Hollins University students earned recognition at the invitation-only National University Model Arab League (NUMAL), held March 26-29, in Bethesda, Maryland.
Delegates Bagby Sparks ’26, Dakota Webb-Hawkins ’26, and Cate Orr ’28 received awards, their first NUMAL honors. They were part of a 10-member Hollins MAL team.
The team is advised by Amy Meli, assistant professor of political science, who is in her first year at Hollins. Meli stepped in for long-time advisor, Ed Lynch, professor and chair of political science, who is on sabbatical for the 2025-26 academic year.
Hollins was among 22 colleges and universities from around the U.S. participating in the 2026 conference. Each delegation represents a specific country; Hollins represented Algeria.
Students prepare for NUMAL through months of simulations, coursework, and regional conferences leading up to the national event, a competitive international diplomacy simulation. During the conference, delegates engage in debate and negotiation, building skills in diplomacy, leadership, and foreign policy while addressing complex issues in the Middle East.
“It was great to see first-time participants learn and gain confidence throughout the course of the conference,” Meli says. “Students gain valuable experience thinking on their feet, working with peers, and reaching consensus among a diverse group of students from schools all over the country.”
The team also participated in informal activities during the trip, including a group dinner in Washington, D.C.
