When Claire Hendrickson first visited UNA in the spring of 2020, it was the beauty of the campus that caught her eye. As a recent graduate of Jacksonville High School in Anniston, Alabama, she was uncertain about her college plans due to the pandemic. But as she walked around the campus, something clicked. She snapped a photo of the colorful UNA sign, a symbol of the new chapter she was about to begin.
What Claire didn’t realize at the time was how deeply she would fall in love with UNA—not just for its beauty but also for the community, opportunities, and support she found. From the moment she arrived, Claire immersed herself in campus life. One of her favorite roles was serving as a SOAR counselor, where she helped new students adjust to university life. Claire loved sharing her experiences and encouraging others to get involved, just as she had.
Her leadership continued in 2022 when she became Miss UNA, a role that allowed her to advocate for student engagement and build connections with peers. She also spent four years on the Roar Dance Team, a group that became like family. Claire hadn’t planned to continue dancing in college, but it became a core part of her UNA experience, bringing her a sense of fulfillment and belonging.
Academically, Claire majored in Mass Communication with a concentration in Journalism and Digital Media. One of her proudest projects was launching a podcast called Purposed Perspective, where she interviewed UNA staff and students about mental health and mindset shifts. The podcast, along with her initiative “Check on Your Friends Before They Check Out,” highlighted Claire’s dedication to promoting mental health awareness on campus.
Thanks to UNA’s Department of Communications, Claire gained real-world experience through an internship with 48 News in Huntsville. She credits UNA’s resources, including a well-equipped studio, for helping her develop the skills needed for her career. Her professors encouraged her to apply for internships and pursue opportunities, giving her the confidence to grow professionally.
What makes UNA special for Claire is the personalized attention she received from faculty. Small class sizes allowed her to build meaningful relationships with professors who guided her academically and mentored her through personal challenges. Claire feels seen and valued at UNA, a place where she found both support and opportunity.
As Claire prepares to graduate, she reflects on how UNA shaped her journey. The friendships, leadership roles, and academic experiences have given her confidence and a strong foundation for the future. For Claire, UNA is more than just a university—it’s the place where she found her voice, her purpose, and a community that feels like home.