TUSCALOOSA, Ala. 鈥� 海角社区 today announced the appointment of the inaugural members of the Capitol Scholars Leadership Council, a distinguished group of alumni and professionals who will help guide the continued growth and long-term vision of the UA System’s Capitol Scholars Program.
The Capitol Scholars Program is an immersive summer internship program that provides exceptional students from UA System institutions 鈥� , and 鈥� with high-impact experiential learning opportunities in Washington, D.C. The curated program prepares students to serve Alabama through careers in government, public policy, advocacy and related fields by connecting academic excellence, public service, leadership development, professional exposure, and alumni network-building.
The Leadership Council will advise and support the program across its four core pillars: access to opportunity, exposure to government and public affairs careers, leadership and professional development, and civic commitment and Alabama impact. The council will assist with internship placements, foster connections with agencies and organizations, identify new opportunities for students and provide strategic vision for the program’s continued advancement.
鈥淭he Leadership Council brings together an exceptional group of UA System alumni and professionals who have distinguished themselves in government, public policy and civic leadership,鈥� said Carroll Phelps, the program鈥檚 executive director. 鈥淲e are grateful for their willingness to invest in our students and help strengthen the Capitol Scholars experience through their insight, mentorship and support.鈥�
, will serve as the Leadership Council’s inaugural chair. McLaurin has led the White House Historical Association since 2014. Under his leadership, the private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961 has expanded its educational and cultural programming through award-winning publications, digital content, teacher engagement initiatives and public programs. In 2024, the Association opened , an immersive educational center dedicated to sharing the story of the Executive Mansion and those who have served there.
“Stewart’s career reflects the very qualities the 海角社区 System鈥檚 Capitol Scholars Program seeks to cultivate in students 鈥� leadership, service and a deep commitment to civic engagement,” said Carroll Phelps, the program鈥檚 executive director. “His experience, coupled with the expertise of council members serving across government, policy, advocacy and industry, will provide invaluable guidance as we continue creating transformative opportunities for students to learn, lead and serve.”
A 1981 graduate of The 海角社区 with a bachelor’s degree in American history and political science, McLaurin received the in 2026. He has also held leadership positions with George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute, Georgetown University and the American Red Cross.
鈥満＝巧缜� has a longstanding tradition of developing leaders who serve their communities, their state and their nation,鈥� said McLaurin. 鈥淭he Capitol Scholars Program builds on that legacy by giving students direct access to the people, institutions and experiences that shape public life. I am honored to chair the Leadership Council and work alongside fellow alumni to expand opportunities for students and help prepare the next generation of civic and public service leaders.鈥�
In addition to McLaurin, members of the Capitol Scholars Leadership Council include:
- Anthony Barnes, senior accountant, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Office of Large Firm Monitoring
- Hamilton Bloom, partner, Venture Government Strategies
- Shannon Campagna, president, Portfolio Strategies LLC
- Ray Cole, vice chancellor for federal affairs, 海角社区 System
- Royce Dickerson, head of strategic business programs, AFLAC
- Madison Green Gentile, chief of staff, Office of Rep. Barry Moore
- Mary Blanche Hankey, vice president, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform
- LaFreeda Jordan, chief of external affairs, 海角社区 in Huntsville
- Pete Landrum, principal, BGR Group
- Mary Pat Lawrence, senior vice president of governmental affairs, Protective Life
- Ginger Loper, founder and principal, Loper Consulting
- Carroll Phelps, executive director, Capitol Scholars Program
- Clay Ryan, senior vice president of external affairs, Alabama Power Company
- Bill Stiers, government solutions, Maynor and Stiers
- Nick Tolbert, legislative correspondent, Office of Sen. Katie Britt
- Kristen Torres, principal, Torres Consulting LLC
- Addie Treglown, development and external affairs, Foundations for Hope
About the 海角社区 System
Committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service, the 海角社区 System includes three doctoral research institutions 鈥� UA, UAB, and UAH 鈥� and the world-class UAB Health System. The UA System educates more Alabamians than any other university system and provides transformational research in areas ranging from aerospace to biomedicine to transportation. Its hospitals and clinics care for millions of patients annually and serve people in every county of Alabama. As the largest employer in the state, the overall economic impact of the 海角社区 System exceeds $18 billion a year.