The Emerging Scholar Award
The Emerging Scholar Award recognizes a student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, community engagement, collaborative leadership potential and ethical and empathetic citizenship within the UA Honors College community. The award recipient exemplifies excellence in academic and extracurricular pursuits while embodying ethical leadership and empathy.
2026 Recipient: Carl Lamb
Carl Lamb is a freshman neuroscience major at The University of Alabama from Magnolia, Texas, pursuing minors in social innovation and leadership and interdisciplinary studies in medicine. He is a member of the Dr. Robert E. Witt University Fellows Program and the McCollough Institute for Pre-Medical Scholars, where he explores the intersection of service, medicine and global citizenship. Lamb credits these programs with shaping his perspective on how health care can better serve underserved communities.
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He is involved in undergraduate research in neurobiology through the Earley Research Lab, where he studies emotional states in animals. In addition, Lamb is the health care initiative coordinator for 57 Miles, an Honors College organization focused on expanding service opportunities in Marion, Alabama. Through this work, he supports efforts to improve access to rural and holistic health care.
Known for his thoughtful and service-driven approach, Lamb views his campus involvement as an opportunity to create meaningful change. He is committed to continuing his research and service while working toward a future in medicine.
The Critical and Creative Thinker Award
The Critical and Creative Thinker Award celebrates an individual who has demonstrated exceptional critical thinking skills, innovative problem-solving abilities and the capacity to synthesize multiple perspectives to address complex issues within the UA Honors College community. The recipient of this award exhibits a unique combination of analytical reasoning, creativity and thought leadership.
2026 Recipient: Holland Henderson-Boyer
Holland Henderson-Boyer is a senior Randall Research Scholar at The University of Alabama from Great Mills, Maryland, double majoring in computer science and mathematics. A four-year President’s List honoree, she is recognized for her interdisciplinary research applying machine learning to study the effects of climate change and economic uncertainty on mental health. Her work has been presented at national conferences, including the University of Chicago’s Advances with Field Experiments conference.
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Henderson-Boyer has completed internships with Amazon, Google and Netflix, where she built scalable data systems and led initiatives that improved efficiency and productivity. She is also a senior member of the Alabama Astrobotics team, contributing to its first-place finish at NASA’s 2024 national robotic mining competition.
Beyond her technical work, she is the founder and president of UA’s Women in Cybersecurity chapter and has supported statewide STEM initiatives through volunteer service. Known for her leadership and innovation, Henderson-Boyer aims to apply her interdisciplinary expertise to solving complex, real-world challenges. She will begin her career as a software engineer at Netflix following graduation.
The Ethical and Empathetic Citizen Award
The Ethical and Empathetic Citizen Award celebrates an individual who embodies the core values of the UA Honors College through their commitment to ethics, empathy, community engagement and dedication to peers. The recipient of this award demonstrates exceptional moral leadership and serves as a role model for integrity and empathy within the Honors College community and beyond.
2026 Recipient: Aparna Bhooshanan
Aparna Bhooshanan is a junior computer science major at The University of Alabama from Madison, Alabama. She is a member of the Randall Research Scholars Program and the Dr. Robert E. Witt University Fellows Program, where she focuses on interdisciplinary research and leadership. Bhooshanan arrived on campus with 84 credit hours from Advanced Placement coursework, allowing her to begin advanced research early in her academic career. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA while contributing to projects in artificial intelligence, language literacy and cryptography education.
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She received national recognition through the U.S. Department of Defense’s Boren Scholarship and the U.S. State Department’s Critical Language Scholarship, supporting her immersive Mandarin studies in Taiwan. On campus, she is an active leader who fosters community through academic and cultural initiatives. Bhooshanan’s work centers on the intersection of technology and language, particularly in underserved communities. She hopes to develop culturally adaptable machine translation tools to combat digital misinformation.
The Collaborative and Impactful Leader Award
The Collaborative and Impactful Leader Award recognizes an individual who embodies leadership qualities and actively fosters collaboration within the UA Honors College community. The recipient of this award demonstrates a commitment to creating an environment where all voices are valued and respected.
2026 Recipient: Ella McCarthy
Ella McCarthy is a junior chemical engineering major at The University of Alabama from Jacksonville, Florida. She is a member of the Dr. Robert E. Witt University Fellows Program and serves as director of Engage Tuscaloosa, an Honors College mentorship initiative. In this role, McCarthy oversees multiple programs that connect University of Alabama students with elementary, middle and high school students across the Tuscaloosa community.
