Story: Betsy Compton
The University of West Alabama honored retiring president Dr. Ken Tucker during commencement exercises on December 13, naming him President Emeritus upon his forthcoming retirement at the end of the year. Tucker is the first in the institution’s history to be recognized as president emeritus.
Tucker, who previously served as dean of the College of Business before being named president, was nominated by its faculty, with unanimous approval by Academic Leadership Council and President’s Council.
During Tucker’s tenure as president, UWA has experienced unprecedented growth, including a 71 percent increase in overall enrollment and more than $70 million in capital projects to expand, enhance, and add campus facilities to better serve students. He has advocated locally and globally for the University’s ability to meet the educational needs of a growing region through leadership, economic and workforce development, and collaborations that build and strengthen communities. A cornerstone of his tenure is the University’s sponsorship of the establishment of Alabama’s first rural public pre-K through 12 charter school, University Charter School.
Tucker is a native of Linden and was a long-time resident of Demopolis before moving to the UWA campus. He holds B.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Alabama and an MBA degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He became the twelfth president of the University of West Alabama on January 1, 2015. Leading the College of Business as dean and professor of management, Tucker served as chairperson of the UWA Foundation Board of Directors and the Small Business Development Center. He has served as president of Faculty Senate and is a recipient of the prestigious William E. Gilbert Award for outstanding teaching.