UWA Online Blog

DIRT 17: Rural School Summit at UWA Happening Sept. 18-20

How do a group of people take flight and thrive after a history of suffering? They don’t give up. The University of West Alabama and the City of Livingston is proud of our agrarian roots and the sturdy people that continue to occupy and embody the South. Despite the economic issues associated with Alabama’s Black Belt, UWA believes the rich soil of the Black Belt is but a metaphor for the people of the region: rich soil means the ability to grow, heal, and make a difference. That is the paradigm of the 2017 rural school summit to be held at UWA on September 18–20. DIRT 2017, or “Digging Into Rural Traditions,” will help us connect with advocates and fellow members of the community to plan of a better future and enrich our lives.

 

Our History

The tradition of the southern United States is characterized by the labor of our rural communities and the rich, dark soil that spans the South eastward into Delaware and westward into Texas. This geographical region was coined the Black Belt for its mineral rich soil and, before the Civil War, was the most profitable region for plantation owners to use African-American slave labor. After the Civil War, many slaves remained in the Black Belt as tenant farmers or sharecroppers.

 

Due to the uneducated, poverty stricken masses of the region, the economy of many of these rural communities within the Black Belt stagnated, suffering not just from poverty but lack of quality education and skilled labor to support job opportunities. The consequences of the slavery of their ancestors mean black Americans have endured poverty and hardship disproportionately, but the economic stagnation of the Black Belt hurts ethnicities across the board. Many residents, primarily African-Americans, moved between the decades 1916 to 1970 in the Great Migration for social and economic opportunity to the western and northern regions of the United States. This rural exodus continues to happen, preventing a steady force of skilled labor.

 

In Alabama, the densest region of the Black Belt lies in the western side of the state, where Livingston and the University of West Alabama dig their roots.

 

DIRT 17 Keynote Speakers

Bolstering the DIRT 17 rural school summit are several special guests who will speak, represent, and support the conference:

 

  • Jimmy Wayne, a Nashville resident and award-winning musician using music and the experiences of his past to advocate for foster care children;

 

  • Liz Huntley, another child advocate and also litigation attorney who uses her experiences and knowledge to lend aid to non-profit organizations assisting children and families;

 

  • Cathy Grace, the Graduate Center co-director and scholar at the University of Mississippi whose work primarily involves serving primarily rural children of the south;

 

  • Gary Funk, the director of Rural Schools Collaborative who has many publications concerning issues of education; and

 

  • The Teton Science Schools (TSS), an organization dedicated to educating and inspiring children and adults the wonders of the outdoors using the study of nature and education that is place-based.

 

More About the Conference

This conference is free to attend! Attendees receive a free T-shirt at registration. A free Jimmy Wayne concert also will be held on the lawn.

 

Like the Black Belt is enriched with important, life-sustaining nutrients in its soil, the rural residents of these communities can achieve growth through education and support. For more information on the DIRT 17 and how to support the conference, view the webpage here!

 

Looking for more information on community events in the Livingston area? Continue following the UWA Continuing Education blog! If you’re interested in our continuing education course listings, check out our website at www.uwa.edu/ce!

 

 

 

Course Spotlight: Dealing with Difficult People 3470

In life, you’re not going to get along with everyone—that’s just a fact. But you can exhibit tolerance for people who you deem “difficult” but whom you cannot help but be around, such as someone in the workplace. In Dealing with Difficult People 3470, an online continuing education course through UWA Online, participants will learn how to use their communication skills to deal with the types of personalities that rub them the wrong way.

Dealing with Difficult People 3470 is an independent-study course that will help participants identify difficult people in their lives and decipher why it is that they may act that way. The course will also introduce strategies for dealing with the behaviors of people you do not particularly mesh well with—or perhaps that you do not understand.

