Yellowhammer Times

FOIA Request to University Of Montevallo regarding university board member information on October 22, 2025.

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the University Of Montevallo by Yellowhammer Times, a media organization focused on providing accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. The request, made under the Alabama Open Records Law § 36-12-40 et seq., seeks several records related to the University's governing board or board of trustees.

The specific records requested include a current list of members of the University's governing board or board of trustees. This list should detail each member's full name, title or position, and term of service. Additionally, any official headshots, portraits, or photographs maintained by the University for use in official publications, directories, or on its website are requested. The FOIA request also asks for any official biographies or biographical summaries prepared or maintained by the University that are used for press releases, board directories, or public profiles.

The requester emphasized their role as a member of the media and highlighted their involvement in gathering and reporting news to the public. They argued that access to these public records is crucial for holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency. Given this context, they have requested a fee waiver as a media professional.

The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this organization can be found on their website.

Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.