Warhawk Weekly 3-31: Top Military Friendly Schools; Grad School Questions
AUM recognized among top Military Friendly® Schools for 2026-27
Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) continues its upward momentum among the nation’s top institutions serving the military community, climbing three spots to earn another Top 10 national ranking.
For 2026–27, AUM ranks No. 6 nationally as a Military Friendly® School in the Small Public School category — up from No. 9 last year — and No. 4 nationally as a Military Spouse Friendly School. These recognitions reflect the university’s growing impact in supporting veterans, active-duty service members and their families.
“AUM’s new designation reflects the intentional work happening across our campus to support military-affiliated students at every stage of their academic journey,” said AUM Chancellor Carl A. Stockton. “From scholarships to dedicated support services, we are committed to creating an environment where military-affiliated students and their families can thrive, succeed and reach their full potential.”
AUM serves more than 800 military-affiliated students, including spouses and dependents, and has become a trusted academic partner for Alabama’s military community — particularly given its proximity to Maxwell Air Force Base. The designation, awarded by Viqtory Media, highlights the university’s commitment to accessibility, academic excellence and tailored student support.
The Military Friendly® designation recognizes institutions that create meaningful educational pathways for the military community and meet rigorous standards across federal program participation and student success outcomes. More than 8,800 institutions nationwide take part in the annual Military Friendly® Schools assessment, which evaluates both public data and institutional survey responses to identify schools making the greatest impact for military-connected students.
Meet the AUM alumna designing magic at Disney
AUM will welcome alumna and Walt Disney designer Anna Hudman (’11) to share her creative process with the next generation of graphic design students.
Hudman, who serves as a production designer principal at Walt Disney Imagineering, will speak to students in Professor of Fine Arts Breuna Baine’s class from 12:45 – 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, in Goodwyn Hall 109. The talk is free and open to the AUM community and the public.
An Imagineer for almost 12 years, Hudman was promoted to her current role in 2024.
She began her career as a scenic design assistant at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival before accepting a set decoration internship with Disney. She relocated to Orlando for the internship and has remained with the company since.
Hudman graduated from AUM in 2011 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design and later earned a Master of Fine Arts in production design (scenic) from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2014.
Her ties to AUM extend beyond her education. Her mother, Sandy Hudman, worked in the university’s information technology department for several years. Hudman is married and has three sons.
As part of her courses, Baine connects students with industry professionals by hosting guest speakers each semester. These professionals share insights on career paths, creative processes and work with major clients. Recent speakers include L’rai Arthur Mensah (Local People), Oen Hammonds (IBM), and Hank Washington (Hank Designs Studio).
“For the past four years, I have invited designers to speak to a broader audience to help student designers understand how they established their careers,” Baine said.
Grad School Questions? Get Answers Today
Thinking about grad school? AUM’s Graduate Studies Preview Night makes it easy to explore your next step.
Join us from 5-7 p.m. today in Taylor Center 221-223 to connect with faculty, explore programs and get real answers about what comes next.
Explore careers in service and advocacy
The Career Development Center invites students to explore a variety of career paths at the AUM Career Fair: Health, Service, Community and Education, featuring employers from healthcare, government, education and social impact organizations.
The fair will take place from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, in Taylor Center 221-223. Attendees are encouraged to dress professionally and bring copies of their resumes.
Ideal for those interested in public service, advocacy, teaching and other helping professions, the event is open to students of all majors. Participants will have the opportunity to explore internships and full-time positions while building valuable connections with employers.
Students who need professional attire can visit the Curtiss’ Career Closet in the Career Development Center, located in Taylor Center 323, where clothing is available in a variety of sizes.
Help plan the campus events you love
Students interested in bringing campus events to life are encouraged to apply for the 2026–2027 Campus Activities Board (CAB) Executive Board at AUM.
Applications are due by Wednesday, April 8 at 11:59 p.m. Complete the CAB application online.
Available positions include Director, Assistant Director, Treasurer, Public Relations Coordinator, and Membership Coordinator. Applicants must:
- Have a minimum 2.75 GPA
- Be enrolled full-time
- Attend both fall and spring semesters during their term
- Remain in good standing with the Office of Accountability and Advocacy
CAB is a student-led organization that plans and hosts campus events designed to build school spirit, encourage collaboration, and enhance the student experience. Signature events include AUMFest, Shriek Week, Homecoming, and SpringFest.
Nominate a Warhawk leader or organization for SILP awards
Know a student leader or organization doing amazing things on campus? Now’s your chance to recognize them. AUM’s Office of Student Involvement & Leadership Programs (SILP) is now accepting nominations for the annual SILP Awards.
Students, faculty, staff, and approved off-campus advisors are all encouraged to submit nominations. Award categories include honors such as Emerging Student Leader, Spirit of Curtiss Award, Warhawk Club of the Year, Program of the Year, Greek Chapter of the Year, and more.
Submit your nomination by Sunday, April 12 at 11:59 p.m.
Award recipients will be recognized at the Student Involvement & Leadership Programs Awards Ceremony, which celebrates the impact of student leaders and organizations who help shape the AUM community.
Commemorate your commencement
Attention, Spring 2026 graduates: Celebrate your success and leave a lasting legacy by making a class gift and jumpstarting your alumni involvement.
Make a gift of $20.26 to the AUM college or program of your choice, and you’ll receive an AUM Commemorative Medallion to wear at commencement. Your gift will help support future Warhawks and position more AUM students for success.
Order your Commemorative Medallion online at aum.edu/classgift or in person in the Taylor Center lobby from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on the following dates. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet members of the Alumni Association team.
- Thursday, April 2
- Wednesday, April 8
- Tuesday, April 14
- Wednesday, April 22
If you ordered online, medallions can be picked up on April 22 in the Taylor Center Lobby from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Learn more at www.aum.edu/classgift.
Summer & Fall 2026 registration is open
Summer and Fall 2026 advising and registration are officially underway, so plan ahead, register early and set yourself up for a smooth semester.
Students who register early are more likely to secure seats in required courses, stay on track for graduation and build schedules that fit their lives — not the other way around.
Before heading into summer break, students are encouraged to meet with an advisor and lock in their classes for the upcoming terms.
Appointments can be scheduled through AdvisorTrac, by visiting the Office of Central Advising or by emailing [email protected].
Showcase your research, creativity, community engagement projects
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.
Earn a Graduate Study Merit Scholarship
If you’re a current graduate student who has completed at least nine course hours and possess a GPA of 3.4 or better, you may be eligible to receive the 2026-2027 Graduate Study Merit Scholarship offered by the AUM Alumni Association.
To apply for the scholarship, submit the necessary documents to [email protected] (include “Scholarship Committee, AUM Alumni Association” in the subject line) by April 20 and include:
- Two letters of support, preferably from AUM faculty or staff (on AUM official letterhead), emphasizing leadership attributes
- A 250-word essay outlining the applicant’s educational and career objectives, academic honors/civic activities, and how the award will benefit them.
- A current resume
Apply and learn more about the Graduate Study Merit Scholarship.
