Annual Report 2024-2025

Letter from the Dean

Dear Honors College Community,

Each year, I am reminded of what makes the Honors College such a powerful place of learning and transformation. In 2024–2025, that power came into sharper focus. It was a year defined not just by what we achieved but by how we advanced: with purpose, creativity and a deep commitment to our shared values.

Our students brought energy, insight and vision to everything they touched, from community-based projects through Honors Action to senior Capstone Experiences that bridged disciplines and addressed real-world challenges. The momentum behind UH 401 was inspiring, with 449 students completing the course this year. Now a recognized part of the General Education Core, UH 401 reflects the College’s growing role in shaping how students learn across campus.

Innovation extended far beyond the classroom. The Achieve Scholars Program advanced toward formal recognition as a transdisciplinary minor, the first of its kind in the country.
As part of this work, the program partnered with institutions such as Claremont Graduate University and Parsons School of Design, bringing nationally recognized faculty into the classroom and expanding the ways our students approach complex problems through creative, cross-disciplinary inquiry. Meanwhile, our Capstone Design Fellows developed new senior courses that will push the boundaries of engaged scholarship to deepen the impact of UH 401 across the College.

Our students continued to earn the nation’s most prestigious honors, including Fulbright, Goldwater, Gilman, Hollings and Boren scholarships, as well as The University of Alabama’s 17th Rhodes Scholarship. These accomplishments were not only individual triumphs; they reflected a culture of excellence and mentorship that runs deep throughout the Honors College.

This year was also a time of strategic reflection. As we moved into the goal-setting phase of our multi-year strategic planning process, we did so with intention and clarity, guided by the principles that define us: thinkers, citizens and leaders. We look forward to unveiling the complete plan in January 2026. The debut of our inaugural Honors College Awards Ceremony provided a joyful reminder of the extraordinary talent and dedication within our community, offering us the opportunity to celebrate the individuals who embody these values.

To everyone who contributes to this mission through teaching, mentoring, giving or simply believing in our students, I offer my sincere thanks. The progress we have made this year and the impact we continue to have are only possible because of you.

ROLL TIDE!

**Dr. Tiffany A. Sippial** Associate Provost, Undergraduate Education & Dean, Honors College The University of Alabama

**Dr. Tiffany A. Sippial** Associate Provost, Undergraduate Education & Dean, Honors College The University of Alabama

Honors College Awards

This year, The University of Alabama Honors College recognized and celebrated four exceptional students, one dedicated staff member, one passionate faculty member and two legendary alumni at the inaugural Honors College Awards Ceremony.

The Emerging Scholar Award: Phanuelle Manuel

Phanuelle Manuel is a freshman computer science major, minoring in mathematics and the Randall Research Scholars Program (RRSP). She is a student in the STEM Path to the MBA Program and is very involved on campus.

A photo of Jesse Park as he holds his award, a crimson and white vase.

The Critical and Creative Thinker Award: Jesse Park

Jesse Park is a dual AMP and admitted MBA student in the RRSP studying mechanical engineering at UA. A member of the Engineering Entrepreneurship Program, he has competed in various pitch competitions within Alabama.

A photo of Caleb Buell holding his award.

The Ethical and Empathetic Citizen Award: Caleb Buell

Caleb Buell is a senior and the Honors College Assembly president for the 2024-2025 school year. He is a chemistry major in both the Blount Scholars Program and the RRSP.

A photo of Chandni Bhat holding her award.

The Collaborative Leader Award: Chandni Bhat

Chandni Bhat is a senior chemistry and mathematics major in the RRSP. She is an undergraduate researcher in the Papish Group studying anti-cancerous Ruthenium-Ligand complexes.

A photo of Jane Batson holding her award.

The Staff Excellence Award: Jane Batson

Jane Batson is the program coordinator for the Randall Research Scholars Program and is the Honors College technology coordinator. She is an alumna of the Computer-Based Honors Program (now RRSP).

A photo of Dr. Anne Franklin Lamar holding her award.

The Professor of the Year Award: Dr. Anne Franklin Lamar

Dr. Anne Franklin Lamar joined the Honors College faculty full time in 2018 and was named the Honors Year One Director in 2019. Dean Sippial has appointed her as Interim University Honors Program Director for Spring 2026.

A photo of Dr. Allen Yeilding holding his award.

The Volunteer Service Award: Dr. Allen Yeilding

Dr. Allen Yeilding graduated with a B.S. from UA in 1978 and received his M.D. from UAB in 1982. His dedication to education at UA is exemplified with the establishment of the Allen L. Yeilding Endowment Support Fund.

A photo of John Baschab holding his award.

The Alumnus of the Year Award: John Baschab

John Baschab is co-founder and general partner at Scout Energy Partners. He was part of the 1987 inaugural class of the University Honors Program, now the Honors College.

