1. A passion for awareness - Division of Student Affairs - The University of Alabama
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CAPSTONE 101
A passion for awareness
Holliman possesses enthusiasm for social
justice, research
Published February 3, 2016 - By Clancy Smith
UA senior Maury Holliman connected with the Women and Gender Resource
Center during her freshman year at the Capstone.
Students at UA listen attentively when Maury Holliman serves as a
guest speaker for their class on behalf of the Women and Gender
Resource Center. It’s hard to not be captivated by the young woman
standing before them, who passionately spouts off facts, fgures, and
resources to keep students engaged.

2. A passion for awareness - Division of Student Affairs - The University of Alabama
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Public speaking has become second nature to Holliman, a senior
psychology major who volunteered at the WGRC for three years before
becoming the assistant peer education coordinator.
“Student workers and volunteers are the voice of the WGRC in the
classroom and on the campus,” Holliman said. “The people that work
here are extremely busy already, so it’s our job to go out on campus
and make sure students are plugged in to what we’re doing, our
resources, counseling, flm screenings, and panels.”
The Tuscaloosa native frst discovered the WGRC at “Get on Board
Day” during her freshman year. She immediately became involved in
the center’s Young Women’s Leadership Program, in which
participants are paired with local ffth grade girls to talk about the trials
of growing up and how to be a leader.
“I found it rewarding to try and understand their social interactions and
see how we could positively impact that,” Holliman said. “We live in a
world where women are situated in competition with one another, and
we’re not very supportive of one another, so trying to fgure out how we
could help these girls interact in healthy ways and support each other
was so rewarding.”
During her sophomore year, Holliman joined the WGRC’s Student
Leadership Council. She helped with tables in the Ferguson Student
Center, events, and University Days. Although she was moved to a
paid position as a senior, Holliman readily admits she’d still be doing it
all for free.

3. A passion for awareness - Division of Student Affairs - The University of Alabama
https://sa.ua.edu/our-stories/a-passion-for-awareness/[5/30/2016 11:04:02 AM]
“I’ve never been
this busy in my
entire life, and it’s
really stressful but
so worthwhile at
the same time,”
said Holliman.
“I’m not wasting
any time doing
anything that I’m
not passionate
about.”
The staff of the WGRC recognizes Holliman’s hard work and remains
appreciative of her assistance with outreach efforts, presentations,
and educational awareness programs.
“Maury is incredibly outgoing and always willing to jump in on any
project and help out wherever she can, and we’re really thankful for
In addition to her work with the WGRC, Holliman is
actively taking part in research as a part of the
Psychology Honors Research Program.
that,” said Zoe Winston, peer education program coordinator at the
WGRC. “We need students who are engaged and focused to help us
reach a student body as large as UA, and Maury defnitely fts that
description.”
In addition to her extensive work with the WGRC, Holliman is actively
taking part in research as a part of the Psychology Honors Research
Program.
“I really like the research aspect of psychology,” said Holliman. “I like
studying things to implement change in policies and in practice. I
think that’s the most important part of research, promoting some sort
of change.”

4. A passion for awareness - Division of Student Affairs - The University of Alabama
https://sa.ua.edu/our-stories/a-passion-for-awareness/[5/30/2016 11:04:02 AM]
She is working closely with Dr. Ariane Prohaska, a sociologist in the
criminal justice department, to look at post-traumatic stress and post-
traumatic growth in different populations as a result of the 2011
tornadoes.
“I don’t want to say it’s been fun, because we’re talking about some
really awful things, but it’s been eye-opening,” said Holliman.
Holliman’s depth of work with her research and the WGRC keeps her
busy and satisfed she said. She understands her ability to
accomplish more by focusing on these two areas of involvement.
“I learned freshman year that you can try to be involved in everything,
and then it makes you involved in nothing,” said Holliman. “You’re not
giving back if you have your foot in six different activities.”
The future holds a plethora of possibilities for Holliman as she applies
to clinical psychology Ph.D. programs in anticipation of her
graduation in May 2016. Until that time comes, she’ll continue
advocating for the WGRC, raising awareness, and encouraging
volunteerism.
“We’re always searching for volunteers to come in and help us lay
the groundwork,” said Holliman. “Even setting up a table or handing
out fyers is a big help.”
This story is a part of Student Affairs Our Stories, which spotlights
students, staff, services and programs that are excelling within the
Division of Student Affairs. Do you have a suggestion for a Student
Affairs story? Email studentaffairs@ua.edu with your idea.