Two students make history with first-ever AACE award sweep, spotlighting career opportunities at UAH

From left: UAH mascot Charger Blue; Brian Niswonger, a senior majoring in kinesiology; Joshua Kolby a 2026 aerospace engineering graduate; UAH President Dr. Don Leo, UAH President; and Dr. Dave Puleo, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

Michael Mercier | UAH

Brian Niswonger, a senior majoring in kinesiology, was named the AACE Intern of the Year, while Joshua Kolby, a 2026 aerospace engineering graduate, was named AACE Co-op of the Year. The students were selected from nominees representing two-year and four-year institutions across Alabama for work completed during the 2025–2026 academic year. They were recognized at the AACE Annual Conference last month in Auburn.

“Having two UAH students named Intern of the Year and Co-op of the Year in the same year, competing against nominees from institutions across Alabama, speaks directly to the quality of experiential learning our students bring to employer partners in Kinesiology and Aerospace Engineering,” said Dr. Dave Puleo, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “It's the kind of outcome that validates our continued investment in career-connected education. These honors reflect the caliber of UAH students and the strength of the employer partnerships that make transformational internship and co-op experiences possible. Two statewide awards in one year, across two very different fields, speaks for itself.”

Niswonger completed his internship at the AmerikaZentrum Hamburg while studying abroad in Germany, working remotely with the organization from late January to mid-March 2026. He also serves as a Career Ambassador for UAH Career Services.

“Career Services has been a big help for me while here at UAH. Now as a Career Ambassador, my relationship with the office started much simpler as a freshman in need of resume review!” Niswonger said. “The office was and is always a friendly face to go and workshop any questions I may have about my professional career outside of my degree.”

The AACE recognition comes as UAH prepares for its Fall Career Fair, with more than 120 employers currently registered — a significant increase from previous years. Approximately 1,000 students and alumni are expected to attend the Sept. 2 event to connect with employers recruiting for full-time jobs, internships and co-op opportunities. UAH hosts career fairs each fall and spring semester, giving students regular opportunities to build professional connections and explore career opportunities.

“For students entering an increasingly competitive job market, internships and co-ops can make a meaningful difference,” said Candace Phillips, director of UAH Career Services. “These experiences give students the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, gain hands-on experience and demonstrate their skills to potential employers. The success of these two students — and their recognition at the state level — shows the caliber of work UAH students are doing through these experiences.”

Those career connections can have a lasting impact beyond graduation. More than 70% of UAH graduates remain in Alabama, bringing their skills and expertise to the state’s workforce. Through career fairs, internships, co-ops and other employer partnerships, UAH continues to create opportunities for students to gain experience and build connections that extend beyond the classroom.

Kolby is one example of how that experience can translate into a career. He completed a multi-year internship and co-op experience while pursuing his aerospace engineering degree, giving him several years of experience in a professional engineering environment before graduation. That real-world experience helped set him apart in a competitive job market during a recent government hiring freeze. “Due to the connections I made and the work I had done, my leadership wanted to keep me on the team and was able to open a full-time position for me after graduation,” Kolby said

“While the textbook material is important to learn, the most impactful skill you can develop throughout your time in school is how to collaborate and communicate with others in your job, group projects, student organizations, and everyday interactions with peers,” he said. “Most engineering problems in the workforce are relatively easy to solve; it is the people problems that are the most challenging.”

Interested in the UAH Career Fair? All UAH students and alumni are welcome to attend! Learn more and prepare for the Career Fair through UAH Career Services.