LIVINGSTON – During a recent visit to the University of West Alabama, the City of Livingston named Delta Regional Authority Federal Co-Chairman Mike G. Marshall of Missouri an honorary citizen of Livingston.

Marhsall toured UWA during his stay, meeting with several members of the campus community and learning more about the institution’s community outreach programs.

Billy McFarland, director of UWA’s Center for Business and Economic Services (CBES) and Angelia Mance, associate director of CBES and director of the Demopolis Higher Education Center (DHEC) shared with Marshall the University’s community and economic development initiatives.

Dr. Tina N. Jones, dean of UWA’s Division of Educational Outreach, introduced to Marshall projects sponsored and managed by the Center for the Study of the Black Belt, including the Alabama Black Belt Heritage Area and the Black Belt Museum.

“On behalf of the UWA Center for Business and Economic Services, Associate Director Angelia Mance and I are thankful to Delta Regional Authority Federal Co-Chairman Mike Marshall of Missouri, who has taken time from his busy schedule to visit the UWA campus and the Demopolis Higher Education Center,” McFarland said.

“I look forward to continuing to work to improve the quality of life for those in Alabama’s Black Belt region.” McFarland said. McFarland and his colleagues say they hope to partner with the DRA on many wide-reaching efforts to benefit the citizens of Alabama.

The Delta Regional Authority works as an advocate to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life.