Meet Mar’Derious Flowers

I came to Auburn University at Montgomery knowing what I loved but not exactly where it would lead. Physical therapy was my first dream, but studying Kinesiology opened my eyes to just how many paths exist within therapeutic care. What sealed AUM as the right choice for me wasn’t just one thing—it was the range of majors to explore, the real scholarship opportunities that made my education possible, and a campus that felt built for students like me to grow into whoever they were meant to become.

Mrs. Katie Sowell has had more of an impact on my journey than almost anyone. She’s the reason I branched out into student organizations and leadership positions I never would have considered on my own. Her belief in me pushed me to see myself differently.

I knew I was on the right path the moment I stepped out of my comfort zone and ran for SGA Vice President. That single decision opened doors I couldn’t have imagined—meeting campus and city leaders, even the Governor of Alabama, and connecting with student leaders at conferences across the state, all while keeping my academics strong.

Being named to the Dean’s List and serving as Vice President of two organizations—SGA and Alpha Phi Alpha Upsilon Eta Chapter—are accomplishments I carry with pride. I’ve also stayed active in the Orange Jacket Society and Black Student Union, building community everywhere I go.

Balancing leadership, academics, and personal pressures hasn’t always been easy. But AUM’s faculty and academic resources have consistently shown up for me, creating an environment where growth feels possible even on the hardest days.

As a first-generation college student, none of this was guaranteed. Every role I’ve stepped into, every relationship I’ve built, has been part of proving to myself—and showing others like me—what’s possible.

Looking ahead, I’m preparing to apply to graduate programs in Occupational Therapy or Prosthetics and Orthotics. AUM didn’t just teach me kinesiology—it taught me how to lead.