Our Structure

Our Mission

To inspire and support high-performing and high-potential students as they become Thinkers, Citizens and Leaders within their chosen field of study and beyond.

Our Vision

To have the Honors College be recognized, from local to national, as a home to a community of scholars and a leader in honors education and student engagement.

A photo of the programs, centers, offices and partner programs of the UA Honors College

Our Programs

A group of Honors students sit in a circle outside on the grass.

University Honors Program

-Celebrated 11 UA faculty who successfully completed the inaugural Honors Transdisciplinary Pedagogy Summer Course Design Fellowship, leading to 11 new UH courses

-Recruited three new full-time faculty and 21 part-time temporary instructors to UHP

-Concluded a successful second full academic year with the Will Nolan Film Club showcasing popular films such as “La La Land,” “Dr. Strangelove,” “Aftersun,” “Children of Men,” “The Evil Dead,” “The Seventh Seal,” “O Brother, Where Art Thou?,” “Jaws,” “Before Sunrise,” “Fallen Angels,” “Saw,” “Castle in the Sky,” and “The Ascent”

ACCOLADES

Dillon Cook — The Morris Lehman Mayer Award

Aubrei Grisaffe — The William P. and Estan J. Bloom Award

Kate Herndon — UA’s 17th Rhodes Scholar

Yonathan Janka — The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award

Achieve Scholar Kaila Simmons smiles in front of her research poster.

Achieve Scholars Program

-Received a $50,000 endowment gift

-Created partnership with Claremont Graduate University where Dr. Andrew Vosko and Dr. Shamini Dias taught four classes with freshmen Achieve Scholars

-Collaborated with Parsons School of Design where Dr. Cynthia Jaramillo and Dr. Mark Randall taught two classes with junior Achieve Scholars

-Completed initial steps to have the Achieve Scholars Program recognized as an academic minor. Students who successfully complete the program of study will receive a minor in “The Foundations of Transdisciplinary Analysis and Research Methodology.” With approval of this minor, the Achieve Scholars Program will be the only undergraduate program in the country to offer such a degree.

-Developed on-campus partnership with the Department of Educational Studies in Psychology, Research Methodology and Counseling in the College of Education, which provides two essential courses for the soon-to-be Achieve Scholars minor

ACCOLADES

Presented transdisciplinary research on rural well-being at URCA, with 45 Achieve Scholars comprising 10% of total participants

A group photo of Randall Research Scholars.

Randall Research Scholars Program

-Celebrated its 57th year

-Expanded high school recruiting

-Achieved an average overall GPA of 3.97

-Produced 17 external publications

-Showcased 92 presenters at URCA, with 12 earning awards

ACCOLADES

Bailey Berry — Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship

Chandni Bhat and Christian Stephens — National Alumni Association Outstanding Senior Award

Joe Clark — National Alumni Association Outstanding Student Award

Zach Griffith and Jesse Park — NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship

Raeed Kabir — UA Most Outstanding Junior

Alex Kim — Thomas Parks Davis Outstanding Freshman

Gabrielle Kowkabany and Blake Yuenger — Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

Michael Zengel — NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

A photo of Witt Fellows gathering around a large book at their signing ceremony.

Witt University Fellows Program

-Modified the Social Innovation and Leadership minor to maximize utility of the Magnum Opus Experience by restructuring the curriculum for Years 3 and 4, creating new Year 2 courses and introducing new zero-credit hour leadership courses

-Seated 83 Witt Fellows with an overall average GPA of 3.91, 40 unique majors, 23 double majors and 37 double minors

-Represented by seven colleges, 22 states and five countries

-Volunteered a total of 5,864 hours

ACCOLADES

Emily Adcock — Ramsey Award

Aparna Bhooshanan — Boren Scholar in Taiwan

Javen Bies-Dupree — UA Most Outstanding Sophomore

Dylan Falcon — NASA Patent Innovation Gold Award (2025); Platinum Award (2024)

Jack Gibby — URCA winner for Social Sciences

Maddie Luther — Boren Scholar in Senegal

Addison Miller — UA Phi Beta Kappa Going Award for highest GPA in their incoming class

Common Book

Each year, the Honors College selects a book as the Honors Common Book. All first-year students, Honors Year One (HYO) mentors, faculty and staff read the book in community and participate in programming centered around the Honors Common Book. The experience of a common read enhances the HYO curriculum and builds community around common discussions and experience. The University of Alabama Honors College selected “Birding to Change the World” by Trish O’Kane for our Common Book in 2024-2025.

Harper Collins Publishers describe “Birding to Change the World” as an uplifting memoir of how a professor and activist shares what birds can teach us about life, social change and protecting the environment.

O’Kane is an accidental ornithologist. In her nearly two decades of writing about justice as an investigative journalist, she never paid attention to nature. But then Hurricane Katrina destroyed her New Orleans home, sending her into an emotional tailspin.

