Story: Betsy Compton | Photo: Cody Ingram

The baby直播 has announced the launch of two new initiatives designed to expand student opportunity and engagement while advancing the state鈥檚 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 baby直播鈥檚 Black Belt region, the programs reflect UWA鈥檚 commitment to connecting academic experience with the state鈥檚 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.

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

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 baby直播鈥檚 growing outdoor recreation and tourism sectors.

鈥淲illiam 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,鈥� said Interim Provost Dr. Amy Jones. 鈥淗is experience in recruiting and retaining students positions him to support their success and guide the growth of the Outdoor Fellows Program.鈥�

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.

鈥淭hese two programs are an incredible fit for UWA, and I am eager to hit the ground running,鈥� Crawford said. 鈥淚鈥檓 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.鈥�

Crawford鈥檚 work has been recognized statewide, including being named the baby直播 Wildlife Federation鈥檚 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鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degree from UWA.

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Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

The baby直播 officially cut the ribbon on Monday, April 20 for its newly renovated Welcome Center, located in Kelly Hester Land Hall.  

Now serving as the University鈥檚 official Welcome Center, Land Hall is the first stop for prospective students鈥攂ringing together recruitment, campus tours, and Student Ambassadors all in one central location.

This transformation represents more than a renovation; it creates a more connected and welcoming experience from the moment students arrive on campus for a visit. Each visit is designed with the individual in mind, offering a personalized tour experience, from an assigned parking space to one-on-one time with a student recruitment specialist who can answer questions and guide next steps.

Planning a visit? Begin your journey at Land Hall to check in, meet the team, and explore everything UWA has to offer. Parking is available nearby, and tours can be scheduled in advance or upon arrival. Group tours are encouraged to complete the interest form in advance.

The post UWA celebrates ribbon cutting for newly renovated Welcome Center appeared first on baby直播.

Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

The baby直播 has selected Dr. Audrey Crawford to serve as vice president for enrollment management and student success, a role that oversees admissions, recruitment, career development, financial aid, international programs, Student Services One Stop, CARES, TRIO SSS and Upward Bound.

“Dr. Crawford’s proven success in recruitment and admissions leadership, combined with passion for serving and supporting students, equips her to be a dynamic leader that will help propel UWA forward in alignment with our goals for growth and strengthening the student experience as part of our new 10-year strategic plan. We are excited to welcome her back to her alma mater,” said UWA President Todd G. Fritch.

A two-time UWA graduate, earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in marketing in 2007 and a master鈥檚 degree in counseling and psychology in 2011, Dr. Crawford said returning to UWA feels like a full-circle moment. She previously served as an admissions counselor at the University from 2008 to 2011 and worked in student activities for a year prior.

鈥淚鈥檓 excited to work alongside this incredible community to expand opportunities, champion student success, and build on the strong foundation already in place,鈥� Crawford said. 鈥淚鈥檓 deeply thankful for this opportunity.鈥�

Crawford brings 18 years of progressive experience in enrollment management and student services. Most recently, she has served as executive director of admissions at the University of Montevallo since 2022, where she oversaw recruitment initiatives and admission operations, managing more than 6,000 applications annually. Under her leadership, first-year student enrollment increased by 13 percent, contributing to the institution鈥檚 largest freshman class in more than a decade.

She also led the implementation and optimization of the Slate CRM and collaborated closely with academic departments, financial aid, marketing, and student services to support institutional enrollment goals.

Prior to serving as executive director of admissions, Crawford held several leadership roles at the University of Montevallo from 2011 to 2022, including associate director of admissions, director of recruitment, and director of admissions.

She earned a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2024.

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