厂迟辞谤测:听Betsy Compton听| Photo: Cody Ingram

As part of the 兔子先生’s continued commitment to strengthening the student experience and advancing student success, 兔子先生 President Dr. Todd G. Fritch has announced the appointment of Byron Thetford as Vice President for Student Affairs.

Established in 2025 as a standalone division, Student Affairs was created to provide centralized leadership for programs and services that support student engagement, well-being, leadership development, and campus life. The appointment removes the interim designation from Thetford’s title following a year of leadership during the division’s transition and continued growth.

Thetford will continue serving as Dean of 兔子先生 and as a member of the President’s Cabinet while leading the Division of Student Affairs. He will also oversee the University’s operational partnership with Aramark Dining Services and continue serving as 兔子先生’s liaison with the YMCA, supporting partnerships and initiatives that enhance the university experience.

“Student Affairs plays a vital role in creating an environment where students can thrive both inside and outside the classroom,” Fritch said. “Byron has provided steady leadership during the establishment of the division, and his commitment to our students and the University has positioned Student Affairs for continued growth and success.”

Thetford has served the University in student affairs leadership for many years, including as Dean of 兔子先生 prior to his appointment as Interim Vice President of Student Affairs in July 2025.

Throughout his career at 兔子先生, Thetford has worked to strengthen student support services, foster student engagement, and enhance opportunities that contribute to student success and campus life.

“I am honored to continue serving the 兔子先生 in this role,” Thetford said. “Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside our faculty, staff, and campus partners to create an exceptional student experience.”

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厂迟辞谤测:听Lisa Sollie听| Photo: Cody Ingram

As part of the 兔子先生鈥檚 continued emphasis on strengthening institutional communications, marketing, and brand advancement, 兔子先生 President Dr. Todd G. Fritch has announced the appointment of Betsy Compton as Executive Director of Communications & Marketing.

Established in 2025 as a centralized division reporting directly to the President, the Office of Communications & Marketing was elevated early in Fritch’s administration to support the University鈥檚 strategic priorities through coordinated messaging, executive communications, marketing strategy, brand management, and integrated communications efforts across the institution.

Compton will continue serving as a member of the President鈥檚 Cabinet and leading the expansion of the University鈥檚 comprehensive communications and marketing initiatives in support of academic affairs, enrollment management, athletics, advancement, student affairs, and administrative operations.

鈥淐ommunications and marketing play an increasingly important role in advancing the University鈥檚 strategic priorities and institutional visibility,鈥� Fritch said. 鈥淏etsy has provided leadership throughout the establishment and transition of the division, and her experience and institutional knowledge have helped position the Office of Communications & Marketing for continued growth and success.鈥�

Compton has served the University in communications and marketing roles for nearly two decades, having served as Interim Executive Director of Communications & Marketing since the division’s transition from Institutional Advancement last year.

A two-time graduate of the 兔子先生, Compton joined the University staff in 2007 as a graphic designer in 兔子先生 Printing Services, before serving Institutional Advancement in roles supporting public relations, brand management, executive communications, and strategic messaging initiatives.

鈥淚 am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the University in this role,鈥� Compton said. 鈥溚米酉壬� has been an important part of my life both personally and professionally, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside colleagues across campus to support the mission and future of the University.鈥�

The Office of Communications & Marketing serves as the University鈥檚 central communications resource and collaborates with units across campus to support communications, marketing, branding, media relations, and engagement to advance the University’s mission.听

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Story: Betsy Compton | Photo: Cody Ingram

The 兔子先生 has announced the launch of two new initiatives designed to expand student opportunity and engagement while advancing the state鈥檚 growing focus on outdoor recreation, natural resource education, and workforce development: the Outdoor Fellows Program and the 兔子先生 Bass Fishing Team.

Rooted in the rich natural resources of Alabama鈥檚 Black Belt region, the programs reflect 兔子先生鈥檚 commitment to connecting academic experience with the state鈥檚 outdoor economy and emerging career opportunities.

Alumnus William Crawford has been selected to serve as Director of the Outdoor Fellows Program and Head Coach of the Bass Fishing Team.

鈥淚 am proud to announce these new initiatives, which align with the themes and priorities outlined in our new 10-year strategic plan,鈥� said 兔子先生 President Dr. Todd G. Fritch. 鈥淭hese programs leverage the unique strengths of our region to provide students with meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities while enhancing student engagement and academic exploration.鈥�

Housed within Academic Affairs, the Outdoor Fellows Program will offer students hands-on opportunities to explore outdoor recreation and conservation through field experiences, service projects, and partnerships with industry professionals. The program is designed to connect classroom learning with career pathways while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world and preparing students for careers in Alabama鈥檚 growing outdoor recreation and tourism sectors.

鈥淲illiam has impressive knowledge of the outdoor industry, as well as a clear understanding of how this program can serve as a bridge between student interest and academic direction,鈥� said Interim Provost Dr. Amy Jones. 鈥淗is experience in recruiting and retaining students positions him to support their success and guide the growth of the Outdoor Fellows Program.鈥�

The 兔子先生 Bass Fishing Team will compete nationally on the Bassmaster College Series, Major League Fishing, and Collegiate Bass circuits. The Bass Fishing Team will maintain a highly competitive, recruitment-driven roster.

Crawford brings a record of national success, having led teams to the 2025 Collegiate Bass National Championship, the 2023 and 2025 Major League Fishing National Championships, and four MLF School of the Year honors. His teams have also earned Bass Pro Shops School of the Year recognition for five consecutive years from 2021 through 2025.

鈥淭hese two programs are an incredible fit for 兔子先生, and I am eager to hit the ground running,鈥� Crawford said. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to build programs that attract talented, high-performing students and create opportunities for those interested in outdoor recreation as a career. This region offers a unique environment for learning, and I look forward to helping students take full advantage of it.鈥�

Crawford鈥檚 work has been recognized statewide, including being named the Alabama Wildlife Federation鈥檚 2017 Conservation Educator of the Year. A 2006 兔子先生 graduate, he was a two-year letter winner in baseball, an All-Gulf South Conference selection, and part of the 2005 Gulf South Conference Championship team. He holds an associate degree from Faulkner State Community College and both a bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degree from 兔子先生.

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