Story & Photos: Kay Lucas

The University of West Alabama hosted Alabama Power’s Safe-T-Zone program on July 16 to provide high-voltage electricity safety training for approximately 75 first responders in the Black Belt Region.

Designed specifically for firefighters, police officers, and volunteer firefighters, Safe-T-Zone training provides first responders with practical knowledge and safety techniques to help them make informed decisions when responding to emergency situations.

Experienced Alabama Power line personnel led live demonstrations for first responders using a custom-built trailer powered by primary and secondary voltage to demonstrate real-world dangers involving overhead and underground power lines. The training also included scenarios involving substation fires, downed power lines, generator back feed, vehicles in contact with power lines, and consequences of pulling a meter during a house fire.

“At UWA, we are proud to support Alabama Power’s Safe-T-Zone training by providing a place where first responders from across our region can strengthen the skills that help keep their communities safe,” said UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch. “Strategic partnerships like this reflect our vision for the University as a catalyst for education, workforce development, and regional progress. By working alongside organizations that share our commitment to service and learning, we are helping strengthen the Black Belt through meaningful educational experiences that extend well beyond the traditional classroom.”

Fritch thanked Alabama Power Director for Community Engagement Joseph Brown, who also serves as chair of UWA’s Board of Trustees, for facilitating the collaboration.

“This collaboration between UWA and Alabama Power is a true investment in the Black Belt Region, specifically in our people who go above and beyond often with limited resources to help serve and protect our communities,” Fritch said. “Partnering with Alabama Power ensures that we are providing superior quality training to help protect and equip our local first responders and frontline service employees, and we are grateful to Mr. Brown for his shared vision for strengthening the Black Belt through collaboration between the two organizations.”

UWA Police Chief Josette White coordinated engagement with first responder agencies in the area, echoing Fritch’s commitment to helping provide valuable experiences to organizations whose frontline personnel who participated.

“Our first responders are called to make split-second decisions in some of the most dangerous situations imaginable,” White said. “Having the opportunity to experience these electrical hazards in a controlled environment and learn directly from Alabama Power’s experts makes them better prepared to protect themselves and the communities they serve. Partnerships like this strengthen public safety not only on our campus, but throughout west Alabama.”

For the University, additional training opportunities through the Division of Lifelong Learning and Economic & Workforce Development strengthen the educational opportunities offered outside the classroom.

“Universities have a responsibility to extend learning beyond the boundaries of degree programs,” said UWA Provost Dr. Amy H. Jones. “Whether we are educating our students, supporting professional development, or providing opportunities for industry and public safety partners to share their expertise, collaborations like this strengthen both our communities and our educational mission. We are proud to see our campus serve as a place where knowledge, experience, and service come together for the benefit of the region.”

For more information about Safe-T-Zone training, contact Alabama Power Public Safety Awareness at Safety@AlabamaPower.com.

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Story: Betsy Compton

A new economic impact study shows the University of West Alabama generates $448.4 million in annual economic activity across the state, supporting businesses, communities, and workforce development throughout Alabama.

The study highlights the significant role UWA plays in strengthening the state’s economy through university operations, student and visitor spending, and the long-term contributions of alumni working across Alabama.

“The University of West Alabama is transforming lives through education while also strengthening the economic future of the State of Alabama,” said University President Dr. Todd G. Fritch. “Our graduates are making meaningful contributions in classrooms, hospitals, businesses, and communities across Alabama. We are proud to highlight the lasting impact of a UWA education—not only for our students, but for the entire state. The study delves into the impacts of alumni, student, and university spending throughout the state, the number of jobs supported, visitor spending, and much more to recognize the value that this University brings to not only the region but the entire state.”

Alumni Drive the Largest Share of Economic Impact

The study found that the largest share of UWA’s economic impact comes from its graduates working across Alabama. Alumni contribute $388.4 million in income to the state’s economy each year through higher earnings and increased productivity in the workforce.

In total, UWA alumni working across Alabama support 6,615 jobs in industries ranging from education and healthcare to business and public service.

Economic Activity Across the State

In addition to alumni contributions, several other factors contribute to the University’s overall economic impact.

University operations—including payroll and spending on goods and services—generated $44.1 million in income for the Alabama economy during the study year.

Student spending also plays a role in supporting local businesses and communities. Spending by students attending UWA generated $10.2 million in economic activity statewide, while visitors traveling to campus for events and activities contributed $1.3 million in additional income to the state economy.

Construction activity at the University also contributed to the state’s economy, generating $3 million in added income during the fiscal year.

A Strong Investment in Education

Beyond its economic impact, the study highlights the long-term value of a UWA education.

Graduates benefit from increased earning potential throughout their careers. The study found that the average UWA master’s graduate earns approximately $12,500 more per year than someone with only a bachelor’s degree working in Alabama—an advantage that can total about $400,000 in additional earnings over a career.

Students also see strong returns on their educational investment. On average, students receive $2.70 in lifetime earnings for every dollar invested in their education, representing a higher than national average annual return of 14.6 percent.

Broader Benefits to Alabama

The study also found that the University generates significant long-term benefits for Alabama’s economy and society. In total, the long-term economic and social benefits associated with UWA amount to $1.1 billion in value for Alabama society, including increased workforce productivity and savings related to health, justice system, and income assistance costs.

Learn more about UWA’s economic impact study findings and explore the full Economic Impact Study.

About the Study The economic impact analysis reflects fiscal year 2023–24 data provided by the University of West Alabama for a study conducted using Lightcast’s economic modeling tools and incorporates data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, and other national sources. The analysis measures both the economic impact created by UWA and the return on investment for students, taxpayers, and society.

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The University of West Alabama is expanding its College of Nursing to become the��College of Nursing and Health Professions, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen healthcare education, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and address the growing demand for healthcare professionals across Alabama and the Black Belt region.

Effective August 1, the expanded college will bring together nursing and a broader range of health-related academic programs under a unified academic structure that enhances collaboration among faculty, students, and healthcare disciplines.

“The expansion of this college to become the College of Nursing and Health Professions reflects our commitment to addressing shortages in the healthcare workforce and building upon the strong foundation of healthcare education at UWA,” said UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch. “We have listened carefully to the healthcare industry throughout the Black Belt region, and we are responding by creating new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and student success that will prepare graduates to meet the evolving needs of our communities.”

Provost Dr. Amy H. Jones said the expanded college represents an investment in both academic excellence and the future of healthcare education.

“This expanded structure is designed to strengthen collaboration among related disciplines, support continued academic growth, and prepare students to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare workforce,” Jones said. “The transition will facilitate stronger collaboration between students and faculty across our healthcare-related academic programs while expanding opportunities through shared simulation environments, clinical equipment, and instructional facilities.”

Dr. Mary Hanks will continue serving as dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, while Dr. Dara Murray, associate professor of nursing, will serve as associate dean.

The College will be organized into two primary academic departments: the Department of Nursing, chaired by Dr. Kelly McClure, associate professor of nursing, and the newly established Department of Health Professions. A chair for the Department of Health Professions will be announced at a later date.

The new Department of Health Professions will include several rapidly growing tracks within UWA’s Health Sciences Comprehensive program previously housed in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, including General Health Sciences, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant/Associate, Respiratory Therapy, and Medical Laboratory Science. The department will also include the Certified Nursing Assistant program, previously administered through the Division of Lifelong Learning and Economic and Workforce Development, as well as healthcare administration programs currently under development.

The expanded College reflects UWA’s continued commitment to preparing highly skilled healthcare professionals while strengthening partnerships with healthcare providers and communities throughout the region.

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