Connecting Students to the Outdoors at the University of Montevallo

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The University of Montevallo, located in Montevallo, Alabama, boasts an extraordinary outdoor program specifically designed for hunters and anglers, setting it apart from any other program of its kind.

Nine years ago, the President’s Outdoor Scholars Program was founded at the University of Montevallo with an initial cohort of eight students. Since then, the program has flourished, and this upcoming fall, it anticipates an enrollment of approximately 125 students. A distinctive feature of the program is that every student enrolled is awarded a scholarship, ranging from partial tuition funding to receiving a full ride. Additionally, students have the privilege of participating in an annual hunting or fishing trip, adding a memorable experiential dimension to their academic journey.

The Outdoor Scholars Program at the University of Montevallo holds a steadfast commitment to promoting hunting, fishing and conservation among its students. As part of their program experience, students can explore various internship opportunities with companies and organizations such as Buckmaster’s, PRADCO (Summit Tree Stands, Moultrie Products), Drake Waterfowl, Silver Banded Retrievers, B.A.S.S., Professional Outdoor Media Association, Sub Seven Productions, Hunt Club Productions and Element Outdoors.

This exposure equips students with invaluable industry insights and connections. Following their graduation, program alumni have gone on to secure positions within a diverse range of outdoor companies and organizations, furthering their contributions to the field.

Recently, the National Wild Turkey Federation connected with the University of Montevallo President’s Outdoor Scholars Program to extend complimentary digital NWTF memberships to students in the program this fall. Additionally, the Outdoor Scholars Program has been awarded $4,500 by the Alabama NWTF State Chapter. This substantial funding will be dedicated to sponsoring the school’s archery and shooting sports teams.

Students within the program also have the chance to engage in diverse outdoor competition teams. Among these teams, the university proudly hosts a highly accomplished national championship bass fishing team, an archery team, and is currently in the process of launching a shooting sports team.

The bass fishing team has achieved remarkable success, winning the Bass Pro Shops team of the year award for an unprecedented three consecutive years.

“I’m very blessed to be able to have God’s creation as my classroom,” said William Crawford, Outdoor Scholars Program director. “Mentoring these young people and helping mold the next generation is what I enjoy most about what I do. We have all had people in our life that have influenced us in some way, and my hope is this program and our staff have an everlasting impact on our students.”

The President’s Outdoor Scholars Program at the University of Montevallo continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering students, promoting outdoor activities and nurturing a passion for conservation. Through its partnerships, scholarships, competitive teams and unique opportunities, the program remains at the forefront of educating the next generation of conservationists and stewards of the land who will shape the future of the outdoor industry.