Waters recognized by UMNAA with Alumnus Loyalty Award

November 15, 2019

During the celebration of the University of Montevallo’s 123rd Founders’ Day, deserving faculty, staff and alumni were honored by UM.

The University of Montevallo’s National Alumni Association recognized Kit Waters with the Mary Lou Elder Williams Alumnus Loyalty Award during the Oct. 10 celebration.

Waters graduated from UM in 1978 with a bachelor’s of science in retail merchandising with a minor in business administration. She has worked in marketing and business ever since.

After working in marketing and event planning, she left to start numerous family businesses. She founded Steel Supply Inc. and Laser Cutting Service with her husband Keith. After her retirement, Waters continued to serve as the company’s vice president.

Beginning in 1997, she has been a part of the UM National Alumni Association, serving in various roles including president, parliamentarian and most recently alumni council on the UM Board of Trustees.

“Kit has served UM in so many ways. It has been my pleasure to witness firsthand her commitment, passion, leadership and creativity as we have worked side by side on behalf of our alma mater,” said Karen Kelley, a member of the UMNAA board who served alongside Waters.

Waters remains active with the UMNAA and was described as a “go-to” for new alumni events during the most recent College Night season because of her service on the College Night Centennial Celebration Committee.

For the past 22 years, Waters served as the adviser for the Tau Kapper chapter of the Chi Omega sorority at the University, and in 2015 she was inducted into the James Wilkinson Greek Hall of Fame at Montevallo in recognition of her continued dedication to Greek life at Montevallo.

Her service and loyalty to UM began during her time at the University as she became a mentor to her fellow sisters in Chi Omega.

“She opened doors for me to join groups on campus and meet other like-minded alumni who were committed to giving back,” Megan Randolph, current adviser of Chi Omega at the University. “I credit her with having the privilege to serve.”

Through her career Waters has been constantly attempting to better the lives of students and alumni of the University and has demonstrated this through her service and dedication to UM.

“She is continually pouring herself into the lives of current and future alumni alike to ensure the longevity of the Montevallo legacy,” said Randolph. “I couldn’t be prouder to call her my friend and sister.”