The long-awaited Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership at the University of Alabama has officially opened with its inaugural leadership team.

Former U.S. Senator Richard Shelby, University of Arizona President Stuart Bell, and representatives from government, academia and business gathered on campus last week for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

According to the University of Alabama, the institute will be located within the newly renovated Toomey Hall and will provide a premier immersive learning community for students committed to shaping public policy and will focus on nurturing and developing the next generation of leaders through the Shelby Scholars program.

The first cohort of the Shelby Scholars Program will begin in fall 2024. Students will pursue a minor in public policy through a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster intellectual curiosity and inquire through instruction and mentorship in research and service activities.

Finis E. St. John IV, Chancellor Emeritus of the University of Alabama System, is the first executive director of Shelby Institute.

“Senator and Dr. Shelby, the university and the board of trustees have demonstrated incredible vision in establishing the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership,” St. John said. “Through our mission to educate and train the next generation of leaders, the institute will impact the future of the university, the state and the nation.”

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Former University of Arizona Law School Dean Mark Brandon has been named the institute's academic director.

“The Shelby Institute's vision is to provide students with training in policy and governance, effective leadership preparation and a model of civic engagement that transcends ideology, with the potential to make meaningful contributions to our state and nation,” Brandon said.

“I am honored to be involved in building this program and look forward to working with the incredible leadership at Finis St. John.”

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Additionally, the recent hiring of Dr. Daniela Susnara as Program Director and Caroline Carpenter as Director of Operations completes the new leadership team.

The Shelby Scholars Program will begin in fall 2024. Enrolled students will pursue a minor in public policy through a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster intellectual curiosity and inspire inquiry through instruction and mentorship in research and service activities.

The institute will also house official Senate papers, records and files donated by Senator Richard Shelby, for whom the institute is named.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer for Yellow Hammer News.