Blackburn Institute

Introducing a New Year & New Fellows

October 14, 2010

The 2010 academic year is in full swing and the Blackburn Institute has had a wide-ranging variety of events and activities over the first few months. These events build on a very successful summer, where Advisory Board members, Blackburn Fellows, and students met around the state and in Washington D.C. for networking events. The momentum has carried over to campus, and Student Fellows have engaged in numerous events that have deepened their understanding of Alabama while facilitating meaningful relationships that will benefit the Institute and our state for years to come.

The revamped schedule of events has helped our new fellows better understand Alabama in a historical narrative that links the past with current issues. It is our hope that each event builds on previous events to create a coherent framework of the challenges and opportunities in Alabama. By emphasizing problem solving and thoughtful discussion, students will be able to analyze complex issues in a way that overcomes the increasingly partisan and polarized debates that permeate society. The new class of fellows has approached our events with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

After a very successful selections process in the spring, the 29 new fellows have proven to be outstanding. Though the students come from all areas of our state and region, as well as many different academic courses of study, they have come together with an energetic approach to learning about Alabama. Each new fellow brings a unique perspective that comes out in the intense discussions that follow every event. I am extremely excited to follow their growth over the coming year, and I cannot wait to see the positive impact that they continue to have on campus.

Overall, the year to date has been excellent, and I look forward to the slate of events in the coming months. Thank you for your role in facilitating the Blackburn Institute’s mission of creating a more ethical, progressive, and just Alabama.

-Marshall Houston, Blackburn Class of 2009

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