From Warhawks to world changers: Spring 2025 grad stories
Members of Auburn University at Montgomery’s Spring 2025 graduating class were invited to share their future plans and to reflect on their college experiences. Meet several Warhawks who plan to be world changers!
Editor’s Note: See the photo gallery of our grads below the story.
Abigail Alcantara
Degree/major: Business Management
Hometown: Opelika
Future plans: The next step involves pursuing an MBA.
What will you miss about AUM? The helpfulness of the university’s academic advisors.
Madalyn Barfield
Degree/major: Social Work
Hometown: Montgomery
Future plans: I plan to earn a Master of Social Work and pass the LMSW exam.
Favorite class or professor: I can’t pick just one professor or class as my favorite. I enjoyed my Honors classes as well as the classes for my major, and there are too many great professors to choose from!
What will you miss most about your time at AUM? “I will miss cheering for AUM the most. I made a lot of memories and long-lasting friendships through AUM Cheer!”
What advice would you offer an incoming AUM freshman? “I would suggest getting involved in clubs and organizations! There’s something for everyone. Also, attend the events AUM holds!”
Christy Blake
Degree/major: Graduated with a double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice
Hometown: Wetumpka
Future plans: She plans to become a criminologist before eventually pursuing a master’s degree in social work
Favorite professor: Prit Kaur. “She’s been a very supportive role in my time at AUM and I’m very grateful,” she said.
What will you miss most about AUM? “What I will miss most about AUM is the diversity the school brings.”
Nicole Damato
Degree/major: Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Teaching and Learning
Hometown: Montgomery
Future plans: I am currently a Lead Preschool Teacher at Aim Academy of Pike Road and I look forward to advancing my career within the early childhood education and child care career field. I will be pursuing a Master of Education in Early Childhood Development degree at the University of West Alabama in either the Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 semesters.
Favorite class or professor: Dr. [Gilbert] Duenas and Dr. [Tara] Beziat, by far, had a lasting effect on my passion for early childhood education. While I didn’t graduate from the College of Education, they gave me lasting inspiration and feedback that have formed me into the educator I am today.
What will you miss most about your time at AUM? I think I’m going to miss the entire college experience that AUM provided. As a working professional and mother, it was nice to come to school and focus on my goals. Who knew college could be a form of self-care?
Roshini Devasani
Degree/major: Master of Science in Computer Science
Future plans: I will be pursuing a full-time role as a Full Stack .NET Developer, specializing in building scalable cloud-based applications using Microsoft Azure and Angular. I also aim to deepen my skills in AI and data-driven systems.
Favorite class or professor: My favorite class was Front-end Web Application Development, taught by Professor Fatih Karabiber. His engaging teaching style and deep knowledge of the subject made a lasting impact on me.
What will you miss most about your time at AUM? I will miss the vibrant campus community, the encouragement and support from faculty, and the unforgettable friendships built over the past two years.
What advice would you offer an incoming AUM freshman? Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Take advantage of every learning opportunity, connect with your professors, and stay consistent—it all pays off.
Audrey Gilbert
Degree/major: Bachelor Science in Nursing
Hometown: Highland Home
Future plans: Work as an RN, then obtain my master’s degree for a leadership role
What will you miss most about AUM? I enjoyed all of my nursing faculty and I will miss them and the continuous support the most out of anything!
JaQese B. Hawkins
Degree/major: Master’s degree in Elementary Education
Hometown: Montgomery
Future plans: opening her own childcare and learning center.
Favorite professor: Dr. Tammi Shelley
What will you miss about AUM? I will miss the constant open support, guidance, and kindred relationships with my professors and classmates.
Bethany King
Degree/major: Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science and a minor in Strength & Conditioning and Sports Management
Hometown: Decatur
Future plans: I will begin pursuit of a master’s degree in Exercise Science at the University of South Alabama and will later get certified in athletic training
Favorite professor: Dr. Angela Rose Russell and Dr. Cornell Foo
What will you miss most about AUM? What I will miss most about AUM is the community that I have built here. The people really made my experience worthwhile and these are friendships and relationships that I will cherish forever.
Julie Langdon
Degree/major: Environmental Science
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Future plans: Looking for a job in environmental regulation
Favorite class: Environmental Pollution and Control
What will you miss most about AUM? I will miss the family dynamic and the mentorship. So many professors have guided me through every step and I’m so thankful for all of them.
Nathan P. Lochte
Degree/major: Bachelor’s of Social Work, Minors in Legal & Child Advocacy Studies
Future plans: “I plan on continuing my education at Auburn University, pursing a Master of Social Work concentrating in environmental justice. I will be getting married this coming July and starting a family. I have a long-term dream of helping run an environmental advocacy organization, causing systemic changes in the ability for rural opportunities for public outdoor recreation.”
