Samantha Simmons Elected SGA President
During her campaign, Simmons promised to visit 50 student organizations within 50 days, saying, “Student voices…shape the policy priorities and agenda of my platform.”
Teegan Mathey on Winning Race & Case Team
The Manderson Case Team won this year’s Race & Case competition, hosted by the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver. Teams earned points through both their case presentation and a ski race in Breckenridge, Colorado.
2026 Premiere Awards: Elizabeth Owens Chosen to Receive John Fraser Ramsey Award
This award recognizes Owens’ breadth of excellence in mind and character that have traditionally been the goals of a liberal education.
2026 Premiere Awards: Emma Hou Chosen to Receive Morris Lehman Mayer Award
One of just nine Premiere Awards awarded each year, the honor celebrates Hou’s selfless, significant service and leadership to the UA community.
Shelby Scholars Met with Peter Schwartzstein, International Journalist and Researcher
Schwartzstein, a guest of the Global Water Security Center, answered Scholars’ questions about international governance, security, and the ethical responsibilities of journalists working in regions affected by climate violence.
Sam McKinney Recognized in UA’s Inaugural Record of Engagement and Learning (REAL) List
McKinney is included among the Top 25 Most Engaged in Leadership Development in REAL Tide and Top 100 Most Engaged in REAL Tide (Overall)
Five Shelby Scholars Selected for 2026 Capitol Scholars Program
Anna Dickey, Marah Inman, Sam Miller, Andrew Stovall, and Mary Sullivan were among the 18 students selected to participate in the UA System’s Capitol Scholars Program.
Camila Lopez Receives The Voyager Scholarship, The Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service
The Voyager Scholarship is a two-year leadership development and scholarship program for students who have a passion for serving their communities through public service. Lopez is a member of the 4th class of recipients.
Maria Derisavi Wins Miss Maryland 2025
Derisavi earned over $11,000 in scholarships, which she plans to apply toward law school. Derisavi will represent Maryland at the Miss America competition in September 2025 in Orlando, Florida.
Bennett Ogle Awarded Both Fulbright and Boren Scholarships
The Boren scholarship provides Ogle the opportunity to study Azerbaijani in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the Fulbright Scholarship supports Ogle’s English language instruction in Latvia.
Michael Regnier to Attend University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School as a Levy Scholar
As a Levy Scholar, Regnier will receive full tuition and mentorship, with access to exclusive, cross-disciplinary academic opportunities.
Olivia Brown to Spend Summer in Benin and Washington D.C.
While in Benin, Olivia will study French as well as the economic development of Francophone Africa. Upon returning to the U.S., she will intern with Congresswoman Terri Sewell’s office on Capitol Hill.
Chloe Pickle to Intern with House Majority Whip, Tom Emmer
“I will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the legislative process, support various tasks and projects, and develop my abilities and skills.”
—Chloe Pickle
Fifteen Shelby Scholars Inducted into Honors Societies at 2025 Tapping on the Mound
Honors Week 2025 culminated with the recognition of outstanding students at the annual Tapping on the Mound ceremony April 4.
Marah Inman to Serve as Capstone Men and Women Vice President of Operations
The group provides tours daily to prospective students, parents and other campus guests to help them gain a better understanding of all aspects of the University.
Maria Derisavi Receives George McAdams Endowed Scholarship
The George McAdams Endowed Scholarship is awarded annually to select public administration students in UA’s Department of Political Science.
The Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership Receives SGA’s 2025 Jack Warner Award
UA’s Student Government Association celebrated the achievements of outstanding student leaders, university faculty and staff, and community partners at the annual SGA Awards Banquet.
Aubrei Grisaffe Chosen to Receive 2025 Premiere Award
The annual Premier Awards honor members of the UA community who exemplify the highest standards of scholarship, service, leadership and character.
Autumn Pernell Proposed Mental Health Awareness Initiative to SGA Senate, Encouraging Residence Halls to Post Resource Flyers
The act passed, and SGA will provide UA housing with a flyer highlighting on-campus and online mental health resources.