This online course is divided into the following topics:

Module 1: Getting to Know the People You Can’t Stand

  • The 10 (+3) Most Unwanted List
  • The lens of understanding
  • Motives behind behaviors
  • Focus and assertiveness
  • Tools for dealing professionally

Module 2: Surviving Through Skillful Communication

  • From conflict to cooperation
  • Listen to understand
  • Speak to be understood
  • Get what you project and expect
  • Changing your attitude

Module 3: Bringing Out the Best in People at Their Worst

  • The Sniper
  • The Know-it-All
  • The “Yes” Person
  • The Nothing Person
  • Bring Out the Best

Module 4: Communication in a Digital Age

  • Communication and the challenge of technology
  • Phone communication
  • Email communications
  • Applying the steps
  • Diffusing difficult situations

As an independent-study course, Dealing with Difficult People 3470 will provide students the resources they need to successfully complete the course via online material. A student helpdesk will be available for technical support during course enrollment.

Improve your patience and acceptance today with this course through UWA Online Continuing Education e-Learning! To register for Dealing with Difficult People 3470, click here.

To browse our selection of other non-credit, online courses, visit www.uwa.edu/ce.

Earn Your Dental Assistant Certificate With UWA Online

If you’re looking for a responsibility-driven career that requires strong communication skills, the ability to work with your hands and combinations of other interpersonal and technical abilities, then dental assisting could be your ideal career position. As the person in the dental office who typically spends the most time with the patient from the start of their visit to the end, dental assistants are responsible for comprehensive and varied tasks throughout the office. You can prepare to earn your dental assistant certificate through UWA Online Continuing Education!

UWA Online’s Dental Assisting Program prepares students for entry-level positions in dental assisting—one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions that currently is short staffed. In fact, a career in dental assisting ranks as the fourth fastest-growing occupation in the healthcare technician field, with studies projecting that more than 400,000 assistants will be employed by 2018.

This dental assisting program serves to introduce and familiarize students with both administrative and clinical dental assisting. Topics covered during this certificate program include:

Familiarization with the office environment

  • Introduction to the dental office
  • History of dentistry and dental assisting
  • Legal aspects of dentistry
  • Dental administration and communication skills
  • Occupational health and safety

Oral anatomy

  • Introduction to oral anatomy
  • Introduction to tooth structure, including primary and permanent teeth
  • The oral cavity and related structures
  • Oral health and preventions of dental disease

Using equipment

  • Dental hand-pieces and sterilization
  • Infection control in dentistry
  • Dental equipment, accessories and the treatment room

Dental procedures

  • Dental radiology
  • Single crown restoration, bridge, implant, partial denture and full denture
  • Dental cements and impression materials
  • Tooth charting and tooth surfaces
  • Assisting in comprehensive dental care

Upon successful completion of this dental assistantship program’s courses, students will be prepared to take included certification exams: The Dental Assisting National Board’s (DANB) Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam and the DANB’s Infection Control Exam (ICE).

  • The RHS and ICE, along with the DANB’s Anatomy, Morphology and Physiology (AMP) exam are required to earn a National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification.
  • The RHS and ICE are required along with the General Chairside (GC) exam to earn a Certified Dental Assistant declaration.
  • The RHS and the Orthodontic Assisting (OA) exam are required to become a Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA).

By taking the RHS and ICE component exams, you will be well on your way to completing any one of these three dental assistant certifications.

Participants of this program will have access to educational mentor Patrice Arevalo, who has a degree in medical assisting from The Career College of Northern Nevada and a degree in dental assisting from the Community College Air Force. Arevalo exists as a resource to participants by answering questions, monitoring program progression and reviewing quiz and test results.

Launch your new career and earn your dental assistant certificate with UWA Online starting today! Registration for this program is open until Dec. 15, 2017. Interested in registering? Click here!

Our non-credit continuing education courses are available to anyone for the purposes of professional development, career training, hobby fulfillment and more. Browse our courses at www.uwa.edu/ce!

 

UWA Campus Events Happening in August 2017

In Alabama, August means back-to-school! Though the University of West Alabama’s campus has been quiet over the summer, this month students will come back to Livingston in full force—eager to start another school year and experience everything that comes along with being a UWA Tiger. That being said, there are a selection of UWA campus events happening in August 2017. Whether you are an incoming freshman or seasoned graduate student or local sports fan, UWA has a little something for everyone to add to their calendars!

