UA Blackburn Institute Names New Fellows

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama Blackburn Institute has announced its 2006-2007 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 2006-2007 UA Blackburn Institute student fellows include:

• William Bloom, a sophomore from Montgomery, majoring in history and political science
• Stephanie Brennan, a senior from Remlap, majoring in biology and religious studies
• Hayley Callis, a sophomore from Montgomery, majoring in music performance
• Jay Davis, a sophomore from New Orleans, majoring in biology and pre-medicine
• Michael Emery, a sophomore from Chester, W.Va., majoring in economics
• Benjamin Foster, a sophomore from Coaling, majoring in telecommunication and film
• Jessica Garcia, a sophomore from Tampa, Fla., majoring in English
• Adam Harbison, a Senior from Crane Hill, majoring in healthcare management
• Laken Laird, a sophomore from Opp, majoring in business management
• Matthew Lewis, a senior from Prattville, majoring in political science and history
• Dwight Lewis, a graduate student in health studies from Birmingham
• Jake Loggins, a junior from Grant, majoring in political science
• LaTasha McCrary, a second-year law student from Huntsville
• Amanda Minor, a junior from Chelsea, majoring in history
• Britney Mitchell, a junior from Mountain Brook, majoring in economics and political science
• Ashinth Moodliar, a second-year law student from Tuscaloosa
• Tim Neunzig, a senior from Tuscaloosa, majoring in international management and German
• Stevona Rogers, a senior from Birmingham, majoring in English
• Julia Seong, a sophomore from Montgomery, majoring in marketing and French
• Cameron Smith, a third-year law student from Tuscaloosa
• Danner Summerford, a junior from Tuscaloosa, majoring in accounting
• Jackson Switzer, a junior from Gulfport, Miss., majoring in biochemistry
• India Williams, a sophomore from Tuscaloosa, majoring in international relations, political science and philosophy in New College
• Jesse Woods, a sophomore from Harvest, majoring in chemical and biological sciences

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