ł§łŮ´Ç°ů˛â:ĚýBetsy ComptonĚý| Photo: Cody Ingram

As part of the University of West Alabama’s continued commitment to strengthening the student experience and advancing student success, UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch has announced the appointment of Byron Thetford as Vice President for Student Affairs.

Established in 2025 as a standalone division, Student Affairs was created to provide centralized leadership for programs and services that support student engagement, well-being, leadership development, and campus life. The appointment removes the interim designation from Thetford’s title following a year of leadership during the division’s transition and continued growth.

Thetford will continue serving as Dean of Students and as a member of the President’s Cabinet while leading the Division of Student Affairs. He will also oversee the University’s operational partnership with Aramark Dining Services and continue serving as UWA’s liaison with the YMCA, supporting partnerships and initiatives that enhance the university experience.

“Student Affairs plays a vital role in creating an environment where students can thrive both inside and outside the classroom,” Fritch said. “Byron has provided steady leadership during the establishment of the division, and his commitment to our students and the University has positioned Student Affairs for continued growth and success.”

Thetford has served the University in student affairs leadership for many years, including as Dean of Students prior to his appointment as Interim Vice President of Student Affairs in July 2025.

Throughout his career at UWA, Thetford has worked to strengthen student support services, foster student engagement, and enhance opportunities that contribute to student success and campus life.

“I am honored to continue serving the University of West Alabama in this role,” Thetford said. “Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside our faculty, staff, and campus partners to create an exceptional student experience.”

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ł§łŮ´Ç°ů˛â:ĚýLisa SollieĚý| Photo: Cody Ingram

As part of the University of West Alabama’s continued emphasis on strengthening institutional communications, marketing, and brand advancement, UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch has announced the appointment of Betsy Compton as Executive Director of Communications & Marketing.

Established in 2025 as a centralized division reporting directly to the President, the Office of Communications & Marketing was elevated early in Fritch’s administration to support the University’s strategic priorities through coordinated messaging, executive communications, marketing strategy, brand management, and integrated communications efforts across the institution.

Compton will continue serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet and leading the expansion of the University’s comprehensive communications and marketing initiatives in support of academic affairs, enrollment management, athletics, advancement, student affairs, and administrative operations.

“Communications and marketing play an increasingly important role in advancing the University’s strategic priorities and institutional visibility,” Fritch said. “Betsy has provided leadership throughout the establishment and transition of the division, and her experience and institutional knowledge have helped position the Office of Communications & Marketing for continued growth and success.”

Compton has served the University in communications and marketing roles for nearly two decades, having served as Interim Executive Director of Communications & Marketing since the division’s transition from Institutional Advancement last year.

A two-time graduate of the University of West Alabama, Compton joined the University staff in 2007 as a graphic designer in UWA Printing Services, before serving Institutional Advancement in roles supporting public relations, brand management, executive communications, and strategic messaging initiatives.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the University in this role,” Compton said. “UWA has been an important part of my life both personally and professionally, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside colleagues across campus to support the mission and future of the University.”

The Office of Communications & Marketing serves as the University’s central communications resource and collaborates with units across campus to support communications, marketing, branding, media relations, and engagement to advance the University’s mission.Ěý

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Story: Betsy Compton | Photo: Cody Ingram

The University of West Alabama has announced the launch of two new initiatives designed to expand student opportunity and engagement while advancing the state’s growing focus on outdoor recreation, natural resource education, and workforce development: the Outdoor Fellows Program and the UWA Bass Fishing Team.

Rooted in the rich natural resources of Alabama’s Black Belt region, the programs reflect UWA’s commitment to connecting academic experience with the state’s outdoor economy and emerging career opportunities.

Alumnus William Crawford has been selected to serve as Director of the Outdoor Fellows Program and Head Coach of the Bass Fishing Team.

“I am proud to announce these new initiatives, which align with the themes and priorities outlined in our new 10-year strategic plan,” said UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch. “These programs leverage the unique strengths of our region to provide students with meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities while enhancing student engagement and academic exploration.”

Housed within Academic Affairs, the Outdoor Fellows Program will offer students hands-on opportunities to explore outdoor recreation and conservation through field experiences, service projects, and partnerships with industry professionals. The program is designed to connect classroom learning with career pathways while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world and preparing students for careers in Alabama’s growing outdoor recreation and tourism sectors.

“William has impressive knowledge of the outdoor industry, as well as a clear understanding of how this program can serve as a bridge between student interest and academic direction,” said Interim Provost Dr. Amy Jones. “His experience in recruiting and retaining students positions him to support their success and guide the growth of the Outdoor Fellows Program.”

The UWA Bass Fishing Team will compete nationally on the Bassmaster College Series, Major League Fishing, and Collegiate Bass circuits. The Bass Fishing Team will maintain a highly competitive, recruitment-driven roster.

Crawford brings a record of national success, having led teams to the 2025 Collegiate Bass National Championship, the 2023 and 2025 Major League Fishing National Championships, and four MLF School of the Year honors. His teams have also earned Bass Pro Shops School of the Year recognition for five consecutive years from 2021 through 2025.

“These two programs are an incredible fit for UWA, and I am eager to hit the ground running,” Crawford said. “I’m excited to build programs that attract talented, high-performing students and create opportunities for those interested in outdoor recreation as a career. This region offers a unique environment for learning, and I look forward to helping students take full advantage of it.”

Crawford’s work has been recognized statewide, including being named the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s 2017 Conservation Educator of the Year. A 2006 UWA graduate, he was a two-year letter winner in baseball, an All-Gulf South Conference selection, and part of the 2005 Gulf South Conference Championship team. He holds an associate degree from Faulkner State Community College and both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from UWA.

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