UAB Department of Surgery Senior Communications Manager Emily “Emme” Stewart was awarded the 15 Within 15 Young Alumni Recognition Award from her alma mater, the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Alabama.

Stewart attended the University of Montevallo from 2013 to 2016, graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in communications studies and a minor in public relations.

During her undergraduate studies, Stewart was active in various roles at the University of Montevallo, including serving as president of the Zeta Delta chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, student newsletter editor of Central States Communication Association quarterly publication, and Montevallo Honors Organization Peer Mentor. Besides her activities, she also was a member of several honor societies, including the: Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and Golden Key Honor Society.

Stewart began her professional journey with the City of Decatur, Alabama, and the Decatur Police Department as a public information liaison and communications specialist, where she first developed an affinity for public health communication and outreach.

Since joining the UAB Department of Surgery in October 2022, she has been promoted from communications manager, participated in the UAB Developing Emerging Administrative Leaders (DEAL) Program, and earned a UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine Excellence in Communication Award. She is currently pursuing a master's in business administration, focusing on health services, at the UAB Collat School of Business.

"Being recognized for this award is beyond humbling,” Stewart said. “This experience is a culmination of the many great mentors, both past and present, who have invested in me along the way, and I couldn’t be more grateful for them.”

About the 15 Within 15 Young Alumni Recognition Award

The 15 Within 15 Young Alumni Recognition Award was established to recognize driven University of Montevallo graduates who have demonstrated strong leadership and career passion within the first 15 years after earning their degree. The selection of the 15 Within 15 honorees is made by the Nominations/Awards Committee of the University of Montevallo National Alumni Association (UMNAA) Junior Board, a UM staff member, and a member of the Awards & Recognition Committee of the UMNAA Board.