At University Programs, we like to think of our events as “for students, by students.” Meet UP’s team of student leaders that help to create engaging events on UA’s campus.
Want to get involved? Learn more about volunteer opportunities and joining the UP Student Team!
Caden Avery
Communications & Outreach Team – Graphic DesignerCaden Avery is a junior from Birmingham, Alabama majoring in graphic design.
He is an orientation leader for Parent & Family Programs.
In his free time, Caden likes to exercise, collect vinyl records and take pictures.
Caden’s favorite quote: “Be the change you want to see.”
Jackson Babb
Communications & Outreach Team – Graphic DesignerJackson Babb is a junior from Aledo, Texas majoring in graphic design.
He is part of the Capstone Graphic Design Society and Climbing Club.
In his free time, he enjoys photography. He also loves staying active, whether that’s bouldering, hiking, or an evening of pickleball.
Jackson’s favorite quote: “The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.” — Arthur Conan Doyle
Reina Bell
Leadership Team ExecReina Bell is a senior from Las Vegas, Nevada majoring in biology with minors in history and Spanish.
She is a member of the Honors College, the Achieve Scholars Cohort, the Burress Lab for Functional Morphology and Macroevolution, the Mortar Board, Omicron Delta Kappa, Al’s Pals and Phi Eta Sigma. She also volunteers for DCH and the Humane Society.
In her free time, Reina enjoys reading, staying active, hanging out with friends and volunteering.
Reina’s favorite quote: “Always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody says distract you from your goals.” — Michelle Obama
Logan Bentley
Logistics Team – Logistics AssistantLogan Bentley is a senior from Placentia, California majoring in operations management with a minor in management.
He is a member of the Million Dollar Band (Tenor Sax Leadership Team) and Theta Xi Fraternity.
In his free time, Logan enjoys hunting, fishing, kayaking, or anything out on the water.
Logan’s favorite quote: “Your focus determines your reality” – Qui Gon Jinn
Dani Blakley
Programming Team – Event Operations ExecDani Blakely is a junior from Tuscaloosa, Alabama majoring in social work with a minor in public policy.
She is a member of UA Choirs, USWO and Phi Alpha Honor Society.
In her free time, Dani likes to travel, spend time outdoors, go to the gym, and hang out with her friends.
Dani’s favorite quote: “The most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one with yourself; nurture it with unwavering love and compassion.”
Ellison Butler
Communications & Outreach Team – Graphic Design ExecEllison is a senior from Oneonta, Alabama majoring in graphic design with minors in advertising and public relations.
She is the director of graphic design for the 2026 UA Homecoming Board and a member of the UA Capstone Graphic Design Society.
In her free time, Ellison likes to paint, crochet, bake and freelance graphic design.
Ellison’s favorite quote: “It’s only awkward if you make it awkward” – Nawfel Djari
Victoria Campbell
Communications & Outreach Team – Digital Marketing ExecVictoria is a senior from Fort Lauderdale, Florida pursuing an accelerated master’s degree in public relations and communication studies
Victoria is the vice president of the Theta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority as well as the president of Capstone Agency and C&IS Ambassadors
In her free time, Victoria enjoys reading, watching movies and cooking with new recipes.
Victoria’s favorite quote: “Nothing changes if Nothing changes.”
Sarah Conant
Campus Engagement – Event ProgrammerSarah Conant is a junior from Monument, Colorado majoring in hospitality management.
She is a member of CHAARG and UAMPI.
In her free time, Sarah loves to go on hikes and make new memories with friends.
Sarah’s favorite quote: “Always be kinder than you feel”
Blake Ennis
Logistics Team ExecBlake Ennis is a senior from Locus Fork, Alabama majoring in accounting and management.
He is involved with UA Homecoming.
In his free time, Blake enjoys reading, playing basketball, hiking, and dancing.
Blake’s favorite quote: “You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.”
Emma Ford
Logistics Team – Logistics AssistantEmma Ford is a senior from Nashville, Tennessee majoring in public relations with minors in general business and communications.
Emma is a Communication & Information Sciences Ambassador. She is also involved with Alpha Gamma Delta, where she has served as the assistant Homecoming director and campus relations director and Care for Flock leader. Emma is a part of BamaCatholic and the Public Relations Council of Alabama.
In her free time, Emma enjoys sports, hanging out with friends and family, baking, going to the lake and anything outdoors.
Emma’s Favorite Quote: “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”
Megan Frisch
Campus Engagement – Event ProgrammerMegan Frisch is a sophomore from Nazareth, Pennsylvania majoring in kinesiology.
Megan is a member of the Honors College, Occupational Therapy Club, Glamour Gals and Alpha Lambda Delta
In her free time, Megan enjoys cooking, shopping and listening to music.
Megan’s favorite quote: “Happiness is a state of mind. It’s just according to the way you look at things.”
