College of Liberal Arts Archives | 91��Ƭ��

A front row seat to state government

Lisa Sollie — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 17:41:10 +0000

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey poses for a photo with Samuel Johnston, a 91��Ƭ�� senior political science major from Tuscaloosa, who spent the summer in Montgomery, Alabama as part of the Governor’s Office Internship Program. (submitted photo)

Story: Lisa Sollie

When Samuel Johnston first arrived at the Alabama Capitol in June, he was greeted by an enormous American flag hanging from the building, a special-edition flag unveiled as part of Gov. Kay Ivey’s kickoff celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

For the 91��Ƭ�� senior, it was the beginning of a summer that would give him a front-row seat to state government. Instead of heading home for a relaxing break, Johnston, a political science major, spent nine weeks in Montgomery as one of only seven students selected for the Internship Program. It was the program’s final class under Ivey’s administration, whose decade as governor ends Jan. 18, 2027.

During those nine weeks, Johnston became immersed in the inner workings of state government, gaining valuable connections and a new perspective that has influenced his career plans, including the possibility of an internship in Washington, D.C., in the spring of 2027.

In addition to their assigned offices, interns participated in outings and excursions designed to give them a broader look at state government, including their day-to-day work. These supplemental activities gave interns opportunities to learn more about the Governor’s Office, Ivey’s cabinet agencies and the priorities that have steered her historic tenure.

Johnston’s own experience within state government came through his work in the Appointments Office, where he experienced an up-close look at one of the Alabama governor’s key responsibilities: making executive appointments. The office conducts research and interviews and recommends candidates to the governor for appointments to more than 700 boards and commissions across Alabama.

During his internship, Johnston estimated he worked on 200 to 250 appointment letters, conducting research and background checks, finding applicants for open positions and offering his opinions.

Many of those appointments were consequential, and Johnston found himself involved in some significant decisions. In his first week on the job, he worked alongside Mason Bass, Ivey’s director of appointments, as the governor and Bass began the process of selecting two judges for Mobile County Circuit Court and Mobile County District Court.

“Both judges decided to retire, and so the Governor’s Office was tasked with appointing two judges to fill those vacant positions in Mobile,” Johnston said. “My boss began researching potential appointees and setting up interviews with candidates.”

Another significant appointment Johnston was involved in was the expansion of the Public Service Commission, from three to seven members. Although he wasn’t making any final decisions, Johnston was involved in the process.

“Getting up close and personal like this was really cool,” Johnston said.

Johnston’s work in the Appointments Office made an impression on the governor, who said he “Served Alabama with distinction during a truly historic season — our nation’s 250th anniversary — and helped us make consequential appointments while also documenting the legacy of nearly a decade spent placing good people in positions to serve our state.”

Now back at 91��Ƭ�� for his senior year, Johnston said the experience in Montgomery has already shown up in class.

“Sometimes we were studying things where I thought, ‘I’ve done this in real life,’” Johnston said. “Just the other day, my professor had a question for me about a current topic happening in state government that related to class, and I was able to answer the question based on my experiences in Montgomery. That was really neat.”

The experience also left Johnston more confident in his understanding of state government, while revealing just how much he still wants to learn.

But perhaps the greatest lesson Johnston took away from the experience was how much his perspective on state government had changed. Prior to his internship, he steered away from politics, thinking that someone had to be a “special” person to serve.

“Like many others who either idolize or vilify those who work for or in government, I realized that these were just regular people who were doing their best to help make decisions for our state,” Johnston said. “They weren’t unapproachable or unfathomable characters, but ordinary people, like me.”

That realization has led Johnston to pursue a career in governmental law, rather than attend law school and work for a small- to mid-size firm in Tuscaloosa. Now, he hopes to intern and work in Washington, D.C. before eventually working in government as a lawyer or judge after earning his law degree.

“A lot of opportunities I only dreamed of have opened for me because of the connections I made through the Governor’s Office. I don’t think I would have those opportunities without my internship,” Johnston said.

“Public service needs talented, thoughtful young people, and we want to empower our students to pursue those opportunities,” said Dr. J.J. Wedgworth, vice president for external affairs and strategic initiatives. “One of the things I value most about my role in government relations is helping 91��Ƭ�� students, like Samuel, see how their education can translate into meaningful work in public service. He represented 91��Ƭ�� exceptionally well.”

The experience he gained in Montgomery has him already looking ahead to his next opportunity. He is waiting to find out whether he will land an internship in Washington, D.C., this spring while also figuring out how to make it work as he finishes his degree.

91��Ƭ�� is helping him make those opportunities possible.

“I’m appreciative of Dr. Wedgworth’s office for helping me find a scholarship for housing while I was in Montgomery and locating a possible internship in Washington, D.C.,” Johnston said. “My professor is also working with me to determine if I will be able to apply some internship credits toward my degree next semester and complete any remaining coursework online.”

Johnston encourages other students who pursue internships to make the most of the experience and learn everything they can.

“There was so much information thrown my way that I can’t say I learned it all, but I feel like I have a much better grasp on what the governor does, what her cabinet members do, and I was able to build on what I’ve learned in class,” Johnston said. “I felt, even in a very small way, that I did real work that not only affected Alabama but had meaning.”

And Johnston’s experience in Montgomery left an impression on those who worked with him there as well.