Jack Allison Selected as Senate Committee Summer 2025 Intern
Jack will intern for the Senate Committee of Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Cameron Morgan Named Inaugural Mr. Black UA, Wins Scholarship
UA’s Black Student Union held its first Mr. and Mrs. Black UA Pageant on Wednesday, February 26. The event doubled as a fundraiser to raise scholarship funds for the pageant winners.
Ally-Anna Outlaw Announced as Global Water Security Center Spring 2025 Intern
Ally-Anna is interning with the Global Water Security Center (GWSC) in the Communications Department, where she contributes to outreach efforts that bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding.
Teegan Mathey to Play in 2025 AAU College Hockey National Championship
The Alabama Women’s hockey team, co-founded by Shelby Scholar Teegan Mathey, won the 2025 College Hockey South Championship, qualifying for nationals in its first year in the conference.
Maria Derisavi Successfully Lobbies for Change to the University Code of Conduct to Prevent Election Intimidation
“This change in the Code of Conduct marks a significant step towards a future in which all students can feel safe and protected as they pursue on-campus opportunities.”
—Maria Derisavi
Katherine Gray, Hudson Hanner, and Alton Hudson Selected as 2025 Capitol Scholars
Now in its second year, the Capitol Scholars Program provides outstanding UA System students interested in careers in or around the federal government with an immersive summer internship experience in Washington, D.C.
Samad Gillani to Serve on National Search Committee for the 30th president of The University of Alabama
“It is a privilege to represent our student body in this important process, and I am committed to upholding the tradition of excellence and leadership that defines our university.”
— Samad Gillani
Shelby Scholars Launch Campaign to Combat Distracted Walking
Shelby Scholars and SGA leaders Samad Gillani, Teegan Mathey, and Chloe Pickle partner with the Division of Student Life, UAPD and Transportation Services to launch the “Look Up, Legends!” campaign.
Shelby Scholar Crowned 2024 UA Homecoming Queen
Hannah Adams, a member of the inaugural class of Shelby Scholars, was crowned UA’s homecoming queen on October 25, 2024 at the pep rally and annual bonfire.
Finley Richardson Honors Veterans with ‘Salute to Service’ event
‘Salute to Service,’ was held on the Quad and invited students to honor veterans through activities like signing a commemorative wall and writing letters to retired service members.
Shelby Scholars Among Students Organizing Support for Hurricane Helene Relief
Shelby Scholar and SGA members Hannah Kate Newman, Morgan Patrick, and Aubrei Grisaffe partnered with Sanders Aviation to quickly gathered enough supplies to fill a carload of necessities like diapers, baby formula, hydration packets and more.
Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership Welcomes Inaugural Class of Shelby Scholars
The Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership is proud to announce that 39 students have been selected to comprise the inaugural class of Shelby Scholars – an undergraduate program within the Institute.
Applications for inaugural cohort of Shelby Scholars program to close Monday
The nonpartisan institute, named after Alabama Senator Richard Shelby, will select 20–25 students for the inaugural cohort of the program.
Watch the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership ribbon-cutting
Visit the link below to watch the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Tuomey Hall, home of the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership.
Shelby Institute Opens Doors and Completes Leadership Team
The University of Alabama cut the ribbon on the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership, a student-focused academic and service program concentrating on educating and training students interested in policy.
Sen. Richard Shelby to Donate Official Papers, Records, Materials to UA
U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby will donate his official Senate papers, records and materials to The University of Alabama at the conclusion of his sixth U.S. Senate term.
Two Transformative Initiatives Honor Sen. Shelby’s Historic Support
UA announced the creation of the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership, focused on providing premier educational programs for students interested in policy.
New Shelby Institute at the University of Alabama to be led by Familiar face
UA System Chancellor Finis St. John IV is stepping down from leading the state’s flagship university system to take a new role at the newly founded Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership.