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The Blackburn Institute at The University of Alabama

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The Blackburn Institute at The University of Alabama

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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.

10/30/2026

Last Friday, Blackburn students participated in a Meet & Eat discussion alongside Royce Dickerson (Blackburn Class of 2019), Director of Strategic Health Programs at Aflac, and Ibby Dickson (Blackburn Class of 2020), Manager of Federal Advocacy for The League of Credit Unions and Affiliates. The pair discussed their transition from student to Fellow, how respect should sit at the core of every interaction, and best practices for turning goals into reality.

We’re thankful for opportunities like these that allow our students to learn from our Fellows. Thank you, Royce and Ibby, for spending time with our students and sharing your experiences with the Blackburn community!

10/29/2026

Join us in congratulating Blackburn student Kameron Baba on being crowned the 2026 Homecoming Queen at The University of Alabama!

A first-generation student from Gadsden, Alabama, Kameron is a senior majoring in marketing, as well as a member of the 2026 Blackburn class. Through her campaign, "Better with Baba," Kameron will spend her term as homecoming queen serving her peers by connecting them with health, wellness, and community resources. She will also work alongside the Camellia Center, an on-campus service providing "confidential counseling and advocacy for individuals impacted by interpersonal violence and related education and prevention programs."

Congratulations, Kameron!

10/20/2026

Blackburn students enjoyed spending time with Monica Graveline for a conversation filled with valuable insights and personal experiences. During her visit, she shared her professional journey as an attorney and executive with Alabama Power and Southern Company, as well as her civic involvement in the Birmingham area.

We’re grateful for opportunities like these that allow our students to learn from accomplished leaders. Thank you, Monica, for spending time with our students and sharing your experiences with the Blackburn community!

10/15/2026

This past Thursday, Blackburn students enjoyed spending time with Advisory Board member Lynne Berry over a meal filled with thoughtful conversation, shared experiences, and plenty of laughs. During our chat, she spoke with students about what it means to play an active role in expanding and strengthening one’s community, and she even gave us some recommended reading: “The Meaning of Your Life” by Arthur C. Brooks!
We’re thankful for moments like these that allow our students to connect with members of the Blackburn community and learn from the experiences of those around them.
Thank you, Lynne, for spending time with us and making this Meet & Eats one to remember!

10/12/2026

A 2002 Fellow, Zac Riddle knows what it means to have a lifetime commitment to the Institute, its mission, and its values. Now, as he steps into his role as the 2026-2028 Fellows Chairperson, he's more than eager to put his experience and perspective into practice.

For more than two decades, Zac has gained experience in creating opportunities for Fellows to stay connected to the Blackburn community throughout every stage of life. His goal, along with his fellow officers, is to strengthen the Fellows Network by bringing more people to the table, encouraging diverse perspectives, and continuing to build meaningful connections across generations.

In the latest edition of Annual Connections, Zac shares what has kept him connected to Blackburn, the experiences that shaped his time in the Institute, and the role Fellows Officers have in realizing Dr. Blackburn's vision.

Read more through the link below!

https://blackburn.sl.ua.edu/posts/spotlights/fellows-spotlight/2026/fellows-spotlight-zac-riddle/

10/02/2026

A 2025 Rhode Scholar, Blackburn Fellow Kate Herndon has spent the last couple of years at Oxford studying methods to provide better support for domestic violence survivors. Building on what she accomplished in Tuscaloosa, she credits her time as a student of the Institute with reinforcing the value behind open and honest communication among peers. Namely, how challenging one another in our beliefs and assertions can open more opportunities for collaboration.

In the latest edition of Annual Connections, Kate reveals how Blackburn's emphasis on leadership development and civic engagement laid out the groundwork for her to answer her call to action—even if it's happening across the pond.

Read her full reflection about her time in Blackburn and her excitement to be a 2025 Rhodes Scholar at the link below!

[ALT TEXT: A headshot of Kate Herndon is featured, as well as text denoting her name and position as a Blackburn Fellow and 2025 Rhodes Scholar. She also has a quote from her article in Annual Connections featured too.]

09/30/2026

Thank you to Alice Burns for joining us for Perspectives on Leadership this past Friday!

Alice shared reflections from her career in public service and encouraged students to remain open to unexpected opportunities, invest in the relationships around them, and lead with purpose. We are grateful to Alice for spending time with our students and sharing the lessons and experiences that have shaped her leadership journey.

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.

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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