T.S.U.D. INTERIM PRESIDENT AND SCUBA DIVER

She`s the Interim President of Troy State University Dothan during the day and a certified scuba diver and instructor on nights and weekends. She enjoys cave diving and is also a member of the Houston Coutny Rescue Squad. There`s no doubt about it, Dr. Barbara Alford is a busy woman... "Being President of a university calls you to do a lot of different things. Many you don`t control, you just respond and go from there, as opposed to being a scuba instructor, you are in charge of that class. You set up the schedule. You determine what skills to practice, and there`s a great deal of fun, relaxation and enjoyment. It`s a wonderful sport and it`s one I beleive in very dedicatedly," says Alford. It all began four years ago when her son showed an interest in diving. She, too, became certified and says not only is it her hobby, it`s also her passion. "It`s the peace and quiet and there`s nothing to accomplish, nothing to approve...beautiful but no pressure,". There aren`t many sports you can participate in your entire lifetime, but Alford says diving is one of the few. Not only can you not "outgrow" the sport, you can also do it with loved ones. "We certify a lot of families, combinations of boyfriends and girlfriends, children and parents. It`s a good family sport," says Alford. Becoming a certified diver will cost around $185. To some, it sounds like a lot, but Alford says the opportunity to see beautiful parts of the world that few will ever see, makes it all worth while. JANA JACOBS-REPORTER WDHN 18