MONTEVALLO—The Alabama Senate has recently confirmed three individuals to serve on the University of Montevallo board of trustees.
Brian Hamilton has been selected to serve as a board member from the 7th Congressional District. Hamilton was previously appointed to this position to complete another member’s term. William Cobb “Chip” Hazelrig will replace outgoing 6th Congressional District board member Dr. Jeanetta Keller. In addition, Elizabeth Ann “Libby” Queen has been confirmed to serve on the UM board. Queen, who represents the 3rd Congressional District, was also initially appointed to this position to complete another member’s term. Each will serve a 12-year term ending in 2023.
Hamilton, of Birmingham, is president and CEO of Saber Engineering, a company he founded in 2006. Under his leadership, the company quickly established a reputation as a provider of top-notch engineering, construction management and related services to a diverse client base in both public and private sectors. In January 2010, Hamilton was named managing director of the historic A.G. Gaston Construction Co. As managing director, Hamilton is responsible for the day-to-day activities of that organization. Hamilton received his juris doctor from the Birmingham School of Law, bachelor of science in civil engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a bachelor of science in general science from Morehouse College. A 2009 graduate of Leadership Birmingham, he was named to the Birmingham Business Journal’s Top-40-Under-40 class of 2008, received the Journal’s “Rising Star” award for business in 2009 and was recognized by Morehouse College’s Entrepreneurship Center as the Entrepreneur of the Year for 2008.
Hazelrig, a lifelong resident of Birmingham, graduated from UM in 1977 with a degree in business administration. He began his career in commercial real estate and formed The Hazelrig Companies, Inc., in 1983, as well as W & H Investments, which was focused on oil and gas investments. Additional business ventures include the formation—with business partner Fred Wedell—of Altex Resources, Inc., an independent exploration and production company that was sold in 2006 to a Canadian Royalty Trust—Enterra Energy Trust—now known as Equal Energy. Montclair Energy was formed in 2011. Hazelrig was also a founding principal in Southline Steel, Inc., M3 Resources, Inc. and Paragon Gaming, Inc. He has served on the president’s advisory council for both Birmingham-Southern College and The University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Queen, of Alexander City, is a 1959 Montevallo graduate. She has served the University in many capacities over the years. She was president of the UM National Alumni Association from 2002–2004 and served as chair of the annual-fund campaign in 1996–1997 and as vice chair of the annual-fund campaign in 1995–1996. She received the Alumna Loyalty Award in 1995. Queen earned a bachelor of science degree in speech pathology from Montevallo and a master of arts degree in speech pathology from the University of Alabama with advanced certification in special education administration and learning disabilities. After 27 years of service to the Alexander City Board of Education, Queen retired in 1993. Prior to her retirement, she was the coordinator of programs for exceptional students in Alexander City schools. Upon retiring, she spent much of her free time volunteering in the UM Alumni Office.