AL HR360

Commends Dr. John W. Stewart III, the 15th President of the University of Montevallo, on his retirement after 15 years of service beginning with his inauguration on October 14, 2010.

Recognizes Dr. Stewart's educational achievements including a Ph.D. in English from the University of Southern Mississippi, Master of Arts in English from Washington College, and Bachelor of Arts in History from Wake Forest University.

Highlights his development of new academic programs including the Outdoor Scholars Program (featuring a bass fishing team that won four consecutive Bass Pro Shops School of the Year titles) and the Montevallo MADE program (achieving 90 percent retention rate for first-year students).

Credits Dr. Stewart with raising the university's national profile, securing the first $1 million gift in university history, investing $26 million into campus projects, and earning recognition as CEO of the Year Finalist by the Birmingham Business Alliance and the 2015 Vulcans Community Award for Outstanding New Leadership.

Recognizes his service on boards including the Dauphin Island Oceanographic Institute, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, and his role as Chair for the Council of State University Presidents in Alabama.