Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram
When Will Atkinson first accepted a coaching position at the University of West Alabama, he thought it would be a brief stop on his career path. Nearly two decades later, he’s still here, and Livingston, Alabama, is no longer just a place to work—it’s home, and his family can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Atkinson’s wife, April, has been with him at UWA from the start, currently serving as an assistant registrar at the University. Their daughter, Neely, who was just over a year old when they moved to Livingston, is now a freshman and UWA student-athlete.
Though coaching was his first passion, Atkinson has found just as much fulfillment in his current role as director of student advocacy, where his focus has shifted to helping students navigate life’s challenges and providing guidance when they’re unsure how to move forward. “Sometimes it’s as simple as a student struggling to tell their parents they want to change their major,” he explains. “Other times, it’s much more serious. You could say I’m a problem solver,” he says with a smile. “And a storyteller.”
One of his favorite stories involves a student who appeared before the academic appeals committee, on which Atkinson served. Seeking a second chance, the committee agreed to give the student another opportunity, with the stipulation that they meet with Atkinson weekly to stay on track.
“We met their final three semesters at UWA,” Atkinson recalls. “That kid graduated in December with all A’s and B’s. When I asked, ‘You could have been doing this from the beginning. What changed?’ The student looked at me and said, ‘I didn’t have anyone to hold me accountable. I couldn’t face you every Tuesday knowing I hadn’t done the work.’”
Though the circumstances in which Atkinson meets some students may not be ideal, seeing their growth is rewarding. He shares another story about a student who, within their first two days on campus, was ready to pack up and go home. Feeling the same way on day six and still the same two weeks later, Atkinson didn’t give up.
“One day led to another,” Atkinson says. “And the student kept plugging away. They’d pop into my office occasionally to let me know how they were doing. The next thing I knew, the student said, ‘I’m graduating this semester.’ Now that person works on campus!” Atkinson notes.
Atkinson’s commitment to UWA extends beyond student advocacy. He’s also the Voice of the Tigers, broadcasting for five UWA athletic teams, including football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and baseball.
“Anyone with decent broadcasting skills can call a ballgame,” he says. But these are more than just games to me; the players are more than just their stats. I’m calling games for people I’m personally invested in.”
Two years ago, during the basketball conference championship, Atkinson had a moment that left a lasting impact. “We won the championship, and the celebration is in full swing when suddenly, four players come to the broadcast table and handed me the trophy, asking me to hold it up for everyone to see. I didn’t do anything to deserve to hold that trophy,” he says, his voice filled with emotion. “But they thought enough of me to treat me like part of the team.”
Atkinson quickly acknowledges that the unwavering support of his wife and daughter has been the cornerstone of his passion and motivation to keep pursuing what he loves. But this year, that foundation became even more meaningful.
Holding his emotions in check, Atkinson reflects on what he describes as “the single coolest moment at UWA.” “This past fall, we were in Virginia when my daughter walked onto the volleyball court wearing UWA gear with my number on her jersey. It’s hard to put into words how much that meant, especially since Neely had always said she would never attend UWA,” Atkinson says. “When Neely first told us she wasn’t going to go to UWA, I told her that’s fine, but she needed to make a list of what she was looking for, and we’d find universities that matched. Not long after we visited one of the colleges on her list, she said, ‘You know, I think UWA might be a really good fit for me.’ And now, here she is—studying Integrated Marketing Communications and playing volleyball. Watching her live out her own UWA story has been beyond incredible. Experiencing this together as a family—there’s nothing better.”