A native of Russellville, Alabama, Dr. Noble Franklin Greenhill brought with him to the State Teacher’s College at Livingston an impressive list of academic credentials. In addition to many years of experience on the staff of the State Department of Education in Montgomery, Dr. Greenhill was a Phi Beta Kappa scholar with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama, a Master’s degree from Columbia University, and a doctorate from New York University.

Dr. Greenhill assumed the presidency of The University of West Alabama when the country was at the height of the Great Depression, followed by World War II. There were therefore no funds available for construction of new buildings. However, significant changes were made in the curriculum and in other aspects of the University.

Dr. Greenhill led the faculty in the reorganization of the teacher-education program and this became the focal point of his administration. With help from leading educators from Columbia University, George Peabody College, and the Ohio State University, Dr. Greenhill redesigned the program to expand the general education requirements and separated the education curriculum into two distinct programs: Elementary Education and Secondary Education. He also instituted professional conferences during the summer session for classroom teachers. The 1940 education conference focused on the theme "Improving Teacher Education," and received state and national recognition in professional journals as an outstanding example of what teacher-training institutions should do in order to improve classroom teaching.

One of Dr. Greenhill’s greatest legacies to the University was the first achievement of Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ accreditation.

Campus life changed under Dr. Greenhill’s administration with the introduction of social sororities, and the establishment of today’s campus newspaper, "The Life."

A Director of Athletics was added to the University faculty for the first time during Dr. Greenhill’s tenure and a schedule of intercollegiate games in football, basketball and baseball was organized.

The first homecoming celebration was held in 1939, including a football game between the University and St. Bernard College. In 1940 the baseball team won the championship of the Alabama Inter-Collegiate Conference. "The Ramblin’ Tigers" was the name given to the school basketball team, and this is the first time the Tiger mascot appears in school history.

After eight years as president of The University of West Alabama, Dr. Greenhill enlisted in the United States Army, was commissioned in the specialist corps, and served in England. Following his time in the armed services, Dr. Greenhill returned to Alabama and held various positions in the State Department of Education until his retirement in 1962.