Callen Woodard is a Birmingham-based attorney and two-time graduate of the University of Alabama. Her commitment to mentorship was shaped in part by her work in the University of Alabama School of Law's Children's Rights Clinic, where she advocated for children with disabilities in West Alabama. She continues that commitment through volunteer work with Distinguished…
Kate Herndon is a Blackburn Fellow (Class of 2022) from Newburyport, Massachusetts. She graduated from The University of Alabama with Bachelor of Arts degrees in criminal justice and history, with a concentration in legal history. A student in the University Honors Program and Honors College, she was deeply engaged in both academic and campus leadership.…
Madeline Martin received her JD from The University of Alabama School of Law and is a summa cum laude graduate in Communication Studies and Political Science. As an undergraduate, she served as the 111th President of The University of Alabama Student Government Association and served as the Student Bar Association president at UA Law for…
Danielle Chbeir is a senior majoring in Economics and Political Science while pursuing an Accelerated Master’s degree in Quantitative Economics. This past April, I assumed the role of Chief Justice of the Student Government Association. Aside from executing other duties, I am responsible for overseeing the Student Judiciary within SGA, an equally exciting and daunting…
Emma Kenny is a Child Rights Education Officer for UNICEF Ireland. Emma has a Bachelors of Arts in History and Political Science with a concentration in Legal History. As an undergrad, Emma was involved with many of the First Year Experience programs including, Freshman Forum as a 2020-21 Intern, the Camper and Alumni Relations Coordinator…
Every once in a while, following the beaten path still leads to new possibilities. For Bennett McGehee (2018), growing up in Mobile and being surrounded by Alabama fans did not mean his time at The Capstone was a guarantee. Even still, one tour and a scholarship was all it took. Today, Bennett is a proud…
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Danielle Blevins originally had no idea what the Blackburn Institute was. Upon being anonymously nominated, she scrolled through the Blackburn website and immediately connected with the mission and vision of the organization. To Danielle, Blackburn provided an avenue for combining her passions: community engagement, ethical leadership, and storytelling. She officially…
Tom Campbell’s journey to The University of Alabama was not without road bumps. When he was in middle school visiting an ailing family member, the smell of the Tuscaloosa paper mill was enough to make him physically ill. It was not until he received confirmation of its closure that he returned to the university, where…
In October, the leadership of the Birmingham Kiwanis club was transferred from one Blackburn community member to another. Andrew Nix, Blackburn Fellow (Class of 2001), passed the gavel to Blackburn Society and Advisory Board Member John Saxon. This transition illustrates how Blackburn‑affiliated leaders shape the direction and impact of their community and civic organizations. Reflecting…
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…
