UNA Pressroom

UNA Alumni Race to Win in State, Federal Elections

Jul. 13, 2022



Michelle R. Eubanks , UNA, at meubanks@una.edu, 256.765.4392

FLORENCE, AL – A number of University of North Alabama alumni have secured their party’s nominations at the primary level in both state and federal elections, with final races set to take place in November.

“We are very proud of these individuals and their commitment to serve and their willingness to allow their names to go forward,” said Dr. Ken Kitts, UNA President. “UNA’s alumni base is strong, and we are proud of all of those who are making a difference in their cities and communities across the state, region, and the country.”

Those who secured their nominations at the primary level are:

  • Robert Aderholt, U.S House of Representatives, for the Fourth District
  • Mike Kirkland, Alabama State House District 23
  • Tim Melson, Alabama State Senate, District 1
  • Phillip Pettus, Alabama State House District 1
  • Andrew Sorrell, State Auditor
  • Larry Stutts, Alabama State Senate District 6
  • Wesley Thompson, Alabama State House District 3
  • Kerry Underwood, Alabama State House District 3

“Having UNA alumni in elected positions in Montgomery is vital for the university,” said Jay Cochran, Executive Director of Governmental Relations and Economic Development at UNA. “As we all know, important funding and policy decisions affecting UNA are made on a daily basis in our state’s capitol and having individuals in Montgomery, familiar with UNA and the region we serve, can only benefit our mission and goals. We have been fortunate to have great representation in Montgomery, and when looking at the list of Senators, House Members, and statewide office holders, that representation will only grow stronger. Most importantly, our long-term allies will have additional support to see UNA finally receive equitable funding, something that is needed and deserved when looking at our performance with enrollment and the workforce demands from the state.”

About The University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama is an accredited, comprehensive regional state university offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs through the colleges of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering; the Sanders College of Business and Technology; Education and Human Sciences; and the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions. Occupying a 130-acre campus in a residential section of Florence, Alabama, UNA is located within a four-city area that also includes Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. UNA Athletics, a renowned collegiate athletics program with seven (7) Division II National Championships, is now a proud member of NCAA Division I as part of the Atlantic Sun and United Athletic conferences. The University of North Alabama is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate in the admission policy on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, age, or national origin. For more: una.edu and una.edu/unaworks/.