The UM National Alumni Association hosted its annual awards dinner on Oct. 10, closing out the 2024 Founders’ Day festivities by honoring the recipients of its Outstanding Staff Service Award, Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award and Mary Lou Elder Williams Alumni Loyalty Award.
Outstanding Staff Service Award
The Outstanding Staff Service Award, which recognizes a staff member’s excellence in service and loyalty to the University, was presented to Chief Tim Alexander, UM’s chief of police and director of public safety.
Joining the UMPD in 2018, the Montevallo native brought with him a wealth of community ties from his time with the city of Montevallo Police Department and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. He has worked to foster positive relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni, ensuring that everyone knows UMPD prioritizes their well-being and safety.
Alexander’s nominators described him as a familiar and friendly presence whose service extends beyond his duties as police chief. According to Kira Thomas ’12, executive director of University Marketing & Communications and previous recipient of the award, “Chief is a familiar face at numerous student, employee and alumni events, often seen behind the grill doing what he loves.”
Marion Brown ’03, director for University Events and the Calendar Office, said, “I have watched him grow from a teenager bagging groceries at a local supermarket after school into a man whose sensible and well-balanced leadership is built upon experience and an ability to understand different people and perspectives.”
Upon accepting the award, Alexander thanked his family for their love and encouragement, and thanked UM faculty, staff and students for their contribution to the institution’s success.
“Thank you for your unwavering support of me and the police department,” Alexander said. “This award encourages me to reflect on the impact we can have on each other and our beloved UM. Your dedication and overall mission to student success inspires me to keep pushing boundaries and seeking new opportunities for growth.”
Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award
Dr. Scott Turner, professor of political science, received the Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award. The award is presented to a UM professor who is dedicated to providing quality education and making an impact on students through the teaching-learning process.
Since joining the faculty in 1995, Turner’s commitment to teaching has left a positive impact on generations of UM students. He is revered for his sustained support for his students’ career and personal goals and unparalleled engagement outside the classroom.
Many former students eagerly credit their careers to his teaching and mentorship. Nominator Dr. Linda Veazy ’99 said, “My career as a professor and as a human rights advocate I owe to Dr. Turner’s guidance and example. Diplomats, attorneys, politicians and professors are many who learned about politics and public service from Dr. Turner.”
Bryan Marcus ’99, a State Department Foreign Service officer, explained that he was among Turner’s first group of students to pursue a career in public service. Reflecting on his classes, Marcus said, “What strikes me now is how intentionally and effectively Scott linked emerging themes and current events to our class discussions. He set a very high standard from the start of my college career.”
In his acceptance speech, Turner acknowledged some of his former students that have gone on to achieve successful careers.
“During my years at Montevallo, I have been so fortunate to work with some outstanding young people,” he said. “In truth, most of those folks would’ve seen success with or without my modest contribution. I appreciate all of my students, even the ones who don’t like me.”
Mary Lou Elder Williams Alumni Loyalty Award
James Newman ’74 was presented with the Mary Lou Elder Williams Alumni Loyalty Award. The award is given to an alum who has demonstrated loyalty and dedication in their strength of service to UM through contributions of time, talents or resources.
Newman graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, which took him on to a successful 33-year career. As a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, he audited both privately held companies and large multinational public companies until his retirement in 2008.
An inaugural member of the Stephens College of Business Board of Advisors, Newman has served for the last 40 years, including a distinguished tenure of 10 years as chair.
Nominator Scott Dillard, executive vice president of Advancement, External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives at
UM, said, “His efforts have extended beyond his own service, actively recruiting fellow alumni to contribute their expertise. Additionally, his four years on the UM Foundation Board further solidified his commitment to the University’s growth and advancement.”
Newman and his wife, Jennifer, have given back to UM generously, establishing the James and Jennifer Newman Accounting Program, the James and Jennifer Newman Endowed Accounting Scholarship and the James Newman Innovation Fund.
“James has always remembered where he came from and recognizes there are still young people out there in need of his time and loyalty to the University of Montevallo,” said nominator Michael J. Grainger ’73, the 2017 recipient of the award.
Newman expressed his gratitude for the award, explaining how his father encouraged him to attend UM because of the affordable tuition. He was also a member of the 1971-1972 men’s basketball team that was inducted into the UM Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023.
“It was the best thing I ever did — I fit in well here,” he said. “I just can’t say how much Montevallo means to me.”
The night concluded with the presentation of the 2024 Class of 15 Within 15.
