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.