Ben Gaston
Leadership Team – Leadership EngagementBen Gaston is a junior from Montgomery, Alabama majoring in psychology with a minor in addiction and recovery.
He is a student case manager at Collegiate Recovery & Intervention Services.
In his free time, Ben enjoys listening to music and going to the movies.
Ben’s favorite quote: “You don’t have to run your mouth. All you got to do is let your actions speak” -Young Dolph
Dominic Gatto
Communications & Outreach Team – Graphic DesignerDominic Gatto is a junior from Miami, Florida majoring in graphic design with a minor in advertising and public relations as well as computing technologies and applications.
He is a member of the Capstone Graphic Design Society and the University Honors program.
In his free time, Dominic enjoys hanging out with friends, hiking, pickleball and game nights with his family.
Dominic’s favorite quote: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” — Vivian Greene
Marley Goree
Communications & Outreach Team – Media CoordinatorMarley Goree is a sophomore from Madison, Alabama majoring in marketing with a minor in advertising and public relations
She is a member of Lucy’s Legacy and Canine Companions.
In her free time, Marley enjoys hanging out with my friends, exploring a new place, working, watching movies and cooking.
Marley’s favorite quote: “Sunsets are proof that even ending can be beautiful” — Beau Taplin
Shunyah Graham
Logistics Team – Logistics AssistantShunyah Graham is a junior from Phenix City, Alabama majoring in kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science.
She is a member of Al’s Pals, National Society of Black Women In Medicine and Lucy’s Legacy.
In her free time, Shunyah enjoys spending time with her family and friends, working out and binging a good show.
Shunyah’s favorite quote: “If you’re persistent you’ll get it, if you’re consistent you’ll keep it, if you’re grateful you’ll attract more of it”
Jillian Grisham
Communications & Outreach Team – Graphic DesignerJillian Grisham is a senior from Arab, Alabama majoring in graphic design.
In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends.
Jillian’s favorite quote: Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Jocie Hawk
Programming Team – Event ProgrammerJocie Hawk is a sophomore from Pauling, Mississippi majoring in special education.
In her free time, Jocie enjoys shopping, cleaning, decorating, cooking, baking and watching new movies.
Jocie’s favorite quote: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Brayden Johnson
Ambassadors Team AssistantBrayden Johnson is a junior from Alabaster, Alabama majoring in political science and Spanish.
Brayden is a member of BSU, FBLSA, SCOPE and the Blount Scholars Program.
In his free time, Brayden enjoys thrifting, hiking, hanging out with friends, traveling, reading.
Brayden’s favorite quote: “I must be willing to give up what I am in order to become what I will be.” — Albert Einstein
Charlotte Jager
Campus Engagement ExecCharlotte Jager is a junior from Arlington, Texas majoring in marketing with a minor in accounting.
She is a member of Capstone Agency and the UA Honors College.
In her free time, Charlotte enjoys hiking, coffee walks, crafting and visiting new restaurants.
Charlotte’s favorite quote: “What if it all works out?” — Mel Robbins
Mikaya King
Campus Engagement – Event ProgrammerMikaya King is a senior from Grove Hill, Alabama majoring in psychology with a minor in human development and family studies.
She is involved in Women of Excellence, Collegiate 100, Crimson Scholars and First Gen.
In her free time, Mikaya enjoys hanging out with friends, going for walks outside, taking naps and shopping.
Mikaya’s favorite quote: “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”” Deuteronomy 31:6
Layla Knopf
Communications & Outreach Team – Graphic DesignerLayla Knopf is a senior from St. Louis, Missouri majoring in Graphic Design and Computing Tech & Applications.
She is a member of Crimson Yogis, SUP Club and Mountaineering Club.
In her free time: Layla likes to hike, work out, and lay in the sun.
Layla’s favorite quote: “Well, no, it’s just that I put things off, and I kept putting them off. And I would say, “Oh, we’ll do it next year.” And then that next year would come, and I’d say, “Oh, next year, next year.” And I don’t want to do that anymore.” — Robin Wright: Margaret
Cynia Lewis
Programming Team – Event ProgrammerCynia Lewis is a junior from Birmingham, Alabama majoring in human development and family studies with a minor in psychology.
She is a member of Al’s Pals and the Black Student Union.
In her free time, she likes to draw, watch movies, read, or listen to music.
Cynia’s favorite quote: “Study the greats and become greater.” — Michael Jackson
Katy Mahand
Campus Engagement ExecKaty Mahand is a senior from Birmingham, Alabama majoring in public relations with a minor in women’s studies.
She is a member of the C&IS Student Executive Council, C&IS LEAD Retreat, ROOTS Mentor, Women of Excellence, PRSSA and Oakley Society.
In her free time, Katy likes to make TikToks, try new restaurants, read and bake.