Enter a scrappy cast of feathered characters — first a cardinal, urban parrots, and sparrows, then a catbird, owls, a bittern and a woodcock — that cheered her up and showed her a new path. Inspired, O’Kane moved to Madison, Wis., to pursue an environmental studies PhD. There she became a full-on bird obsessive — logging hours in a stunningly biodiverse urban park, filling field notebooks with bird doings and dramas, and teaching ornithology to college students and middle-school kids.

When Warner Park — her daily birdwatching haven — was threatened with development, O’Kane and her neighbors mustered a mighty murmuration of nature lovers, young and old, to save the birds’ homes. Through their efforts, she learned that once you get outside and look around, you are likely to fall in love with a furred or feathered creature — and find a flock of your own.

In her book, O’Kane details the astonishing science of bird life, from migration and parenting to the territorial defense strategies that influenced her own activism. A warm and compelling weave of science and social engagement, this is the story of an improbable band of bird lovers who saved their park, and is a blueprint for muscular citizenship, powered by joy.

“In ‘Birding to Change the World,’ Dr. O’Kane demonstrates how transdisciplinary studies can be practiced in our everyday lives in and out of the classroom,” said Dr. Anne Franklin Lamar, director of Honors Year One. “For O’Kane, studying of birds helps us make meaning of the world around us and our place in it. As we read the Honors Common Book together, we explored how identity and place are woven into our understanding of the world, the creatures around us and what we have to learn from them.”

The book cover of "Birding to Change the World: A Memoir" by Trish O'Kane.

Honors Action

Honors Action is an exciting, week-long community engagement experience and course designed to provide Honors College freshmen with the opportunity to engage in meaningful community-based partnerships. Participants in the program arrive on campus before their peers and devote the last week of their summer to service projects in the Tuscaloosa area.

This year's Honors Action had 230 freshmen participants.

There were 17 executive team members.

There were 37 group leaders.

UH 401: The Capstone Experience

The Capstone Experience in the Honors College at The University of Alabama serves as the culminating academic and intellectual endeavor for students. The Capstone course integrates and synthesizes the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their undergraduate studies, challenging students to work independently to apply this learning to real-world problems or projects. The experience is designed to foster critical and creative thinking, ethical citizenship and collaborative leadership, with a focus on transdisciplinarity, and consists of a required course, co-curricular events and workshops and an end of semester Capstone Showcase.

As part of the curricular revisions the Honors College implemented beginning in 2020, students complete a Capstone project in their final year, mainly through UH 401. Keeping in mind the Honors College’s larger aim of developing students who leave their intellectual mark, we aim to have every Honors student produce a final culminating research/creative project before they graduate.

The first students became eligible to enroll in UH 401 in Spring 2022. Since then, the Honors College increased the number of sections offered to allow students more flexibility to work the course into their schedules. We also appointed a new director of Capstone Experience to facilitate information about the Capstone and oversee the student experience. Dr. Tara Mock, one of the original architects for the Capstone Initiative, assumed the helm of the Capstone Experience in Fall 2022. Between Spring 2023 and Spring 2024, 328 students completed UH 401.

Currently, the Honors College offers between 10 and 17 sections of UH 401 each semester. Fall 2024 to Spring 2025, 449 students enrolled in UH 401 and completed Capstone Experiences. There has been an upward trend in the number of students matriculating through UH 401. Part of this growth is because the Capstone Experience is now a graduation requirement.

MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS

-Added the “W” core designation to UH 401, formally recognizing it as a writing course and part of the revised General Education Core curriculum.

-Added a special topics section of UH 401, designed by Dr. Mock, focused on Engaged Scholarship; the first group of students matriculated through the course in Spring 2025.

-Elevated Capstone Showcase with student work on display at the UA Student Center.

-Implemented a process that expands options for fulfilling the Capstone Requirement. Now students have four ways that they can fulfill the requirement.

An Honnors student presents her Capstone Project.

An Honors student presents her Capstone Project.

Honors by the Numbers

This year, 5,023 students completed 92 courses across 250 sections with an 86% seat fill rate.

We awarded 139 scholarships totaling $235,690 with 77 tuition-based and 62 for research and experiential learning.

449 students completed the Capstone Experience

81 students enrolled in Study Abroad

38 courses earned Experiential Learning designations

11 new UH courses

Recruiting and Admissions shared UA and Honors College information with 9,355 people in 24 states and 50 cities, receiving 3,716 applications with 3,402 admitted and 1,953 orientation registrants.

As of July 31, 2025, Fall 2025's incoming class consists of 596 in-state students and 1,357 out-of-state students, with 347 National Merit Finalists.

