UWA has announced a partnership with the True Vine Foundation to provide unique experiential learning and training opportunities for the University community.
written by Sarah Graham
The University of West Alabama has announced a partnership with The True Vine Foundation, in Eutaw, Alabama, that will provide unique new learning and team-building experiences for the University community.
The “UWA-True Vine Experience” will serve as an outdoor teaching, continuing education and leadership development center through True Vine’s facilities. The “Experience” will allow UWA students, faculty and athletic teams to actively participate in an outdoor classroom.
“The University places a strong emphasis on providing a holistic learning experience, reaching beyond the classroom and helping to develop the soft skills necessary for our students to become productive members of the communities in which they will live, work, and play,” said UWA President Ken Tucker. “It will also build on UWA’s experiential education utilizing the professional trainers and facilities, including the premier high and low rope training courses, at True Vine.”
“Our most common partnership model is one that strengthens career pathways through onsite training and job experience, and this partnership with the True Vine Foundation does that, while taking the process a step further and also providing a unique focus on team building and leadership skills,” said Tucker.
“I know I speak for the True Vine Foundation’s board of directors in saying that we are delighted to engage with UWA and its leadership team in furthering our common mission of improving the lives of the residents of the Black Belt Region of Alabama, by improving the quality of tomorrows leaders through hands on education, practical experience and aspirational leadership opportunities,” said Dr. Finley McRae, owner and Chairman of the Foundation.
The True Vine Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that was established in 2001. Its mission was to provide facilities and environment where individuals can encounter God’s creation.
McRae originally contacted Tucker with the idea of partnering with UWA to further their mission. Tucker then asked Senior Advisor of Economic and Workforce Development, Johnnie Aycock, to review and facilitate development of a possible relationship.
As follow up, Aycock led two teams from UWA’s faculty and administration to review the facilities and discuss the possibilities of partnership with the leadership of True Vine. “Our team agreed that the facilities were excellent and True Vine’s track record was at a high level of success,” said Aycock.
Aycock emphasized that the Adventure Course is a state of the art premier high and low ropes training course. It is designed and constructed by Alpine Towers International and meets all national professional standards and requirements. The low ropes include 11 stationary stations and multiple portable events.
“As we continued to discover possibilities we realized a partnership with True Vine would be beneficial to UWA students, faculty, administrators, athletic teams, our new UWA continuing education initiative, and other campus groups,” said Aycock. “Leadership development and team building will be the biggest benefits overall through this partnership. For students in particular, there will be internships and ‘train the trainer’ opportunities available.”
“We strive to complement the quality education that we provide with skills and abilities that empower our students to make a positive and lasting impact on the people around them,” said Tucker. “We are very excited about our new venture with the True Vine Foundation and believe the future is bright for the UWA – True Vine Experience.”
For additional information about the UWA-True Vine Experience, contact Johnnie Aycock at 205-652-3433 or jaycock@uwa.edu.