January 31, 2006

 LIVINGSTON, Ala.—The University of West Alabama Board of Trustees held a very successful retreat in Tuscaloosa on January 27-28, according to Board Chair Alex Saad of Mobile. Nine of the University’s trustees gathered at Westervelt Lodge, along with UWA President Richard Holland and Provost David Taylor, to review the institution’s strategic plan and formulate an action plan through which the Board can participate in carrying out the strategic plan.

Holland reported to the trustees on the University’s progress toward the goals outlined in its strategic plan, including a 21 percent increase in enrollment since last spring semester, giving the institution, which was founded in 1835, its largest enrollment in its history.

Board members also heard from consultants about a number of items, including the role of a governing board and the impact of the Alabama Open Meetings Act on Board activities.  Members also discussed an upcoming facilities study at UWA and the feasibility of launching a capital campaign to fund facility construction and renovation as well to increase the scholarship program.

“The retreat gave trustees an opportunity to take an in-depth look at the institution, something that is not generally possible in the hurried agenda of a regular Board meeting,” Saad said.

Other trustees attending the retreat were Thomas Ballow, Jr., of Montgomery, Robert Keahey of Grove Hill, Margaret Lovett of Russellville, Louise Nolen of Fayette, John Northcutt of Demopolis, Doris Oliveira of Tuskegee, Thed Spree of Boligee and Tom Umphrey of McCalla.