UNA President & First Lady

President’s Message

Welcome to the University of North Alabama, where educational excellence thrives in the rich cultural heritage of the Shoals region of Alabama. UNA is an extraordinary place. As the oldest public university in the state, we have a fascinating history and a great story to tell.

If you are a prospective student, I encourage you to let academic criteria guide your choice of a college or university. Does the institution offer the degree program you need? Will the institution nurture you as you pursue your program of study? Will the faculty support you and challenge you to excel? Will the university do its best to keep the cost of education affordable so you can complete your journey and move on to a rewarding career?

At UNA, we answer these questions each day with an emphatic YES! Our faculty and staff are talented professionals who are committed to helping students succeed. The environment is safe and supportive, and the campus is stunningly beautiful. The serenity of our grounds is complemented by the adjacent historic district and vibrant downtown area of Florence –Alabama’s Renaissance City. It is an ideal setting in which to live and study.

My family and I are privileged to live in a beautiful, historic home at the main entrance to campus. We feel the pride of this special place every day.

With its wonderful people, beautiful campus, and regional charm, UNA is the perfect fit for you, too. I invite you to check out our website, or, better yet, stop by for a visit. You’ll be glad you did.

Roar Lions!

Dr. Ken Kitts,
President

Meet the President

Dr. Ken Kitts became president of the University of North Alabama on March 30, 2015. Prior to joining UNA, Dr. Kitts served in various academic and administrative positions at institutions in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Dr. Kitts earned the BA, MA, and PhD degrees in political science and also holds a post-graduate certificate from Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management. Dr. Kitts’ academic interests include the American presidency, national security, and executive advisory systems. He is the author of an award-winning book on presidential commissions and has published numerous articles, chapters, and commentaries on topics dealing with both political science and higher education.

As president of UNA, Dr. Kitts has focused his efforts on expanding academic opportunities, enhancing the student experience, and promoting the University to external constituencies. He has presided over record enrollment growth and secured the state funds and private gifts necessary to develop new programs and facilities. On his watch, UNA has grown by over four thousand students and advanced to become a doctoral-level institution. The University is now in the public phase of a $100 million comprehensive campaign.

Dr. Kitts works closely with faculty and staff in a shared governance system to ensure that growth aligns well with the University’s identity, strategic priorities, and commitment to region and state. A self-proclaimed professor at heart, Dr. Kitts still finds time to teach to underscore his personal commitment to students and his belief in engaged leadership.

Dr. Kitts is a fan of Lion Athletics and led the successful transition of UNA to Division I status in the NCAA classification system. Along with his family, he is known for his support of student events and involvement in a wide range of campus activities.

Dr. Kitts serves on a variety of boards and committees including the Business Council of Alabama, the Alabama Council of University Presidents, the AASCU Committee on International Education, and the President’s Council of the ASUN Athletic Conference. He is a member of Leadership Alabama and has been honored by the Alabama Media Group as an “Alabamian Who Made a Difference.”

Dr. Kitts and his wife, Dena, are the proud parents of sons Colin and Corbin. The family lives in the President’s Home on the beautiful and historic campus of UNA.

Meet the First Lady

Dena Kitts is the wife of President Ken Kitts and First Lady of UNA. She earned a baccalaureate degree in English with minors in Spanish and history. She received post-graduate certification in career counseling. She is a member of Sigma Tau Delta, Who’s Who of Professionals, and Leadership Florence (SC) class of 2001. Dena’s professional career spanned nine years in Human Resources at the university level.

Since her arrival on campus in 2015, Dena has been an avid supporter of student success and an enthusiastic promoter of UNA. She has devoted her time to numerous organizations including the Shoals Symphony at UNA Board of Directors, Derby Day Planning Committee, Kilby Laboratory School Parent Advisory Board, and UNA Career Center’s mock interviews which give experiential, one-on-one practice to students. For her work across campus and in the community, Dena was selected as an honoree for This is Alabama’s 2023 Women Who Shape the State.

Dena’s current passion is her Women of Influence initiative, which she founded and co-chairs. WOI is a dynamic group of individuals who seek to elevate and empower student success through philanthropic enterprise. 

To foster school spirit, Dena has participated in “First Pitch” ceremonies to open athletic events, judged Homecoming activities, and even returned to her drum major roots by directing UNA’s award-winning Marching Pride of North Alabama band.

In her spare time, Dena enjoys writing, photography, and traveling. As proud as she is of her many university and civic duties, Dena’s greatest and most important role is being mom to Colin and Corbin.

Recent Presidential Communications

2026

2025

2024

[UNA: links will need to be updated for new site]

Contact the Office of the President

Dr. Kenneth D. Kitts, President
256-765-4211
president@una.edu
This is a monitored email account.