October 29, 2024
The University of Alabama College of Human Environmental Sciences presented the annual Jack Davis Professional Achievement Awards during recent homecoming activities on campus.
This year’s honorees include Patrick Barfield, Caitlin Brady Costello, Cindy Huggins, Ryan Hynes, Cassandra C. James, Paige T. Johnson, Jeff Jones, Gail Malone, Allison Robinson and William Tremlett.
The Jack Davis awards are presented to outstanding CHES alumni for their professional accomplishments. The awards have been given out since 1986, and are named to honor the first man to graduate from the College with a degree in nutrition, Dr. Lewis Clifton “Jack” Davis, Jr.
This year’s Jack Davis Award recipient for professional achievement in Hospitality Management was Patrick Barfield. As the Senior Director of Venue Experience and Guest Services at Talladega Speedway, Barfield has shown exceptional dedication and leadership. Over his 27 years with Talladega, he has played a pivotal role in enhancing the fan experience, creating memorable seamless events. Barfield’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation coupled with his relentless focus on customer satisfaction has set the benchmark for hospitality in his field.
The recipient of this year’s Jack Davis Award for Fashion Retailing in the department of clothing, textiles and interior design was Caitlin Costello. Costello is an accomplished wardrobe stylist with over 15 years of experience in the fashion industry. After graduating from the fashion retailing program at The University of Alabama, she moved to New York and while there, saw an opportunity in the market for a personal styling service. Costello went on to open her own business, Affiner, based in Nashville, where her sharp sense of style and attention to detail have made her a sought-after professional in the field. With a passion for helping individuals express their personal style, she continues to inspire and elevate the world of fashion through her work.
Cindy Huggins, a two-time HES graduate, was selected as the Jack Davis award recipient in the area of Human Nutrition. Earning both her bachelor’s in Food and Nutrition and master’s degree in human nutrition, completing the Coordinated Program in Dietetics to become a registered Dietitian. Huggins is a Certified Diabetes Educator, Program Manager and Quality Coordinator at the Diabetes and Nutrition Education Center at DCH Health System, where she oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of education services for an accredited Diabetes Self-Management Training program. Her impressive credentials include being a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, a Certified Lifestyle Health Coach for a Diabetes Prevention Program, A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and being certified in Basic Life Support by the American Heart Association. She is also the current President of the Alabama Dietetic Association.
Cassandra Hudson was selected as the 2024 Jack Davis recipient in the area of Human Development and Family Studies. Hudson earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, both with a focus on child life, from the University of Alabama and has been a certified child life specialist for 18 years. She currently serves as the Manager of Family Support Services at Our Children’s House at Children’s Health in Dallas. As an experienced pediatric healthcare leader with a history of providing unparalleled patient experiences for children, adolescents and their caregivers, she is passionate about education, mentorship and the professional growth of her team. In 2020, Hudson received the designation of Certified Patient Experience Professional from the Patient Experience Institute, showing her dedication to helping her patients navigate the emotional, social and psychological challenges associated with hospitalization.
In recognition of his professional achievements in Sport Management, Coach Ryan Hynes was selected as one of this year’s recipients of the Jack Davis award. Hynes got his start coaching as the men’s wheelchair basketball assistant coach in 2016 and the following year, became the UA women’s wheelchair basketball head coach where he helped lead the women’s team to five national championships. Also coaching on the international scene, he serves as an assistant coach for Team USA women’s wheelchair basketball where he helped them secure silver and bronze medals in 2022, a gold in 2023, and a silver in this summer’s paralympic games in Paris. Hynes is also the head coach for the USA Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Under-25 Team that won gold at the World Championships in Thailand in 2023.
For her professional achievements in the area of Health Science, Dr. Paige Turner Johnson was honored with a 2024 Jack Davis award. Earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the Capstone College of Nursing, Turner received her Ph.D. in Health Education/Health Promotion from HES in 2013. She joined the faculty of the Capstone College of Nursing in 2005 and currently serves as the Ph.D. coordinator for graduate education. She is also the Saxon Chair for Rural Nursing where she works to improve healthcare access and health outcomes in Alabama’s rural areas. Turner has received the CCN Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award, the Outstanding Scholarship Award, Distinguished Community Engaged Scholar Award, Rural Health Heroes Award, and the Alabama League for Nursing Excellence in Teaching Award.
Jeff Jones was selected to receive the Jack Davis award for professional achievement in the area of Consumer Sciences. Jones is currently the director of financial planning for Longview Financial Advisors in Huntsville, where he proudly leads a team focused on integrity, transparency, and collaboration. He earned his master’s degree from HES in Family Financial Planning in 2012 and now enjoys helping individuals and families achieve their financial and life goals. Jones serves as Immediate Past Chair of the Board for the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors Board of Directors. In his role as Board Chair, he advocates on Capitol Hill for Fee-Only and Fiduciary legislation to protect American families.
For her professional achievements in Interior Design, the department of clothing, textiles and interior design chose Gail Malone to be this year’s Jack Davis award recipient. Malone currently serves as Technical Director and Principal at Gensler, a global architecture, design, and planning firm with 57 locations across the globe. With over 23 years of experience, Malone brings strength and versatility to all the roles she undertakes. In 2020 she was recognized for her talent and dedication to excellence with the Gensler Design Realization Award. By designing for the human experience, Malone is tackling the tough challenges and helping to improve lives and create a better world through the power of design.
The department of clothing, textiles, and interior design named Allison Robinson as the 2024 Jack Davis award recipient for Apparel Design. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in 2012, Robinson began her career as a design trainee at Carter’s Inc. and has since built a remarkable career with the company. Her creativity, dedication and leadership have led to a series of well-earned promotions. With over 11 years of experience at Carter’s, she now leads brand concept direction through macro market trends and historic selling as she guides her team to develop multiple brands and product categories. Robinson’s comprehensive understanding of apparel construction, fit and execution have made her a leader in her field.
The department of health science selected Dr. William Tremlett as the Jack Davis award recipient for his achievements in Athletic Training. Tremlett earned his bachelor’s degree in athletic training while working with UA’s renowned sports medicine department. He went on to complete a master’s in sport and human performance at Delta State University in Mississippi. From there, he studied at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Auburn Alabama and earned his medical degree. Tremlett pursued additional training at The University of Alabama completing his primary care sport medicine fellowship. He is board certified with the American Board of Family Medicine and a member of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, American College of Sports Medicine and the American Academy of Family Physicians.