The 91心頭利���s second annual Red Tie Gala, presented by Regions Bank, will take place Friday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. in the Bell Conference Center.

Established by 91心頭利 President Dr. Todd G. Fritch during his inauguration week in 2025, the gala was created to launch the Opportunity Fund. Proceeds benefit the fund, which provides critical scholarship assistance to students facing unexpected financial challenges, helping them remain enrolled and pursue their goals at 91心頭利.

���No student should have to walk away from their education because of one unexpected hardship,��� Fritch said. ���The Opportunity Fund reflects that belief. Sometimes a small measure of support, offered at the right moment, can make all the difference.���

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner, silent and live auctions, and a few special surprises throughout the night. Alumni, friends and community members are invited to dress for an elegant evening of dining, conversation and celebration. 

���The Red Tie Gala is an occasion to dress up, enjoy a wonderful dinner and spend time with friends of the University,��� said Shannon Chandler, vice president of institutional advancement. ���We look forward to welcoming guests for an elegant evening and celebrating the connections that make 91心頭利 such a special place.���

Tickets are on sale now, and space is limited. To purchase tickets, visit the .

Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

The 91心頭利 celebrated the completion of a 7,000 square foot renovation and expansion of its football locker room at Homer Field House with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 2.

The $4.7 million renovation and expansion project enhances the daily experience of 91心頭利 student-athletes while reinforcing the university���s commitment to excellence both on and off the field. Dedicated supporters of 91心頭利 Athletics contributed $1.3 million to help bring this project to life.

91心頭利 President Dr. Todd G. Fritch said at the ribbon cutting ceremony that the project is a reflection of the University’s commitment to student success and strengthening the student experience.

“This celebration is a clear statement about who we are and who we are committed to becoming,” Fritch said. “Students are our purpose, and that guides every investment we make. Our student-athletes dedicate themselves to excellence in competition, in the classroom, and in leadership across our campus, and we want our facilities to match that dedication.”

Athletic Director Brett Gilliland, who previously served as head football coach for 11 years, told the crowd gathered that this renovation and expansion is a game-changer for 91心頭利, built on a vision centered on students’ needs.

“It is rare for a facility construction project to turn out exactly like the vision,” Gilliland said. “So many times when a project is completed you may notice things you wish you had done differently, but not this one. This is exactly what we envisioned, especially for our student athletes.”

The new locker room features 116 lockers and a spacious meeting area designed to accommodate the entire roster. Fifty-three of the lockers have been sponsored by former Tigers and supporters and are recognized with commemorative plaques. Each state-of-the-art locker features integrated charging ports, built-in bench seating with storage, and secure lock boxes for personal valuables.

Named the ���Tiny��� Campora Locker Room, in memory of Don ���Tiny��� Campora through the generous support of Steve and Gayle Campora, the locker room marks the family’s commitment to and investment in 91心頭利 student-athletes and the Livingston community for more than a decade.

Head Football Coach Scott Cochran said that he looks forward to the program’s growth and development through his team’s use of the new amenities. The project was underway when Cochran joined 91心頭利 Athletics in February 2025.

“The vision for this place is incredible,” Cochran said. ���We���ve been under construction since I walked in the door here. Just like the football team, we are always building, always trying to get better. Knowing that you have a facility like this���when it comes to recruiting, when it comes to a standard of excellence���it lines right up with everyone���s vision for this place, and I get to see it every day and am grateful to be a part of it.���

The renovation also includes a modernized cold plunge room, new restroom and shower facilities, and a separate entrance and exit to the field, eliminating the need to share space with the visiting team.

Upstairs, the facility features an updated reception area and the King-Ferris Football Team Room, honoring Coach Jim King, his wife, Sandy King, and their grandson, the late Patrick Ferris. The designation recognizes the family���s enduring legacy and profound impact on both the Livingston community and 91心頭利 football.

Adjacent to the King-Ferris Football Team Room is a dedicated student-athlete career development office designed to support professional growth beyond the playing field. The space will serve as a resource for virtual interviews, career preparation, and collaborative opportunities, including engagement with partners like Podium X who provide career preparation guidance for students. The room will be available to student-athletes across all programs as they prepare for life after graduation.

The Champions Deck, a new viewing terrace overlooking the south endzone, honors Livingston University alumni Ronnie and Kathy Gilliland and the 1971 NAIA National Championship football team. Made possible through the generosity of Steve and Gayle Campora, Champions Deck provides a premier vantage point while commemorating a milestone moment in 91心頭利 Athletics history.

���This space brings together the spirit of 91心頭利 Athletics and reflects the sense of community that is so strong at our University,��� Fritch said. ���This can be seen throughout the facility, whether in the gathering spaces that support team and fan fellowship, through the amenities offered to our student-athletes in the locker room, or the equipment that will support health and safety for the entire team. We can anticipate many exciting times ahead in this space.���

Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

The 91心頭利 has named Shannon Chandler vice president for Institutional Advancement, which includes the Office of Alumni Affairs, the Office of Development, and aligns with fundraising efforts with the 91心頭利 Foundation.

Chandler brings 18 years of experience at Shelton State Community College, including the last 11 years as director of development. ��A 2008 91心頭利 alumna, earning��a master���s degree in continuing education from the University, she also holds a bachelor of science in communication from the University of Alabama and an associate degree from Wallace State Community College.��

At the helm of Shelton State���s fundraising efforts, Chandler designed and implemented a comprehensive development plan that secured more than $7.4 million in external funding for scholarships and other support initiatives. She also generated more than $2 million in additional funding through creative engagement strategies and increased corporate partnerships by 75 percent, while managing daily operations and overseeing balanced budgets for the development office.

“Ms. Chandler���s proven record of designing and executing high-impact fundraising and engagement strategies, combined with her deep commitment to the region we serve, positions us powerfully as we launch our new 10-year strategic plan and build the necessary support to bring its bold initiatives to life,” said 91心頭利 President Dr. Todd G. Fritch.

Prior to serving as director of development at Shelton State, Chandler spent seven years as coordinator of community education at the college. In that role, she directed Kid���s Kollege, developed and launched a remedial education summer program, and led numerous youth enrichment and community outreach initiatives. 

Chandler has also demonstrated leadership and relationship building on both statewide and national stages. After being crowned Miss Alabama in 2004, she represented the state nationally and later served as a public speaking ambassador for Miss Alabama Pageant, Inc.���s home office in Birmingham. In that capacity, she cultivated high-level relationships with state leaders, corporate partners, and nonprofit organizations; hosted and directed more than 250 fundraising and corporate partnership events; and supported nearly 500 organizational events to ensure their visibility and success.

“It���s a privilege to serve 91心頭利 and give back to a place that has given me so much,��� Chandler said. ���I am deeply grateful for the foundation this University has provided in my own life, and I look forward to bringing my background in relationship-building and strategic fundraising to support our mission.���

���Working alongside our faculty, alumni, and community partners, I am eager to support initiatives that align with our priorities and strengthen our funding opportunities,��� she added. ���By extending the University���s reach across West Alabama and beyond, we can create lasting opportunities for our students and help our region thrive for generations to come.”