Warhawk Weekly 9-22: ‘Best Colleges’ rankings; Graduate Studies Preview
AUM named among South’s top public universities in 2027 U.S. News ‘Best Colleges’ rankings
Auburn University at Montgomery continues to rank among the South’s leading public universities, earning a No. 35 ranking among public regional universities in the South in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” rankings.
The recognition comes during a period of strong enrollment momentum for AUM, which welcomed 1,801 new students for Fall 2026 — one of the largest incoming classes during Chancellor Carl A. Stockton’s tenure.
“This recognition comes at a time of tremendous momentum for Auburn University at Montgomery,” Stockton said. “Our strong incoming class reflects growing confidence in the quality, value and opportunities an AUM education provides. These rankings further affirm the dedication of our faculty and staff to delivering exceptional academic programs and creating an environment where students can thrive.”
Now in his 11th year leading the university, Stockton has seen AUM maintain a fall enrollment of more than 5,000 students for nine consecutive years. The university’s Fall 2026 enrollment stands at 5,123 students.
AUM also earned recognition in several other U.S. News categories, ranking No. 36 among the South’s “Best Colleges for Veterans” and climbing four spots to No. 55 in “Social Mobility.”
The “Best Colleges for Veterans” category recognizes institutions that provide benefits and academic support to veterans and active-duty military members, including participation in GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon programs. The “Social Mobility” ranking considers how effectively universities enroll and graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants.
AUM’s undergraduate nursing program made one of the university’s most significant gains in this year’s rankings, climbing 79 spots nationally from No. 214 to No. 135 among “Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs.”
Launch your next career at Graduate Studies Preview Night
If you’re ready to start building the next phase of your career or considering changing careers,
Auburn University at Montgomery’s Graduate Studies Preview Night is an opportunity to identify the best graduate program for your field and future.
AUM’s Graduate Preview Night event will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 5-7 p.m. in Taylor Center 221-223. There will be multiple drawings throughout the night for stackable book scholarships.
The event enables current students and working professionals to identify which AUM master’s degree and doctoral programs best fit their needs for professional advancement or reinvention.
Application fees are waived for attendees, and dinner will be provided. There is no cost to attend, but attendees are asked to register in advance of the event.
COB hosts AI workshop for River Region’s Korean community
AUM’s College of Business welcomed members of the River Region’s Korean community to campus Saturday for an “AI Workshop for the Asian Community,” introducing participants to artificial intelligence and AUM’s academic programs and opportunities.
The workshop, the college’s first initiative specifically focused on engaging the local Korean community, brought together approximately 30 community members and six AUM faculty and staff volunteers. During the event, AUM faculty and staff provided information about university’s undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs in fields such as artificial intelligence, chemistry and business.
Led by College of Business Dean Daewoo Park, Associate Dean Jeff Bohler and Duk (Daniel) Kim, chair of AUM’s Department of Chemistry and professor of chemistry, the two-hour workshop covered an introduction to artificial intelligence and hands-on experience with basic AI applications using participants’ smartphones.
“We wanted to introduce prospective students and families from the Korean community to the innovation taking place across our campus, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence and chemistry,” Park said. “We also hope our participants will share what they learned about AUM with their families, friends and communities.”
The workshop is part of the College of Business’ recruitment and retention efforts to strengthen connections with Korean and Asian families in the River Region and introduce more prospective students to AUM’s academic opportunities, Park said.
“By showcasing our programs, commitment to academic excellence and faculty expertise, we want students and families in the Asian community to see AUM as a place where they can prepare for careers in science, business, education and other fields,” he said. “Programs such as our Master of Artificial Intelligence demonstrate the opportunities available to students who are seeking advanced-level degrees and professional preparation.”
The outreach comes as AUM welcomes an increase in new international students with Asian backgrounds this fall, further supporting the university’s efforts to build connections with Asian communities and create pathways to an AUM education, Park said.
“This fall, we learned with have a significant number of Korean students on campus,” he said. “We see this as an opportunity to connect with their families. Education beyond the undergraduate level is important to many of the families we hope to reach, so we want them to understand the graduate and professional opportunities available at AUM.”
Support Warhawk Athletics at Whataburger Takeover
Warhawk Athletics invites the AUM community to come together for a Whataburger Takeover fundraiser Thursday, Sept. 24.
From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., 20% of proceeds from qualifying orders at the Whataburger at Eastchase will be donated to support AUM Athletics. Fans, students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the Montgomery community are encouraged to stop by to enjoy a meal and help support Warhawk student-athletes.
The fundraiser is an opportunity for the AUM community to directly support the university’s student-athletes and contribute to the continued success of Warhawk Athletics.
Get on board to support AUM’s blood drive
Did you know that every blood donation can help save a life? When AUM community members give, they help ensure lifesaving blood is available for individuals in our community when they need it most.
AUM has partnered with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers to host a campus blood drive Sept. 28-29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The LifeSouth bloodmobile will be located at 7031 Senators Drive, in front of the AUM Athletics Complex.
All donors will receive a recognition keepsake and a free cholesterol screening, and those who volunteer to support the LifeSouth Research Institute’s efforts to advance scientific breakthroughs may also receive a $10 e-gift card.
Donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and present a driver’s license or other valid form of ID. Sixteen-year-old donors must also provide written parental permission.
This blood drive is sponsored by AUM’s Department of Medical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences and AUM Athletics.
Warhawks, get vaccinated and fight the flu
Warhawk Health Services is accepting flu vaccine walk-ins to help AUM students protect themselves and the campus community this flu season.
Beginning this week, students can walk in for a flu vaccine Monday-Friday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. at Warhawk Health Services in Moore Hall 102.
No appointment is necessary. All AUM students are welcome to participate.
Recognize an outstanding AUM faculty member
The Auburn University at Montgomery Alumni Association’s Faculty Service Award recognizes outstanding faculty for their excellence in teaching, service to the AUM community and commitment to student success.
Awarded by the AUM Alumni Association, the Faculty Service Award is presented to one faculty member during Fall Convocation. The recipient receives a $1,000 award.
Nominations from faculty, staff, students, and friends are encouraged and accepted. Beginning this year, nominations will only be accepted through the online nomination form. Each nominee also must have a letter of support submitted by their department chair and/or dean.
Submit your nomination by the deadline Sept. 30.