Kennemer Center and BIG Ideas

The Kennemer Center received a $150,000 grant from Innovate Alabama to expand the BIG Ideas contest to other colleges and universities in Alabama. The institutions selected were Stillman College, Talladega College, University of North Alabama and University of South Alabama. Each institution was also awarded $50,000 from Innovate Alabama to initiate a pilot program based on the BIG Ideas Contest.

“I was impressed by how smart, curious and driven they [the participants] were to accept feedback throughout the process and refine their idea. This opportunity was immensely satisfying on a personal and professional level, and I’d love to continue to mentor and support students moving forward as part of this project or other opportunities as they arise.”

- Ashley Boyd, BIG Ideas Mentor -

Among 13 teams, Aya Technologies and BioBand tied for first place at the BIG Ideas contest this year, with each team earning $4,000. Aya Technologies’ big idea was empowering rural mothers with culturally competent, AI-driven fetal monitoring that delivers real-time insights and personalized support, ensuring healthier pregnancies and brighter futures. BioBand’s big idea was revolutionizing wound care in low-resource settings with an affordable, color-changing smart bandage that detects infections early, saving lives and reducing costs.

“Through BIG Ideas, I have learned how to apply my creative side to business, and I enjoyed how it challenged me to think about the social impact of a product/service. I have learned more about Alabama and the possibility of working in Alabama though BIG Ideas.”

- Monica Lopez, BIG Ideas Contestant -

**Aya Technologies:** Jylen Tate, Nairobi Brown, Kenny Waweru, Cole Hall (not pictured)

**Aya Technologies:** Jylen Tate, Nairobi Brown, Kenny Waweru, Cole Hall (not pictured)

**BioBand:** Soul Baek, Colby Braden

**BioBand:** Soul Baek, Colby Braden

External Scholarships and Fellowships

The University of Alabama celebrates a year of remarkable achievements by its students, marked by prestigious awards and recognitions. These accomplishments highlight UA’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation across various disciplines. These achievements underscore the dedication and talent within the UA community, propelling the University forward as a leading institution of higher education and research.

Student Prestigious Awards and Fellowships

Boren Scholarship (1)

Critical Language Scholarships (4)

Fulbright Scholarships (14)

Gilman Scholarships (25)

Goldwater Scholarships (4)

Hollings Scholarships (2)

Marshall Scholarship Finalists (3)

National Science Foundation GRFP (3)

Rhodes Scholarship (1)

Truman Scholarship Finalist (1)

“[ESF] allowed me to make the mental switch from being ordinary to extraordinary. I began taking on more leadership, responsibility and initiatives that would fuel my passion for giving back to the community and make me a compelling applicant for these ESF opportunities. Any fear of failure that I once diminished... I no longer have the fear of aiming too high... I [now] have this unshakable confidence.”

- Student Applicant -

For a list of award recipients, click here.

Welcome to Our New Team Members

Dr. Deborah Anderson

Assistant Professor

Dr. Christopher Bishop

Assistant Professor

Leah Myers

External Scholarships Coordinator

Devin Rogers

Event Planner

Gracie Stone

Admissions Associate II

Innovative Teaching

The University of Alabama Honors College and University Honors Program are pleased to announce that 10 fellows were selected for the Honors Capstone Design Fellowship. Each fellow received a $5,000 summer stipend to develop a section of UH 401 Senior Capstone: Signature Work. Fellows met online during the month of June, designed syllabi in July, and made final submissions in August. Approved courses will then be taught as UH 401 sections the following two years. This year’s class represents a diverse disciplinary cohort, with fellows from six colleges and nine departments employing a distinct set of disciplinary perspectives to offer UHP students exciting and rewarding intellectual, ethical and community-based experiences.

2025 Fellows

Peter Beatty, MFA: Instructor, English

Janet Brown, PhD: Assistant Professor, Nursing

Albena Dzhurova, PhD: Instructor, New College

Amanda Edgell, PhD: Assistant Professor, Political Science

Lisa Hsin, PhD: Associate Professor, Educational Psychology

Dawen Li, PhD: Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Brett Smith, MS: Instructor, Biological Sciences

Holly Stokley, MSN: Senior Instructor, Nursing

Margaret Stran, PhD: Clinical Associate Professor, Adapted Athletics

John Wheat, MD: Professor, Family, Internal and Rural Medicine

Faculty Accolades

Dr. Deborah Anderson – Panelist, European Group for Organizational Studies Pre-Colloquium (Athens, Greece)

Dr. Megan Bailey – Excellence in Community Engaged Scholarship Award; Council on Community-Based Partnerships Travel Prize

Dr. Jeff Gray – McMahon-Pleiad Prize (UA System); Burnum Distinguished Faculty Award nominee

Dr. Thomas Herwig – Visiting Professor Appointment, ONIFRA, Madagascar

Dr. Anne Franklin Lamar – Honors College Professor of the Year

Dr. Allen Linken – Morris Lehman Mayer Award for outstanding service to students and the community

Dr. Tara Mock – Council on Foreign Relations Fellowship; UA Teaching Academy Fellow; Leadership U Graduate

Dr. Tyler Sasser – Honorable Mention, Children’s Literature Association Article Award

Dr. Darren Surman – Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor Award

Gratitude and Legacy

Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Adams, Jr.

