Shelbyinstitute 02 Scaled E1714584267565 — Former U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby speaks at the ribbon cutting for the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership outside Tuomey Hall at The University of Alabama. (UA)

A new program focused on educating and training students interested in public policy and future leadership roles has officially opened at the University of Alabama.

Keep reading to find out more about the Shelby Institute + how students can get involved.

Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership

Shelbyinstitute 03 — Finis E. St. John IV, the inaugural executive director for the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership, speaks at the ribbon cutting. (UA)

The center is housed in the newly renovated Tuomey Hall on the Quad, right next to Gorgas Library. The institute hopes to provide an immersive learning community for students committed to shaping public policy.

“The vision for the Shelby Institute — offering students training in policy and governance, preparation for effective leadership and models for civic engagement across ideological lines — has the potential to make meaningful contributions to our state and nation.”
~ Shelby Institute Academic Director Mark Brandon

The university said the institute will be nonpartisan and provide comprehensive curriculum to encourage intellectual curiosity and exploration. Students will have access to official Senate materials donated by former U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby including:

700 boxes of physical records including Senate papers
156 GB of electronic files
2 TB of television interviews
Assorted awards + photos

Former UA System Chancellor Emeritus Finis E. St. John IV will serve as the first executive director of the Shelby Institute. He announced he would be stepping down from his role as chancellor back in February.

Alabama has tapped Dr. Daniela Susnara as the program director and Caroline Carpenter as the director of operations.

Shelbyinstitute 01 — Dr. Annette Shelby, former U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby and UA President Stuart R. Bell cut the ribbon on the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership. (UA)

Shelby Scholars Program

Central to the Institute is the Shelby Scholars Program, a credit-bearing learning community for selected undergraduate students who are passionate about public service. Each year, a small cohort is chosen to join this transformative program.

Shelby Scholars can earn a minor in public policy through Institute-developed curriculum, participate in experiential learning and gain access to exclusive speakers sponsored by the Institute.

The opportunities are expected to go beyond traditional classroom settings, including internships, professional development opportunities, participation in national conferences, engagement in a speaker series and interactions with influential political leaders and policy analysts at local, state and national levels.

Beginning in the fall of 2024, a group of 20 students will be selected as the inaugural class of scholars.