UA Blackburn Institute Names New Student Fellows

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama Blackburn Institute has announced its 2005-2006 student fellows.

The Blackburn Institute was founded in 1995 through the UA division of student affairs and named for Dr. John L. Blackburn, a well-known campus leader and former dean of students.

The purpose of the Institute is to create a network of leaders, the Blackburn Fellows, who have a clear understanding of the challenges that face the state of Alabama. The Institute provides its fellows opportunities to explore issues and identify strategic actions that will improve the quality of life for all Alabama citizens. As student fellows travel to rural and urban areas and participate in the legislative process, they become aware of the broad issues involved in civic responsibility.

Currently there are 300 Blackburn Fellows living in 31 states. Blackburn Fellows participate in some 20 learning opportunities throughout the academic year, most recently including a Winter Symposium and statewide Citizens Forum.

The new student fellows chosen were nominated by a dean or faculty member based on their interest and leadership relating to public policy, exploring issues facing the state, significant campus contributions, showing their ability to contribute progressive leadership on issues and demonstrate a clear concept of local, state or national issues. Nominated students attended a panel interview and a select group of individuals are chosen for induction into the Blackburn Society.

The University of Alabama Blackburn Institute 2005-2006 new student fellows include:

• Robert Boylan, a sophomore from Mountain Brook majoring in secondary education
• Rebecca Buchanan, a sophomore from Cullman majoring in public relations
• Laura Brundrick, a senior from Opp majoring in American studies
• Aldrich Callins, a sophomore from Birmingham (zip code 35206) majoring in accounting
• Charles “Tyler” Flores, a freshman from Birmingham (zip code 35222) majoring in political science
• Michelle Fuentes, a sophomore from Lake Forest, Calif., majoring in political science
• Kevin Garrison, a first-year law student from Decatur
• Ashley Gorday, a sophomore from Hoover majoring in public relations
• Abby Grammer, a freshman from Tuscaloosa majoring in political science
• Breanna Harris, a junior from Cullman majoring in health care management
• Ashley Christine Hays, a sophomore from Guntersville majoring in management
• Jesse Homan, a freshman from Collierville, Tenn., majoring in English education
• Kathy Kinslow, a graduate student from Baldwinsville, N.Y., in the educational leadership program
• Samuel Masters, a sophomore from Gadsden majoring in studio art
• William McCracken III, a freshman from Cullman majoring in economics/German/political science
• Marion S. McIntosh, a graduate student from Monroeville majoring in industrial engineering
• Whitney Miller, a junior from Birmingham (zip code 35242) majoring in advertising
• Mallory Morgan, a freshman from Thomasville majoring in English
• William Nevin, a sophomore from Moundville majoring in political science and journalism
• Karoline Richardson, a freshman from Montgomery majoring in classics
• James “J.W.” Snider III, a sophomore from Madison majoring in chemistry and medical leadership
• Wayne “Steven” Spiehler Jr., a freshman from Slidell, La., majoring in health care management
• Virginia Thomas, a sophomore from Montgomery majoring in political science
• Sam Todd, a first-year law student from Birmingham (zip code 35205)
• Rochester “R.B.” Walker, a freshman from Montgomery majoring in political science
• Stephanie “LeeAnn” Wilson, a junior from Vestavia Hills majoring in chemical engineering

For more information about the UA Blackburn Institute, contact Dr. Cheree Causey at 205/348-3277 or visit http://blackburninstitute.ua.edu/.