UA Blackburn Institute Names New Student Fellows

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama Blackburn Institute has named its 2007-2008 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 336 Blackburn Fellows living in 26 states and five foreign countries. 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 2007-2008 UA Blackburn Institute student fellows include:

• Danielle Blevins, a sophomore from Pleasant Grove majoring in telecommunications and film
• Alex Chandler, a sophomore from Spanish Fort majoring in history
• Megan Courington, a sophomore from Decatur majoring in telecommunications and film
• James Dawkins IV, a freshman from Birmingham (zip code 35223) majoring in pre-med and English
• Laura Dover, a freshman from Jasper majoring in chemistry
• Alex Flachsbart, a sophomore from Concord, Calif., majoring in political science and economics
• Meri-Glenn Freeman, a sophomore from Birmingham (35243) majoring in political science and public relations
• Martha Griffith, a sophomore from Spanish Fort majoring in history and public relations
• Robert L. Harris III, a sophomore from Alexander City majoring in political science and history
• Kendra Key, a freshman from Tuscaloosa majoring in political science
• Ambria Lankford, a junior from Harvest majoring in microbiology
• Natalie Latta, a freshman from Springville majoring in political science
• Dana Lewis, a freshman from Huntsville majoring in public relations and political science
• Yongxiang “Kenny” Liang, a sophomore from Birmingham (35216) majoring in economics and finance
• Joan-Marie Manolakis, a junior from Orange Beach majoring in chemistry
• Robert McMillan, a freshman from Monroeville majoring in history
• Leroy Nix, a first year law student from Maplesville
• Daniel Odrezin, a sophomore from Birmingham (35242) majoring in communication studies
• Richard Powers, a first year law student from Birmingham (35223)
• Becky Reamey, a graduate student in higher education administration from Hoover
• Joan Reichwein, a sophomore from Cullman majoring in metallurgical and materials engineering
• Ryan Robichaux, a first year law student from Pelham
• Mary Harmon Rountree, a freshman from Tuscaloosa majoring in public relations and political science
• Kristin Schneider, a freshman from Richardson, Texas, majoring in business and bilingual communications
• Barrett Sullivan, a sophomore from Madison majoring in finance
• Phillips Thomas, a sophomore from Anniston majoring in international studies
• Andrew Vincent, a junior from Birmingham (35243) majoring in biochemistry
• Justin Zimmerman, a sophomore from Moreno Valley, Calif., majoring in philosophy and political science