More Than Tuition: Scholarship support opens professional doors for UAH students Annalee Lewis and Martin Nguyen

Empowered by the freedom that scholarship support brought to their educational journeys, Annalee Lewis and Martin Nguyen seized the opportunity to focus on academic excellence, gain valuable hands-on experience, build professional connections, and enjoy campus life at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), part of The University of Alabama System. With fond memories and full resumes, they look forward to making an impact as skilled members of our workforce and compassionate citizens of our society.

Annalee Lewis (B.A. Psychology ’26), a recipient of the Super Scholar Transfer Scholarship, is completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in criminology and intelligence studies. Leveraging the dynamic educational and networking opportunities available to her at UAH, Annalee has immersed herself in the kind of experiential learning necessary to launch a fruitful career in law enforcement and, hopefully, with the FBI.

UAH’s College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences, and particularly the Department of Psychology, shaped Annalee’s interests and provided her with hands-on learning opportunities to explore the world of applied psychology. She is involved with research in UAH’s Lifelong Learning Lab, an initiative led by Dean Jodi Price to investigate issues that influence learning across the lifespan, such as memory and metacognition. Annalee’s talent and dedication have also earned her membership in Psi Chi, an international honor society for psychology.

Beyond the UAH campus, Annalee has taken advantage of several opportunities to hone her skills and expand her perspective. During the spring 2026 semester, she traveled to Berlin, Germany, with other UAH students for a specialized study-abroad program to learn about the psychology of the Holocaust, including the social, cognitive and behavioral processes that affected perpetrators, bystanders and survivors. For Annalee, the experience was “absolutely surreal.”

This summer, Annalee not only completed an internship with the Huntsville Police Department; she also graduated in June from the FBI Collegiate Academy, a program designed to enhance understanding of the FBI’s role in our country, showcase the agency’s operations, and provide insight into career opportunities.

As if she wasn’t busy enough making the most out of her education, Annalee is also heavily involved with UAH’s vibrant campus community. She proudly serves as president of Kappa Delta Sorority and belongs to the Order of Omega, an honor society that recognizes outstanding Greek leadership.

Annalee came to UAH as a transfer student with a cosmetology degree, and scholarship support allowed her to continue her education and involve herself in everything UAH has to offer. As a student specialist working with UAH Advancement, she enjoys “strengthening relationships between students and donors while showcasing the difference scholarships make in the lives of UAH students.”

Annalee is grateful for the impact of scholarship support on her own journey. She will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in December 2026, and plans to continue her education with a master’s degree before pursuing a career inspired by her time at UAH.

Martin Nguyen (B.S. Nursing ’25) is a recipient of both the Karen Harris Frith Endowed Scholarship in Nursing and the Bryant Bank Dean’s Scholarship in Nursing. A first-generation college student, Martin graduated in December of 2025 from UAH and looks back fondly on an undergraduate career defined by challenging academics, inspirational experiences, and an encouraging educational atmosphere that pushed him to achieve excellence.

The UAH College of Nursing created a strong foundation for Martin to begin a professional career in nursing and inspired him to approach his work with integrity, confidence and dedication. Courses like medical-surgical nursing and critical care sparked a passion for working in high-acuity environments, where Martin believes his training will have the greatest impact. “I was challenged to think critically,” he says. “My professors shaped not only my clinical skills, but the compassion and resilience needed to care for others.”

Martin served as both an ambassador for the College of Nursing and as president of the Student Advisory Council to the Dean. These leadership roles deepened a commitment to advocacy, collaboration and excellence in nursing education that Martin brings to his professional career and into his everyday life.

Embodying the values instilled in him by the College of Nursing, Martin also enjoyed the opportunity to participate in UAH’s Asian Cultural Association and First2Grad, supporting and connecting with fellow first-generation students.

Since graduation, Martin has been working in Huntsville Hospital’s Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, caring for high-acuity critical patients. He is a member of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and serves on the board of the North Alabama Chapter, giving him the opportunity to travel and network with other healthcare professionals. Martin hopes to add more letters to his name, currently studying for his critical care registered nurse (CCRN) certification.

As a scholarship recipient, Martin is grateful for the financial support that allowed him to focus on his studies and achieve his goals. “My scholarships not only lightened my financial burden, but reminded me that there are people who believe in my potential and in the impact I hope to make as a nurse,” he says. “I’m incredibly grateful for this encouragement as I step into the next chapter of my life and serve patients with compassion, knowledge and dedication.”