Van Brunt Named A Woman Who Shapes The State

AL.com reports that Spring Hill College (SHC) President Dr. Mary Van Brunt has been named a 2026 Women Who Shape the State honoree. Since stepping into the role in 2023, she has helped secure more than $13 million in support for scholarships, faculty recruitment and the Annette N. Shelby Health and Science Innovation Center. SHC says this has created new pathways for students pursuing nursing, exercise science and pre-health careers that Alabama’s workforce needs. “Under Dr. Van Brunt’s leadership, the college is expanding partnerships, strengthening academic opportunities and positioning higher education as a driver of opportunity far beyond the Gulf Coast,” SHC added. This Is Alabama will celebrate the 2026 Women Who Shape at a luncheon on March 5 at The Club in Birmingham.