Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
May 15, 2026 – Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama. “Her experience, vision, and collaborative approach position academic affairs for continued growth and excellence as we advance the goals of the University’s strategic plan.”
Dr. Jones has served as interim provost since October 2025, leading academic affairs through a period of strategic growth and operational advancement. During her tenure as interim provost, she has strengthened academic operations and infrastructure while advancing initiatives focused on faculty support, student success, and experiential learning opportunities.
As interim provost, Dr. Jones has led several university-wide initiatives designed to enhance academic and student experiences. She established task forces addressing advising, artificial intelligence policy and usage, faculty course loads, compensation, and commencement planning, helping position the University to make informed, data-driven decisions. She has also championed efforts to improve academic spaces and strengthen opportunities for hands-on learning.
“My time at the University of West Alabama has been shaped by nearly 20 years of meaningful experiences in academic affairs, and those experiences have deepened my appreciation for the University, our community, and our impact on students,” Dr. Jones said. “Education has the power to transform lives, and at UWA, that impact reaches beyond our students to strengthen the region we support. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as provost and look forward to working collaboratively with our students, faculty, staff, and community partners to advance academic excellence, expand opportunity, and strengthen the University’s lasting impact.”
Since joining the faculty in 2007 as an instructor, Dr. Jones has advanced through the faculty ranks and held numerous leadership roles, most recently serving as dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Throughout her career at UWA, she has contributed extensively to committees and initiatives supporting both faculty and student success.
The University of West Alabama is a public university located in Livingston, Ala. Founded in 1835, the institution offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs across disciplines including business, education, nursing, liberal arts, and the sciences. UWA serves students through both on-campus and online learning programs and competes in NCAA Division II athletics as a member of the Gulf South Conference.
Anthem Executive, headquartered in Houston, TX, serves clients across a range of business sectors, including higher education, health sciences, corporate and non-profit institutions, global software and technology, private equity, insurance, service and manufacturing, oil and gas, and others. Its consultants bring a combined 80 years’ experience in the search industry. The firm’s higher education practice spans the entire leadership spectrum. In other sectors, Anthem Executive covers all roles from CEO and other C-suite leaders, board directors, vice president, and directors, among others.
Related: Anthem Executive Assists Northwest Missouri State University with Provost Search
Scott Watson is co-founder, partner and consultant at Anthem Executive. He has been in the executive search industry for over 30 years. In addition to higher education institutions, he has served hospital/health systems, global software and technology companies, private equity enterprises, MCOs, insurance companies, service and manufacturing organizations with global footprints, and others.
Mike “JR” Wheless is is co-founder, partner and consultant. He is a veteran of more than two decades in the search industry, has served a broad portfolio of clients across many industry lines on behalf of organizations ranging from small operations to Fortune $100 billion plus enterprises – including working with and recruiting some of the nation’s most influential leadership. Mr. Wheless has served institutions and organizations across a broad range of geographies and sectors in higher education, technology, healthcare, energy, financial services, law, insurance, hospitality and food services, retail, CPG, EPC, manufacturing, aerospace, mining, construction, and real estate.
University of Montevallo Search
Anthem Executive was recently retained by the University of Montevallo (UM) to lead in its search for its next president. Terry Roberson is currently served as interim president. The next president will inherit an institution with a proud mission, deeply committed faculty and staff, and a strong foundation on which to build—while also facing clear opportunities to strengthen financial sustainability, enrollment, trust, and institutional confidence.
“This is not a maintenance presidency,” the job specification said. “Rather, it is an opportunity to lead a period of stabilization, renewal, and strategic repositioning in a manner that preserves Montevallo’s liberal arts identity while preparing the University for long-term success.”
Related: Anthem Executive Assists Texas A&M International University with President Search
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
