The University of North Alabama, a student’s perspective

256 Today has invited local student writers to share their post-secondary education experiences in North Alabama. This week’s feature comes from Huntsville native and recent UNA graduate Elizabeth B.

I started looking into colleges my senior year at Huntsville High School (HHS). My first college tour was at the University of North Alabama (UNA). I immediately loved the campus due to its historic buildings and landscaping. At the time, I wanted to study psychology and become a forensic psychologist. I learned the psychology department was in Wesleyan Hall, the castle on campus. I knew instantly UNA was right for me since my major was in a historical landmark. I went home and applied immediately and did not apply to any other schools. I graduated from HHS in 2017 and started at UNA that fall.

UNA is located in Florence, Alabama, on the banks of the Tennessee River. Florence is within the Quad-Cities Tuscumbia, Muscle Shoals and Sheffield. The Shoals are known for their rich history in the arts, even being home to Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. UNA’s campus is 130-acres and is within walking distance to downtown businesses.

Established in 1830, UNA is the oldest four-year university in Alabama. The university is known for having live mascots on campus. Leo III is an African Nubian lion housed in a habitat on campus. UNA athletics have collected more than 40 conference championships and seven national titles.

The University of North Alabama has been ranked the fastest-growing university in Alabama. Enrollment for fall 2021 was over 8,880 students making this the 11th consecutive semester enrollment has increased from the previous semester. UNA students are 59% female and 41% male. Over the past five years, the university has increased online learning for undergraduate and graduate programs making education more accessible. Over 3,000 students are online students.

There are over 100 student organizations and 23 active sorority and fraternity chapters at UNA. Student organizations are classified into registered student organizations and recognized student organizations. Clubs include honor societies, faith-based organizations, sports, academic and professional organizations.

In my sophomore year of college, I was taking all major classes for psychology and was unhappy with them. The Department of Psychology is wonderful but not right for me. I decided to visit UNA’s Career Center. This was the best decision I made. I took personality and career tests and then had an appointment with Melissa Medlin. She had such a positive impact on my college career. We spoke for hours about what major would be best for me. I left the meeting feeling positive, and that communications would be the best career path.

I recently graduated in December 2022, and it is a weird feeling of not knowing what happens next. I have no idea what my life will be like in six months, and it’s scary and exciting. Hopefully, my future entails a government job in Huntsville and graduate school next year.

I went to UNA to study psychology and ended up majoring in communications. I am happy with my decision. The Communications Department is full of excellent professors that push creativity and being your best self. I am proud to have graduated from such a great school.