18/05/2026
Grateful for the recognition. Busy doing the work. ✅ ❤️ (Get • ) Congratulations to the 2026 recipients of the Excellence in Engaged Scholarship Award at the 20th Annual Excellence in Community Engagement Awards!
Dr. Marguerite Hinrichs, director of the Coleman Center for the Arts in York, Alabama, was recognized for developing the STEM Creativity Club, which provides enriching after-school opportunities in the community.
Dr. Todd Freeborn, associate professor in the College of Engineering, was recognized for building engineering capacity among middle school teachers in West Alabama through an NSF-funded Research Experiences for Teachers program.
Luke Turner, an undergraduate student studying management information systems and music, was recognized for founding and directing Concerts for Joy, a student nonprofit that connects college musicians with retirement communities through monthly outreach performances.
Ella McCarthy, an undergraduate student in the Honors College, was recognized for serving as the student director of Engage Tuscaloosa, a mentorship program based in the Honors College.