Office of the President
Welcome to
The University of West Alabama
It is my honor to welcome you to the University of West Alabama, a community where curiosity, discovery, and excellence come together. We celebrate our successes together because we know the importance and power in collaboration and shared strengths. At UWA, learning is far more than what happens in the classroom — it is an experience that challenges us to think deeply, connect meaningfully, and grow in ways that will shape our future.
For nearly 200 years, our University has been a place of scholarship and service, defined by people who bring passion, creativity, and purpose to their work. This chapter in our history is guided by our forthcoming strategic plan, “Bridging Tradition, Igniting Transformation.” We are rooted in our core values of integrity, collaboration, excellence, commitment to learning, respect and trust, regional responsibility, and service.
As you engage with this community—whether joining or reconnecting—please know you are an important part of the special work and life that happens here. Individually and collectively, we make a positive difference that we can be both proud to look back on as we tell our story and excited to share as we strive to follow an innovative path forward.
I invite you to explore all that UWA has to offer and to take your place in its story. Whether you are a student beginning your journey, a faculty or staff member advancing our mission, or an alumnus returning home, there is something special waiting for you here.
All my best,
Todd G. Fritch, Ph.D.
President
Meet the President
Todd G. Fritch, Ph.D.
Todd G. Fritch, Ph.D. became the thirteenth president of the University of West Alabama on January 2, 2025. He holds a B.S. in Geology from Lake Superior State University, an M.S. and Ph.D. in Geology from Baylor University, and completed the Institute for Educational Management program at Harvard.
Previously, he served as Executive Vice President and Provost at the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, and held leadership positions at Shorelight Education, American International College, The American College of Greece, and Northeastern University. He has been recognized for his contributions to higher education, workforce partnerships, and community engagement.
Presidential Inauguration
Todd G. Fritch, Ph.D., was inaugurated as the 13th President of the University of West Alabama on September 12, 2025, following a week of campus and community celebrations that honored UWA’s enduring spirit of leadership, service, and tradition.
Leadership & Governance
President's Cabinet & Council
Ms. Bliss Adkison
Dean of Institutional Effectiveness & Research
President's Council
Mr. Clete Beard
Vice President for Financial Affairs
President's Cabinet & Council
Ms. Betsy Compton
Interim Executive Director of Communications & Marketing
President's Cabinet & Council
Mr. Chris Egbert
Director of Physical Plant
President's Council
Mr. Greg Egbert
Director of Information Technology
President's Council
Mr. Brett Gilliland
Director of Athletics
President's Cabinet & Council
Dr. Melissa Haab
Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Success
President's Cabinet & Council
Dr. Amy Jones
Interim Provost
President's Cabinet & Council
Mr. Byron Thetford
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs, Dean of Students
President's Cabinet & Council
Mr. Robert Upchurch
Vice President for Human Resources & Administration
President's Cabinet & Council
Dr. J.J. Wedgworth
Vice President for External Affairs & Strategic Initiatives
President's Cabinet & Council
Ms. Josette White
Chief of Police
President's Council
Vacant
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Past Presidents
Julia S. Tutwiler
1880-1910
George W. Brock
1910-1936
Noble F. Greenhill
1936-1944
William W. Hill
1944-1954
Delos P. Culp
1954-1963
John E. Deloney
1963-1972
Asa N. Green
1973-1993
President Emeritus
Don C. Hines
1994-1998
Ed D. Roach
1998-2002
Richard D. Holland
2002-2014
John G. Blackwell
2014
Kenneth H. Tucker
2015-2024
President Emeritus
Presidential Regalia
Presidential regalia distinctly identifies its wearer as the holder of the University’s highest office. Different from academic regalia, the president’s gown is a reflection of the high office it represents and of the University rather than academic discipline. Thus, the gown features the University’s colors, primarily red, with white accents. The University seal flanks the front panels. The gown’s sleeves feature four white velvet chevrons, a mark of distinction reserved for the president. The president wears the University’s doctoral hood and a black velvet tam with a silver tassel.
The Pruitt Presidential Medallion, which is worn by the University president at official ceremonies, symbolizes the authority of the president’s office and the president’s responsibility of leadership of the academic community at the University of West Alabama. The medallion and chain are made of sterling
silver. The Presidential Medallion is inscribed with 1835, the founding date of the University, and the three functions of the University: Teaching, Research, and Service. The lamp of learning, situated at the top of the medallion, symbolizes a source of intellectual illumination. Laurel leaves encircling the medallion represent honor and victory.
The Ralph M. Lyon Mace is made of native walnut and embellished with gold trim. Surmounted by an eagle of freedom, the orb is divided into panels, each inlaid with an ivory shield. Three of these panels portray the Great Seal of the United States, the Great Seal of Alabama, and the University Seal, while others represent academic disciplines. The Mace was handcrafted by alumnus Burton Fuller in 1976 and is named for longtime professor Dr. Ralph M. Lyon. The annual recipient of the William E. Gilbert Award for Outstanding Teaching serves as the macebearer and leads the academic procession.
Support the UWA Opportunity Fund
Upon his inauguration as the thirteenth president of the University of West Alabama, President Todd G. Fritch, Ph.D., establishes the UWA Opportunity Fund to support student success through unrestricted scholarship dollars. You can share in President Fritch’s vision by helping create opportunities for today’s students and ensuring tomorrow’s success. Empower students and faculty to turn ideas into impact across our region and beyond.
News Highlights
UWA sets enrollment record for Fall 2025
The University of West Alabama is celebrating a historic milestone this fall, with increases throughout its enrollment numbers across undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as student residence occupancy and athletics.
Student access, graduate earnings land UWA special Carnegie designation
The University of West Alabama has earned national recognition from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education in its Student Access and Earnings Classification, underscoring the university’s commitment to advancing students’ economic mobility, employment opportunities, and long-term career success.
Fritch selected to serve as UWA’s 13th president
The University of West Alabama (UWA) Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Todd G. Fritch as the next president of the institution.