Favorite class or professor: Dr. Maria Breitman (Biology) and Dr. Amber Sutton (Social Work) have been amazing mentors to me throughout my time at AUM.
What will you miss most about your time at AUM? “I will miss the constant support and guidance both inside and outside of academics. I will also miss the amazing outdoor adventures club community and all the friends I made through it”
What advice would you offer an incoming AUM freshman? Get involved as soon as possible on campus activities- like me, many of you will have to overcome overwhelming social anxiety but it’s easier when you find clubs or organizations that share your interests and values. Don’t wait until your second, third, or fourth semester to get involved. Also, make a Google document to write down everything you do professionally as you do them (you’ll forget otherwise).
Sanjana Mendadala
Degree/major: Master’s Degree In Management Information Systems
Future plans: I am actively pursuing full-time opportunities as a Data Analyst, where I can leverage my expertise in SQL, Python, and data visualization to generate actionable insights and support data-driven decision-making in a dynamic business environment.
Favorite class or professor: My favorite classes were Innovation Strategy, Data Analytics for Managers, and Deep Learning. I was especially inspired by Dr. Donald Amoroso, Dr. Jeffrey Bohler, and Dr. David Simmonds for their engaging teaching styles and real-world perspective.
What will I miss most about my time at AUM? I will truly miss the sense of community at AUM. Working as a Graduate Research Assistant and serving as a Student Ambassador in the Office of Student Affairs gave me incredible opportunities to grow, connect, and make an impact. The supportive environment made my experience unforgettable.
What advice would you offer to an incoming freshman? Get involved early, ask questions often, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. AUM offers countless opportunities to learn and grow, take advantage of them. Build relationships with professors, join student organizations, and say “yes” to experiences that challenge and inspire you.
Carrie Elizabeth Nabors
Degree/major: Social Work
Hometown: Montgomery
Future plans: Carrie will pursue a degree at Auburn University with a concentration in Clinical Social Work Practice while also working full-time with the Alabama Department of Youth Services.
Brandalyn Overton
Degree/major: Criminal Justice
Hometown: Montgomery
Future plans: Enrolling at Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law to become a criminal defense lawyer
Favorite professor: Theresa Pelfrey and Jon Moody
What will you miss most about AUM? The overall college experience and interaction. Everyone was always so warm and welcoming.
Nikita Reddy
Degree/major: Master’s degree in Computer Science
Future plans: Becoming a data scientist who can transform numbers and information into insights and lasting solutions
Favorite class: Data Structures and Algorithms
Favorite Professor: Sutanu Bhattacharya
What will you miss most about AUM? As an international student, she “arrived at AUM full of nerves, not knowing anyone or what to expect. But today, I look back with a heart full of gratitude. AUM became more than just a university – it became my home. I found not just classmates, but a family. We even call ourselves the ‘Brainy Bunch’ – a circle of friends who supported, laughed, and grew together. … AUM has truly given me the wings to fly by providing me with countless opportunities beyond the classroom.”
What advice would you give a new AUM student? “Step out of your comfort zone, say yes to opportunities, and don’t be afraid to connect – because AUM truly helps you find your place and your purpose.”
Faith Stanford
Degree/major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Montgomery
Future plans: Pursuing my master’s degree in Political Science at Auburn University at Montgomery
Favorite professor: Dr. Nick Burke is my favorite teacher.
What will you miss most about AUM? I will miss my beloved Nu Xi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha.
Jadeyn Sylvester
Degree/major: Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology
Hometown: Mobile
Future plans: I will attend graduate school for Clinical Mental Health Counseling and become a licensed counselor. If I choose to further my education after earning my master’s, I plan to pursue a PsyD or PhD in Clinical Psychology to work with adolescents and young adults, whether as a master’s-level or doctoral-level clinician.
Favorite class or professor: Yoga was my favorite class.
What will you miss most about your time at AUM? Attending campus events with friends!
Chloe Tellis
Degree/major: Exercise Science with a Minor in Strength and Conditioning
Hometown: Montgomery
Future plans: I will be pursuing a Master’s in Prosthetics and Orthotics at Alabama State University
Favorite professor: Dr. [Angela] Russell in Kinesiology and Dr. [Matthew] Grilliot
What will you miss most about AUM? I will miss the care shown by administrators, faculty and staff. There was always a listening ear and a comforting presence to be found on campus.
Hailey Whitlock
Degree/major: Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science
Hometown: Deatsville
Future plans: She will pursue a doctorate in occupational therapy at Alabama State University
Favorite class: Anatomy and Physiology I and II
What will you miss most about AUM? “I learned a lot during the courses and even more afterward while peer mentoring for them, which helped me build confidence and strengthen my communication skills.” Hailey said she will miss AUM’s “supportive community and the professors who have been there for me every step of the way.” “I know their encouragement won’t end here,” she added. “AUM truly feels like family, and I’ll always be thankful for that.”
