Seth Self, a senior public relations student, was recently awarded a scholarship grant from the Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation. Through this grant, Self will complete an internship with Black Warrior Riverkeeper, a nonprofit organization in Birmingham, Alabama.
The Munson Foundation’s grants to the College of Communications & Information Sciences (C&IS) have funded conservation internships for students in the advertising and public relations department since 2008.
“The environment needs strong advocates, and thanks to the generous and continuous support of the Munson Foundation, our students like Seth use the public relations skills they have acquired from our program to highlight, promote and think strategically about gaining support for environmental conservation efforts,” said Dr. Damion Waymer, department chair of advertising and public relations.
At The University of Alabama, Self serves as the communications director for the Blackburn Institute and as a C&IS Ambassador. He will incorporate the skills he has learned in the classroom and through campus involvement to support Black Warrior Riverkeeper.
“I am so honored to receive this scholarship to intern with Black Warrior Riverkeeper,” Self said. “As someone from Alabama who’s passionate about the environment, this is such an incredible opportunity. I cannot wait to get to work and support the mission of Black Warrior Riverkeeper with the knowledge and skills I’ve gained from UA.”
The Black Warrior River watershed covers over 17 counties within Alabama, including both Cullman and Tuscaloosa counties. Among many other projects, Self plans to expand Black Warrior Riverkeeper’s annual free distribution of Southern Exposure Film Fellowship environmental documentaries to public libraries throughout the watershed.
“It is always an honor to work with The University of Alabama’s nationally ranked department of advertising and public relations,” said Charles Scribner, executive director of Black Warrior Riverkeeper. “This year, we are excited that our Munson Intern, Seth Self, is from the Black Warrior River watershed in Cullman County.”
Black Warrior Riverkeeper’s mission is to protect and restore the Black Warrior River and its tributaries. The membership-based nonprofit organization promotes clean water for the sake of public health, recreation and wildlife habitat throughout the Black Warrior River watershed. For more information, click here.
