Staci Brown Brooks honored with Betsy Plank Distinguished Achievement Award

Alabama Power Vice President of Charitable Giving Staci Brown Brooks was named the 2026 recipient of the Betsy Plank Distinguished Achievement Award, presented by the University of Alabama College of Communication & Information Sciences. The annual award recognizes a UA graduate whose career reflects excellence across the communication disciplines represented within the college. Brooks received the honor April 2 in Tuscaloosa.

For Brooks, the recognition was deeply personal. “Seventeen-year-old me is so pleased to receive this award,” she said. “That freshman from Selma had no idea about the journey before her.”

Brooks found her footing early at UA, landing a paid position at The Crimson White before attending her first class. “Reese Phifer Hall and The CW were my real homes while I was at UA,” she said.

Her introduction to journalism came through the university’s Minority Journalism Workshop as a high school student. “That was the first time I saw African American and female newspaper journalists,” Brooks said. “Without MJW, I probably would have become a lawyer—and I would have hated that,” she added with a laugh. “No offense to lawyers—I married a UA Law School grad.”

Though her career has expanded beyond journalism, Brooks said the craft remains her foundation. “It’s my superpower,” she said. “A journalist can do anything because of our infinite desire to learn.”

As a leader with the company, Brooks continues to champion communication, community and mentorship.

“From Selma to Tuscaloosa to Alabama Power, every step has been guided by curiosity and connection,” Brooks said. “I’m grateful for the foundation UA gave me—and for the people who believed in that freshman who just wanted to tell stories.”