In Spring 2026, Blackburn students visited Montgomery on a 2-day Protective Life Government Experience. Please use the itinerary below as an example of the range of activities that students engage in during this trip.
Thursday, January 22
3 p.m. – Session 1: Legislative Preview with Rep. Scott Stadthagen and Sen. Bobby Singleton
5 p.m. – Session 2: Celebrating 20 Years of the Protective Life Government Experience with Prince Cleveland, Taylor Nichols and Meghan Stringer
6:30 p.m. – Networking Dinner with Advisory Board members and Fellows
Friday, January 23
9:30 a.m. – Session 3: The Impact of The Retirement Systems of Alabama with David Bronner (CEO, Retirement Systems of Alabama)
11 a.m. – Session 4: Healthcare Policy with Brandon Farmer (President & CEO, Alabama Nursing Home Association) and Emily Marsal (Executive Director, Certificate of Need Board)
12:30 p.m. – Networking Lunch with Advisory Board members and Fellows
2 p.m. – Session 5: Exploring Montgomery Museums
3:30 p.m. – Session 6: K12 Education Policy with Mr. Bo Garrett (President, Holy Family Cristo Rey) and Dr. Roderick Sheppard (Deputy Superintendent, Florence City Schools)
6:30 p.m. – Networking Dinner with Advisory Board members and Fellows