Warhawk Weekly 2-10: Southern Studies Conference; Athletics Hall of Fame
Southern Studies Conference spotlights craft, culture and Black women’s voices in poetry
AUM’s 16th annual Southern Studies Conference will examine the South’s history, politics, literature, art and architecture, highlighted by keynote talks focusing on banjo craftsmanship and the essential role of Black women’s voices in Southern poetry.
The annual conference will take place Feb. 20-21, bringing scholars, students, artists and community members to campus for workshops, panel discussions and keynote addresses by Emily Ellis, a renowned banjo maker and artist, and Ashley M. Jones, Alabama’s first Black Poet Laureate. Both keynote talks are free and open to the public.
In her presentation, “Rooted in the Land, Shaped by Hand: Farm, Art, and Ellis Banjos,” Ellis will explore the history of the banjo and provide a visual presentation of her banjos, the gourds she uses to build them and the building process. She will also play a few tunes and answer questions after her presentation. Her talk is scheduled for 1:15–2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, in Taylor Center 230.
Jones, the first person of color to hold the position of Alabama’s Poet Laureate in its 93-year history, will read from her forthcoming personal, critical academic essay collection “What the Mirror Said: The Necessity of [Southern] Black Women in Poetry.” She will explore how poetry and storytelling can challenge injustice, preserve memories and allow for personal reflection and social change. Jones will speak from 1:15–2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, in Taylor Center 230.
“Those who attend this year’s conference can expect to gain an appreciation and understanding of the history, struggle, achievements and creativity of life across the South,” said Professor of Social Work and MSW Program Director Lacey Sloan, who served on this year’s conference committee.
In addition to the keynote sessions, conference participants will engage in a wide range of peer-reviewed panels spanning political science, literature, history, anthropology, English, philosophy, religious studies, American studies, women and gender studies, sociology, criminal justice, languages, education, art, art history and music. The full two-day conference, which also includes workshops, poster presentations and a reception, is free for AUM students, faculty and staff.
Nominate for the 2027 Athletics Hall of Fame
AUM Athletics is now accepting nominations for its 2027 Hall of Fame class. The nomination deadline is Wednesday, April 1.
The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions in AUM Athletics as students-athletes, coaches of AUM’s intercollegiate teams, and other individuals who have made significant contributions to university athletics. Nominations may be submitted online. View the full list of Hall of Fame members and bylaws.
In order to nominate a former student-athlete, he/she must have received significant recognition in at least one sport, completed their athletic eligibility at AUM by the 2020-21 season or earlier and have graduated from a four-year institution. For coaches, he/she must be at least five years removed from coaching at AUM.
Please contact Committee Chairman Wyatt Hall with any questions at [email protected].
Homecoming 2026 blasted off
AUM’s 2026 Homecoming Week blasted off with a cosmic theme that truly made this year’s celebration out of this world. From the annual Chancellor’s Cup competition and kickoff pep rally to the Cosmic Carnival, alumni Casino Night, and a thrilling basketball doubleheader, Warhawk spirit was on full display all week long.
Ja’Niyla Busby was crowned AUM’s Homecoming Queen, while Mar’Derious “Buddy” Flowers earned the title of Homecoming King. Both are senior kinesiology majors, with Busby concentrating in pre-physical therapy and Flowers in exercise science.
Other members of the Homecoming Court included attendants Maia Tyus, Riley Cannon, Markia Austin, Aaron “George” Andrews, Tyreanna Causey and Joshua Stout.
AUM’s chapter of the Student Veterans of America (SVA) soared to the top in the Chancellor’s Cup, a weeklong showdown where student organizations tested their skills through games and challenges. SVA’s Team AWOL captured the $1,000 grand prize, emerging as this year’s champions. Marcus the Team earned second place, followed by The Executives & Marcus in third.
Theatre AUM earns 2026 ACTF honors
Theatre AUM earned multiple honors at the Region IV American College Theatre Festival (ACTF), with its production of “THE BIRDZ” receiving special recognition.
Theatre AUM’s Fall 2025 production of “THE BIRDZ,” adapted and directed by Neil David Seibel from the comedy by Aristophanes, was one of only five shows from Region IV invited to perform at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival during the conference.
In addition to the invited performance, Theatre AUM students and faculty received several individual and program honors:
- Theatre AUM received the Golden Hard Hat Award, recognizing outstanding organization, communication, and safety during the load-in and load-out of an invited production.
- Atticus O’Banner received the Musical Theatre Initiative Storyteller Award for his performance of “Not Getting Married” from Company by Stephen Sondheim.
- William Rouse was recognized for his lighting assistance through the Stage Directors and Choreographers Initiative.
- Nicholas Hall participated in the One Act Play Readings for J. Harvey Stone’s Fireflies.