International Student Orientation, August 9

  • About: This mandatory orientation for F-1 students will include a welcome from the International Programs staff, an orientation presentation, banking presentation, Tiger ID card pickup, ESL testing (if applicable) and more.
  • Where: Tutwiler Conference Center
  • When: Check in from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Men’s Soccer vs. Jones County Junior College, August 11

  • About: Watch the UWA Tigers Men’s Soccer team take on Jones County Junior College of Ellisville, Miss., in this exhibition game.
  • Where: Tiger Stadium
  • When: 7:30 p.m.

Bingo for Bucks, August 14

  • About: Win Tiger Bucks by playing bingo! Tiger Bucks can be used at a variety of on and off campus restaurants and stores, as well as vending machines and on-campus laundry. Click here for a full list of places where you can use Tiger Bucks.
  • Where: Lyon Hall Auditorium
  • When: 8 to 9 p.m.

Comedian Performance, August 16

  • About: The UWA Campus Activities Board presents comedian Chico Bean from MTV’s Wild ‘N Out as part of UWA Welcome Back Week! A native of Washington, D.C., Chico has opened for Chris Wiles and is a founding member of the NC Comics All-Stars as well as NC’s Freestyle Funny Comedy Show.
  • Where: Lyon Hall Auditorium
  • When: 8 to 9:30 p.m.

Magician, August 16

  • About: The UWA Campus Activities Board presents magician Mike Super: Magic & Illusion as part of UWA Welcome Back Week! A finalist of America’s Got Talent and a winner of NBC’s Phenomenon, Mike Super has a passion for mystifying his audience members, some of whom have included the Hollywood elite like Ellen DeGeneres, Jay Leno, Kenny Chesney, Kim Kardashian and more.
  • Where: Bibb Graves Auditorium
  • When: 7 to 9 p.m.

Get on Board Day, August 17

  • About: This twice-a-year UWA tradition seeks to help students connect with their specific areas of interest around campus. Students will be exposed to hundreds of organizations, community vendors and UWA campus departments.
  • Where: Student Rec Center, Hughes Gym
  • When: 4 p.m.

Men’s Soccer vs. William Carey, August 19

  • About: Watch the UWA Tigers Men’s Soccer team take on William Carey of Hattiesburg, Miss., in this exhibition game.
  • Where: Tiger Stadium
  • When: 7:30 p.m.

Miss UWA 2018 Interest Meeting, August 23

  • About: The Miss University of West Alabama Pageant is held each year in the spring and is affiliated with the Miss Alabama Pageant, Inc., as an official Miss America preliminary. This meeting is for persons interested in entering the Miss UWA 2018 Pageant.
  • Where: Tiger’s Den
  • When: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Wiffle Ball Tournament, August 24

  • About: Have a knack for wiffle ball? Get your skills ready for the University of West Alabama Intramural Wiffle Ball League Tournament.
  • Where: Intramural Fields
  • When: 4 p.m.

Madden 2018 Tournament, August 28

  • About: The long-anticipated next annual release of the Madden NFL franchise comes out Aug. 25, 2017. Hit the ground running by participating in UWA’s Madden 2018 tournament this month!
  • Where: Student Union Lobby
  • When: 4 p.m.

Group Exercise Showcase Night, August 29

  • About: Learn about all of the group exercise classes that will be offered on campus this fall including Aqua Fit, Boot Camp, Workout Warriors, Spin and more.
  • Where: Fitness Center
  • When: 5:15 to 7:30 p.m.

The variety of UWA campus events happening in August 2017 are evidence of the vibrancy that fall semester brings to Livingston! Not local to Livingston but want to get involved with UWA? Register for one of our online continuing education courses today! Do it as a hobby, or add a course or certification completion to your resume. Visit www.uwa.edu/ce to browse our course offerings!

 

 

Course Spotlight: WordPress.com Essentials 3666

The prevalence of social media leads employers to look for individuals skilled in popular forms of blogging tools. Blogging to advertise and provide information to the public can make a business appear attractive and knowledgeable as well as spread information about a cause or establish a business’ leadership in the industry. Students of WordPress.com Essentials 3666 will learn to utilize one of the leading blogging platforms in social media.

