Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 8/18/2026
Item Status: New
From: Roger H. Rendleman, County Administrator
Submitted by: Anu Gary, Administrative Services Manager
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Resolution #2026-138 - Funding Contribution to University of South Alabama Blankenship Scholars Program
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution #2026-138 which authorizes a contribution of $10,000.00 to the University of South Alabama (USA) to support the creation of the Blankenship Scholars Program for student scholarships in the USA Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences for students pursuing a career in conservation enforcement.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: To honor the legacy of Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the University of South Alabama (USA) is establishing a Blankenship Scholars Program to support students pursuing a career in conservation enforcement. The program will train students in both political sciences and criminal justice, as well as marine and environmental sciences. Investing in the next generation of conservation enforcement leaders will continue ensuring a sustainable future for the conservation of the natural resources in Baldwin County and on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: $10,000.00
Budget line item(s) to be used: 10051105.52901 - Contingency Reserves
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? TBD
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Administration, Finance, Budget
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Send correspondence and original agreement to:
Via Email and U.S. Mail - (jobonner@southalabama.edu)
University of South Alabama
ATTN: Jo Bonner, President
307 North University Boulevard, Building 130
Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002
cc: Nick Lawkis, Vice President, Office of Governmental Relations
(nlawkis@southalabama.edu)
Roger Rendleman
Anu Gary
Beth Hodges
Tara Hazelbaker
Dana Lambert
Additional instructions/notes: Admin - USA will sign first; Chairman will sign once executed received back; place in tickler.