The University of Alabama Honors College recognized outstanding students, faculty, staff and alumni during the 2026 Honors College Awards Ceremony on April 24 at the Bryant Conference Center.
The annual awards celebrate individuals who exemplify the Honors College mission of developing Thinkers, Citizens and Leaders through academic excellence, leadership, service and innovation.
“The Honors College Awards recognize individuals whose achievements and character reflect the very best of our community,” said Dr. Tiffany Sippial, dean of The University of Alabama Honors College. “This year’s recipients have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, intellectual curiosity, creativity and service both on campus and beyond. We are proud to celebrate the impact they continue to make within the Honors College and in their communities.”
The 2026 Honors College Awards recipients are:
Emerging Scholar Award — Carl Lamb
Carl Lamb, a freshman neuroscience major from Magnolia, Texas, was recognized for his academic achievement, service and leadership within the Honors College community. Lamb is a member of the Dr. Robert E. Witt University Fellows Program and the McCollough Institute for Pre-Medical Scholars. He conducts undergraduate neurobiology research through the Earley Research Lab and serves as the health care initiative coordinator for 57 Miles, an Honors College organization focused on expanding service opportunities in Marion, Ala.
Critical and Creative Thinker Award — Holland Henderson-Boyer
Holland Henderson-Boyer, a senior from Great Mills, Md., majoring in computer science and mathematics, received the award for her interdisciplinary research and innovative problem-solving. A Randall Research Scholar, Henderson-Boyer has applied machine learning to study climate change and economic uncertainty on mental health and has completed internships with Amazon, Google and Netflix. Following graduation, she will begin her career as a software engineer at Netflix.
Ethical and Empathetic Citizen Award — Aparna Bhooshanan
Aparna Bhooshanan, a junior computer science major from Madison, Ala., was recognized for her commitment to ethical leadership, community engagement and interdisciplinary research. Bhooshanan is a member of the Randall Research Scholars Program and the Dr. Robert E. Witt University Fellows Program. Her work focuses on artificial intelligence, language literacy and cryptography education, with an emphasis on combating digital misinformation in underserved communities.
Collaborative and Impactful Leader Award — Ella McCarthy
Ella McCarthy, a junior chemical engineering major from Jacksonville, Fla., received the award for her leadership and commitment to collaboration within the Honors College community. As director of Engage Tuscaloosa, McCarthy oversees mentorship initiatives connecting University students with local elementary, middle and high school students. Under her leadership, volunteer participation has grown to more than 200 students.
Staff Excellence Award — Nancy Norwood
Nancy Norwood, program director of external relations and communications for the Honors College, was recognized for her dedication and contributions to the College’s mission. With more than 40 years of experience in communications, marketing and development, Norwood has played a key role in advancing student engagement, alumni relations and major Honors College initiatives, including the BIG Ideas Contest and the expansion of the Honors College Board of Visitors.
Professor of the Year Award — Dr. Tyler Sasser
Dr. Tyler Sasser, assistant professor in the Honors College, received the award for his innovative teaching, interdisciplinary scholarship and commitment to student development. Since joining the Honors College in 2022, Sasser has led study abroad programs in Iceland and Oxford while fostering transdisciplinary learning and critical thinking among students.
Volunteer Service Award — Dr. Catherine J. Randall
Dr. Catherine J. Randall was honored for her decades of leadership, mentorship and service to the Honors College. A member of the first cohort of the Computer-Based Honors Program in 1968, Randall later served as director of the program and helped shape the development of the Honors College. Her enduring legacy includes the creation of the Seebeck Society and the Catherine J. Randall Research Scholars Program, which was named in her honor.
Alumnus of the Year Award — James C. Kennemer
James C. “Jim” Kennemer, a member of the 1968 charter class of the Computer-Based Honors Program, was recognized for his accomplishments in entrepreneurship, innovation and philanthropy. Kennemer serves as CEO of Vision Research Corporation and has remained an active supporter of the Honors College for more than five decades, including through the creation of the James C. Kennemer Center for Innovation and his service on the Honors College Board of Visitors.
The Honors College Awards Ceremony highlights members of the Honors community whose leadership, scholarship and service continue to shape the future of the College and create meaningful impact on campus and beyond.
About The University of Alabama Honors College
The University of Alabama Honors College provides opportunities for students to become thinkers, creators and contributors through innovative academic experiences, undergraduate research, community engagement and leadership development. With more than 9,000 students, the Honors College is one of the largest programs of its kind in the nation and serves as a cornerstone of academic excellence at The University of Alabama.