UA System Announces 2026 Class Of Capitol Scholars

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The University of Alabama System on Thursday announced the 18 students selected for the 2026 class of Capitol Scholars.

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UA says the cohort will spend next summer gaining firsthand experience in federal government through internships and professional development opportunities in Washington, D.C.

The program is now in its third year and places high-achieving students from UA, UAB and UAH in congressional offices, committees and government affairs organizations.

“The Capitol Scholars Program offers students across the UA System an unmatched opportunity to develop professional skills and strengthen their career prospects,” UA System Vice Chancellor for Federal Affairs Ray Cole said. “Through direct engagement with federal policy-making and robust networking opportunities in D.C., these students gain unique experiences that support their long-term success.”

The 2026 scholars will work alongside policy professionals, assist with legislative research, participate in advocacy projects and observe the inner workings of federal government.

The program also includes structured training in leadership, policy development and public affairs.

Executive Director Carroll Phelps has led Washington-based internship programs for decades and said the third cohort builds on growing momentum.

“We are excited to welcome the third cohort of Capitol Scholars and to work with these exceptional UA System students,” Phelps said. “We look forward to building on the success of the past two years and providing scholars with life-changing experiences through internships, meetings with government affairs officials and networking opportunities that showcase the many ways they can pursue careers in government.”

Students from all three of the UA System’s doctoral research institutions were eligible to apply during the fall 2025 semester.

The 2026 Capitol Scholars include rising juniors through graduate students representing a wide range of disciplines, including political science, law, business, engineering, computer science, public health and the humanities.

Here's a look at this year's cohort

• Samir Abouhaidar of Hoover, Alabama, is a senior at UAB, majoring in economics.
• Kameron Baba of Gadsden, Alabama, is a junior at UA, majoring in marketing.
• Jacob Bailey of Carmel, Indiana, is a junior at UA, majoring in business management.
• Andrew Brien of Trussville, Alabama, is a sophomore at UAH, majoring in cybersecurity engineering.
• Isabella Clements of Madison, Alabama, is a senior at UAB, majoring in public health and pursuing a Masters of Public Health.
• Reginald Clifton of Alexander City, Alabama, is a senior at UA, majoring in accounting.
• Destiney Crawford of Pike Road, Alabama, is a junior at UA, majoring in political science and legal history.
• Anna Dickey of Montgomery, Alabama, is a junior at UA, majoring in business management.
• Georgia Erbe of Florence, Alabama, is a junior at UAB, majoring in political science.
• Braeden Hayes of Gurley, Alabama, is a junior at UAH, majoring in political science.
• LoriElle Hutchinson of Huntsville, Alabama, is a sophomore at UAH, majoring in computer science.
• Marah Inman of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a senior at UA, majoring in English.
• Sam Miller of Midway, Alabama, is a junior at UA, majoring in environmental policy and legal history.
• Jay Patel of Grenada, Mississippi, is a senior at UAB, majoring in computer science and pursuing a Master of Science in Cyber Security.
• Om Patel of Madison, Alabama, is a junior at UAH, majoring in industrial and systems engineering.
• Madelyn Parks of Spanish Fort, Alabama, is a junior at UA, majoring in political science and criminology.
• Andrew Stovall of Winfield, Alabama, is a first-year law student at The University of Alabama School of Law.
• Mary Sullivan of Hoover, Alabama, is a junior at UA, majoring in political science.

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