The Rise of Female Leadership in Alabama

Over the past century, it seems Alabama has cultivated an environment for powerful female leaders. Names like Helen Keller, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, and Harper Lee have earned international acclaim. Today, women occupy significant positions, including the governor, a US senator, the Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court, and the chairman of the Public Service Committee.

Among these notable figures is a woman whose influence continues to shape Alabama. She’s an author, a recipient of the President’s Freedom Medal and a Pulitzer Prize winner, with a statue in the US Capitol. In 2003, her likeness was even commemorated on an Alabama quarter.

Yet, not all influential women in Alabama seek the spotlight. Dr. Catherine J. Randall from Tuscaloosa exemplifies this modest approach. Friends call her “Cathy,” and she boasts an impressive resume that would be the envy of many—degrees from the University of Alabama, past director of the university’s Honorary Program, a former news anchor, and leadership roles in the Alabama Academy of Honorary and the Alabama Electric Power Company Board, among others.

Her contributions go beyond titles. The University of Alabama recognizes her as one of its top female alumni from the 20th century and she is a member of the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame. She also chairs Pettus Randall Holdings, LLC.

The Katherine and Petus Randall Welcome Center at her alma mater honors her legacy, along with the Katherine J. Randall Premier Award and the renaming of the Randall Research Scrollers Program in her honor.

Throughout her illustrious career, Randall has mentored countless organizations and inspired many young people. Yet, she seems perfectly at ease away from the limelight. “This is very difficult,” she joked during an interview at her home near the Black Warrior River.

“I didn’t want this to be about ‘me.’ We thought we were discussing interesting subjects,” she said, reflecting her characteristic humility.

Randall, who grew up in Birmingham, attributes a significant part of her success to her upbringing. “I had a wonderful family, and my parents didn’t let me think there were barriers,” she recollected.

Raised in the 50s and 60s, she didn’t perceive the glass ceiling that many women faced. “I didn’t have a perfect childhood,” she admitted, but that didn’t inhibit her aspirations.

She recalls a pivotal moment as a senior in high school when she was unexpectedly called to meet a teacher. “I thought, ‘What on earth is this about?’ She was legendary in college, but I wasn’t even in her classes,” Randall said, reminiscing about the moment that would set her life on a new course.

Her teacher told her, “You’re going to represent this school at Girls’ State, and you’re going to run for governor.” Without hesitation, she responded, “Yes, ma’am”—a nod to the respect she held for authority figures.

While at Girls’ State, she met Kay Ivey, who became her counselor and later served as governor. The encouragement she received to commit to making Alabama better became foundational for both women.

Both Randall and Ivey have held various roles within Alabama Girls’ State for many years. When Ivey took the oath of office in both 2019 and 2023, she asked Randall to hold the Bible during the ceremony. In a statement about their friendship, Ivey expressed, “Kathy is a caring person, generous with her time and talents. I’m proud to call her my longtime friend.”

After graduation, Randall focused on her family but eventually returned to the University of Alabama when administrators sought an interim director for the same program that had first captured her interest. “I should have been paying the university for the privilege of working with such incredible students,” she recalled fondly.

Initially brought on as a part-time director, she went on to lead the university’s entire honorary program for 25 years before stepping down in 2004.

One of her students, Katie Elizabeth Boyd, became Alabama Girls’ State governor in 1999, about 32 years after Randall held that role. Randall recognized the potential of another notable student who pledged to Chi Omega and attended the University of Alabama, seeing in her the makings of a future leader.

Reflecting on her experiences, Randall quoted a 19th-century author, Edward Everett Hale: “I am only one, but I am one. I can’t do everything, but I can do something.” She applied this thought to Senator Britt, whom she described as resilient despite facing challenges.

In another statement, Senator Britt highlighted Randall’s numerous contributions to Alabama, praising her generosity, humility, and mentorship. “I’m lucky to call her a friend,” Britt said.

Even with an astonishing resume, Randall believes her most fulfilling role is as a mother to three accomplished children and as a wife to her late husband. Her eldest son, Janey Randall Lily, is a lawyer educated at prestigious institutions like Princeton and Harvard, while her middle child, Kate Randall Danella, heads a regional bank’s consumer banking group and is recognized among the top women in banking. Randall’s youngest son, H. Pettus Randall IV, is the acquisition director for a living company and also graduated from top universities.

When asked about her approach to parenting and mentorship, Randall offered thoughtful advice, albeit somewhat hesitantly. “Aim for excellence, not just doing your best. Be grateful for the blessings you receive, and always be ready to say ‘Yes’ if someone believes in your capability,” she concluded.