UWA's Director of Economic Development, Allison Brantley, was awarded the Rural Star Award for Simulated Training and Readiness by the Alabama Chamber of Commerce for completing the STAR program for rural economic development. 

The Alabama Chamber of Commerce STAR program is designed to help new or rural economic developers become more prepared and access more resources for their recruiting efforts.

"The Simulated Training and Readiness Program for economic development is an outstanding program that has provided me with additional resources, training, and RFI and site visit preparation assistance. I am glad I had the opportunity to participate in this Program and am honored to receive the Rural STAR Award," said Brantley.

To receive this award, Brantley had to create a mock-up presentation including all maps and information such as roads, railroads, gas lines, and more of the Sumter County area and then convince and market the site to a representative sent by the Alabama Chamber of Commerce. 

"You have to have a decent understanding of how infrastructure, the roads and what's around the property all play together and determine the best fit for that business. You're selling your town and site to persuade them to pick you over everyone else which can be intense and challenging," said Brantley. 

Brantley successfully presented the needed information, gathered a team of utility workers and engineers, and arranged refreshments for the Program representative. 

"We are appreciative of the support that the Alabama Department of Commerce provides to rural communities. It was exciting to see Ms. Brantley recognized by the EDAA as a Rural Star. The training she has received this year is of great benefit to our community and region," said Dr. Tina Jones, vice president, Division of Economic & Workforce Development. 

Leadership Sumter gives UWA students a chance to learn about Sumter County

For the first time, Leadership Sumter is expanding to include UWA upper-class students.

Being a part of Leadership Sumter requires the class to meet monthly with a different guest speaker to cover topics ranging from economic development to quality of life and healthcare.

“We want to include students to give them more skills and experience in networking with business and community leaders,” said UWA’s Director of Economic Development, Allison Brantley. 

The Leadership Sumter program is dedicated to spreading awareness of Sumter County and identifying local business leaders. 

The class also learns about the county’s law enforcement, historical sites, and education systems. 

“Leadership Sumter teaches participants to understand the social, political and economic issues of Sumter County,” said Brantley.

The participants, including the upper-class UWA students, will also take a trip to the Alabama's state capitol. 

“We want a worthwhile educational experience for the selected students. The students will get to go to Montgomery to meet senators and tour the capitol building,” said Brantley. 

By the end of the nine-month class, participants will have gained valuable leadership skills and a greater understanding of Sumter County. 

From statue to molten cast, the spirit of the UWA Tiger roars in many forms. 

The bronze tiger sculpture by French sculptor Antoine-Louis Barye outside the Young Hall Cafeteria attracts students, alums, and visitors as it embodies the culture and pride of attending UWA. 

Tim Truelove and James Lamb of the UWA Black Belt Museum took on the task of scanning the sculpture and transforming it into a miniature, metal version while keeping the anatomical dimensions and the iconic tiger pose.

First, Truelove and Lamb scanned the tiger sculpture using the Black Belt Museum’s structure light scanner.

The scanner produced a single digital model, which allowed them to reduce its size and be able to print on one of the museum’s 3D printers

After the tiger model had been reduced and successfully printed, Lamb covered the tiger in wax and added sprues to allow air to escape during casting.

Next, Lamb coated the mold with sand “shells,” also known as plaster. Once the plaster hardened, the wax was put into a melt-out oven and burned out of the shell mold. 

Finally, once the shell mold is burnt, a molten mixture of 95% zinc and 5% aluminum is poured into the mold to create a metal miniature. 

The end product is a marvelous 3D sculpted miniature copy of the UWA Tiger.