Four outstanding students awarded Graduate Study Merit Scholarships
Each year, the Auburn University at Montgomery Alumni Association presents the Graduate Study Merit Scholarship to outstanding graduate students whose academic excellence is matched by a dedication to professional advancement.
The annual scholarship program underscores the university’s longstanding commitment to fostering academic achievement and supporting the growth of its graduate student community. As a champion of student success, the scholarship also serves as a testament to the AUM Alumni Association’s investment in future leaders and its efforts to strengthen alumni engagement through meaningful contributions.
Each honoree receives a $1,000 scholarship, funded by contributions from AUM alumni memberships. To qualify, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher, enroll in and completed at least six credit hours per semester, and remain continuously enrolled throughout the scholarship period.
This year’s recipients are:
Reginald Carter, a graduate student in AUM’s Master of Liberal Arts program, is making a significant impact through his contributions to public safety, education, and community service. Currently, Carter serves as district manager for the Alabama State Board of Pardons and Parole, overseeing operations across four counties.
A dedicated law professional, Carter actively gives back through volunteer work in his field. In 2021, he served as project manager for a Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Project Safe Neighborhoods grant.
Carter holds a juris doctorate degree and is passionate about education and professional development in his field. He has taught statewide law enforcement courses on advanced report writing and served as an adjunct professor in AUM’s Department of Justice and Public Safety, where he developed graduate-level courses in community corrections and juvenile justice.
An accomplished writer, Carter has published a peer-reviewed article in “The Journal of Gang Research.” His leadership in grant writing has secured critical funding for officer training programs, earning him multiple service awards, including Officer of the Year from the Alabama Pardons and Parole Board.
Caitlin Grant, a graduate student in AUM’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program, is dedicated to improving the lives of children through the field of speech-language pathology. A 2020 AUM alumna with a degree in communication disorders and a minor in psychology, Grant has spent the past four years serving children with speech and hearing impairments in Mobile County Public Schools. As a speech language pathologist, she provides therapy across preschool, elementary, and middle school settings.
Through her clinical work and academic studies, Carter has developed a strong passion for pediatric dysphagia. She aspires to one day open her own clinic serving patients from neonates to seniors. She is an active member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association and has volunteered extensively in her community. AUM proudly recognizes Caitlin’s dedication to advancing the field of speech-language pathology and inspiring future generations. She is expected to complete her graduate degree in May 2026.
Gootam Tony Prashanth, a graduate student in AUM’s Mater of Science in Management Information Systems program, brings extensive leadership experience to the field of IT. He has served in key roles such as incident manager and team lead at Skillmine Technology Consulting.
At AUM, Prashanth is a graduate assistant in the business administration program, where he leads research focused on identifying Excel proficiency gaps in business analytics education. Passionate about bridging technology and business, he aspires to pursue a career in business intelligence and IT project management.
Beyond academics, Prashanth is actively involved in campus and community service. He volunteers with the Indian Student Organization and the Aashya Foundation, and also supports student engagement initiatives as an assistant in AUM’s Office of Student Affairs.
Alberta Danquah, a graduate student in AUM’s Master of Business Administration program with a concentration in business analytics, exemplifies academic excellence and leadership. She has a strong foundation in accounting and financial management with advanced skills in data analytics and business intelligence.
A first-generation student from Ghana, Danquah plays an active role in campus life. She serves as a graduate teaching assistant and student assistant at the Wellness Center, while also contributing her leadership skills as a peer mentor and community advocate.
Danquah’s professional experience includes work on USAID-funded health initiatives, where she utilized data to drive strategic financial decisions. Proficient in tools such as Power BI, Excel, and enterprise accounting systems, she is passionate about transforming data into actionable insights. She is currently seeking a Business/Data Analytics internship for Summer 2025 to further apply and expand her expertise.
