TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- T. J. Beitelman was recently appointed editor-in-chief of Alabama Heritage, an award-winning quarterly historical magazine that seeks to bring the history and culture of Alabama to a general audience.

The magazine, founded in 1986 and published by The University of Alabama and The University of Alabama at Birmingham, has recently come under the auspices of The University of Alabama Press. “It’s a marriage with a lot of potential synergies,” says Beitelman. “We’re in the same basic business, which can be enormously helpful. We’re really looking forward to finding ways to help each other grow and prosper.”

Beitelman holds a graduate degree in English from Virginia Tech and a master of fine arts degree in creative writing from UA. Prior to taking his new position, he worked at Alabama Heritage as associate editor under the magazine’s founder, Suzanne Wolfe, who retired in August. “I am gratified to hand over the reins to someone who not only cherishes the state’s history,” says Wolfe, “but who also has a special talent for finding and telling Alabama’s great stories. T. J. is the right person to help the magazine grow into the future.”

Beitelman says he is excited about the opportunity to pick up where Wolfe left off. “There are challenges to face right away, as there are in any new position,” he says. “But Suzanne has built a strong foundation for this magazine, both editorially and financially. And the work we do here is so important in promoting the state’s culture. I feel lucky to be a part of that.”

To subscribe or submit to Alabama Heritage, call 205/348-7467, or visit www.AlabamaHeritage.com.