June 15, 2007

LIVINGSTON, Ala.--The University of West Alabama Board of Trustees at the June quarterly meeting elected Margaret Lovett of Russellville, Ala., as president of the board, the first woman ever to serve in this position at the University. Lovett, executive director of Southern Rural Health Care Consortium, will serve as president through a three-year term.

The board voted unanimously for Lovett’s election on a recommendation by the nominating committee. Lovett, who was appointed in 2004 by Gov. Bob Riley, represents District 5, which includes Colbert, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Morgan and Madison counties. Her term on the board expires in 2015.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be elected by my peers, and I appreciate their confidence in my leadership,” Lovett said. “The fact that this board elected a women president shows the progress and diversity that exists at UWA.” 

Lovett says she will continue the positive efforts started by outgoing board president Alex Saad, while implementing several new ideas.

“I plan to showcase different divisions of the University at board meetings, allowing the board of trustees to see the many positive things happening everyday on campus. I hope to develop meaningful relationships throughout my term,” she said.

Lovett earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of North Alabama. In addition to her position at UWA, she serves on the boards of the Alabama Primary Health Care Association and the Business Council of Alabama. Lovett is also very active in numerous political and healthcare-related organizations.

Other UWA board officers elected at the June meeting include vice president John Northcutt of Demopolis, secretary Thomas Ballow of Montgomery and treasurer Robert T. “Thed” Spree of Boligee.