Mr. Phineas A. M. Agar

Mr. Paaras S. Agrawal

Mrs. Ansonya N. Alderson

Ms. Kristin Allred

Mr. Colby Allsbrook

Mrs. Anne O. Anderson

Mrs. Lisa Anderson

Mr. Chad W. Armstrong

Ms. Kevyn M. Armstrong-Wright

Mr. Hayden B. Arnold

Mrs. Krista K. Bailey

Mr. Kristofer Baldwin

Ms. Harper Ballard

Dr. Peter P. Balsamo

Mrs. Amanda C. Barnes

Mr. J. D. Barnes

Mr. and Mrs. John D. Baschab

Dr. and Mrs. Robert G. Batson

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher A. Bayham

Ms. Mirza Beg

Dr. and Mrs. Stuart R. Bell

Ms. Ashton Berry

Mr. John Berry

Mr. Connor W. Best

Mr. Patrick J. Blanchard

Ms. Christie Bleier

Mr. Robert L. Blevins

Ms. Caroline W. Bloodworth

Drs. Andrew F. and Nanette J. Boden

Mr. Cameron Bolt

Mr. Brett T. Bonikowski

Mrs. Brandy A. Boone

Dr. Caroline Boxmeyer

Dr. Andrea L. Braden

Mr. William W. Brooke Sr.

Mr. and Mrs. James S. Brooks

Bryant Bank

Mr. Benjamin F. Burkeen

Mr. Benton Burroughs Jr.

Ms. Renee Burrows

Mr. Ted Byers

Mr. Gregory D. Cabot II

Dr. Mary Lee L. Caldwell

Mr. Thomas F. Campbell

Mrs. Laura M. Canaday

Mr. Brian Carr

Ms. Jamie Chapman

Mrs. Susannah Chen

Dr. Claire Chisolm

Ms. Jennifer Christian

Ms. Jennifer Claassens

Ms. Julie Clark

Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Clingaman

Dr. Richard H. Cockrum

Mr. Joshua M. Converse

Dr. David A. Copeland

Ms. Mollie Copeland

Mrs. Patsy Y. Copeland

Mrs. Margaret D. Craddock

Mr. Carl J. Cummins

Mr. Carson Cunningham

Ms. Renae Daniels-Simmons

Mr. Robert D. Daugherty Jr.

