Honoring a Lifetime of Service

1994

The idea for the Institute sprang from discussions between UA Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Kathleen Cramer, and Dr. John L. Blackburn about how the University could pay appropriate tribute to Dr. Blackburn’s years of distinguished service.

He was uncomfortable with having a room in the student center named in his honor or erecting a reminder to the institution’s integration years in the early 1960s.

Instead, he wanted the University to create an organization that would cultivate future ethical leaders for Alabama and the nation.

In the fall of 1994, an inaugural class of 30 students and alumni Fellows were selected, and plans were underway for a first meeting the following spring.

1995

Fellows Kimberly Goins and Brittney Ingalls compiled the following history from 1995 to 2004.

In February, the Blackburn Institute held its inaugural retreat (which would later become Annual Symposium) at Twin Pines Country Club.

Student leaders were selected by administrators to participate in this event.

Major voices like Jim Rogers, Johnny Johns, Cleo Thomas, and Bill Blount discussed topics such as Global Economic Issues and their impact on Alabama; Government and Public Service: Contemporary Politics; Servant Leadership and Responsible Citizenship; An Interactive Look at the Future: Strategies for Campus and the State and Future Blackburn Institutes.

1996

The Blackburn Institute's retreat, held at Twin Pines, had the theme “Who Matters the Most in Alabama’s Politics.”

Mr. D. Ray Pate generously contributed $50,000 to establish an endowment, ensuring the Institute’s long-term sustainability.

1997

The third annual retreat focused on NATO and the view from Eastern Europe.

Advisory board members established the Frank A. Nix Lecture on ethical leadership, funded with over $50,000.

1998

Annual retreat, held for the first time in Tuscaloosa at North River Yacht Club, focused on "The Future of Alabama in a Global Context."

A panel discussion featured Dr. Barbara Chotiner and Cleo Thomas, and hosted Vincent Farley, a diplomatic advisor for The Carter Center.

1999

Annual retreat, at Guntersville State Park, focused on how decisions are made within Alabama.

Larry Langford served as the keynote speaker and other presenters, representing key decision-making groups in the state, shared their vision for Alabama and the role that their organization will take in achieving it.

2000

In March, the Blackburn Institute focused on constitutional reform during the annual retreat at the Bryant Conference Center in Tuscaloosa. Mr. Bill Baxley served as the Frank A. Nix Lecturer.

Students actively participated in a Tuscaloosa rally advocating for constitutional reform.

2001

Annual retreat, held in Montgomery, was coordinated by Blackburn Fellow, Josh Hayes. The Frank Nix Lecturer was Lowell Barron, President Pro Tempore of the Alabama State Senate.

Students attended a legislative agenda breakfast for the first time, and the Institute held a new member lunch at the University Club.

2002

In January, the annual retreat was renamed Winter Symposium and the focus of the event was constitutional reform.

In March, the Institute embarked on its first travel experience to Selma. The weekend's speakers, which included Senator Hank Sanders, Reverend F. D. Reese and Mayor James Perkins, focused on topics ranging from the civil rights movement to Selma's economic future.

The Tom and Carol Patterson Foundation funded the Burt Jones Travel Experiences, allowing students to visit both rural and urban areas of Alabama to engage with local leaders.

The Institute shifted student selections to spring, facilitating a spring term New Member Reception on campus.

Dr. Norm and Mrs. Karen Baldwin hosted the first Fall Discourse for students and began having monthly discourses in the homes of faculty members.

Students initiated on-campus lunches with state leaders like Mr. David Ellwanger.

2003

Special lunches were held with Burt Jones and Donald Stewart.

The Winter Symposium in Birmingham featured Representative Arthur Davis as the Frank A. Nix Lecturer.

Students initiated campus-wide deliberative discussions on topics like "Gambling – Is It Right for Alabama?" and "Racial and Ethnic Tensions." The Institute also hosted Cuban Scholars Week, featuring a lively discussion with two Cuban scholars.

Students journeyed to Marion, Birmingham and Montgomery, witnessing Governor Bob Riley's inauguration. They also participated in Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform conferences in Birmingham and Mobile.

2004

The D. Ray Pate Dinner took place at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham.

New students engaged in Fall Discourses at the homes of Dr. Margaret King and President Robert E. Witt.

Students embarked on Burt Jones Travel Experiences to Demopolis and Huntsville, accompanied by Blackburn Fellows and Advisory Board members for the first time.

Students participated in rallies, conferences and deliberative discussions on "Money and Politics." They also organized a campus-wide conference with the Southern Growth Policies Board on Rural Community Development.

2005

Continued donations from the Advisory Board enabled the Institute to broaden the Frank A. Nix Lecture series. The 2005 lecture featured Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice and British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.

Under the theme of "Entrepreneurs and Creative Partnerships for Progressive Solutions," students and Fellows journeyed to Greensboro, the Shoals area of Alabama and Montgomery to engage with state leaders.

