2026 Munson Intern

UA student earns Munson Foundation scholarship with Black Warrior Riverkeeper

For Immediate Release: June 11, 2026

Contact: Charles Scribner, executive director, Black Warrior Riverkeeper: [email protected], 205-458-0095

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation has awarded Mykah Hughley, a junior at The University of Alabama’s College of Communication and Information Sciences, a scholarship grant for a summer internship with Black Warrior Riverkeeper. The Munson Foundation has supported UA’s Advertising and Public Relations Department with generous scholarships for water conservation internships since 2008.

“I am so excited to work alongside Black Warrior Riverkeeper this summer,” Hughley said. “For so many years, I’ve dreamed of finally getting the chance to contribute my experience to a cause where I can make a concrete impact. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity through C&IS, and I’m ready to serve as an intern who strives to protect our environment!”

Hughley has developed active roles with several campus organizations including the Capstone Agency, The Crimson White, and the Lambda Sigma Honors Society. This fall, she will dedicate significant time as the new Vice President of Publications with the Public Relations Student Society of America.

“I am excited for Mykah to hone her communication skills by working with Black Warrior Riverkeeper this summer,” said UA’s Advertising and Public Relations department chair, Dr. Brooke McKeever. “I also hope the work will cultivate a passion for helping nonprofit organizations, conservation, and the environment. We are grateful for the generosity of the Curtis & Edith Munson Foundation in supporting our students and making experiences like this possible.”

As an established member of Waterkeepers Alabama and Waterkeeper Alliance, Black Warrior Riverkeeper patrols waterways, responds to pollution reports, and enforces environmental laws. The nongovernmental organization also engages and educates the public through cleanups, petitions, and presentations.

“I have had the honor of working with a Munson Intern from The University of Alabama’s nationally esteemed Department of Advertising and Public Relations every summer since 2013,” said Black Warrior Riverkeeper’s executive director, Charles Scribner. “The interns sharpen their considerable PR skills to enhance our outreach while gaining experience and connections in the nonprofit sector. Mykah has already impressed me with excellent questions and planning that will simultaneously benefit our clean water advocacy and her professional growth.”

For a high-resolution picture of Mykah Hughley by Janiya Ingram, click here.

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Black Warrior Riverkeeper’s mission is to protect and restore the Black Warrior River and its tributaries. The citizen-based nonprofit organization promotes clean water for the sake of public health, recreation and wildlife habitat throughout the Black Warrior River watershed.

Mykah Hughley, 2026 Munson Intern. Photo by Janiya Ingram.