Kirstan Cunningham

I was raised in the geographic center of Alabama in a small college town similar to Livingston named Montevallo. With my graduation from Montevallo High School in the near future, I began the frantic search for a college home for the next few years. My list of requirements for a college home was short and simple, I had to be within 2 hours of a home cooked meal, able to participate in marching band, and it had to be affordable. The University of West Alabama met all of my needs. As a high school student, I was involved in various extracurricular activities and programs. I wanted to continue that involvement throughout my college career. I found UWA flooded with opportunities for me to get involved and to really experience college life. My time as a student at West Alabama was filled with various academic and campus involvement. I was Drum Major for The Scarlet Band from Tiger Land for four years, worked for UWA Housing for a number of years, a founding member of The Delta Chi Fraternity, a member of multiple honor societies, I participated in multiple theater productions, and amongst other things selected as Mr. UWA 2011. Livingston has been my home away from home for a number of years and I am thrilled that I have been given the opportunity to share my home with a new generation of tigers. They say that “There is something about this place” and everyone’s something is different. What is your “something?”

Favorite Place on Campus:  

My all-time favorite spot on campus is weirdly specific; the 40 yard line closest to the south end zone on the home side at Tiger Stadium. I've spent countless nights standing on a podium conducting the UWA marching band from this location. The feeling of leading the band, the largest student organization on campus, is one that I will cherish forever.

Favorite UWA Tradition:  

Serendipity, the annual homecoming variety show, is my favorite UWA tradition. Students come out in droves to see their fellow students' talent… or lack thereof.

What do you love the most about UWA:  

West Alabama is a family and as a family we take care of each other. The professors, faculty, staff, and students all look after each other and pride themselves on being friendly.

Piece of Advice for Prospective Students: 

Your college career is what you make and you will truly get out of it what you put into it. GET INVOLVED! The lessons you learn through campus involvement are just as important as what you are taught in the classroom.

Kirstan Cunningham
kcunningham@uwa.edu
205.652.3599

text: 205-386-2275