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Since stepping into the role, she has expanded volunteer participation to more than 200 students, increasing the program’s reach and impact. McCarthy works closely with program directors to support recruitment, training and curriculum development while emphasizing intentional, community-focused service. Her leadership has helped strengthen partnerships with local schools and broaden access to mentorship opportunities for young students.
McCarthy brings a collaborative and empathetic approach to her work, focusing on building meaningful connections between campus and community. She continues to grow Engage Tuscaloosa by supporting new initiatives and empowering fellow student leaders.
The Staff Excellence Award
The Staff Excellence Award recognizes an individual who consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication and contributes significantly to the mission and values of the UA Honors College. The recipient of this award exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct while actively supporting the College’s goals and objectives.
2026 Recipient: Nancy Norwood
Nancy Norwood is an experienced higher education leader and communications professional at The University of Alabama, where she serves as program director of external relations and communications for the Honors College. With more than 40 years of experience in public relations, marketing, development and event management, she is recognized for building strategic initiatives that strengthen student engagement, alumni relations and institutional impact. Norwood oversees the Honors College’s external communications, board relations, fundraising efforts and major programs, while collaborating across campus to advance the College’s mission.
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Throughout her career, Norwood has demonstrated a consistent commitment to student success and community building. She developed and led the first two years of the Honors College BIG Ideas Contest, an interdisciplinary innovation program that has grown from a pilot initiative into a full-scale competition supporting student entrepreneurship and creative problem-solving. She also played a key role in expanding the Honors College Board of Visitors, broadening its reach and strengthening its support of students, faculty and the College.
Prior to joining the Honors College, Norwood spent a decade with the UA College of Engineering, where she managed the Capstone Engineering Society and led alumni engagement, communications and development efforts. During her tenure, she helped increase annual giving, built industry partnerships and co-developed mentoring and networking programs that served thousands of students and alumni.
Known for her collaborative leadership style and deep institutional knowledge, Norwood is a trusted partner across departments, working closely with students, faculty, administrators, alumni and external stakeholders. Her ability to align various groups around shared goals has contributed to the growth and success of multiple University initiatives.In 1984, she returned to Tuscaloosa and UA serving as the CBH freshman instructor until 1990. From 1990 until 2004, she was a full-time mother and actively involved in her community and church in various leadership roles.
The Professor of the Year Award
The Professor of the Year Award recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates exceptional commitment, leadership, ethical conduct and impact within the UA Honors College community. The recipient of this award exhibits outstanding dedication to their students, upholds the highest ethical standards and receives recognition from their peers for their positive influence and contributions.
2026 Recipient: Dr. Tyler Sasser
Dr. Tyler Sasser is an assistant professor in The University of Alabama Honors College, where he is known for his innovative teaching, interdisciplinary scholarship and commitment to student development. Since joining the Honors College in 2022, he has built a reputation for fostering critical thinking and transdisciplinary learning, guiding students to engage deeply with complex ideas across literature, history and culture. His teaching emphasizes discussion-based learning and intellectual curiosity, encouraging students to make meaningful connections across disciplines.
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Sasser serves as director of UA in Iceland: Vikings and Norse Mythology and co-director of UA in Oxford: English, History, and Honors, expanding access to global learning through innovative program design. He has also provided key leadership within the Honors College, including serving as interim director of the Capstone Experience and mentoring students through interdisciplinary research projects.
His research and teaching areas include Renaissance literature, Shakespeare, children’s literature, childhood studies, adaptation theory and film. He is the co-editor of Teaching Shakespeare beyond the Major and is completing a monograph examining representations of boyhood in Shakespeare’s works, with scholarship appearing in numerous academic journals and edited volumes.
Colleagues and students describe Sasser as a dedicated and collaborative educator who consistently goes beyond expectations in teaching, research and service, creating transformative learning experiences that leave a lasting impact within the Honors College community.
The Volunteer Service Award
The Volunteer Service Award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the UA Honors College through their dedicated service, various forms of support, commitment to enhancement and impactful engagement. The recipient of this award demonstrates exemplary dedication to the Honors College community and contributes to its growth and success through their volunteer efforts.
