Theme: Uncommon Connections

The world is filled with connections. Social connections, political connections, economic connections, geographical connections--there are a myriad of easily recognizable relationships if we simply open our eyes to the world around us.

But, what connections do we overlook? What does it mean to be connected? Where do we find connections in biological sciences, political science, music, art, economics, mathematics, engineering, etc.? Where do we find connections with each other? With ourselves? With the world?

The theme of this event is Uncommon Connections, and as such, we aim to provide inspiring, thought provoking testament as to what Uncommon Connections are, have been, and can be. We invite you to join us and experience the inspirational ideas of our wonderful speakers as they delve into Uncommon Connections.

Hewson Hall 0002
380 Stadium Dr
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 35487
United States

Abby Horton

Assistant Professor, Capstone College of Nursing (CCN)

Abby earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 2006, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS) in 2010, and later a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Rural Case Management in 2011. And, most recently, she completed her doctorate in Instructional Leadership with an emphasis in Nurse Education in August 2021. Dr. Horton began her nursing career working on a Med-Surg Unit, specializing in caring for orthopedic, neurology, urology, and plastic surgery patients. Her interests in nursing practice include health policy reform, particularly those issues concerning orthopedic care, pain management, holistic care, access to care, spirituality, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Practices. Additionally, Dr. Horton is active in the Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA) at both the state and district level. She is the 2013 recipient of the ASNA New Member Excellence Award and the 2018 Ernestine Tucker Opening Doors Inclusive Engagement Award Recipient.

Anna Kutbay

National Champion, American Forensics Association National Tournament

She is double majoring in Political Science and Economics on an accelerated Master’s track in Economics. Anna has been active in the Speech and Debate community (also known as the Forensics community) for almost 8 years--starting as a freshman in high school and now rounding out her career as a senior on the Alabama Forensic Council. In 2021 she became the National Champion speaker at the American Forensics Association National Tournament, the first in the University of Alabama’s history. Anna has combined her passion for public speaking with advocacy and research, publishing pieces in the Capstone Journal of Law and Public Policy as well as the Interstate Oratory Championship book. Anna hopes to pursue a career in legal education, with specific focuses on constitutional law, jury biases, and courtroom rhetoric. She currently works at the University of Alabama Center for Economic Development as a research assistant and serves as an Ambassador for the Women and Gender Resource Center.

Hilary Green

Associate Professor, Department of Gender and Race Studies

Dr. Hilary N. Green is an Associate Professor in the Department of Gender and Race Studies at The University of Alabama. She earned her M.A. in History from Tufts University and her Ph.D. in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is the author of Educational Reconstruction: African American Schools in the Urban South, 1865-1890 (Fordham University Press, 2016) as well as articles, book chapters and other scholarly publications. In addition to several short publications, she is currently at work on a second book manuscript examining how everyday African Americans remembered and commemorated the Civil War. She is also at work one a NPS-OAH Historic Resource Study of African American Schools in the South, 1865-1900 and co-editing a volume exploring the Civil War Era and the Summer of 2020 with Andrew L. Slap.

Senna House

Communication Specialist, University of Alabama

Senna House was born in Birmingham, Alabama. She is double majoring in News Media and Communication Studies with a focus in Sports Broadcasting at the University of Alabama. Senna developed a love for public speaking and news media early in her life when she was the adolescent spokesperson for Children’s Hospital of Alabama. She went on to intern with a nationally syndicated radio show. In 2015, Senna founded a community support group in honor of her late friend Blaine Marcrum. As a freshman at the University of Alabama, Senna won the Holle Excellence in Public Speaking competition and the Audience Choice award in 2019 for her persuasive speech on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Senna is currently a consultant at the University of Alabama’s Speaking Studio where she helps students, faculty and Tuscaloosa professionals with public speaking. Senna hopes to pursue a career in Sports Broadcasting after graduation.