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心頭利 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心頭利 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心頭利 students, like Samuel, see how their education can translate into meaningful work in public service. He represented 91心頭利 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心頭利 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.

Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

During Homecoming festivities on Saturday, Oct. 3, the 91心頭利 announced its 2026 Homecoming Queen, Bailey Davidson of Mount Vernon, Alabama, and Homecoming King, Mason Watts of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Davidson and Watts and the Homecoming Court were nominated and elected by the 91心頭利 student body.

The queen and king were announced and crowned on the field during halftime festivities at the 91心頭利 vs. Chowan game on Saturday. Mason Watts and Bailey Davidson were crowned by 2025 Homecoming Queen, Andrewnetta Adams, 91心頭利 President Dr. Todd G. Fritch and SGA President Ben Sailors.

The 2026 Homecoming court includes:

Bailey Davidson is a senior from Mount Vernon, Alabama, majoring in electrical engineering technology. She is a proud member of the Zeta Rho Chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, where she serves as Chapter President. She has dedicated three years to serving as a 91心頭利 student ambassador and is currently vice president of the Campus Activities Board. Throughout her time at 91心頭利, she has consistently earned a place on the President’s List for her academic excellence.

Mason Watts is a senior from Vicksburg, Mississippi, majoring in interdisciplinary studies. He is a proud member of the Alpha Delta Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, where he serves as chaplain. Since spring 2025, Mason has served as a 91心頭利 student ambassador and currently works as an offensive line student assistant for 91心頭利 football.

Elyse Dean is a senior from Reform, Alabama, majoring in mathematics. She currently serves as chapter president of Alpha Sigma Tau and has proudly served as majorette captain of the West Alabama Marching Band for the past three years. In recognition of her academic achievements, she was named the 2026 91心頭利 Outstanding Student in the Department of Mathematics.

Jermorion Griffin is a senior from Mobile, Alabama, majoring in engineering technology. He is a spring 2026 initiate of the Pi Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. On the field, he wears #25 and plays outside linebacker for the Tigers. He was named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List for academic excellence and is also a two-time Serendipity winner.

Austin Horne is a junior from Helena, Alabama, majoring in elementary education. During his time at 91心頭利, he has served as president of the Fli Society and is a proud member of Delta Chi Fraternity. In addition to his involvement in student organizations, he currently serves as a resident assistant in Gilbert Hall, where he contributes to the 91心頭利 residential community.

Samuel Johnston is a senior from Buhl, Alabama, majoring in political science with a minor in history. He is an active member of Delta Chi Fraternity and has received multiple awards for his academic achievements, including the PAT Outstanding Student in American Survey Award. Throughout his time at 91心頭利, he has consistently earned a place on the President’s List for academic excellence.

Deriana McCleon is a junior from Meridian, Mississippi, majoring in health science on the respiratory therapy track. She proudly serves as a second-year resident assistant and a second-year 91心頭利 student ambassador. Throughout her time at 91心頭利, she has consistently earned recognition on both the Dean’s List and President’s List for her academic excellence.

Mekhel Miller is a senior from Linden, Alabama, majoring in physical education with a minor in sports management. He serves as dean of the Pi Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, SGA senior representative, and vice president of the 91心頭利 National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Through his leadership and involvement across campus, he continues to make a meaningful impact on the 91心頭利 community.

La’taviona Parke is a senior from West Palm Beach, Florida. She is majoring in cell and molecular biology. She is a member of the National Honor Society of Health Pre-Professionals and Biology Opportunities for Scholarships and Success (BOSS), and she serves as a resident assistant in Reed Hall. She also competed for the 91心頭利 softball team from 2024 to 2026, helping the team capture a Gulf South Conference Championship.

Savannah Sanford is a senior from Phenix City, Alabama, majoring in integrated marketing communications. She is a proud member of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority and serves as chief editor of the Sucarnochee Review, 91心頭利’s student-published literary magazine. Her academic excellence and leadership have earned her membership in Omicron Delta Kappa, Lambda Pi Eta, and Blue Key.

Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram

Writing a dissertation requires hours of independent research and a passion for the subject being studied. For Autumn Blalock, that passion paid off when her dissertation, ���The Impact of the Alabama Literacy Act on Third-Grade Reading Proficiency in Rural and Non-Rural Alabama School Districts,��� earned her the 91心頭利���s Distinguished Dissertation Award for the Spring 2026 commencement cycle, along with a job offer.

One of Blalock���s most meaningful findings from examining statewide data from 2021 through 2025 was that rural students demonstrated substantial growth in reading proficiency, challenging some of the assumptions often associated with rural education. She said the research reinforced for her that, with the right systems, support and instructional practices, students in rural communities can achieve at high levels.

For Blalock, receiving the Distinguished Dissertation Award was an honor that was deeply personal to her.

���I have spent my career as an educator believing that every child deserves the opportunity to become a strong, confident reader, and my doctoral research allowed me to explore that belief through a research lens,��� she said.

The opportunity to continue that work with the Alabama Reading Initiative is especially meaningful to Blalock, and she is excited to bring together her experiences as a classroom teacher, researcher, and now reading specialist to support educators across Alabama.

���For me, the work is more than legislation, data, or assessment scores,��� Blalock said. ���It is about building the capacity of teachers and creating the conditions necessary for all of Alabama���s children to become successful readers.���

91心頭利���s Distinguished Dissertation Award recognizes outstanding scholarly work produced by doctoral candidates who have made significant contributions to their field of study, demonstrating exceptional research, originality and academic excellence.