2026 Recipient: Dr. Catherine J. Randall
Dr. Catherine J. Randall is a foundational figure in The University of Alabama Honors College, whose decades of leadership, service and mentorship have shaped generations of students and the evolution of Honors education at the University. A member of the first cohort of the Computer-Based Honors Program in 1968, she later returned to lead the program as director, playing a central role in its growth and long-term success. Her early work also contributed to the creation of the Honors College itself, helping unify multiple honors programs into a single, cohesive academic community.
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During her tenure, Randall strengthened connections between students and alumni by founding the Seebeck Society, fostering a culture of mentorship, engagement and philanthropic support. Her leadership helped establish enduring relationships that continue to benefit students through scholarships, internships and professional opportunities. Even after her retirement in 2004, she has remained deeply involved, serving as an early member of the Honors College Board of Visitors and advocating for the College at the highest levels of University leadership.
Randall’s impact extends beyond program development to her personal investment in students. Known for her generosity and mentorship, she continues to meet with students, write letters of recommendation and encourage them to reach their full potential. Her legacy is reflected in the Catherine J. Randall Research Scholars Program, named in her honor, as well as in the countless students and alumni whose lives she has influenced.
Widely respected for her integrity, compassion and unwavering commitment to excellence, Randall exemplifies the values of the Honors College. Her enduring service and leadership have left a lasting imprint on the University, strengthening its mission to support high-achieving students and foster a vibrant intellectual community.
The Alumnus of the Year Award
The Alumnus of the Year Award honors an individual who exemplifies the values and achievements of the UA Honors College through their outstanding accomplishments, contributions and impact in their respective field. The recipient of this award reflects the highest standards of excellence and serves as a role model for current and future members of the Honors College community.
2026 Recipient: James C. Kennemer
James C. “Jim” Kennemer is a distinguished entrepreneur, innovator and philanthropist whose lifelong connection to The University of Alabama Honors College reflects a deep commitment to service, leadership and impact. A member of the 1968 charter class of the Computer-Based Honors Program, he earned both a bachelor’s degree in physics and a Master of Business Administration from the University. His career has been defined by innovation, beginning with the development of one of the first fully programmable payment-processing workstations and continuing through multiple technology ventures.
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Kennemer is the CEO of Vision Research Corporation, where he has applied NASA-derived technology to create a noninvasive vision-screening system that has reached millions of children worldwide. His work has helped identify vision issues in nearly 1 million children, significantly expanding access to early detection and care, particularly in underserved communities. His approach to business consistently emphasizes meaningful impact alongside technological advancement.
In addition to his professional achievements, Kennemer has remained deeply engaged with the Honors College for more than five decades. He has served on the Honors College Board of Visitors, including as chair, and has been an active member of the President’s Cabinet, advocating for the continued growth and success of Honors education at UA. His philanthropic leadership includes the creation of the James C. Kennemer Center for Innovation, which supports student entrepreneurship through initiatives such as the BIG Ideas program.
Known for his generosity, mentorship and commitment to student success, Kennemer has consistently invested his time and resources in helping Honors students develop ideas that create real-world impact. His legacy reflects the core values of the Honors College, demonstrating how intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership and service can come together to drive meaningful change.
Awards Criteria
Professor of the Year Award
Exemplary Commitment and Impactful Contribution: Demonstrates outstanding dedication and makes impactful contributions to the development and success of the Honors College, its programs and its students.
Leadership, Dedication, and Engagement: Exhibits leadership qualities, a strong commitment to the Honors College community and actively engages in activities that enhance the student experience and overall academic environment.
Adherence to Ethical Standards: Maintains the highest ethical standards in teaching, research and interactions within the Honors College community.
Endorsements from Faculty, Students, and/or Staff: Receives endorsements from faculty, students and/or staff, indicating recognition and appreciation for their positive influence and contributions.
Staff Member of the Year Award
Dedication and Commitment: Upholds the mission and values of the UA Honors College, actively contributing to the support and advancement of its goals and objectives.
Innovation and Initiative: Demonstrates a proactive approach to problem-solving and innovation, seeking out opportunities to enhance processes, services and overall effectiveness within the Honors College.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Promotes a collaborative work environment, effectively working with colleagues across departments and disciplines to achieve shared objectives and foster a sense of community within the Honors College.
