05-05-2025
University of Montevallo president to retire
MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WIAT) — The second-longest serving president in University of Montevallo history will be retiring from the position when July ends.
John W. Stewart III made the announcement Monday. Stewart was inaugurated as the university's president October 14, 2010.
'Cindi and I are incredibly grateful to the UM community for so many wonderful years together,' Stewart said in a statement. 'We appreciate the many meaningful relationships we've enjoyed with our students, faculty, staff and alumni, and we wish the UM family all the best in the future.'
The 15th president in UM history, Stewart focused on developing new academic programs and improving the university's financial health. According to the UM, it increased the number of first-year freshman and transfer applications under Stewart's tenure. More students started living on campus as Stewart continued leading the university. He also improved funding for faculty salaries.
Stewart began the UM President's Outdoor Scholars Program. A bass fishing team in that program has claimed four straight Bass Pro Shops School of the Year titles. The Montevallo MADE program for first-year student populations has garnered a 90% retention rate.
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Before arriving in Shelby County, Stewart worked as the vice president for institutional advancement at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. Stewart earned his bachelor's degree at Wake Forest University, his master's degree from Washington College and his doctor of philosophy in English from the University of Southern Mississippi.
The UM Board of Trustees will handle the search for the university's 16th president.
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