Dr. Elizabeth C. Davis

Mr. and Mrs. R. Alan Deer

Mrs. Laura DeLuca

Mr. Rylen J. Dempsey

Mrs. Jill Drum

Mr. Michael R. Dunn

Dr. and Mrs. Walter M. Dunn

Mrs. Anne B. Duplantis

Ms. Emmaline K. Dykes

Dr. Jennifer P. Eldredge

Colonel and Mrs. David Etheredge

Ms. Janet Evancic

Ms. Joy Evans

Mr. John Finley

Ms. Sarah Fitch

Lt. Colonel and Mrs. Jonathan G. Floyd

Mrs. Margaret M. Fowler

Mr. and Mrs. Jay R. Gabrielson

Ms. Rikki Gard

Ms. Lauren Geisler

Mr. Daniel R. Gerber

Mrs. Sorca Gill

Mr. John Gobbels

Mr. Zachary A. Goldman

Mr. Jay Grant

Dr. Jeffrey G. Gray

Mr. Troy C. Haas

Mrs. Lindsay K. Hackney

Ms. Kimberly C. Hamrick

Ms. Cheri Hansen

Ms. Lauren N. Hardison

Dr. Asa J. Harris

Dr. Karen E. Harwell

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Trey Hayes III

Ms. Tracy Heinle

Mrs. Amy Henderson

Dr. Ann T. Hester

Mr. James Hillman

Mrs. Michelle L. Holland

Mr. and Mrs. David W. Holt

Dr. Michael B. Honan MD

Mr. Bradley R. Horton

Mrs. Shanda Hudgins

Mr. and Mrs. Richard D. Hudson

Mrs. Susan Hudson

Ms. Araceli Hughes

Mr. and Mrs. Bobby G. Humphrey

Ms. Sara Ingmire

Dr. Dawn A. Israel

Mr. Eric Iverson

Mrs. Debbie Jarrell

Mr. Reid M. Jenkins

Mrs. Cynthia L. Johnson

Ms. Kristen T. Johnson

Mr. Nicholas T. Johnson

Mr. and Mrs. Haskins W. Jones

Mrs. Anna R. Judy

Mr. Raeed A. Kabir

Ms. Laurie Kane

Mrs. Heather Karnes

Mrs. Debbie Kassel

Mr. and Mrs. James C. Kennemer II

Mr. Andrew Kiesewetter

Ms. Melinda G. Kirkpatrick

Dr. Caroline B. Kissane

Mr. Charles J. Kittrell

Mr. Daniel M. Klein

Mr. Kenneth Kowkabany

Ms. Dorothee Kurian

Mrs. Paula Kyllo

Mr. Brian N. Lane

Ms. Christine C. Lassister

Mrs. Tracey Lassiter-Levy

Mrs. Lisa Leathers

Ms. Sarah L. Leclercq

Mrs. Allison F. Leitner

Mr. Bart Liddle

Mr. James M. Loft

Mr. William J. Long III

Ms. Nancy Lopez

Mrs. Amy S. Mabry

Ms. Kendall E. Madison

Ms. Margaret Mahle

Ms. Cassandra Maloney

Ms. Molly Marietta

Ms. Caroline B. Martin

Mr. Philip Mason

Mrs. Vicki Mathis

Mr. Brian J. Mauter

Ms. Angela McAlpin

Mr. Brian M. McDowell

Mr. Carl S. McGee

Mrs. Jill McKallip

Mrs. Anna Laurie McKibbens

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. McLain

Mr. Myles D. McLeroy

Mr. and Mrs. Joel W. McMahon

Mr. Harvey D. Medearis IV

Mr. Ivan L. Meyer

Ms. Delaney M. Miller

Ms. Theresa G. Mince

Mrs. Colleen Miranda

Ms. Patricia Missal

Mr. Evan Mitchell

Mrs. Rebecca R. Mitchell

Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey R. Mize

Mrs. Michele R. Moore

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Y. Moreton

Mr. Paul H. Morris

Ms. Abilene P. Morthland

Ms. Debbie Mosher

Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Mouron

Mr. Nicholas M. Muscolino

Dr. and Mrs. Milton T. Nettles

Mr. John M. Newton

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor R. Nichols

Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan D. Noland

Mrs. Angel A. Norman

Ms. Elaine M. Oberlin-Nesbit

Dr. Chandra Lynn H. Orrill

Ms. Shana C. Oshinskie

Mr. Thomas F. Owens

Mr. Fred L. Pate

Mrs. Kate Pedigo

Mr. Robert D. Pierce II

Mr. Alston H. Pike

Ms. Anita Pope

Mr. Adam M. Porter

Mr. and Mrs. John Paul Portera

Dr. Daniel J. Preston

Ms. Eugenia A. Price

Mrs. Jennifer W. Pyle

Dr. Catherine J. Randall

Mrs. Patricia M. Rauch

Mr. Kyle D. Redding

Dr. Harold M. Reynolds

Mr. Jamie Reynolds

Admiral and Mrs. Charles A. Richard Sr.

Mr. David Roach

Mrs. Alyson D. Rogers

Ms. Samantha C. Rogers

Mr. Samuel J. Rogers

Ms. Shawn Rogutich

Mr. and Mrs. Gary Roth

Mr. Jay M. Rottner

Mrs. Jane R. Semler

Mr. Will Sessions

Ms. Lena M. Seyfarth

Ms. Counts E. Shanks

Mr. Stephen Shanks

Ms. Elizabeth M. Shelmire

Ms. Emma C. Sheriff

Mrs. Karen G. Siegel

Mr. Jacob A. Silberman

Mr. Gregory B. Silverman

Ms. Karlie Sims

Mr. Rhys Sippial

Dr. Tiffany A. Sippial and Mr. Simuel Sippial III

Mr. Dale Slive

Mrs. Tracie Smith

Mr. and Mrs. William E. Smith, Jr.

Mr. Mark Spatz

Mrs. Diana R. Spencer

Mr. Allen L. Spruill

Ms. Karen A. Steimle

Ms. Amy Stein

Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Stevens

Drs. Raymond and Yvonne T. Stevenson

Mr. Dwain P. Strickland

Mrs. Maggie Sullivan

Mr. Ryan D. Taylor

Dr. Nina J. Terry

Mrs. Ellan B. Thigpen

Mrs. Phillips N. Thomas Hornbuckle

Mr. Joshua S. Thompson

Mr. William G. Thompson

Ms. Kathryn Tippey

Mr. Jacob B. Tipton

Mr. James B. Tipton

Ms. Anna C. Toxey

Mr. Steve A. Tucker Jr.

Mr. Andrew B. Tuggle

Mr. Joseph Vlacovsky

Ms. Amy Wallace

Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe T. Wallace Jr.

