The Blackburn Institute, an organization that develops a network of leaders that work to understand and solve issues in the state of Alabama, is accepting nominations for its 2013 class until the end of the month.
Mary Lee Caldwell, coordinator for the Blackburn Institute, said they are looking for 25-30 students who are passionate about improving the quality of life for Alabamians.
The Blackburn Institute accepts students at all stages of their academic career, including graduate and doctoral students, as long as they have one full year left at the University. Students are not required to be from the state of Alabama, but rather must have an interest in making Alabama a better place for its citizens.
“Whether they’re from a small town or a big city, we hope they will go back to their home and make a difference in the state,” said Philip Westbrook, director of the Blackburn Institute.
Westbrook said members enter a learning curriculum and have a first-hand understanding with issues like education, health care, workforce development and criminal justice in Alabama.
“Solving issues can sometimes create a negative environment,” Westbrook said. “We want students to experience the issues from multiple perspectives in order to avoid that negativity.”
John L. Blackburn, founder of the Blackburn Institute, served The University of Alabama for 30 years, filling several roles including dean of students. Blackburn was hired by The University of Alabama in 1956 and was eventually an integral part of the racial integration of students on campus.
“People forget that the University opened the doors that day, even though there were people that tried to stop it,” Westbrook said. “Part of his legacy was building relationships with students and developing leaders that could continue to solve issues like that.”
Part of Blackburn’s vision statement for the institute includes the need for ethical leaders to help build good communities throughout the state of Alabama.
Upon graduation from the University, each Blackburn member becomes a fellow, and joins a network of 366 fellows living in 26 states and five foreign countries.
Ben Foster, a second-year graduate student in the MBA program, entered the Blackburn Institute during the spring of his freshman year.
“Over the years I’ve been able to network with older people that went through before me,” Foster said. “Now I can network with younger students on campus with me.”
Now, as a fellow, he still attends Blackburn events on campus. He said it is important to always socialize with this network of people.
“It helps me with my personal mission and calling in my life,” Foster said. “I know I have people that I can call to help start a project of my own.”
Foster said the most valuable thing about his Blackburn experience is the rich relationships he has built and the ability to talk about issues that Blackburn focuses on.
“You can bridge a lot of gaps if you’re able to sit down and have a conversation with people,” Foster said.
To make a nomination, the student’s name, CWID (optional), and email address should be emailed to [email protected] or faxed to 205.348.5928 no later than January 30, 2013. Students may nominate themselves or be nominated by a faculty or staff member at the University. All nominated candidates will be invited to attend an interest session to learn more about organization and commitments. Nominations are due before 4:45 PM on January 30, 2013.