 

The course will not only demonstrate how to publish WordPress blogs optimized for images, links, galleries, and video, but explore the

  • selection and customization of blog themes,
  • creation of statistic pages,
  • menu customization,
  • side bar widgets, and
  • blog and social media integration.

 

The successful completion of WordPress.com Essentials 3666 involves students creating a completed and optimized WordPress blog through an understanding of the various settings and features offered by the platform.

 

The instructor of WordPress.com Essentials 3666 is Deltina Hay, author of The Social Media Survival Guide, a textbook taught in schools worldwide. Hay is well-written in topics of social media, search optimization, and the mobile web. Her graduate program studies include computer science, applied mathematics, numerical analysis, nonlinear dynamics, and psychology. She has worked in programming and Web development for over 30 years, and currently sits as the Board Chair of the Independent Book Publishers Association.

 

The course does not require the additional purchase of materials, and will be a 24/7 online class. Tuition is $159, and registration for the course closes Friday, December 15, 2017.

 

Become a whiz at WordPress blogging today with WordPress.com Essentials 3666, an online continuing education course through UWA Online! To register for WordPress.com Essentials 3666, visit the course listing website. Stay tuned to the UWA Continuing Education blog for more course spotlights, community news and continuing education advice! To browse more of our course offerings, visit www.uwa.edu/ce!

 

 

 

 

6 Professional Development Certificates to Get This Fall

When it comes to securing a high-level position in the workforce, it helps to have the proper credentials to illustrate that you are qualified for the gig. That’s where the University of West Alabama Online’s professional development certificates come in. Each of our online certificate programs allows you to take work-at-your-own-pace, non-credit courses that are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to become a better employee, manager, administrator or whatever title you currently hold or are vying for. Here, we’ve outlined six professional development certificates that you can take this fall with UWA Online Continuing Education e-Learning to bolster your resume and heighten your qualifications.

Business Coaching Certificate 2844

  • About: Learn how to become a better mentor and coach within your organization to improve your leadership skills and be better able to support your employees. Participants will not only learn how to create and implement coaching and mentoring plans in the workplace, but they will learn how to foster a working environment that cultivates positivity and productivity among employees. Topics covered include:
    • The difference between coaching and mentoring
    • Deciding whether you are a mentor or coach
    • Strategies for effective coaching and mentoring
    • Issues in mentoring and coaching
    • Special employee considerations in the workplace and
    • Evaluating coaching and mentoring programs
  • Cost: $295. Register here.

Certificate in Non-Profit Administration 2864

  • About: This course will teach participants how to efficiently run a non-profit in a competitive environment. From revenue generation to staff productivity, this course will cover what you need to know to be successful as a non-profit administrator. Topics covered include:
    • Revenue generation for non-profits and
    • Program evaluation for non-profits
  • Cost: $595. Register here.

Certificate in Project Management 3033

  • About: Defined project management skills can put you on a fast track to promotion within your company. UWA Online’s Certificate in Project Management will show that you are certified to see a project through from plan, to resolution—and cancellation if need be. Topics covered include:
    • Confidently developing and maintaining a project
    • An overview of salaries, certification costs, education and experience requirements
    • The five Project Management Processes relating to the Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide
    • The 10 Project Management Knowledge Areas and their relationship to the Five Project Management Processes.
  • Cost: $495. Register here.

Management Certificate 2872

  • About: This certificate program is ideal for supervisors, managers and emerging leaders looking to make a positive impact. Participants will learn how to create a solid foundation in the workplace, increase productivity and motivate employees. Topics covered include:
    • Conflict management
    • Negotiation: get what you want and
    • Using personality profiles for better work performance
  • Cost: $595. Register here.

Supervisory & Leadership Certificate 2882

  • About: Whether you are just starting out in a supervisory role or you are an experienced manager, the Supervisory & Leadership Certificate exists to provide practical information for those in leadership positions in the workplace in regard to delegation of tasks, performance evaluations, enhancing efficiency among your team members and more. Topics covered include:
    • The role of the supervisor
    • The four functions of management
    • Delegation and employee engagement
    • Measuring the outcomes of your delegation
    • Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of job performance and
    • Writing and delivering performance reviews
  • Cost: $395. Register here.