2006

The Institute hosted NATO Supreme Allied Commander of Europe and 2004 presidential candidate General Wesley K. Clark (Ret.) for the Frank A. Nix Lecture on ethical leadership.

Burt Jones Travel Experiences led students, Fellows, and Advisory Board members to Huntsville and Alexander City.

Sarah Kate Sullivan became the first Daniel Community Scholar (DCS) as part of a program established by the Daniel Foundation of Alabama. She implemented an after-school program for middle school students at Collins-Riverside Elementary School in partnership with the Tuscaloosa Family Resource Center.

In April, students participated in the First Protective Life Government Experience in Montgomery which featured Judge Governor Bob Riley, Sue Bell Cobb and Tennessee State Senator Roy Herron.

Students were invited to participate in the training orientation for Alabama legislators for the first time.

2007

Thanks to Donald and LuLu Stewart's generosity, the Gloria and John L. Blackburn Academic Symposium was established.

The D. Ray Pate Dinner occurred at Vulcan Park in Birmingham.

Burt Jones Travel Experiences led the Institute to Anniston, Moundville and Wilcox County.

2008

F. W. de Klerk, the last State President of apartheid-era South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize laureate alongside Nelson Mandela for ending apartheid, served as the 2008 Nix lecturer.

2009

Students and Fellows went on three travel experiences to explore community development and current issues in Moundville, Camden, Gee's Bend and Anniston.

In October, the Protective Life Government Experience was held for the first time in Washington, D.C., as students visited the Supreme Court and heard from Senator Richard Shelby and Representative Mike Rogers.

Karis Browder was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Don and Barbara “Bobbie” Siegal Scholarship, awarded annually to a Blackburn student who has demonstrated an interest in and a concern for the promotion of cultural understanding.

2010

Annual Symposium, at the Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham, addressed "The Healthcare Challenge in Alabama and Beyond."

The annual D. Ray Pate Dinner occurred at the Birmingham Museum of Art.

Travel Experiences took students and Fellows from Greensboro to Madison, Oneonta and Blount County, covering topics from aquaculture to the impact of Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) processes on north Alabama.

2011

The Institute hosted two events on education, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in education reform by hosting Rep. Greg Canfield, who discussed the policy and politics involved in education budgeting. Additionally, University of Alabama professors from the education department engaged students in policy discussions.

New students and Fellows were recognized and able to connect with the Blackburn community at a spring reception.

2012

Students embarked on Travel Experiences to Birmingham, Fayette and the Shoals, exploring finance, rural life and cultural landmarks like FAME Recording Studios.

Annual Symposium, at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, featured keynote speaker Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, M.D.

The D. Ray Pate Dinner returned to B&A Warehouse in downtown Birmingham.

2013

Annual Symposium hosted two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Bob Woodward, most known for being one of the original reporters of the Watergate scandal, Bob Woodward. He provided a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of government, politics and the role of leadership.

475 Blackburn Fellows were living in 34 states and eight foreign countries.

2014

Former U.S. Rep. Joe Scarborough, host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and University of Alabama alumnus, was the keynote lecturer at this year's symposium. Rick Bragg, a writing professor at UA, led a discussion on Alabama literature. Other panels covered Alabama culture and the media.

The Blackburn Society was started with the induction of 25 individuals with outstanding service to the mission and purpose of the Blackburn Institute.

2015

Students explored the Wiregrass region for the Burt Jones Rural Community Experience, delving into education and rural healthcare in communities like Troy, Dothan, Enterprise and Elba.

Equal pay advocate Lilly Ledbetter headlined the Annual Symposium.

2016

Annual Symposium, themed "The Engaged Citizen: Working for a Better Alabama and Nation," provided insights into political campaign roles, voter engagement, media literacy and more. A highlight was the keynote address delivered by Charles E. Cook, Jr., editor and publisher of "The Cook Report."

Perspectives on Leadership Series, a campus speaker series, was launched to invite all UA students to learn from leaders in a variety of sectors and professional industries working to improve the state of Alabama. In September, Toby Roth of Capital Resources shared his experiences from a career in government and political affairs.

2017

The Annual Symposium, headlined by Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), saw record attendance. Stevenson, a renowned public interest lawyer, has devoted his career to aiding the marginalized.

Travel experiences to Montgomery and east central Alabama united students, Fellows and Advisory Board members for days of meals, sessions with local leaders, and intergenerational networking.

2018

The Protective Life Government Experience in January previewed the legislative session and explored topics of public K-12 education, the state ethics laws, confederate monuments and opioid addiction. Students and Fellows heard from a variety of state leaders including Speaker Mac McCutcheon and Attorney General Steve Marshall.

