Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

The University of West Alabama has presented two long-term faculty members emeritus honors upon their retirement. Dr. Tina N. Jones has been named Vice President Emerita, and Dr. Alan Brown has been named Professor Emeritus. The two were recognized at the University’s Employee Recognition Ceremony at the end of the spring semester.

Dr. Alan Brown
After 40 years of service to students, colleagues, and the discipline, Dr. Alan Brown retired from UWA in May 2026, earning the status of Professor of Emeritus of English and Folklore.

In his nomination letter, Dr. Kendrick Prewitt, Chair of the Department of English & History, noted that over Brown’s 40 years at UWA, he made his mark through his passion for teaching American literature and composition to generations of students, his 34-year stewardship of the UWA Writing Center, and his extensive research into ghost lore and regional folklore.

Prewitt also noted that Brown is a rare example of a scholar who has successfully translated academic scholarship for broader public audiences through book clubs, public libraries, senior centers, radio broadcasts, podcasts, and cemetery history reenactments.

Known for meeting deadlines, efficiently handling administrative responsibilities, and traveling frugally on departmental funds, Brown has received the McIlwain Bell Trustees Faculty Award twice and the Nellie McCrory Faculty Service Award. Prewitt described him as setting a consistent standard for the College of Liberal Arts.

Brown has published more than 20 books and numerous articles on ghost lore and folklore, his primary area of interest. His scholarly work also spans the history of Sumter County, composition pedagogy, gothic literature, and studies of authors including Poe, Hemingway, Faulkner, and Twain.

He is well known on campus and beyond for his ghost tours, distinctive mustache, homemade brownies, daily peanut butter and jelly lunches, and his large looping lecture notes handwriting.

Dr. Tina Naremore Jones
Dr. Tina Naremore Jones, a longtime professor of English, retired from UWA as Provost on September 30 after 38 years at the institution, earning the status of Vice President Emerita of Academic Affairs.

In her nomination letter, Jones was recognized for decades of leadership and service to the university, first as a student, then faculty member, and later in multiple leadership roles, including Vice President of Economic Workforce Development and then as Provost, becoming the first woman at UWA to be named vice president and first to serve as provost. Over the years, she played an integral role in shaping the University’s academic programs, strengthened its outreach, and helped define what it means for the institution to serve not only its students, but the entire region.

It was also noted that Jones consistently “led with intention, listening carefully and leading thoughtfully.” Her nomination letter described her conduct as “marked by a level of grace and integrity that is rare, setting a standard not only for leadership, but for how people are treated.”

“Tina believed in this place, and it’s people,” said Provost, Dr. Amy Jones during the recognition ceremony. “People often assumed we were related—and in many ways that never felt entirely wrong, because she had that kind of lasting, personal impact on so many of us at UWA. That impact will be felt for generations—in our programs, across this campus, and in the lives of the students and communities we serve.”

The post Jones, Brown awarded emeritus honors upon retirement from UWA appeared first on University of West Alabama.

Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

For years, Armand Barnard found his voice on stage and on screen. But beyond the spotlight, his ambitions run deeper: to understand people, not just perform for them.

After earning his undergraduate degree at Stellenbosch University, Barnard started exploring opportunities to continue his education in the United States, where his brother was already studying in Texas. Through the international recruitment agency, , he connected with Dr. Mark Davis, dean of at the University of West Alabama.

Barnard said he felt an immediate connection. “I could tell right away that this was someone I wanted to work with.”

With guidance from Davis, Barnard chose UWA, drawn not only to its master’s degree in —clinical psychology option—but also to the sense of community in Livingston.

“I knew it would be an adjustment coming to the States,” he said. “But the South, the people of Alabama, the Christian landscape and the strong sense of community here felt closer to my home country and Afrikaans culture.”

An actor and musician from South Africa, Barnard has built a growing list of screen credits, appearing in productions such as Troukoors (Wedding Fever) (2021), its follow-up series (2021—2022), and the television drama Die Byl (2025). He also appeared in the 2024 music video for ‘A-Okay,’ released by Sony Music Entertainment Africa.

“Since I was little, I’ve always been interested in people and why they do what they do,” Barnard said. “Acting lets you explore that in one way, but I wanted to understand it on a deeper level.”

While studying at UWA, Barnard focused on global perspectives, preparing a thesis on Japanese attitudes toward therapy, which he said are more positive today than in years past. He hopes to visit the country one day to further explore its culture and evolving views on mental health.

As graduation approaches, Barnard is applying to clinical psychology Ph.D. programs, a highly competitive path he said can be as selective as medical school admissions.

After commencement, he plans to attend Nashville Music Night, hosted by Friends of South Africa, celebrating both his academic achievement and his South African roots alongside his mother and fiancée. The couple plans to marry in December, marking a new chapter in a year of transition.

Although his future plans remain uncertain, Barnard said that he draws strength from one of his favorite Bible passages, Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

The post From South Africa to Alabama, Barnard’s path from performer to psychologist appeared first on University of West Alabama.

Story by: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

Working as a mental health technician at a psychiatric hospital in Tuscaloosa led Syndi Stevenson to study psychology at the University of West Alabama.

The Tuscaloosa native began studying kinesiology at Shelton State Community College after high school. Tired of taking online classes, she transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi. But she failed out, and the experience crushed her.

That’s when Stevenson decided to take a gap year—an experience that helped her realize she was in the wrong field.

“I struggled at USM and knew kinesiology wasn’t the right fit for me,” Stevenson said, “but I didn’t know what I wanted to do. After working for a year at Bryce Hospital, I knew I wanted to learn more about the field of psychology.”

Stevenson said Livingston’s proximity to her hometown and the low teacher/student ratio drew her to the UWA.

As a first-generation college student, she admits she floundered at times. Graduating from high school during the COVID-19 pandemic only added to the challenge.

“There was so much I didn’t know, especially all the opportunities that are out there and the different career paths you can take,” Stevenson said. “I am forever grateful to the people at UWA, the professors and others who have helped me along the way.”

Looking ahead to her next step, the once-shy transfer student will begin graduate school at UWA in the fall, with a goal of becoming a counselor working with young adults.

“One of my favorite things about my time at UWA is being a resident assistant,” Stevenson said. Several RAs, including my own, reached out to me after my first semester and told me I should apply. I have enjoyed it so much, and it has reinforced that I’m on the right track with my career path.”

The oldest of five, Stevenson is encouraging her siblings to go to college as well.

“I have a sister graduating high school in May who applied to two colleges, so I’m really excited about that. Even though she didn’t want to at first, it’s enough for me to know I made an impact and encouraged her to give it a try.”

On the Dean’s list the past three semesters, Stevenson credits her faith for getting her to this point.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the Lord. Everything worked out just like it was supposed to,” she said. “God had a purpose for me, even when I thought I couldn’t do it. I see that now.”

The post After gap year, transfer student finds her “something” at UWA appeared first on University of West Alabama.