts and resources into UWA and Livingston.

Their support began with funding scholarships to help students pursue their education. Over time, their involvement has expanded across facilities. At Pruitt Hall, their support led to a renovation of the women’s basketball locker room. Renovations to Pruitt Hall Gymnasium—home to the Tigers’ men’s and women’s basketball teams and the volleyball team—were completed in February 2025, including new video boards, added spectator seating, and many more upgrades.  

In March 2023, the Campora Athletic Complex officially opened, offering 5000 square feet on the ground level, two second-level suites, and a state-of-the-art press box at Tiger Stadium. Field-side, a jumbotron now enhances the game-day experience for UWA football fans.

At Tartt Field, home of UWA’s baseball team, their contributions have supported the installation of artificial turf and field enhancements as well as the Campora Hospitality Facility, a hospitality suite overlooking third baseline. They also supported the construction of upgraded softball spectator seating, in 2019 dedicating the Nikka Campora “Victors Walk” as a tribute to their daughter’s enduring spirit.

They provided integral support that helped propel the University Charter School and have supported the school consistently since its establishment.

Even after relocating to Nevada for a few years, the Camporas remained deeply connected to the UWA community. Recently, they moved again to Fort Worth, Texas, to be closer to Kayla. But their legacy in Livingston continues to grow.

Campora Development: Investing in People
After retiring from law, Steve grappled with a new question: What now?

“Being a lawyer was who I was for so long,” he said. “You can’t just wake up one day and decide to do nothing.”

That question led to the establishment of Campora Development, the business beside the laundromat on the south end of town. But for Steve and Gayle, it’s about more than real estate.

“There’s a saying that you can only eat one steak at a time,” Steve said. “After that, if you’re blessed enough to help others, we think you ought to do it.”

The Camporas began investing in housing.

“It started with Kayla’s house, then we built duplexes, and now we’re buying lots and building homes all over the area. I tell Kayla we’re spending her inheritance— but she’ll be fine. God didn’t bless us with money for it to just sit in the bank.”

Even though buildings bear their name, the Camporas insist it’s never been about property.

“We donate to people, not places,” they say.

Relationships Matter
As a lawyer, Steve says, you rarely see what you build. “You give people money from settlements,” he explained. “But here, you can see the difference.”

That difference isn’t just in infrastructure but in the lives of the students, coaches, and community members the Camporas have touched.

“Some of the student-athletes who’ve played under Brett Gilliland are good kids—one even worked for me and looked after our house when we were away,” Steve recalled. “Others played for Rusty, and through Campora Development, we’ve done NIL deals to help promote both our company and the athletes themselves. These relationships— with students, coaches, and even the mayor of Livingston— are priceless.”

For Steve, these relationships do more than matter—they motivate him. At 72, Steve says staying involved with the people and projects he cares about keeps him going strong.

“I heard Geno Auriemma, the head coach of the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team, once say, ‘If you hang around old people, you’ll be old.'”

He laughed. “I’ve had my share of health issues, but I’m not going to hang around a bunch of 80-year-old people and be old. I still have things to do.”

One of those things is addressing the persistent challenge of quality housing in Livingston for students, faculty, and staff at the University and the charter school.

“As fast as we can build a place, we fill it,” he said. “There are waiting lists for some of our properties.”

Almost as an afterthought, Steve recalls a teenage ambition.

“It’s funny,” he said. “In high school, I wanted to be an architect. I even got into Cal Poly as an architecture major. But when I saw how much math was involved, I said, ‘Nah, I’m not doing that.'”

In a way, he is now doing just that through his town-building projects that focus on affordable, sustainable housing, a legacy that will outlive both him and his wife.

Steve quickly points out that the building isn’t just about philanthropy. 

“I mean, I am a businessman,” he stated. “So, while I may be charging people rent—a return on my investment, so to speak—at least they have a place to live that’s decent and nice.”

As Steve reflects on the couple’s involvement in UWA and the community, he applauds his wife, Gayle, who has played an integral part in their endeavors.

“No one can do this alone,” he noted, looking around the Campora Athletic Complex. “Gayle has been involved in everything we’ve done or supported and all the places we’ve lived. She’s been my teammate for 41 years and has put up with a lot. I’m sure I’m not the easiest guy to live with,” he said, laughing.

Although Gayle was a songleader in high school, a cheerleader in college, and not a huge sports fan, that changed after the couple married. “Now,” Steve said, “she’s as passionate about sports as I am.”

Athletics have dominated the couple’s life, first through their daughter Nikka, a star athlete in her own right, a high-school All-American and diver at Texas Christian University, and then through Kayla’s basketball career. Since moving to Fort Worth, the Camporas have spent considerable time following the TCU women’s basketball team, sitting in front-row seats at home games, and attending the Big 12 Championship game in Kansas City, Missouri, at the T-Mobile Center.

Getting to know the athletes is essential to the Camporas, and they love doing it— especially Gayle. She’s become a team mom—cheering from the stands, checking in on students, and ensuring they know someone is rooting for them beyond the scoreboard.

The Camporas’ generosity has extended to the UWA Rodeo program as well. Their contributions have led to significant improvements at the team’s rodeo arena, including, most recently, a new sign over the entrance to the team’s headquarters. Steve says he and Gayle have more or less “adopted” the team and, for the fourth year in a row, flew out this summer to the National Rodeo Championship in Casper, Wyoming, “because supporting students is what it’s all about.”

Relationships and connections have always been at the heart of the Camporas’ story.

Their private adoption of their daughter, Nikka, from the Marshall Islands began through Steve’s former college football coach. Later, a coworker of Gayle’s—familiar with their experience—approached them about adopting another baby girl, this time from within the U.S.

Even their love for athletics is grounded in relationships. A “coach’s kid,” Steve remembers having the best childhood imaginable.

“Everyone knew my dad, and after school, I’d ride my bike to the college campus where he coached football and go to practice,” he recalled fondly. “All the players knew me and would carry me around on their shoulders. It was a great time. Later, when my dad was head coach at San Bernardino Valley College, I briefly became an assistant coach with him before he passed away at age 50.” Those early experiences and the bonds they forged helped shape how Steve and Gayle give back today. For the Camporas, it’s never been just about sports or facilities. It’s about the people and the relationships they’ve built along the way.

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