Annual Symposium, themed "Navigating Change: Governing, Leading and Advocating," emphasized the difficulties of effecting positive change amid political and social upheaval. Mr. George F. Will's keynote public lecture concluded the event.

During the Burt Jones Rural Community Experience to Southwest Alabama, students toured the Holman and Fountain Correctional Facilities and the Wind Creek Casino in Atmore.

2019

Annual Symposium, "Blackburn at 25: Honoring our Past, Building our Future," celebrated Dr. John L. Blackburn's legacy amidst The University of Alabama's desegregation and the Institute's founding, while addressing present and future state challenges.

Congressman John Lewis, a civil rights icon, was among the distinguished speakers sharing insights into past struggles and ongoing efforts for positive change.

The Institute selected its largest-ever student cohort of 50, alongside 48 returning students.

The Blackburn Legacy Endowment Campaign successfully doubled the Institute's endowed resources to $2.1M, concluding a two-year fundraising initiative.

2020

Governor Kay Ivey addressed Blackburn Students in January during the Protective Life Government Experience.

Daniel Community Scholars in the new student class implemented the Foster Care Informational Summit and Roundtable. The summit resulted in the Tuscaloosa Department of Human Resources' largest-ever certification class and the roundtable discussion engaged policymakers about emerging certification models.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Blackburn students, Fellows and Advisory Board members convened virtually during the summer of 2020 to host a series of Race and Justice Conversations following the murder of George Floyd.

Annual Symposium was held virtually for the first time exploring the theme, "Leadership in Times of Crisis," which highlighted the work of the Institute and featured speakers discussing past challenges and efforts for change in Alabama and globally. The keynote speakers were Dr. Selwyn Vickers, a Demopolis native, senior vice president of medicine and dean of the University of Alabama School of Medicine, and Mr. Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP. Graduating students received Fellows' pins at symposium due to the cancellation of the Spring Networking Dinner.

While most programming was conducted virtually, students were able to participate in a Tuscaloosa "travel" experience, visting the Housing Authority and hosting local leaders with appropriate health and safey precautions.

2021

Annual Symposium was highlighted by the Hon. Doug Jones, former United States Senator, and Brigadier General (retired) Ty Seidule, who spoke about the nation's reckoning with the myths of history, particularly confederate monuments and memorials.emorials.

Rev. Dr. Robert Turner received the inaugural Fellow of the Year Award for his advocacy and community work in the Greenwood historic district as pastor of Vernon African Methodist Episcopal Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Blackburn students were able to receive certificates and pins in person for the first time in two years during the Spring Networking Dinner at the River Market in Tuscaloosa.

The Burt Jones Rural Community Experience was the first overnight activity since the dawn of the pandemic. Blackburn students explored Northwest Alabama with visits to Franklin, Lawrence, and Winston Counties.

2022

Annual Symposium, "Innovative Leadership: Beyond the Familiar Path (YouTube Video)," showcased endeavors to enhance communities and shape systems through advances in STEM, entrepreneurship and civic enterprises. Dr. Mae Jemison, a Decatur, AL native, physician, engineer and former NASA astronaut, served as the keynote speaker.

Spring Networking Dinner was held at The Westin Birmingham for the first time since 2019.

The Urban Travel Experience was re-instituted as an opportunity for returning students to deepen their knowledge of the state and continue their development after their new student year. Students traveled to Mobile, met local leaders, and toured the Africatown Heritage House following the 2019 discovery of the Clotilda, the last known American slave ship to bring captives from Africa to the United States.

Alexus Cumbie won the inaugural Senator Howell Heflin Fellowship.

2023

The Protective Life Government Experience featured floor leaders of the Alabama House of Representatives Anthony Daniels and Scott Stadthagen. Students engaged with various aspects of statewide policy issues including charter schools, gaming, healthcare access and environmental protection. A trip to the city of St. Jude, the final stop on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March, capped the weekend's activities.

The DCS project, Breaking the Cycle of Bilingual Illiteracy (YouTube video), developed a Spanish children’s book collection at the Tuscaloosa Public Library.

Quant Hub CEO, Joshua Jones, was the keynote speaker for Annual Symposium, "Civic Engagement in the Age of AI," which examined the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence and initiatives aimed at enhancing communities and shaping society for the common good.

Thanks to new endowments from Drummond Company, Inc. and Vulcan Materials Company students received inaugural Government Internship Stipends.

Celebrating 30 Years

Today

In 2024, 820 Blackburn Fellows live in 38 states and 48 Fellows live abroad, all attempting to live by the ideals of the Institute daily.

Blackburn members helped coordinate the first Mike and Gina House DC Student Experience.

Thanks to additional funding from the Daniel Foundation of Alabama and Advisory Board members matching, members implemented the first Rural Daniel Community Scholars projects.

We honor 30 years of working to make Dr. John L. Blackburn’s vision a reality, and we are excited for the future of our community of ethical leaders.