“I am confident Samuel’s heart for public service will carry him far and serve him well wherever his future leads,” Ivey said.

Jones, Brown awarded emeritus honors upon retirement from 91��Ƭ��

Lisa Sollie — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:32:03 +0000

Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

The 91��Ƭ�� has presented two long-term faculty members emeritus honors upon their retirement. Dr. Tina N. Jones has been named Vice President Emerita, and Dr. Alan Brown has been named Professor Emeritus. The two were recognized at the University’s Employee Recognition Ceremony at the end of the spring semester.

Dr. Alan Brown
After 40 years of service to students, colleagues, and the discipline, Dr. Alan Brown retired from 91��Ƭ�� in May 2026, earning the status of Professor of Emeritus of English and Folklore.

In his nomination letter, Dr. Kendrick Prewitt, Chair of the Department of English & History, noted that over Brown’s 40 years at 91��Ƭ��, he made his mark through his passion for teaching American literature and composition to generations of students, his 34-year stewardship of the 91��Ƭ�� Writing Center, and his extensive research into ghost lore and regional folklore.

Prewitt also noted that Brown is a rare example of a scholar who has successfully translated academic scholarship for broader public audiences through book clubs, public libraries, senior centers, radio broadcasts, podcasts, and cemetery history reenactments.

Known for meeting deadlines, efficiently handling administrative responsibilities, and traveling frugally on departmental funds, Brown has received the McIlwain Bell Trustees Faculty Award twice and the Nellie McCrory Faculty Service Award. Prewitt described him as setting a consistent standard for the College of Liberal Arts.

Brown has published more than 20 books and numerous articles on ghost lore and folklore, his primary area of interest. His scholarly work also spans the history of Sumter County, composition pedagogy, gothic literature, and studies of authors including Poe, Hemingway, Faulkner, and Twain.

He is well known on campus and beyond for his ghost tours, distinctive mustache, homemade brownies, daily peanut butter and jelly lunches, and his large looping lecture notes handwriting.

Dr. Tina Naremore Jones
Dr. Tina Naremore Jones, a longtime professor of English, retired from 91��Ƭ�� as Provost on September 30 after 38 years at the institution, earning the status of Vice President Emerita of Academic Affairs.

In her nomination letter, Jones was recognized for decades of leadership and service to the university, first as a student, then faculty member, and later in multiple leadership roles, including Vice President of Economic Workforce Development and then as Provost, becoming the first woman at 91��Ƭ�� to be named vice president and first to serve as provost. Over the years, she played an integral role in shaping the University’s academic programs, strengthened its outreach, and helped define what it means for the institution to serve not only its students, but the entire region.

It was also noted that Jones consistently “led with intention, listening carefully and leading thoughtfully.” Her nomination letter described her conduct as “marked by a level of grace and integrity that is rare, setting a standard not only for leadership, but for how people are treated.”

“Tina believed in this place, and it’s people,” said Provost, Dr. Amy Jones during the recognition ceremony. “People often assumed we were related—and in many ways that never felt entirely wrong, because she had that kind of lasting, personal impact on so many of us at 91��Ƭ��. That impact will be felt for generations—in our programs, across this campus, and in the lives of the students and communities we serve.”

From South Africa to Alabama, Barnard’s path from performer to psychologist

Lisa Sollie — Wed, 06 May 2026 14:46:02 +0000

Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

For years, Armand Barnard found his voice on stage and on screen. But beyond the spotlight, his ambitions run deeper: to understand people, not just perform for them.

After earning his undergraduate degree at Stellenbosch University, Barnard started exploring opportunities to continue his education in the United States, where his brother was already studying in Texas. Through the international recruitment agency, , he connected with Dr. Mark Davis, dean of at the 91��Ƭ��.

Barnard said he felt an immediate connection. “I could tell right away that this was someone I wanted to work with.”

With guidance from Davis, Barnard chose 91��Ƭ��, drawn not only to its master’s degree in —clinical psychology option—but also to the sense of community in Livingston.

“I knew it would be an adjustment coming to the States,” he said. “But the South, the people of Alabama, the Christian landscape and the strong sense of community here felt closer to my home country and Afrikaans culture.”

An actor and musician from South Africa, Barnard has built a growing list of screen credits, appearing in productions such as Troukoors (Wedding Fever) (2021), its follow-up series (2021—2022), and the television drama Die Byl (2025). He also appeared in the 2024 music video for ‘A-Okay,’ released by Sony Music Entertainment Africa.

“Since I was little, I’ve always been interested in people and why they do what they do,” Barnard said. “Acting lets you explore that in one way, but I wanted to understand it on a deeper level.”

While studying at 91��Ƭ��, Barnard focused on global perspectives, preparing a thesis on Japanese attitudes toward therapy, which he said are more positive today than in years past. He hopes to visit the country one day to further explore its culture and evolving views on mental health.

As graduation approaches, Barnard is applying to clinical psychology Ph.D. programs, a highly competitive path he said can be as selective as medical school admissions.

After commencement, he plans to attend Nashville Music Night, hosted by Friends of South Africa, celebrating both his academic achievement and his South African roots alongside his mother and fiancée. The couple plans to marry in December, marking a new chapter in a year of transition.

Although his future plans remain uncertain, Barnard said that he draws strength from one of his favorite Bible passages, Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”