UM President
Welcome fellow Seeker!
Here at the University of Montevallo, Alabama’s Public Liberal Arts University®, you will often hear the phrase “Montevallo spirit” used in connection with our special brand of family unity and inclusiveness. It is exciting to discover that the Montevallo Spirit is both broader and deeper than mere hospitality to newcomers (though there is plenty of that)! I believe the Montevallo Spirit began with the wisdom, intelligence, and generosity of our founders — Julia Tutwiler and Solomon Bloch — who overcame political opposition to persuade the legislature to charter this institution so that it could receive its first class of students in the fall of 1896.
Julia and Solomon would, I think, be delighted at the manner in which their Montevallo Spirit has been preserved and nurtured. Our new Strategic Plan, which will guide the University’s development over the next five years, began with more than 7,500 amazing ideas contributed by our passionate alumni, committed trustees, talented faculty, capable staff, and priceless students. It celebrates our National Historic District, our liberal arts tradition, and our Purple and Gold Homecoming themes of family unity and unprejudiced inclusiveness. It uses these strong traditions as a foundation from which to launch academic explorations into new global arenas, through offerings of new languages, new experimental programs, new partnerships, and a new spirit of community service. Situate these traditions and explorations amidst the tree-lined, red brick streets of our National Historic District and you begin to understand the excitement we feel when we tell others about the University of Montevallo.
Welcome to our world. If you begin to feel something a bit strange and exciting as you browse our website, don’t be surprised. It might just be the Montevallo Spirit!
Phil Williams