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The Blackburn Institute at The University of Alabama

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The Blackburn Institute at The University of Alabama

A leadership development and civic engagement program with a focus on improving the state of Alabama.

The Blackburn Institute is a leadership development and civic engagement program specifically focused on improving the state of Alabama. Through its work with students, alumni (Fellows), and Advisory Board members, the institute develops a network of leaders who have a clear understanding of the state’s challenges. Selected students participate in a common new student curriculum of activities and events, after which they continue their involvement as returning students for their remaining time at the Capstone. Upon graduation, participants earn recognition as Blackburn Fellows and begin their work through professional and civic involvement in their home communities and throughout the state, both individually and through the Fellows Involvement Network (FIN). Supported by an Advisory Board of established leaders committed to the state of Alabama, the Blackburn Institute promotes change through an intergenerational network that learns from the past, takes action in the present, and plans for the future. The views expressed or shared do not necessarily represent the views of The University of Alabama.

09/29/2026

For the past year, Dalis Lampkins and Callen Woodard, the Blackburn Institute's 2025 Howell Heflin Fellows, have been answering their call to action through "Turning the Page Together." Centered around literacy, mentorship, and meaningful community partnerships, the duo has invited other members of the Blackburn community to engage in a weekly book club at the Tuscaloosa Juvenile Detention Center.

With support from the Howell Heflin Fellowship, "Turning the Page Together" will continue its expansion with the goal of supporting more young women in juvenile detention across the state.

In the latest edition of Annual Connections, Dalis and Callen reflect on the program’s growth, the partnerships that have strengthened their work, and the lessons they have learned.

You can read more about their thoughts through the link below!

[ALT TEXT: On the first slide, there is a picture of Callen Woodard on the top right corner, as well as a picture of Dalis Lampkins on the bottom left corner. The two women are being recognized as the 2025 Howell Heflin Fellows through the Blackburn Institute. On the second slide, there is a quote from Dalis and Callen's Annual Connections article.]

09/25/2026

That’s a wrap on this year’s Urban Travel Experience in Mobile, Alabama!

Throughout the trip, Returning Students, Fellows, and Advisory Board members had the opportunity to connect with local and regional leaders while gaining a firsthand look at the people, industries, and traditions that shape Alabama’s Gulf Coast. We are grateful for another opportunity to learn, connect, and experience Alabama together!

09/23/2026

During the New Student curriculum, Blackburn students participate in monthly Small Groups with their peers and Institute staff. Over dinner and meaningful conversation, students explore the Blackburn values, hear from different perspectives, and learn from one another’s experiences. These discussions provide a space to build trust, foster a diversity of opinions, and practice constructive dialogue.

09/21/2026

Come see the Blackburn Institute at the Fall Leadership Fair!

Stop by our table on Wednesday, September 23, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in the REAL Tide Engagement Commons to learn more about the Blackburn Institute and how we work to develop leaders who make a lasting impact in their communities and across the state of Alabama.

We’re excited to share more about the Blackburn experience, answer your questions, and connect with students interested in leadership and service.

We hope to see you there!

09/16/2026

Congratulations to Nancy Boyd, the 2026 recipient of the Senator Howell Heflin Fellows Endowed Fellowship!

The Heflin Fellowship awards $2,500 to support Blackburn Fellows as they turn their call to action into meaningful projects that address the needs of communities across Alabama.

Nancy was selected for her project, “My Voice & Vote Matters,” an initiative designed to expand access to nonpartisan voter education and registration resources for residents of Montgomery Housing Authority communities.

Through partnerships with resident leaders, community organizations, and the Montgomery County Elections Center, the project aims to serve more than 12,000 Montgomery-area residents by creating greater access to voter registration resources and opportunities for civic participation.

Please join us in congratulating Nancy Boyd and celebrating her continued commitment to serving communities across Alabama!

09/14/2026

Congratulations to John Hammontree, the 2026 Blackburn Fellow of the Year!

The Fellow of the Year Award recognizes a Fellow whose leadership, civic engagement, and continued service exemplify the values and mission of the Blackburn Institute.

As a journalist, storyteller, and Head of Podcasting at AL.com, John has dedicated his career to making important stories and complex issues more accessible. Through journalism, podcasts, investigative reporting, and public conversation, his work helps keep communities informed, engaged, and connected.

John’s nominator shared that his work embodies Blackburn’s mission by “creating opportunities to listen, learn, and leverage conversation to action.”

From leading nationally recognized storytelling projects to serving as a 2026 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University, John continues to demonstrate the power of thoughtful journalism and a lifelong commitment to civic engagement.

Please join us in congratulating John Hammontree, our 2026 Fellow of the Year!

09/11/2026

This year’s Symposium brought together Fellows, students, Advisory Board members, speakers, and friends of the Institute for meaningful conversations, new connections, and a shared commitment to making a difference across Alabama and beyond.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us, shared their perspectives, challenged us to think differently, and helped make this year’s Symposium so special. The strength of the Blackburn Institute has always been its people, and this weekend was a powerful reminder of what can happen when leaders from different backgrounds and experiences come together to listen, learn, and lead.

Thank you to our speakers, guests, Fellows, volunteers, and everyone who played a role in making the 2026 Symposium possible. We are already looking forward to carrying the conversations and connections from this weekend forward.

09/08/2026

Congratulations to Zoi Jane Moon, the 2026 recipient of the Siegal Scholarship!

The Siegal Scholarship awards $3,000 annually to a Blackburn student who demonstrates a commitment to promoting cultural understanding while actively participating in the Blackburn Institute.

In her application, Zoi reflected on the integration of The University of Alabama and the people who worked to create lasting change, writing:
“History remembers the man standing in the door, but the door only mattered because of who walked through it and because of the people working to hold it open.”

Zoi has carried that idea into her own leadership. From facilitating Blackburn experiences and supporting service initiatives across Alabama to conducting civic engagement research and engaging in public policy work, she has remained committed to creating spaces where differences can become a source of greater understanding and connection.

As Zoi wrote, “I have come to understand my own work on this campus as exactly that; the unglamorous but essential business of holding doors open.”
We are proud to recognize Zoi for the intentional leadership, service, and commitment to others that embody the spirit of the Siegal Scholarship. Congratulations, Zoi!

09/04/2026

This past weekend, we had the privilege of coming together for the 2026 Blackburn Institute Symposium! 💙

09/02/2026

💙What have you done today Wednesday! 💙

Trey Hayes joined industry leaders at the 2026 Broadband Communities Summit to discuss emerging technologies, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of connectivity and connected communities.

Dr. Riley Lovejoy conducted statewide research across Alabama to assess aquatic ecosystem health and monitor the presence and spread of invasive zebra mussels in the state’s reservoirs.

Isabella DeSheplo accepted a new position as Manager of Government Relations at the Aluminum Association in Washington, D.C.

Share what you have done for the state of Alabama and beyond today in the comments below!

Address

The University Of Alabama, 2400 Student Center, Box 870296
Tuscaloosa, AL
35487

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+12053483277

Website

http://blackburninstitute.ua.edu/

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