Presentation Skills Certificate 3073

  • About: Public speaking is a number-one fear for millions of Americans, but being able to deliver an engaging and thought-provoking presentation is a critical skill to have for career success in many employment positions. In the Presentation Skills Certificate course of study, participants will learn how to improve their presentation styles and how to identify the types of people in your audience in order to deliver what they will better respond to. Topics covered include:
    • Using your body, face and hands to improve your presentation style
    • The power of the pause
    • Identifying personality types
    • How to maintain eye contact
    • What to do when your equipment fails and
    • The top 10 things to do before you present
  • Cost: $195. Register here.

By adding one (or more) of these professional development certificates to your resume, you will not only be better able to back up your qualifications, but you will be able to improve what you have to offer in the workplace in the eyes of your employees, coworkers and/or superiors.

To browse our other certificate and course offerings, visit us at www.uwa.edu/ce!

7 Top Coffee Shops Near Livingston

Want a peaceful, aromatic atmosphere in which to relax, read, or study? Want to make a quick coffee and snack stop before hitting the road? Sometimes, a good day is topped off by a visit to the local coffee shop with a sweet pastry and delicious caffeinated beverage. Among the choices of coffee shops near Livingston, there are several charming cafes that make their home near our little spot in West Alabama worth the visit.

 

The Coffee Shop on Monroe

Located in downtown Livingston, this café serves a variety of coffee and tea beverages, sandwiches, and paninis for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, ice cream treats including milkshakes, sundaes, and ice cream sandwiches help customers cool off in the summer! The homely atmosphere makes this shop a great place to take or escape from your studies. Check them out on Facebook.

  • 309 Monroe St, Livingston, Alabama
  • Mon–Sat: 7 A.M.–10 P.M.; Closed Sundays

 

Scarlet Cup Coffee Shop

Across the state line in Meridian is the Scarlet Cup, offering quality coffee and tea drinks, as well as smoothies, frozen lattes, and more! With a roomy interior and beautiful drinks, the Scarlet Cup is an excellent step above Starbucks. Check them out on Facebook or visit their website.

  • 2300 North Hills Street, Suite B, Meridian, Mississippi
  • Mon–Sat: 6:15 A.M.–6 P.M.; Sun: 7:15 A.M.–7:30 P.M.

 

The Daily Grind

Get away from the daily grind with The Daily Grind café and restaurant in Meridian! This shop in north Meridian makes delicious soups, salads, and sandwiches on top of flavorful coffee drinks. They cater, too, and offer cooked-to-order beignets. Of the coffee shops near Livingston, The Daily Grind is a beautifully decorated space in which you can relax, study, hold a small business meeting or visit for a quick caffeinated beverage. Check them out on Facebook or visit their website.

  • 4820 Poplar Springs Dr., Meridian, Mississippi
  • Mon–Fri: 7 A.M.–4 P.M.; Closed Sat & Sun

 

Lulu’s Coffee Shop

Looking for a lovely little coffee shop that sales not just delicious coffee and original sandwiches and salads but also gorgeous pastries, cakes, and bread? Lulu’s Coffee Shop in Demopolis is exactly that, promising picturesque drinks and baked goods for a modest price! Check them out on Facebook.

  • 951 US Highway 80 W, Demopolis, Alabama
  • Mon–Fri: 7 A.M.–4:30 P.M.; Closed Sat & Sun

 

Southern Grounds Coffee Shoppe

If you’re looking for coffee shops near Livingston with a sweet, rustic vibe and a welcoming Christian atmosphere, Southern Grounds Coffee Shoppe in Thomasville is one café to visit! This coffee shop offers specialty coffees, housemade cakes and cupcakes, and even a choice of ice cream. Visit them on Facebook or visit their website.

  • 132 West Front Street, Thomasville, Alabama
  • Mon-Fri: 7 A.M.–5:30 P.M.; Sat: 8 A.M.–1 P.M.; Closed Sundays

 

Heritage House Coffee and Tea

Less than an hour’s drive from Livingston, Tuscaloosa boasts its own plethora of cozy coffee shops, including one of any Heritage House Coffee and Tea locations. Here, you’ll find a relaxing atmosphere, gorgeous baked goods, and gourmet drinks. With three locations, Heritage House is always within reach for Tuscaloosa residents. Check them out of Facebook.

