As students at The University of Alabama, we have experienced Tuscaloosa as a starting place for innovative ideas and transformative learning experiences. Yet, far too often, these stories end with departure. Students earn their degrees from the University, Shelton State Community College, and Stillman College, only to take their talent, energy, and ambition elsewhere. This persistent brain drain poses a critical challenge for Alabama, one that limits economic development and weakens long-term community growth.
Our Daniel Community Scholars team (Rylen Dempsey, Luke Mintz, Raegan NeSmith, and I) chose to tackle this issue head-on. Partnering with FuelAL, the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, and Visit Tuscaloosa, we helped pilot Anchor Tuscaloosa, a student retention and economic development initiative. Through a competitive application process, we assembled a cohort of 40 students from UA, Shelton State, and Stillman to explore the professional and social opportunities available right here in Tuscaloosa County. The goal was clear: to provide students with a compelling vision of a future rooted in Alabama.
The stakes could not be higher. According to data from the Alabama Department of Commerce, small and midsize communities across the South are losing a disproportionate number of college-educated young adults each year. This outmigration impacts more than just workforce availability—it drains the social and civic capital that vibrant communities depend on. Anchor Tuscaloosa aims to reverse this trend by identifying the cultural and structural factors that influence graduates to leave, and by crafting local, innovative solutions to encourage them to stay.
To inform our work, our team studied successful talent retention models from cities like Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Des Moines, Iowa, adapting key insights to fit the unique character of Tuscaloosa County. Over the course of the Spring 2025 semester, we curated immersive programming in collaboration with Visit Tuscaloosa and the Chamber of Commerce. Students connected with the Gathering Lab to build authentic community relationships, toured the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International plant to explore high-skill manufacturing opportunities, and engaged with United Way to better understand the region’s nonprofit landscape. We also visited local healthcare institutions and concluded with a celebration of Tuscaloosa’s quality of life through a lakeside gathering on Lake Tuscaloosa.
These experiences revealed a powerful truth: students are more likely to stay when they feel rooted in the community and can envision a fulfilling life beyond the classroom. By fostering these connections early, Anchor Tuscaloosa equips students with the knowledge, networks, and confidence to build their futures here.
As we reflect on this year’s work, we are grateful for members of the Tuscaloosa community who worked tirelessly to make the inaugural class of Anchor Tuscaloosa a success. We appreciate Kelsey Rush, Blackburn Advisory Board member Justice Smyth, and Kyle South for their leadership and mentorship to make Anchor Tuscaloosa happen. Due to their tireless work, Anchor Auburn will pilot this academic year. The effort to reverse the brain drain is far from over, but Anchor Tuscaloosa represents a meaningful step forward.
We’re also deeply thankful to the Daniel Foundation for their generous support and belief in student-driven change. Their investment made this initiative possible, and we’re just getting started.
Written by Robin Reid, Class of 2024