The ���ϳԹ��� community mourns the , the University’s tenth president and first alumnus to serve in the role.

Holland served as president from 2002 until 2014, having joined the faculty in 1967. His nearly 50-year tenure includes serving as a professor of biology, department chair, dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and president.

As a faculty member, Holland was recognized by students for his teaching, twice receiving the student nominated and selected William E. Gilbert Award for Outstanding Teaching, by colleagues who nominated and selected him for the McIlwain-Bell Trustee Professor Award, and by the alumni association with the ���ϳԹ��� Faculty Loyalty Award. As an alumnus, he has been honored by the alumni association with the Distinguished Alumni Award, and he is a member of the prestigious Society of the Golden Key. His career reflects a commitment to academic life and to the students, colleagues, and the regional institution he served.

“Dr. Holland’s service reflects a deep and lasting commitment to the ���ϳԹ���,” said ���ϳԹ��� President Dr. Todd G. Fritch. “As a student, faculty member, academic leader, and president, he helped strengthen the foundation on which our University continues to build—expanding educational opportunity and deepening ���ϳԹ���’s connection to the people and communities we serve.”

Holland fostered ���ϳԹ���’s engagement with the history, culture, and civic life of Alabama’s Black Belt, advancing the University’s regional mission.

“Today, we take great pride in the recognition ���ϳԹ��� has earned for providing access and support that lead to successful outcomes with far-reaching positive impact,” Fritch said. “We recognize efforts across many years that have sustained this reputation. History shows us that ���ϳԹ��� greatly expanded access to learning as evidenced throughout the University during Dr. Holland’s administration, including but certainly not limited to the expansion of academic offerings, increased capacity for online program delivery, athletic championships, the institution’s first capital campaign, strengthened partnerships, and campus beautification.”

Holland will be remembered as a leader who fostered an enduring connection to the communities ���ϳԹ��� serves and strengthened the foundation for the University’s ability to provide education, scholarship, and partnership that contributes to the strength and vitality of West Alabama and the Black Belt region.

The ���ϳԹ���’s second annual Red Tie Gala, presented by Regions Bank, will take place Friday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. in the Bell Conference Center.

Established by ���ϳԹ��� President Dr. Todd G. Fritch during his inauguration week in 2025, the gala was created to launch the Opportunity Fund. Proceeds benefit the fund, which provides critical scholarship assistance to students facing unexpected financial challenges, helping them remain enrolled and pursue their goals at ���ϳԹ���.

“No student should have to walk away from their education because of one unexpected hardship,” Fritch said. “The Opportunity Fund reflects that belief. Sometimes a small measure of support, offered at the right moment, can make all the difference.”

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner, silent and live auctions, and a few special surprises throughout the night. Alumni, friends and community members are invited to dress for an elegant evening of dining, conversation and celebration. 

“The Red Tie Gala is an occasion to dress up, enjoy a wonderful dinner and spend time with friends of the University,” said Shannon Chandler, vice president of institutional advancement. “We look forward to welcoming guests for an elegant evening and celebrating the connections that make ���ϳԹ��� such a special place.”

Tickets are on sale now, and space is limited. To purchase tickets, visit the .

Story: Kay Lucas | Photo: Cody Ingram

The ���ϳԹ��� launched its first President’s Leadership Academy on Aug. 20, welcoming the inaugural class of eight faculty and staff members.

The two-year Academy will provide participants with an in-depth look at University operations, strategic priorities, and regional impact through a combination of campus engagement, mentorship, and applied experiences.

“The President’s Leadership Academy is designed to cultivate and prepare current faculty and staff for future leadership roles across the institution while providing meaningful opportunities for career advancement and long-term success,” ���ϳԹ��� President Dr. Todd G. Fritch explained. “The Academy reflects the University’s commitment to both long-term leadership sustainability and our employees’ professional growth and development. Through this program, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to expand leadership capabilities, deepen institutional knowledge, and engage in meaningful cross-functional collaboration.”

Supervisors nominated employees at the director or chair level or below who demonstrated strong leadership potential, a commitment to professional growth and an investment in the University’s mission and future. The selection process also aimed to create a cohort representing a diverse cross-section of departments across the University. Throughout the program, a member of the President’s Cabinet will serve as a mentor to the cohort.

The inaugural Class of 2028 includes Troy Maddox (Student Affairs), Dr. Courtney Vick (College of Education), Amanda Gilliland (College of Liberal Arts), Dr. Marti Herlong (College of Liberal Arts), Dr. Kaleigh Pate (College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics), Dr. Annah Rogers (College of Education), Dr. Ethan Birney (College of Liberal Arts), and Haley Sager (Campus School).

Year one of the Academy focuses on leadership development and institutional exposure. Cohort members will participate in guided readings and group discussions and attend key campus meetings to gain a broader understanding of University operations and decision-making. They will also begin developing a strategic project aligned with institutional priorities.

The second year emphasizes applied leadership. Cohort members will work collaboratively on their strategic projects to address real challenges and opportunities facing the University, with continued mentorship and support throughout the process. As the culminating experience of the Academy, participants will present their projects to University leadership.

As the cohort progresses through the Academy, participants will apply their experiences and perspectives to initiatives that support ���ϳԹ���’s strategic priorities and contribute to the University’s continued success.