Westbrook to Direct UA Blackburn Institute

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. Philip Westbrook, assistant professor of educational leadership, policy and technology studies at The University of Alabama, has been named director of the UA Blackburn Institute, a preeminent student leadership agency on campus.

Westbrook, who holds an Ed.D. in educational leadership/school administration from Vanderbilt University, has been a member of the UA College of Education faculty since 2007. Prior to that, he worked as assistant superintendent of the Jasper City Board of Education and as principal of Maddox Middle School in Jasper. He received his undergraduate degree from Birmingham-Southern College in elementary education.

“We are very pleased to have named Dr. Westbrook director of the Blackburn Institute,” said Dr. Mark Nelson, vice president for student affairs and vice provost at UA. “He has a strong record of service to the people of Alabama that he will be able to continue in his new role while also serving as a mentor to some of the University’s best students,” Nelson said.

Westbrook has been involved in the Blackburn Institute as a presenter and frequent guest speaker to discuss issues regarding education in Alabama and nationally.

“The opportunity of serving as the director of the Blackburn Institute is an exciting and welcomed challenge,” Westbrook said. “As a lifelong Alabamian, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing the state, including social and economic issues. I welcome the opportunity to serve in a position that could impact the future of the state and nation,” he added.

Becky Reamey, coordinator of the Blackburn Institute, said the new director’s background as a faculty member will enhance the institute’s work across campus. “Dr. Westbrook’s involvement in the Blackburn Institute links student affairs to academic affairs like it has never been done before. It provides more opportunities for fellows to know faculty on a personal level.”

Housed within the division of Student Affairs at UA and funded through contributions from private donors, the Blackburn Institute is widely considered to be one of the most dynamic leadership development organizations in the country. Each year, some 25 student fellows are selected after a faculty nomination process and intensive interviews. The Blackburn Institute is not an honor society although fellows often have impressive records of academic and service achievement.

The institute is named in honor of the late Dr. John L. Blackburn, who served as dean of students at UA and was instrumental in the University’s peaceful integration. In 1995, the Blackburn Institute was formed to foster Dr. Blackburn’s belief that people link strategic actions through the generations for progressive and ethical change.

Westbrook will begin his position as director on Aug. 31.

For more information about the UA Blackburn Institute, go online to http://www.blackburninstitute.org/