  • Visit Heritage House’s website for directions and hours for any of their stores.

 

Monarch Espresso Bar

The Monarch Espresso Bar serves craft coffee, including selections from Honduras, Peru, and Ethiopia, and a variety of specialty drinks to fill up any sort of café craving. This quaint vibe will provide those in search of coffee shops near Livingston a generous stay in Tuscaloosa! Check out their Facebook or visit their website.

  • 714 22nd Avenue, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • Mon–Sat: 7 A.M.–10 A.M.; Closed Sundays

 

Rest assured that you have options for a caffeine or pastry craving near Livingston! For more information on the Livingston community, continue following the UWA Continuing Education blog!

 

If you are interested in learning about our non-credit, online continuing education courses, check out our course offerings at www.uwa.edu/ce.

 

 

 

 

Course Spotlight: Ace Your Job Search! 3252

Whether you are a recent college graduate looking to land your first gig, or you are a seasoned career person looking to make a change, this UWA Online Continuing Education course serves to help you get to where you want to be in terms of job fulfillment. In Ace Your Job Search! 3252, participants will focus on career planning, resume writing and interviewing skills—all in an effort to help them become champions when it comes to securing their ideal places of employment.

Ace Your Job Search! 3252 will prepare students for all scenarios involved in the job hunting process. This three-part course is divided into the following:

Part 1: Tailoring Resumes and Cover Letters for a Perfect Fit

  • Learn to create a resume and cover that will appeal to potential employers
  • Learn the specific information that you should and should not include in a resume and cover letter

Part 2: Interviewing Skills: Make the Right Impression

  • Learn to prepare in advance of an interview
  • Learn about the five stages of the interview process

Part 3: Interviewing Skills: Ace Those Tough Questions

  • Learn to craft likeable answers to difficult questions
  • Learn how to anticipate beforehand which questions may be asked to be ready for any situation

By the end of Ace Your Job Search! 3252, those who successfully complete the course will be able to:

  • Develop effective resumes and cover letters
  • Efficiently research a company using web-based resources prior to an interview
  • Think of potential interview questions and answer them beforehand
  • Respond well to tough interview questions
  • Ask themselves the right questions for tailoring career development
  • Recognize whether or not a career opportunity fits into their career development path

The tuition for this course is $195 and does not require the purchase of any supplemental materials. Participants will have access to a “mentor expert” help desk feature, through which they will be able to submit questions directly to an expert.

Start making the most of your future career opportunities today by registering for Ace Your Job Search! 3252 through UWA Online Continuing Education e-Learning! To register, click here.

To browse all of our course offerings, visit us at www.uwa.edu/ce!

 

The Back-to-School Supplies You Need for Online Courses

Back-to-school time for campus-goers is coming up quickly, which means students, parents and teachers will be budgeting for their back-to-school supplies this month and next. For UWA Online’s continuing education e-Learning courses, things are a little bit different in terms of what you need to be well-equipped for class, but certain supplies are still necessary. The back-to-school supplies you need for online courses differ in that all of your work will be done remotely from your computer—meaning having well-working technology is your number one priority.

Specific courses may require specific supplies, but in general, the back-to-school supplies you need for online courses include the following.

