Warhawk Weekly 2-24: Greek Week; Public policy talk
February 24, 2026
Step into Greek Week at AUM
AUM’s nine fraternities and sororities are taking center stage as Greek Week kicks off with four days of events celebrating scholarship, leadership and campus spirt.
After networking and mingling at Monday’s Greek Cookout, students can keep the momentum going with events throughout the week, including a Sip and Paint at 6 p.m. today in Taylor Center 230 and Dodgeball at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Wellness Center. The celebration wraps up Thursday with a Stroll Off at 7 p.m. in Taylor Center 221–223.
Open to the entire campus community, Greek Week is a longstanding campus tradition that gives students a chance to learn about Greek life at AUM while highlighting service, leadership and lifelong connections.
Alvi to talk on the stakes of Iran’s nuclear program
The Department of Political Science and Public Administration will host the talk, “Deterring Iran’s Nuclear Program,” presented by Hayat Alvi, Khaled Chair in Political Science and International Policy at AUM.
Alvi’s talk will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3 in Goodwyn Hall 111. Light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to students, faculty, staff and the general public. Register to save your spot.
As tensions continue to shape global headlines, Alvi will examine critical questions surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, including the stakes of potential U.S. or Israeli military action, strategic objectives, deterrence challenges and the possibility of regime change.
Alvi brings extensive international expertise to the discussion. She previously served as an associate professor at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and has held academic leadership roles at Arcadia University and the American University in Cairo, Egypt. A former Fulbright Fellow in Syria, her scholarship focuses on international relations, security studies, political economy, terrorism, conflict resolution, genocide studies, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and South Asian studies. She has published numerous journal articles, podcasts, online videos and books. Her latest books include Nonviolent Activism in Islam (2021) and The Political Economy and Islam of the Middle East: The Case of Tunisia (2019).
“The topic is timely and is an important foreign policy issue for the United States, so we are presenting this current events presentation to help the campus and community understand the issues,” said Andrew Cortell, chair and professor of political science.
Future-Proof Your Career: AI in the Workplace Lunch and Learn
Curious how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of work? The AUM Career Development Center will host “AI in the Workplace,” a lunch and learn designed to help students understand how emerging technologies are transforming career paths and job responsibilities.
The workshop will explore the projected impact of AI across industries, demonstrate how students can use AI tools ethically and effectively to enhance performance, and provide practical strategies for staying competitive in an evolving workforce.
The session will be held from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, in Taylor Center 223. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited,
Students can register on Handshake.
AUM to host Alabama Statewide Math Contest
AUM will welcome some of Alabama’s brightest young mathematicians this spring as it hosts the Statewide Math Contest.
Sponsored by the Alabama Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the contest was created to stimulate interest in mathematics and recognize outstanding high school students and school math programs across the state.
The first round of competition will be held Saturday, Feb. 28, with students completing written exams at eight regional sites. AUM serves as the regional testing site for District VI, hosting high school students from Autauga, Barbour, Bullock, Chambers, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Montgomery, Russell, Tallapoosa and Wilcox counties. The AUM Department of Mathematics has served as a regional host for more than 20 years.
The competition culminates in a fast-paced “ciphering” tournament — a Jeopardy-style event — featuring top-performing teams from the first round. This year, AUM will host the statewide ciphering round on April 18, marking the first time the university has hosted the contest’s final round.
Warhawk Athletics: Doumbia shines at Australian Open, Hall of Fame nominations open
Tennis alum competes on world stage
From Warhawk courts to one of tennis’ grandest stages, former AUM standout Sadio Doumbia is making waves on the international scene.
Long before he became a fixture on the professional tennis circuit, Sadio Doumbia’s journey in the U.S. began at AUM, when the program competed under the nickname “Senators.” Today, the former Warhawk is competing among the world’s best.
Most recently, Doumbia teamed up with fellow Frenchman Fabien Reboul for an impressive run at the 2026 Australian Open. Seeded No. 12 and entering the tournament ranked No. 30 in the world in doubles, the duo advanced through three rounds before reaching the quarterfinals.
Doumbia and Reboul opened play with a gritty three-set victory before cruising to a straight-sets victory in round two. Their third-round match proved to be one of the most thrilling of the tournament, as they survived a marathon battle to secure their spot in the quarterfinals. Their inspiring run came to an end after a hard-fought quarterfinal matchup.
A native of Toulouse, France, Doumbia competed at AUM during the 2009 and 2010 seasons, quickly establishing himself as one of the most dominant players in program history. During his two seasons with AUM men’s tennis, he helped lead the program to national success while building a foundation for what would become an international career. Learn more about Doumbia’s career at AUM.
Men’s and women’s tennis net First GSC wins
The AUM men’s and women’s tennis teams opened Gulf South Conference play in style last Friday, each earning decisive road victories over Christian Brothers University.
The men defeated the Buccaneers 4-2 to secure their first conference win of the season. The women followed with a dominant 6-1 victory over the Lady Buccaneers in Memphis, marking a strong start to GSC competition.
Hall of Fame nominations now open
AUM Athletics is accepting nominations for the 2027 Athletics Hall of Fame through Wednesday, April 1.
The Hall of Fame honors former student-athletes, coaches and individuals who have made significant contributions to Warhawk Athletics. Submit your nomination online.
Showcase Your Work: Abstracts, community engagement nominations now open
AUM’s Experiential Education and Engagement Center invites students to submit abstracts for the 2026 Celebration of Research, Creative Activity, and Community Engagement.
Submissions may include research or creative activity projects completed in collaboration with faculty or through coursework. Undergraduate and graduate students across all departments and colleges are encouraged to submit their abstracts. Submit your abstracts through April 17.
As part of the celebration, the EEEC will also host the Community Engagement Recognition Awards Program to honor community-engaged students, faculty and staff for the 2025-2026 academic year. Individuals who meet eligibility criteria may be recognized for their work at AUM and throughout the River Region.
Submit your nominations for individuals and nominations community partners through April 1.
The Celebration of Research, Creative Activity, and Community Engagement awards ceremony will be held from 8:30 a.m.-noon Friday, April 24, in Taylor Center 230, followed by student research poster presentations in the Goodwyn Hall Lobby.
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.
Call for Honors Course Proposals
AUM faculty are invited to submit proposals to teach an Honors course.
Honors offerings include one-credit colloquia — ideal for exploring special topics — and three-credit seminars. Courses should appeal to academically curious students from a range of majors and emphasize discussion and active learning.
Faculty interested in proposing a course can review the Honors curriculum description, guidelines for teaching an Honors course and the Honors course proposal form for additional details.
For questions or to discuss course ideas, contact Dr. Lynn Stallings at [email protected].
