Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram
LIVINGSTON, Ala. 鈥� For Caleb Walters, returning to the University of West Alabama was less a career move and more of a calling.
Walters has returned to campus to lead UWA鈥檚 newly formed University Studies department which includes freshman studies, interdisciplinary studies, and a new exploratory major.
He is the ideal choice for the role, said Interim Provost Dr. Amy Jones.
鈥淐aleb Walters was not only a standout student during his time at UWA, but he also served as a faculty member here for six years, helping launch the IMC online master鈥檚 degree,鈥� Jones said.聽 鈥淗is experience directing an online master鈥檚 program at the University of Alabama, following his first faculty role at UWA, combined with his understanding of UWA鈥檚 campus culture and students, make him a tremendous asset. We are fortunate to have him back.鈥�
For Walters, the return to UWA feels like coming home.
鈥淓very student brings unique needs, experiences, and challenges,鈥� Walters said. 鈥淏ut I believe on a campus the size of UWA, it鈥檚 easier for faculty and staff to get to know their students and hear their stories. My goal is to support students as holistically as possible.鈥�
One way he plans to do that is through the new exploratory major, designed to help students choose a major with confidence while making progress toward their degree.
Jones said she considers Walters the champion of the new major.
鈥淲hile the exploratory major is not degree-granting,鈥� Jones said, “it is ideal for students who are uncertain which broad academic area they wish to pursue. Students who choose the exploratory major must transfer into one of UWA鈥檚 offered majors before reaching 50 credit hours, giving them time to complete the core curriculum and determine which major is the best fit.”
Walters鈥� role will provide an added layer of support for students who need that 鈥渆xtra bit鈥� of service鈥攑articularly those taking interdisciplinary courses or courses across multiple academic departments.
“He will be their guide, helping them navigate the process and connecting them with faculty across all disciplines,” Jones added.
University leaders view the new department as an opportunity to help students complete their degree and be successful, while also encouraging them to make the most of their time at UWA.
鈥淲e want students to take advantage of the personal connections they make with their faculty, staff, and fellow classmates,” Walters said. “It鈥檚 because of the connections I made while I was a student here that I am where I am today.鈥�
In his new position, Walters will also oversee freshman studies, including evaluation of the freshman seminar course required of all first-year students. He will collaborate with Bliss Adkison, dean of institutional effectiveness and research, to assess the University鈥檚 core curriculum.
鈥淚 love that all these pieces of the puzzle fall under one umbrella,鈥� Walters said. 鈥淚 love data and being able to see鈥� at a fundamental level鈥攚here the strengths and gaps are in freshman studies and the University鈥檚 core curriculum. Using the data we already have, along with new metrics, we can determine whether adjustments are needed. Everything we do should attract students to our campus, guide and retain them, and ultimately send them out prepared to succeed in their chosen professions. I鈥檓 just glad I get to play a small part.鈥