Mrs. Lisa Walsh

Mrs. Whitney Walsh

Mr. James Walter

Mrs. Jennifer Walters

Mr. Keith H. Weber

Mrs. Ann B. White

Ms. Emily A. White

Mrs. Casey L. Whiting

Mr. Tyler M. Whitley

Mrs. Lella B. Wilbanks

Mr. James E. Williams

Ms. Kindle S. Williams

Major and Mrs. Ronald K. Williams

Dr. Tara N. Williams

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor A. Williams

Mrs. Kelly P. Windham

Ms. Ashley Wood

Ms. Linda Woods

Mrs. Jackie Wuska Wear

Ms. Kathy Yarbrough

Dr. Allen L. Yeilding

Mrs. Patricia P. Yeilding

Mrs. Tikia S. Young

Mr. and Mrs. Lee H. Zell

Donors who gave Aug. 1, 2024-July 31, 2025

Alumni and Donor News

Honors College Alumni Named in 18 Under 31 Class of 2025

Every year, The University of Alabama’s National Alumni Association selects 18 alumni under the age of 31, honoring The University of Alabama’s legendary young alumni who have made a vital impact on their industry, field or community. The 18 Under 31 Class of 2025 included 11 Honors College alumni, who are as follows: Dr. Steven Beall, Lillian Roth Brand, Bry Rivera Burrows, Piper Reyanne Daniels, Dr. Andrew Ross D’Entremont, Michael Dunn, Dr. William Miller, Claire Stebbins, Capt. Samuel Tucker, DVM, Amanda White and Meagan C. Wilson.

Victor Luckerson, a UA Honors College and Witt University Fellows Program Alumnus, Receives the Stone Book Award

Honors College alumnus Victor Luckerson, author of “Built From the Fire: The Epic Story of Tulsa’s Greenwood District, America’s Black Wall Street” won the Stone Book Award’s top prize. According to the Stone Book Award’s website, Luckerson is a journalist and author who works to bring neglected black history to light. His book on the history of Tulsa’s Greenwood District, “Built From the Fire,” was named one of the 100 Notable Books of the Year by The New York Times and received the Lillian Smith Book Award for social justice writing from the University of Georgia. His writing and research have appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Wired and Smithsonian.

Honors College Board of Visitor Member Milton Nettles Named a 2024 UA Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering Fellow

Dr. Milton Nettles began his academic journey at The University of Alabama, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Although he was rigorously trained in engineering, Nettles felt a strong calling to the educational field early in his career. After graduating, he moved to Nashville, where he became a high school math and science teacher. Over the next decade, Nettles took on various leadership roles, eventually becoming the principal of Lighthouse Christian School, located in the inner-city community of Antioch.

A group photo of Dean Sippial and the 18 under 31 awards recipients who are Honors College graduates

Fueling Our Future

Honors College Capital Campaign Priorities

The University of Alabama Honors College stands as a beacon of academic excellence, fostering a vibrant community of scholars, leaders and innovators. As we look toward the future, we are proud to be a part of the transformative UA Capital Campaign which elevates the Honors College to new heights, ensuring its continued impact on our students, faculty and the wider community.

This campaign focuses on several key priorities, designed to enhance the Honors College experience and empower our students to excel in an ever-changing world. By investing in these areas, we can create a lasting legacy of achievement and opportunity for generations to come.

Achieve Scholars Program

-Named Program

-Endowed Faculty Chair

-Endowed Industry Immersion Support Fund

-Endowed Student Research Support Fund

Randall Research Scholars Program

-Endowed Faculty Chair

-Endowed Lab Support Fund

-Endowed Freshman Instructional Support Fund

-Endowed Student Research Projects Support Fund

University Honors Program

-Named Program

-Endowed Faculty Chair

-Endowed Honors Action Fund

-Endowed Student Engagement Support Fund

-Endowed Experiential Learning Support Fund

Witt Fellows Program

-Endowed Faculty Chair

-Endowed International Engagement Support Fund

-Endowed Rural Community Engagement Support Fund

-Endowed Student Engagement Support Fund

College-Wide Priorities

-Named Honors College

-Named Honors Hall Building

-Endowed Student Scholarships

-Endowed Technology Development Support Fund

-Endowed Student Conference/Internship/Apprenticeship Support Fund

-Endowed Lecture Series

-Endowed Professorships

-Endowed External Scholarships and Fellowships Support Fund

Your generous support will empower us to provide unparalleled opportunities for our students, attract and retain exceptional faculty, and create a vibrant intellectual environment that enriches our university and the wider community.

Honors College Endowments

Annual income from endowments allows the Honors College to continue providing key resources for students and faculty. The minimum amount to create an endowment is $25,000, donors may contribute a single gift or make a pledge over five years.

