Alabama Civic Leader Honored for Lifelong Committment to Gender Equity

Dr. Cathy J. Randall named recipient of 2022 Cameron Vowell Changemaker Award by Women’s Foundation of Alabama

Women’s Foundation of Alabama (WFA) presented its 2022 Cameron Vowell Changemaker Award to Dr. Cathy J. Randall, one of Alabama’s most distinguished philanthropic leaders and committed volunteers for WFA.

Publicly announced at Women’s Foundation of Alabama’s holiday meeting on December 13, Cathy recorded a message of thanks which played before more than 100 guests, including community leaders, current and former board members, grantee partners, volunteers, and staff.

“Each year, we honor a champion volunteer who embodies the essence of our mission – advancing gender equity,” said Dawn Helms Sharff, incoming Board Chair for the Women’s Foundation of Alabama. “Dr. Randall has a heart of gold, and her servant leadership has been on display for decades. She demonstrates a sincere commitment not only to advancing women and families, but to improving quality of life for our entire state. She is beyond deserving of this honor.”

Cathy has been a dedicated supporter of esteemed organizations throughout her life, including past chairman of the Alabama Academy of Honor, director of Alabama Girls State, and president of the Boards of Directors of the American Village, the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame, and the David Mathews Center of Civic Life.

Her strategic leadership and passion for community service has earned her a lengthy list of accolades, including The University of Alabama’s Living Legend Award in 2007; membership in the Alabama Academy of Honor, which includes 100 outstanding living Alabamians; and the City of Tuscaloosa’s 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award for Women of Distinction.

“When opportunities for women improve, the lives of their children, families, communities, and the whole state of Alabama is the better for it,” said Dr. Randall. “What an honor to be associated with the amazing Dr. Cameron Vowell and the incredible individuals who are so committed to making the Women’s Foundation of Alabama’s dream come true – that power and possibility are not limited by gender. God bless Women’s Foundation of Alabama for truly changing the world.”

As the Director of The University of Alabama’s Computer-Based Honors Program for 25 years (1980-2004), Cathy was instrumental in advancing its status to a nationally recognized undergraduate research program. Renamed the Catherine J. Randall Research Scholars Program in 2017, the program pairs academically elite students with leading research professors and cutting-edge computing technology to complete scholarly research projects in any field of study.

Cathy is the current Chairman of the Board for Pettus Randall Holdings, LLC. She also served as former news anchor at CBS-affiliate WCFT-TV.

A graduate of The University of Alabama, she earned a master’s and two Ph.D. degrees, and was aptly named one of the 31 women graduates of the century by The University.

Cathy is the widow of H. Pettus Randall, III, mother of Jaynie Rogers Randall Lilley, Kate Randall Danella, and H. Pettus Randall IV, and a member of Christ Episcopal Church.

The Cameron Vowell Changemaker Award goes to a passionate member of the philanthropic community and supporter of Women’s Foundation of Alabama who demonstrates exemplary commitment to advancing equity for women through their giving and actions. Past recipients include Alabama philanthropists, Brooke Coleman and Emily Hess Levine.

Dr. Cameron Vowell, the award’s namesake, has been transformational for the state through her leadership and philanthropy. She has been at the helm of some of our community’s foremost changes and been active in public affairs for more than forty years. A pioneer for championing causes that uniquely impact the environment and women, Dr. Vowell is a notable founder of the Alabama Women’s Initiative, the Alabama Solution, and Women’s Foundation of Alabama.