The Blackburn Institute at The University of Alabama

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.

Applications for the Howell-Heflin Fellows award are now open!Through The Senator Howell Heflin Fellows Endowed Support ...
06/06/2026

Applications for the Howell-Heflin Fellows award are now open!

Through The Senator Howell Heflin Fellows Endowed Support Fund, the Blackburn Institute funds Fellows’ projects to address the needs of Alabama communities, funding community projects with a total award of $2,500 each year.

Priority consideration shall be given to activities that impact literacy, both youth and adult, and voter education initiatives consistent with the vision, mission and values of the Blackburn Institute.

To learn more about submitting a project for consideration email Mackenzie ([email protected]) for more information about submission requirements and timelines.

💙What have you done today Wednesday! 💙Allison Pope is working with the White House Historical Association this summer.La...
06/03/2026

💙What have you done today Wednesday! 💙

Allison Pope is working with the White House Historical Association this summer.

Lana Grace Fields is working with working on the Hill for Representative Kevin Mullin in DC this summer.

Eli Lovell is a summer law clerk at English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley.

Ora Graham is interning with the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney’s office.

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

Nominations are open for the 2026 Fellow of the Year Award. The Fellow of the Year Award amplifies and celebrates Blackb...
06/02/2026

Nominations are open for the 2026 Fellow of the Year Award. The Fellow of the Year Award amplifies and celebrates Blackburn Fellows’ extensive leadership and civic engagement work and recognizes one Fellow per year who exemplifies the Institute’s values.

The winner of the Fellow of the Year Award will be recognized at the 2026 Annual Symposium on August 28-29, 2026.

Submissions close on July 1. Fellows may self-nominate, or they may be nominated by students, other Fellows, Advisory Board Members, or Blackburn Society Members. Submit your nomination today!

Find the link in your newsletter.

We had a great time gathering with the Blackburn regional network in Huntsville! Thank you to Fellow Kelsi Long for host...
05/29/2026

We had a great time gathering with the Blackburn regional network in Huntsville! Thank you to Fellow Kelsi Long for hosting us – it was a wonderful time connecting with students, Fellows, and Advisory Board members!

We are heading to Montgomery next on June 9 – RSVP via the link in your newsletter!

💙What have you done today Wednesday! 💙Caitlyn McTier is joining Ralph Lauren as a Brand Marketing Manager for Tennis & S...
05/28/2026

💙What have you done today Wednesday! 💙

Caitlyn McTier is joining Ralph Lauren as a Brand Marketing Manager for Tennis & Special Projects on the Sports Marketing team.

Luke Mintz will be attending the University of Virginia Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy to pursue a Master of Public Policy.

Chloe Eastis is returning to intern with Alabama Productivity Center this summer.

Ashley Grant will be serving as a University of Alabama Student Orientation Leader this upcoming summer.

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

Blackburn Society Member Doug Jones won the democratic primary for Governor of Alabama. Additionally, Fellow John Robert...
05/26/2026

Blackburn Society Member Doug Jones won the democratic primary for Governor of Alabama. Additionally, Fellow John Roberts is the republican nominee for Alabama State Senate, District 2.

We congratulate these Blackburn members on their advancement to the general election and celebrate them answering their call to action!

Update your Blackburn Connect profile in 4 easy steps by linking it to your LinkedIn!1. Download a PDF of your LinkedIn ...
05/23/2026

Update your Blackburn Connect profile in 4 easy steps by linking it to your LinkedIn!

1. Download a PDF of your LinkedIn page
2. Go to "my profile" on Blackburn Connect.
3. Select "Sync my LinkedIn"
4. Upload your PDF to sync your profile

💙 Connect with students, Fellows, and Board Members via Blackburn Connect today!

💙What have you done today Wednesday! 💙Blackburn Society member Bill Baxley has joined Upchurch Watson White & Max’s Medi...
05/21/2026

💙What have you done today Wednesday! 💙

Blackburn Society member Bill Baxley has joined Upchurch Watson White & Max’s Mediation Panel.

Alyssa Thompson has been selected for the newest class of Health Equity Scholars at UAB Heersink School of Medicine.

Raegan Harris has received a graduate fellowship to pursue her Master's of Community and Regional Planning at the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture.

Daylynn Bass Francis will be interning with the U.S. Department of Agriculture this summer.

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

Washington, DC! Save the date for our summer networking event on Wednesday, June 24.We are looking forward to connecting...
05/20/2026

Washington, DC! Save the date for our summer networking event on Wednesday, June 24.

We are looking forward to connecting with students, Fellows, and Board Members in our nation’s capital!

🔗RSVP via the link in your newsletter.

On August 28-29, 2026, the Blackburn Institute will host Annual Symposium at The University of Alabama Student Center in...
05/15/2026

On August 28-29, 2026, the Blackburn Institute will host Annual Symposium at The University of Alabama Student Center in Tuscaloosa. We are accepting proposals for content sessions now through June 15.

🔗 RSVP via the link the comments

Our theme, "Toward a More Perfect Union: 250 Years of the American Experiment," invites both celebration and critical reflection on our nation's semiquincentennial by commemorating our founding principles, acknowledging the unique challenges that call us to contend for these ideals in our current time, and exploring how we can strengthen and preserve our democratic-republic for future generations.

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

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