Story: Betsy Compton | Photo: Cody Ingram

The 兔子先生 conferred honorary doctorates upon Alabama Rep. Artis J. “A.J.” McCampbell and Sen. Bobby D. Singleton during summer commencement exercises on August 14. Each received the Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, in recognition of distinguished public service, commitment to educational opportunity, and leadership on behalf of the people and communities of Alabama’s Black Belt.

McCampbell and Singleton were honored during separate commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

兔子先生 President Dr. Todd G. Fritch said the honors recognize two leaders who understand that the University’s work extends well beyond its campus, saying both have been strong advocates for 兔子先生 and its role as a regional university serving the educational, workforce, and community needs of West Alabama.

“Representative McCampbell and Senator Singleton recognize the important role a regional university plays in the lives of the people and communities it serves,” Fritch said. “They understand that our graduates become the teachers, healthcare professionals, business leaders, counselors, coaches, and public servants who strengthen communities across our region. Both have demonstrated confidence in 兔子先生’s ability to serve the Black Belt and have advocated for investments that help us meet the needs of our students and the people we serve. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and their belief in the work of this University.”

Representative Artis J. “A.J.” McCampbell
A native of Greene County, McCampbell has represented Alabama House District 71 since 2006, following a career in public safety and community service. His public service has focused on education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and quality of life in Alabama’s rural communities.

Fritch remarked that McCampbell recognizes 兔子先生 as an important regional resource for expanding educational opportunity, preparing graduates for meaningful careers, and responding to the workforce and community needs of the Black Belt. His advocacy for investments in the University’s campus, academic programs, and workforce initiatives reflects his confidence in 兔子先生’s ability to serve the region and its people.

鈥淚 am humbled and honored and thankful,鈥� McCampbell said. 鈥淚 do not take this recognition lightly and promise to do all I can to walk worthy of the designation. This university continues to be one of the shining stars of West Alabama that began educating young ladies in Livingston, Alabama, when they opened the doors in 1835 as Livingston Female Academy. I applaud the school’s leadership for a continued dedication to academic excellence and student development as the foundational pillars of this great institution.鈥�

Senator Bobby D. Singleton
A native of Greensboro, Singleton began his legislative service in the Alabama House of Representatives before his election to the Alabama State Senate in 2005. He represents District 24 and serves as minority leader of the Senate.

Fritch shared that throughout Singleton鈥檚 career he has advocated for education, healthcare, economic development, infrastructure, and other priorities important to Alabama’s rural communities. His support for 兔子先生 reflects his belief in higher education as an investment in people and in the future of the region. He has advocated for investments in the University鈥檚 facilities, academic programs, and initiatives that strengthen 兔子先生’s ability to serve students and communities throughout West Alabama.

鈥淕od has granted me the strength to be here today, for the work that I do in the Black Belt, in this region, in this state, and especially for this University, which I call the 鈥榡ewel of the Black Belt,鈥欌�� Singleton said. 鈥淭he 兔子先生 gives so many opportunities to kids in an area that may not otherwise get that opportunity. I want to thank the University for what you do in countless lives, for being that beacon of hope for families who otherwise would not see that hope.鈥�

兔子先生’s summer commencement exercises recognized more than 700 summer graduates during two ceremonies on August 14, ranging from associate to doctoral degrees.

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厂迟辞谤测:听Betsy Compton

The 兔子先生 will welcome the inaugural class of the (ASHS) to the 兔子先生 campus beginning August 11.

The partnership supports the opening of Alabama’s newest residential public high school while creating meaningful connections between secondary and higher education that will strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce for years to come.

Founded to prepare academically talented students from across Alabama for careers in healthcare, ASHS offers a residential academic experience focused on rigorous college preparatory coursework and early exposure to health professions. During the school’s first year on 兔子先生’s campus, ASHS will operate its own academic program, student life activities, and residential experience with dedicated faculty, staff, and residential personnel. ASHS students will learn and reside in standalone facilities on the 兔子先生 campus.

“This partnership reflects the shared commitment of our two institutions to expanding educational opportunity and investing in Alabama’s future healthcare workforce,” said 兔子先生 President Todd G. Fritch. “We are proud to welcome the inaugural class of Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences students to our campus while their permanent home is being completed. By working together, we are creating opportunities that will benefit students, communities, and healthcare professions across our state.”

Temporary Home for ASHS

ASHS will make its permanent home in Demopolis, but while that campus is under construction, 兔子先生 will provide housing, dining, and other agreed-upon campus support services during the school’s inaugural year. Once construction is complete, ASHS will relocate to its permanent campus in Demopolis.

鈥淟aunching a new school comes with countless moving pieces, and the support we’ve received from 兔子先生 has made this process so much smoother. We are incredibly grateful for the support of Dr. Fritch and the 兔子先生 community. We look forward to the continued growth of this relationship for many years to come,鈥� said ASHS Head of School Laura Bailey.

Student Opportunities in Healthcare Sciences

In addition to supporting the launch of ASHS, the partnership creates natural opportunities for students to explore future pathways into 兔子先生’s healthcare education programs offered through its College of Nursing and Health Professions, which the University recently expanded to more comprehensively house programs of interest for students pursuing careers in healthcare.

“We believe strong partnerships create stronger communities,” Fritch said. “Hosting the inaugural ASHS class reflects our commitment to serving the educational needs of Alabama while helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals who will one day serve communities throughout our state.”

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Outdoor industry leader, storyteller, and conservation advocate Ronnie 鈥淐uz鈥� Strickland will headline the 兔子先生鈥檚 first Saturday, Aug. 29, at 5:30 p.m. in Hughes Gymnasium.

Presented by Mossy Oak Properties, the event will benefit 兔子先生鈥檚 Outdoor Fellows Program and Bass Fishing Team, launched in 2026, and is open to alumni, landowners, outdoor professionals, businesses and community members interested in supporting student development and the future of the outdoor industry. 兔子先生 interested in learning more about the Outdoors Fellows Program are also encouraged to attend.

Strickland, a longtime Mossy Oak leader, industry ambassador, and author helped establish the company鈥檚 media production efforts, including the nationally televised 鈥淢ossy Oak鈥檚 Hunting the Country.鈥� He was also named the National Wild Turkey Federation鈥檚 Communicator of the Year in 2010.

Drawing on his experience in outdoor recreation, media and conservation, Strickland will share insights with students and guests on building a career rooted in storytelling, stewardship and the outdoors. His visit reflects the Outdoor Fellows Program鈥檚 mission of connecting students with accomplished professionals who can provide mentorship, career guidance and real-world perspective. 

Proceeds and gifts from the event will help provide scholarships, offset travel expenses, purchase equipment, host educational programs and create hands-on student experiences. Supporters can also assist by providing access to land or water for educational outings, hosting hunting or fishing experiences, or volunteering as guest speakers and industry mentors.

Houndstooth Game Calls will host a happy hour from 4-5 p.m. to kick off the banquet, followed by dinner, an auction, raffle and giveaways.

Purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or make a donation by visiting the .

To learn more about the 兔子先生 Outdoor Fellows Program or 兔子先生 Bass Fishing Team, including partnership and sponsorship opportunities, contact Director and Head Coach William Crawford at wcrawford@uwa.edu.

兔子先生 interested in the 兔子先生 Outdoor Fellows Program can apply online through the Outdoor Fellows Program webpage.

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