Professionalism and Ethical Conduct: Consistently exhibits high levels of professionalism in all interactions and adheres to ethical standards in their work within the UA Honors College.
Alumnus of the Year Award
Exemplary Achievements: Demonstrates exceptional accomplishments in their professional, corporate, political, civic, academic or other endeavors, reflecting the high standards and goals of the Honors College.
Promotion of Honors College Values: The recipient’s actions and achievements positively contribute to the reputation of the Honors College and help promote its values, such as academic excellence, integrity and service to the community.
Reflecting Well on the Honors College: Through their successes and contributions, the recipient enhances the reputation of the Honors College, showcasing the caliber of its alumni and the quality of education provided.
Impactful Recognition: The recipient’s recognition serves to highlight the significance of their actions and achievements, bringing positive attention to the Honors College and its commitment to fostering leadership and excellence among its alumni.
Volunteer Service Award
Significant Service Contributions: Makes substantial contributions to the Honors College through their dedicated service, supporting its goals, programs or resources.
Diverse Forms of Support: Contributions may include serving on advisory boards, committees or working groups; mentoring, presenting to or working with students; participating in Honors College student or alumni programs and events; providing financial, time or other resources to the Honors College; or other activities that promote or enhance its goals, programs or resources.
Commitment to Honors College Enhancement: Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the Honors College experience for students and alumni, fostering growth and success within the community.
Impactful Engagement: The recipient’s service has a tangible and positive impact on the Honors College, enriching its programs, resources and opportunities for students and alumni alike.
Emerging Scholar Award (first-year student)
Academic Excellence: Consistently achieves high standards of academic performance, demonstrating a strong grasp of their coursework and a dedication to scholarly pursuits.
Community Engagement: Actively seeks opportunities to engage with and contribute to the community, whether through volunteer work, extracurricular activities or leadership roles in community organizations.
Collaborative Leadership Potential: The recipient exhibits the ability to work effectively with others towards common goals, showing a willingness to listen to diverse perspectives, facilitate cooperation and foster an inclusive environment where all voices are valued.
Ethical and Empathetic Citizenship: The recipient upholds ethical principles and demonstrates empathy and understanding in their interactions with others. They show respect for diverse viewpoints, act with integrity and strive to make positive contributions to society.
Critical and Creative Thinker Award
Demonstrated Thought-Leadership: Showcases innovative thinking and original perspectives, often leading discussions and initiatives that challenge conventional wisdom.
Ability to Synthesize Information, Ideas and Values: Excels in integrating diverse sources of information, perspectives and ethical considerations to develop comprehensive and well-rounded viewpoints.
Development of Creative Solutions to Complex Issues: Demonstrates a capacity for generating novel solutions to intricate problems, approaching challenges with ingenuity and adaptability.
Exemplary Analytical Reasoning: Exhibits exceptional proficiency in analyzing and evaluating information, demonstrating a keen ability to discern patterns, identify trends and draw insightful conclusions.
Ethical and Empathetic Citizen Award
Commitment to Honors College Core Values: The recipient demonstrates a strong commitment to the core values of the Honors College, including the cultivation of engaged and mindful citizens who are willing to address complex social and professional issues.
Dedication to Peers: Shows dedication to their peers, offering support, encouragement and empathy in their interactions within the Honors College community.
Active Involvement in Program Outreach and Community Engagement: Actively participates in program outreach initiatives and engages with the Honors College community, demonstrating a willingness to contribute to its growth and impact.
Adherence to Highest Ethical Standards: Above all, exemplifies the highest ethical standards in conduct and decision-making, serving as a role model for integrity and moral leadership within the Honors College and beyond.
Collaborative and Impactful Leader Award
Collaborative Leadership Practice: Demonstrates effective leadership within teams or organizations by guiding collective efforts, coordinating responsibilities and advancing shared goals within the UA Honors College.
Sound Judgment in Decision-Making: Exercises thoughtful, responsible judgment by considering multiple perspectives, weighing consequences and contributing constructively to group decision-making processes.
Respectful and Ethical Conduct: Consistently demonstrates integrity, respect and professionalism in interactions with peers, faculty and staff, strengthening trust and accountability within the UA Honors College community.
Documented Outcomes and Impact: Achieves clear, positive outcomes through leadership efforts that measurably strengthen programs, initiatives or the broader UA Honors College community.