On January 30, 2026, four Blackburn Fellows were recognized as recipients of the University of Alabama's 18 Under 31 Young Alumni award. The 18 Under 31 Young Alumni Awards honor The University of Alabama’s legendary young alumni who have made a vital impact on their industry, field or community.
Dr. Jay Little Cunningham
Dr. Jay Little Cunningham (Blackburn class of 2017) is a computer scientist and assistant professor at DePaul University, where he directs the RAISE Lab (Responsible AI Systems & Societal Experiences) and conducts research on artificial intelligence ethics and human-centered technology design. A native of Artesia, Mississippi, Cunningham earned his Bachelor of Science in computer science from The University of Alabama in 2019. As a student, he served as the inaugural SGA vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion, First-Year Council president of the National Society of Black Engineers and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He received the Cleophus Thomas Diversity Leadership Award and was inducted into the Jasons Men’s Honorary.
Cunningham earned both his MS and PhD in human-centered design and engineering from the University of Washington. He has conducted research at Google, Apple and Microsoft, published extensively, and secured more than $2 million in competitive fellowships and grants, including the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and Google Award for Inclusion Research.
Chandler Shields Helton
Chandler Shields Helton (Blackburn class of 2016) is a motivated public servant. In October 2025, she transitioned from Capitol Hill to join H&R Block’s government affairs team, where she shapes federal legislative and regulatory policy affecting the tax industry. She previously served as deputy chief of staff to Congressman Dale W. Strong, where she served as a top advisor. Her previous experience includes roles with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the offices of U.S. Senators Richard Shelby and Lindsey Graham.
Originally from Monrovia, Alabama, Helton holds a degree in public relations and political science. On campus, she was involved with Capstone Men & Women, The XXXI, Chi Omega and The Blackburn Institute, and she founded the University’s Young Women for America chapter. She later earned a master’s degree in public policy from Liberty University.
Outside of her official responsibilities, Chandler founded and chaired the Republican Deputy Chiefs of Staff Association and has been an active member of the Women’s Congressional Staff Association and Women’s Congressional Golf Association.
Kelsi Long
Kelsi Long (Blackburn class of 2019) is a native of Madison, Alabama. She earned her bachelor’s degree from The University of Alabama in 2017, majoring in accounting and minoring in Spanish. She also earned an MBA and JD from UA. She began her legal career at a law firm in Birmingham before relocating to the Huntsville area.
Long is currently an attorney at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, where she focuses on corporate and energy law matters. She is actively engaged in professional and community service, serving as a member of the Committee of 100 in Huntsville and Leadership Alabama’s Alabama Leadership Initiative, which connects emerging leaders across the state. She also serves on the Board of Visitors for the Culverhouse College of Business.
In addition, Long is a fellow of the Blackburn Institute, class of 2019, and currently serves as the Huntsville Blackburn Liaison. Her professional interests include economic empowerment, community development and economic development. Outside of her legal work, she enjoys travel, fitness, serving as a mentor for high school students and cultivating meaningful relationships.
Preston Parker McGee
Preston Parker McGee (Blackburn class of 2021) is an Alabama native, born in Selma and raised in the close-knit community of Plantersville, where he graduated from Dallas County High School. He earned bachelor’s degrees in business management and political science from The University of Alabama in 2023, followed by an MBA in 2024. While at UA, McGee was involved in Capstone Men & Women, the Crossroads Civic Engagement Center, the Blackburn Institute and other civic-focused initiatives.
After completing his studies, McGee returned home to serve as community outreach coordinator for the Selma Resilience Initiative, a societal impact program of the Culverhouse College of Business. In this role, he collaborates with community members, local leaders and the broader UA campus to support economic development, revitalization and long-term community advancement in Selma.
Deeply committed to service, McGee is active in his local church and organizations such as the Rotary Club and Lighting Selma. He believes his time at the Capstone equipped him with the skills and vision to create meaningful impact wherever he is called to serve.