Achieve Scholars Program Quasi-Endowed Support Fund

Allen L. Yeilding Endowed Support Fund

Alton C. and Cecile C. Craig Endowed Scholarship in Honors

Amanda and Trey Hayes Endowed Honors College Student Support Fund

Anderson and Mudd Families Honors College Educational Achievement Endowed Scholarship

Ann and Haskins Jones Achieve Scholars Program Endowed Support Fund

Ann K. and Carl E. Jones Endowed Achievement Scholarship

Anne Campbell Bloom Alabama Governmental Affairs Forum Endowed Support Fund

Barrett C. and Tolly Gilmer Shelton Endowed Scholarships in the Honors Program

Barrett C. and Tolly Gilmer Shelton Quasi-Endowed Scholarships in the Honors Program

Bayham Family Endowed Scholarship

Bernice Strickland Kittrell Endowed Scholarship

Betty Johnson Snell Endowed Honors Scholarship

Cardinal Family Endowed Scholarship Fund

Catherine J. Randall Endowed Support Fund

Cecil Fain Hackney, Jr., Endowed Scholarship

Charles J. Kittrell and Dr. Dancy U. Kittrell Endowed Honors College Scholarship

David and Susan Silverstein Health Advocacy Endowed Scholarship

David D. Heald Endowed Scholarship

Dean Shane Sharpe Student Support Fund in Honors College

DeLynn and Lee Zell University Fellows Experience Endowed Support Fund

Doris B. and Cecil L. Stevens Entrepreneurial Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Allen L. Yeilding Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships Endowed Support Fund

Dr. Charles Louis Seebeck Jr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the Computer Based Honors Program

Dr. Jacqueline Morgan UFE Endowed Support Fund

Dr. Robert E. Witt University Fellows Program Quasi-Endowed Support Fund

Dubina Family Endowed Support Fund

Edward C. and Jayne M. Johnson Endowed Scholarship

Ernest and Vivian Cory Endowed Scholarship

Gwaltney Family Foundation Honors College Endowed Scholarship

H. Pettus Randall Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund

Henry Copeland Endowed Scholarship

International Understanding Endowed Support Fund

Ireland Family Endowed Scholarship

James C. Kennemer Center for Innovation and Social Impact Endowed Support Fund

James P. Hayes Jr. Achievement Scholarship

Jerry C. Pruett Memorial Endowed Scholarship in CBHP

Jim Hayes Moral Forum Endowed Support Fund

Jo Nell Usrey Stephens Endowed Fund for Honors Scholars

John and Mary Baschab Endowed Support Fund

John H. Josey Endowed Scholarship

Josey Foundation Endowed Scholarship

Lella and Bruce Wilbanks University Honors Program Endowed Support Fund

Lindsay Kennemer Hackney Outstanding Innovator Award

Mary and E. Ray Ritch Endowed Scholarship

McWane Foundation Endowed Fund in Support of the Honors Program

Michael W. Adcock Endowed Scholarship

Olin B. King Endowed Achievement Scholarship

Phillips Newbern Thomas Black Belt Action Fund

R. Alan and Jill V. Deer Family Endowed Scholarship

R. Ronald Mize Endowed Scholarship

Regan Stevens Branch Endowed Scholarship

Richard G. Adams Jr. Endowed Support Fund

Rob Heflin and Jack Heflin Endowed Youth-Mentoring Fund

Robert Halli Jr. Endowed Service Award Fund

Sippial Family Endowed Honors College Scholarship

Sydney P. Gabrielson University Fellows Experience Endowed Support Fund

Vergil Parks McKinley Sr. Student Excellence Awards

William A. Nolan Memorial Endowed Support Fund for Film Studies

William G. Cox Endowed International Studies Support Fund

Winona Bell Hunt Endowed Support Fund

Winslow Family Endowed Scholarship

Strategic Planning Framework

Building Tomorrow's Thinkers, Citizens and Leaders

The Honors College is embarking on a comprehensive strategic planning initiative focused on developing well-rounded students who are prepared to lead and contribute meaningfully to society. Our framework is built upon three interconnected pillars that reflect our institutional values and aspirations for student development.

Thinkers

Developing thinkers who transform challenges into opportunities through innovative problem-solving, analytical reasoning and interdisciplinary approaches to complex issues.

Citizens

Cultivating citizens committed to positive societal change through community engagement, global awareness and a deep understanding of social responsibility.

Leaders

Empowering leaders who inspire collective growth by fostering diverse perspectives, effective communication and adaptive leadership strategies.

Our strategic planning process is guided by three dedicated committees aligned with our core pillars. Each committee brings together a variety of perspectives from across our university community, including board members, faculty, staff and students to ensure comprehensive representation.

The process follows a comprehensive, multi-year approach designed to ensure thorough development, broad stakeholder engagement and effective implementation. The goal is to create a data-informed, community-driven strategic plan that will guide our institution’s future direction.

This strategic planning initiative represents our collective commitment to preparing students who not only excel academically but also contribute meaningfully to society as thoughtful citizens and effective leaders. Through broad stakeholder engagement and methodical development, we aim to create a roadmap that will guide our institution toward a future of enhanced educational impact and community relevance.