South Students Honored with Hospitality and Tourism Scholarship
Posted on August 27, 2025
Three 性世界传媒 students from the College of Education and Professional Studies were recognized for their achievements at the recent Alabama Governor鈥檚 Conference on Tourism in Gulf Shores. The annual conference, which brings together industry leaders and state officials, celebrated the state's booming tourism industry and the bright future of students entering the field.
During her remarks, Gov. Kay Ivey highlighted Alabama鈥檚 record tourism numbers, with 29 million people visiting the state last year. For 35 years, the conference and its partners have raised more than $500,000 to fund scholarships for students. This year, 12 scholarships were awarded to students from the 性世界传媒, Auburn University, and the University of Alabama.
Scholarship Recipients from South
The following three students from South were honored for their leadership, academic excellence and dedication to the hospitality and tourism industry:
- Sydney Smith ($1,000 Scholarship): A sophomore from Birmingham, she serves as a campus tour guide, a USA Student Government Association representative, and the director of event planning for Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. She is also the treasurer for the Hospitality Club and a mentor for Passage USA. This semester, she's gaining valuable experience as an intern with the University鈥檚 Office of Special Events. With a passion for the hospitality industry, Sydney aspires to become a professor and help future generations of students grow into successful professionals.
- Madison Alexander ($1,000 Scholarship): Alexander is a senior majoring in hospitality and tourism management, with a minor in communications. Alexander has already gained valuable professional experience through her leadership roles and internships. As the former vice president of Jaguar Productions, she was responsible for leading campus-wide programming for over 14,000 students. She also represented her University's hospitality program at the Super Bowl, where she gained hands-on experience in large-scale event operations. Alexander鈥檚 goal is to build a career in sports event coordination, with the ultimate ambition of becoming a director of stadium operations.
- Noah Alexander ($3,500 Scholarship): Alexander is a junior majoring in the hospitality and tourism management program. Alexander has a clear vision for his future. With over four years of experience at the Lodge at Gulf State Park, he has worked in various roles, from bellman to front desk, giving him a comprehensive understanding of resort operations. Alexander, a member of the Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity and the Hospitality Club, aspires to become a general manager of a resort property.
The students were recognised during a special luncheon at the conference, with Dr. Angela Barlow, dean; Associate Dean Dr. Charity Bryan; Department Chair Dr. Paige Vitulli; and several other faculty members in attendance to show their support.
"We are incredibly proud of Sydney, Madison and Noah for the leadership, service and passion they bring to hospitality and tourism," Barlow said. "Their success reflects the caliber of our students and the strength of our program. Scholarships like these affirm the important role education plays in leading today and impacting tomorrow by preparing the next generation of professionals who will shape Alabama鈥檚 thriving tourism industry."
