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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.��

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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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