Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

After nearly 25 years of teaching mathematics at the University of West Alabama, Kim Giles has earned one of the institution’s highest honors for classroom instruction.

During UWA’s spring commencement exercises held May 7-8, Giles received the 2026 William E. Gilbert Award for Outstanding Teaching, the honor awarded annually by the student body in recognition of excellence in undergraduate classroom instruction.

After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in industrial engineering, Giles eventually returned to her hometown of Livingston, where she found her calling in the classroom.

“It’s such a huge honor to have been nominated and recognized this way,” Giles said. “I’m very thankful and grateful that I get to go to work every day, and not feel like it’s a job, but something I was meant to do.”

Beyond her classroom responsibilities, Giles also serves as the College of Natural Science and Mathematics coordinator and liaison for the UWA Teach program, the STEM education initiative launched by the University in 2023. This program gives STEM majors an opportunity to explore teaching as a career path to see if it’s right for them.

“I’m the connection between NSM and the College of Education,” Giles explained. “I not only look out for NSM students who are in UWA Teach, but if I have a math or science student who I think would be a good fit for the program, I encourage them to pursue it. I’d rather students find out early if teaching isn’t for them rather than when they’re finishing up their degree.”

Outside the classroom, Giles volunteers with the Wesley Foundation alongside director Elizabeth Stone.

“I’m there every Monday and Thursday evenings when they have Bible studies, helping feed the students and fellowship with them,” she said.  “It’s one of my greatest joys each week.”

Though Giles once considered retiring after reaching the 25-year milestone, she now says she has no plans to step away from the work she loves.

“God put me here for a reason—to teach and encourage my students every day,” Giles said. “I always tell them, ‘You got this, and you got to believe.’ I’m happy, and I enjoy my work, so until the day comes that I don’t enjoy it anymore, I’m going to keep showing up and doing what He called me to do.”

As the recipient of the Gilbert Award, Giles will serve as macebearer and lead the faculty processional at the University’s commencement exercises in August, December, and again next May.

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The University of West Alabama has selected Dr. Amy H. Jones to serve as its next provost, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution.

Jones has served as interim provost since October 2025, leading Academic Affairs through a period of strategic growth and operational advancement. During her tenure as interim provost, she has strengthened academic operations and infrastructure while advancing initiatives focused on faculty support, student success, and experiential learning opportunities.

“Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch. “Her experience, vision, and collaborative approach position Academic Affairs for continued growth and excellence as we advance the goals of the University’s strategic plan.”

As interim provost, Jones has led several university-wide initiatives designed to enhance academic and student experiences. She established task forces addressing advising, artificial intelligence policy and usage, faculty course loads, compensation, and commencement planning, helping position the University to make informed, data-driven decisions. She has also championed efforts to improve academic spaces and strengthen opportunities for hands-on learning.

“My time at the University of West Alabama has been shaped by nearly 20 years of meaningful experiences in Academic Affairs, and those experiences have deepened my appreciation for the University, our community, and our impact on students,” Jones said. 

“Education has the power to transform lives, and at UWA, that impact reaches beyond our students to strengthen the region we support. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as provost and look forward to working collaboratively with our students, faculty, staff, and community partners to advance academic excellence, expand opportunity, and strengthen the University’s lasting impact,” she said.

Since joining the faculty in 2007 as an instructor, Jones has advanced through the faculty ranks and held numerous leadership roles, most recently serving as dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Throughout her career at UWA, she has contributed extensively to committees and initiatives supporting both faculty and student success.

Jones holds a doctorate in communication and information science from The University of Alabama, a Master of Science in sport administration from the University of Louisville, and a Bachelor of Arts in film, theatre and communication arts from the University of New Orleans.

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Story by Lisa Sollie

Aileen Charles has never needed a practical reason to take on a challenge.

That mindset has taken the recent University of West Alabama finance graduate from kicking footballs at Northridge High School in Tuscaloosa to collegiate soccer and, most recently, preparing to hike the 2,600-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) this summer.

Charles tends to choose the unconventional route. When her high school needed a kicker, she stepped up. When she enrolled at UWA as a soccer recruit, she chose—at her father’s advice—to pursue a rigorous major. She majored in finance not to prepare for a specific career, but to gain knowledge she could carry throughout life.

Her hard work in the classroom paid off when she was presented the Ralph M. Lyon Award, the University’s top graduating student award during May 8 commencement exercises. The Ralph M. Lyon Award for Academic Excellence is given to the student with the most outstanding scholastic record among all students receiving baccalaureate degrees at UWA since the preceding commencement. Presented by Interim Provost Dr. Amy Jones, the award is named in honor of Dr. Ralph M. Lyon, a longtime professor, and administrator at the University.

Now, her sights are set even higher.

Charles wants to fly.

“I thought about going into the military or flight school directly from high school,” she said, “but when I was recruited to UWA, I took the opportunity because I realized not everyone has an opportunity to play a sport they love on a collegiate level. I’m glad I did. It wasn’t far away and felt like home the first time I came to campus.”

Aviation has interested Charles since childhood. Although she hasn’t decided whether to enlist or pursue Auburn University’s aviation program, she said her time hiking the Pacific Crest Trail will give her plenty of time to think about what comes next.

Often considered the West Coast equivalent of the Appalachian Trail, the PCT begins near the Mexican border in Campo, California, stretching through California, Oregon, and Washington before ending at the Canadian border.

Charles said a friend asked her if she wanted to go, and she didn’t need much convincing to say yes.

Researching the trail for about a year, Charles purchased the gear she would need. One major purchase—a satellite phone—was gifted to her by her mother at Christmas.

“While my parents are a little nervous about the trip,” she said, “they are also excited because they know I’ve never really had a lot of free time over the summers before, between working, playing soccer and workouts. This is the first time I’ve had time to do something just for me that I wanted to do, so they’ve been very supportive.”

Charles knows her path may not look like anyone else’s, but that has never bothered her. This summer, she’ll head west and start walking, ready to see where the trail leads next.

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