AHEC Scholars Student Leadership Team
These highly qualified individuals represent diverse regions of Alabama and guide their peers in exploring the state’s varied healthcare landscapes.
Alabama AHEC Scholars Statewide Leadership Team
The Alabama AHEC Network is excited to introduce the inaugural AHEC Scholars Statewide Leadership Team, composed of six exceptional students. After a rigorous selection process, these highly qualified individuals were chosen to represent diverse regions of Alabama and guide their peers in exploring the state’s varied healthcare landscapes.
This team will set the tone for collaboration and innovation within the AHEC Scholars Program, helping to shape its future. We look forward to seeing their leadership in action! Meet these outstanding students and their roles below:
David Russo
Statewide Chairperson
East Central Alabama AHEC
UABHSOM
Kina Talton
Statewide Secretary
Wiregrass Alabama AHEC
ACOM
Jenna Hardin
Statewide Community Outreach Coordinator
East Central Alabama AHEC
JSU Nursing
Tyler Jahraus
Community Outreach Coordinator
Wiregrass Alabama AHEC
ACOM
Jayla Palacio
Statewide Advocacy Officer
East Central Alabama AHEC
Samford Pharmacy
Amanda Neal
Statewide Advocacy Officer
Delta Alabama AHEC
USA Clinical Psychology
Join the Alabama AHEC Scholars Leadership Team 2025-2026
Are you ready to elevate your impact beyond the classroom and into communities across Alabama? The Alabama AHEC Scholars Leadership Team offers students a unique opportunity to shape the future of healthcare in underserved areas while growing as a professional and changemaker.
Applications for the 2025–2026 AHEC Scholars Leadership Team are officially OPEN!
Each year, a select group of Scholars is chosen to serve in key leadership roles, supporting their peers, strengthening partnerships, and advancing the mission of AHEC throughout the state.
If you’re a passionate, driven AHEC Scholar with a desire to lead, collaborate, and create meaningful change, this is your opportunity to make a difference. Leadership experience with the AHEC Scholars Team is a chance to enhance your skills in communication, teamwork, project coordination, and advocacy—while supporting peers and communities alike.
Apply now to be part of the 2025–2026 Leadership Team!
The Alabama AHEC Scholars Program Director, Dr. Kala Dixon, will host an information session for interested Scholars to learn more about the positions on July 18, at 12pm CST.
Let your voice be heard. Help guide the next wave of healthcare leaders.
Together, we’re transforming the future of care in Alabama.
Learn more about the available positions!
Let your voice be heard. Help guide the next wave of healthcare leaders.
Together, we’re transforming the future of care in Alabama.
Learn more about the available positions!
Alabama AHEC Scholars Chairperson
One position available for Cohort 7. Provides overall leadership and direction for the entire AHEC scholars student body, holds statewide Scholar meetings once a quarter (four times annually), presides over meetings, and serves as the primary spokesperson for the network of Scholars when reporting to the Scholars Program Director.
Alabama AHEC Scholars Vice Chairperson
One position available for Cohort 8. Supports the Chairperson in leading the statewide AHEC Scholars student body. Assists with planning quarterly meetings, promoting engagement, and serving as a liaison between first-year Scholars and program leadership. Will step in to fulfill Chair responsibilities as needed.
Alabama AHEC Scholars Secretary
One position available for either Cohort. Responsible for recording quarterly meeting minutes, and handling correspondence across the entire network of Scholars. Responsible for coordination Leadership Team monthly meetings.
Alabama AHEC Scholars Community Outreach Coordinator
Two positions available for one Cohort 7, one Cohort 8. Supports community engagement by helping Scholars connect with potential partners for their Community Impact Projects. Serves as a liaison between Scholars and community organizations, offering guidance to strengthen outreach efforts. Works with AHEC leadership to build sustainable relationships that benefit underserved communities across Alabama.
Alabama AHEC Scholars Event Planning Coordinator
Two positions available for one Cohort 7, one Cohort 8. Collaborates with AHEC leadership to plan and promote statewide Scholar events, both virtual and in-person. Responsibilities include brainstorming event ideas, assisting with logistics and scheduling, and encouraging Scholar participation. Helps ensure events are engaging, inclusive, and aligned with AHEC’s mission.
AHEC prepares a culturally competent group of future healthcare professionals to succeed through service in underserved areas of Alabama. Learn more today!
Regional Centers
The Alabama AHEC Network is dedicated to recruiting, training, and retaining the Alabama healthcare workforce while broadening the distribution of the health workforce, enhancing the quality of care, and improving health care delivery to rural and underserved populations in Alabama. The following centers are members of the Alabama AHEC Network and are federally funded HRSA AHEC Programs and nationally recognized Area Health Education Centers: Alabama Statewide Network Program Office, North Alabama AHEC (NAAHEC), East Central Alabama AHEC (ECAAHEC), Black Belt Alabama AHEC (BBAAHEC), Wiregrass Alabama AHEC (WAAHEC), Delta Alabama AHEC (DAAHEC).