  • Current desktop or laptop computer. If your computer is a few years old and in good working condition, then you do not necessarily need to go out and buy a new one for our education e-Learning courses. However, newer computers are sure to have sufficient memory and computer processing speeds that will be necessary to access, work on and submit materials for our online continuing education courses.
  • Up-to-date operating system. Many of our e-Learning courses require Windows XP, Vista or 7 and Mac OS X 10 or higher with Windows. An outdated operating system can mean that certain programs will be incompatible to run on your computer.
  • Broadband or high-speed internet access. This is a requirement for our UWA Online Continuing Education e-Learning courses. Broadband includes DSL, cable and wireless connections. Dial-up is insufficient due to the fact that loading will be too slow, and viewing large audio and video files may be impossible.
  • Headphones with microphone. Headphones can be useful in the event that you need to watch a video or listen to a discussion and you do not want to disturb others that may be sharing your space. Some of our courses require or suggest having a microphone for instances of verbal class discussions, or to create recordings.
  • Planner.  Being successful in an online course that you work on remotely is all dependent on how you organize your time. It helps if you dedicate certain times of day to working on your online courses, and you do not deviate from that plan. Organizing your time in either an electronic planner or a paper one can help you stay on track.
  • Pen and paper. Despite the extreme focus on top-notch technology, you should always have pen and paper around in the event that you need to jot down an idea or take a note on the fly. As you listen to discussions, you may prefer to take notes using the tried and true pen-and-paper method, rather than trying to type. These types of school supplies never go out of style!

The back-to-school supplies you need for online courses may go beyond these basics, but this list will help get you started. Another difference between those preparing to physically go back to school, and those planning to register for a remote online course is that with the latter, you get to decide when the best time is for you to start. Register for our online continuing education e-Learning courses at your own convenience, and complete them according to your schedule.

To browse our course offerings, visit www.uwa.edu/ce!

 

10 Quick Facts From UWA History

You wouldn’t recognize the University of West Alabama at its inception. Our university has humble roots deep in antebellum Alabama, and a quick look at UWA history tracks that growth from unassuming origins to the full-fledged university that UWA is today. Get to know UWA with these quick facts from UWA history.

 

  1. Livingston Female Academy, which began in 1835, starts the University of West Alabama’s origins. The beginning of UWA history is a small, church-supported academy operating during a time of migration in Sumter County, where settlers where escaping the harsh oversight of law. At the time, academies were integral to the South, providing older children with preparatory work to continue their education into college.
  2. Tuition at the Livingston Female Academy was exceptionally less than one might expect and educational institution to charge. An interesting tidbit about UWA history is that tuition was $20 per term, plus an extra $5 for piano lessons and plus $10 to attend classes on French and embroidery.
  3. The most famous UWA president is Julia Tutwiler. Thanks to her, the academy received the first state appropriation given to female education. Additionally, it was through Tutwiler’s encouragement that the University of Alabama now includes female students. During Tutwiler’s presidency, the academy became the Alabama Normal College, the first of many major name-changes of UWA history.
  4. 1915 marks the year the school became co-educational. Accompanied by this change was the new president to replace Julia Tutwiler: Dr. George William Brock, who expanded the school and added Brock, Bibb Graves, and Foust Hall to the campus.
  5. Brock Hall was the site of the first major school building constructed by the academy. The hall was constructed shortly after Alabama legislature granted a tax-exempt status to the institution.
  6. The academy became accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in 1936. At this time, the United States was suffering from the Great Depression. Livingston State Teachers College, formerly the Alabama Normal College, maintained a focus on educating future teachers, and during the presidency of Dr. Noble Franklin Greenhill, saw the introduction of Greek life to campus grounds.
  7. The school nearly closed due to low enrollment by 1944. And unfortunate part of UWA history is around World War II, when men were leaving to fight in the war, dramatically dropping enrollment and attendance.
  8. A master’s degree program was added in 1957. 1959 marked the first year in UWA history that the first master’s degrees were awarded to students at the institution.
  9. The Ira D. Pruitt School of Nursing was established in 1973. The Allied Health Linkage had also been established with the University of Alabama in Birmingham, and a dual degree program was developed alongside Auburn University.
  10. UWA underwent multiple more name changes before settling on the University of West Alabama. By the time it was the University of West Alabama, the school’s name had changed from the Livingston State Teachers College to Livingston State University to simply Livingston University. Finally, in 1995, Livingston University became the University of West Alabama to prove the commitment founded by UWA to its regional roots.

 

UWA history is long and varied; the institution we know today focused on different goals, called itself many different names—as if it was growing into its shoes and the responsibility it set upon itself. For more insight into UWA, Livingston and the surrounding area, continue following the UWA Continuing Education blog! If you are interested in learning about our non-credit, online continuing education courses, check out our course offerings at www.uwa.edu/ce.