- Jay Russell, along with his acting partner Michael James Pritchard, advanced to the semifinal round of the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship auditions.
Additional honors for “THE BIRDZ” will be released in late April following ACTF’s national awards ceremony.
More than 600 students from across the Southeast attended ACTF’s 58th annual Region IV conference hosted by AUM and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival Feb. 3-7 in Montgomery.
Nominate AUM for Community’s Choice Awards
Auburn University at Montgomery needs your support to hold its status as the River Region’s favorite university in the Montgomery Advertiser’s 2026 “Best of the River Region” Community’s Choice Awards.
The annual awards celebrate and recognize the best that Montgomery has to offer. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate AUM as a top university in the Montgomery region in the following categories:
- Beauty & Health: Hearing Aid/Hearing Specialist Center
- Kids & Education: Child Care
- Kids & Education: College/University
- Sports & Fitness: Fitness Center/Gym
- Top Employers: Place to Work
Online nominations close Feb. 26, with the top five nominees in each category advancing to the voting round in April, where winners and finalists will be selected.
To submit your nomination, visit the Montgomery Advertiser’s Community’s Choice Awards nomination page.
COB talk spotlights soft skills in the AI era
AUM’s College of Business will host “Why Not Win? Beyond Business Basics,” a speaker event to equip students with practical, career-ready soft skills needed to stand out in an AI-driven business world.
Presented by the Why Not Win Institute in partnership with the College of Business, the event will feature distinguished business leaders and sessions on “Soft Skills: The Hard Currency of Business Success” and “Misrepresented Business Practices” from noon–1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Goodwyn Hall 109.
The program’s featured guest speakers are:
- Larry D. Thornton Sr. – Founder of the Why Not Win Institute, Montgomery entrepreneur, artist, author and the first Black McDonald’s franchisee in Birmingham, with decades of leadership development experience.
- Dale Thornton Jr. – Franchise and organizational leadership expert and West Zone Vice President of the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association (NBMOA), offering real-world insight into scaling teams and operations.
- Daewoo Park, Ph.D. – Dean of AUM’s College of Business, bringing expertise in innovation, strategic management, and student success.
By connecting students with accomplished leaders and emphasizing the human skills that technology can’t replace, the event reflects AUM’s commitment to student success. Through exploring topics such as communication, leadership and ethical decision-making, students will also learn to build the confidence, professionalism and adaptability employers are demanding right now.
The event’s co-sponsors include Coca-Cola, GMC and the City of Montgomery, underscoring a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of talent for a rapidly changing economy.
The talk is free and open to students, faculty and staff (lunch provided).
Registration is required. Register online.
Volunteer to help at GEARSEF
AUM’s College of Sciences will host the Greater Eastern Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair (GEARSEF) on Friday, March 13. The event will bring more than 220 middle and high school students from 27 counties to AUM’s campus to compete in a wide range of science and engineering categories.
Student, faculty, and staff volunteers are needed to help ensure a welcoming and successful experience for participating students. Volunteer opportunities include chaperoning visitors in Warhawk Alley, screening movies, and monitoring the AUM-STEM Expo, among other roles.
To volunteer, complete the GEARSEF Volunteer Form or email Molly Belew Trammell at [email protected]. Individuals interested in judging a category, email Dr. Chelsea Ward at [email protected].
Warhawk Athletics: Softball ranks No. 1, Baseball wins series
Softball dominates at Columbus State Invitation, Ranks No. 1
The Warhawks softball team continued its strong start to the season at the Columbus State Invitational, rolling past Florida Southern (10–3), Columbus State (10–0, five innings), Tuskegee (10–4), and Wingate (10–0, five innings). The Warhawks delivered multiple big wins, run-ruling several opponents and shutting out two teams, including an impressive victory over nationally recognized Wingate University. The standout weekend performance propelled AUM softball to make program history, earning the No. 1 ranking in the 2026 NFCA/GoRout Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll.
Baseball rebounds to win series
Warhawks baseball split a Saturday doubleheader with Southern Wesleyan, dropping the opener before earning a 12–2 win to secure the series. AUM travels to Spring Hill College on Tuesday, Feb. 10, with first pitch set for 4 p.m.
Register for math placement tests
AUM’s free math placement program can help students save time and tuition costs. Students can take math placement tests on the following dates in Goodwyn Hall 115:
- Friday, March 6, 9 a.m.
- Friday, April 3, 9 a.m.
- Friday, May 1, 9 a.m.
- Friday, June 5, 9 a.m.
- Friday, July 10, 9 a.m.
Register for a placement test: aum.edu/mathplacement.
Keep up with campus events
There’s an easy way to keep up with all of the fun events offered on our campus. Enroll in AUM365 and get the 4-1-1 from Curtiss The Warhawk himself. Text curti$$ to 334-398-6025 to receive reminders about upcoming happening.
