Alabama Humanities Alliance Honored Three Fellows
The state organization recognized Ashley M. Jones-Thompson, William Baxley II, and Kathryn H. Braund for their work.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Awards
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The Alabama Humanities Alliance presented its Alabama Humanities Fellow honors to Ashley M. Jones-Thompson, William Baxley II, and Kathryn H. Braund. The awards were given at the Alabama Colloquium to celebrate their significant contributions to the humanities.
Why it matters
These fellowships recognize individuals for their deep commitment to the humanities and their reflections on the history and future of the nation. The honorees were selected for their profound impacts within the state and academic spheres.
The awards were presented during the Alabama Colloquium to individuals recognized for their scholarship and artistic achievements. Honorees included a former state attorney general and a university professor emerita.
The players
Ashley M. Jones-Thompson
She is a poet, essayist, and educator currently serving as the chair of the Creative Writing Department at the Alabama School of Fine Arts.
William Baxley II
He is a former attorney general of Alabama who began his tenure in 1971.
Kathryn H. Braund
She is a professor emerita at Auburn University.
Alabama Humanities Alliance
This organization promotes the humanities through public programs and awards across the state of Alabama.
The details
The event was hosted at American Village in Montevallo, where the fellows engaged in a panel discussion regarding the role of humanities, culture, and education. Among the recipients, Ashley M. Jones-Thompson, the former Alabama poet laureate, is noted for her four poetry collections and one essay collection.
Timeline
William Baxley II was elected as Alabama attorney general in 1971.
Ashley M. Jones-Thompson served as the Alabama poet laureate from 2022 to 2025.
The AHA Alabama Colloquium occurred on October 12, 2026.
Culture Shift
These awards reflect a broader societal shift toward elevating intellectual contributions that bridge historical education with future public discourse. The ceremony reinforces a standard set by the National Endowment for the Humanities state-based humanities councils mandate to foster cultural engagement.
Residents can follow the Alabama Humanities Alliance to attend future colloquiums and engage with the work of these recognized fellows. The selection provides the public with new voices and perspectives on how history continues to shape the identity of the state.
The takeaway
Honoring state scholars and artists highlights the lasting value of humanities in a fast-paced world. Readers interested in regional culture may find inspiration in the works of these fellows to explore their own local history and creative pursuits.
Further reading
Discover more about state cultural distinctions on the Alabama Awards page.
More information
Learn more about the program at the Alabama Humanities Alliance official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Birmingham Times.
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