Katy’s favorite quote: “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” – Angela Davis
Donovan Marshall
Team Relations AssistantDonovan Marshall is a junior from Birmingham majoring in marketing.
In his free time, he likes to spend time with his family, hang out with my friends and listen to music.
Donovan’s favorite quote: “To know yourself from within is the beginning of great wisdom.”
Emmy Mixson
Programming Team – Event ProgrammerEmmy Mixson is a junior from Andalusia, Alabama majoring in psychology with a minor in communication studies.
She is a member of the UA Honors College and Psi Chi.
In her free time, Emmy likes to read, bake, hike and collage
Emmy’s favorite quote: “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” – C.S Lewis
AJ Moore
Communications & Outreach Team – Media CoordinatorAJ Moore is a sophomore from Columbus, Georgia majoring in marketing as well as advertising and public relations
He is a member of Culverhouse Ambassadors, Student Government Association, Presidents Cabinet Scholars, and Black Business Student Association.
In his free time, AJ likes to read books, go to the gym, and create videos for my personal social media accounts.
AJ’s favorite quote: “ What I do today is important, because I am exchanging a day of my life for it.” — Dr. Heartsill Wilson
Maëlle Munnings
Leadership Team – Leadership EngagementMaëlle Munnings is a senior from Tampa, Florida majoring in marketing with a minor in finance.
She is a member of the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity.
In her free time, Maëlle likes to do creative crafts, cook, hike and travel.
Maëlle’s favorite quote: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” — Maya Angelou
Maria Payne
Leadership Team ExecMaria Payne is a junior from Athens, Georgia majoring in political science and news media.
She is an Admissions ambassador and a member of Students Demand Action, Lucy’s Legacy and the Capstone Association of Black Journalists.
In her free time, Maria likes to take the workout classes at the rec and try something new in Tuscaloosa.
Maria’s favorite quote: “By any means necessary” — Malcolm X
Amar Sessions
Ambassadors Team ExecAmar Sessions is a senior from Birmingham, Alabama majoring in business cybersecurity with a minor in anthropology.
In his free time, Amar likes to read, exercise, watch sports and make music.
Amar’s favorite quote: “The richest person in the world is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.”
Courtney Stringer
Programming Team – Proposal Coordinator ExecCourtney Stringer is a senior from Calera, Alabama majoring in accounting.
Courtney is a part of the SGA Student Affairs Committee.
In her free time, Courtney enjoys crocheting, shopping, reading, and spending time with friends.
Courtney’s favorite quote: “If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and make a change.” — Michael Jackson
Abbye Williams
Communications & Outreach Team – Media CoordinatorAbbye Williams is a junior from Fort Wayne, Indiana majoring in marketing.
She is a member of Student Alumni Ambassadors, American Marketing Association, Chinese Culture Club and Education Abroad Alumni Association.
In her free time, Abbye likes to go on walks, read, listen to music, cook, watch movies and try out new restaurants.
Abbye’s favorite quote: “Being true to yourself never goes out of style.” — Elle Woods
Olivia Wolf
Communications & Outreach Team – Media CoordinatorOlivia Wolf is a junior from Alpharetta, Georgia is pursuing an accelerated master’s degree in advertising and public relations with a minor in creative media.
She is the director of internal communications for Capstone Agency and a creative content specialist for Alpha Delta Pi.
In her free time, Olivia likes to watch movies with her friends in her sorority house. She loves going on fun drink- and sweet-treat runs at 7Brew and Baked Bear.
Olivia’s favorite quote: “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney
Brooklyn Woods
Team Relations ExecBrooklyn Woods is a senior from Prattville, Alabama majoring in communications with a minor in news media.
Brooklyn is a member of the Student Government Association, Alabama Forensic Council, Theta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Greek Programming Board Alabama. She is an intern for the Holle Center of Communication Arts.
In her free time, Brooklyn loves spending time with friends, shopping, and going on walks.
Brooklyn’s favorite quote: “A life is not important except in the impact it makes on others.” — Jackie Robinson
Lily Yoder
Programming Team – Event ProgrammerLily Yoder is a junior from Sayville, New York majoring in psychology and hospitality management.
She is a UA Sales Program corporate assistant and a member of the Honors College and Delta Gamma.
In her free time, Lily enjoys being active, traveling, reading, trying new restaurants and listening to Taylor Swift.
Lily’s favorite quote: “You can’t control how you feel, but you can control how you act” — Mel Robbins
Audrey Zimmerman
Leadership Team – Leadership EngagementAudrey Zimmerman is a sophomore from Columbus, Georgia majoring in marketing and advertising and public relations.
She is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, Baby Steps and Bama Catholic
In her free time, Audrey likes to go to new coffee shops and hang out with friends.
Audrey’s favorite quote: “Love can accomplish all things. Things that are most impossible become easy where love is at work.” — St. Therese of Lisieux