February 21, 2007

LIVINGSTON, Ala.—Dr. Ken Tucker was recently named interim director of The University of West Alabama’s Regional Center for Community and Economic Development, acting as a facilitator of economic development in the Black Belt region.

This hiring marks Tucker’s second term at UWA. He formerly served as both associate professor of management and director of the Small Business Development Center at the University. Tucker most recently worked as Director of Training and Education for Weyerhaeuser Corporation. He also has experience in human resources, management and sales. 

“Dr. Tucker brings a unique and extensive background to this position,” said UWA President Richard D. Holland. “Having worked with small business development, governmental affairs and leadership training, he is ready to assist the University in addressing the community development and economic challenges of the Black Belt.”

Tucker says he is excited about, and grateful for, the opportunity to work in economic and community development in West Alabama and East Mississippi.

“I look forward to working with community and economic development leaders in both the public and private sectors to facilitate and assist with the growth and development of the region,” Tucker said. “I also want to serve as a resource, in general, for counties and communities within our service area in helping meet their development needs, whatever they may be.”

Tucker received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Alabama and a master’s degree in management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He completed his doctorate in administration of higher education at UA in 1991. Tucker serves on the Marengo County Commission, West Alabama Regional Alliance Board of Directors and Alabama Workforce Development Regional Advisory Board. A Paul Harris Fellow in the Demopolis Rotary Club, he is chairperson of the UWA Foundation Board of Directors. He is also a graduate of Leadership Alabama and a charter member of Leadership Marengo County. In addition, he served as president of the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce and chairperson of the Demopolis City Schools Board of Education. Named Demopolis Citizen of the Year in 1996, Tucker also serves in numerous other professional and community organizations. 

“We are very pleased to have Ken on our staff. With his experience and his familiarity of the region, he will greatly assist the University with its outreach activities throughout our service area,” Holland said.

Tucker and his wife, Mary, reside in Demopolis. They are the parents of four daughters, Allison, Kimberly, Lara and Rachel.