Warhawk Weekly 11-10: AUMTeach’s first graduate; Faculty and staff standouts
Making history: AUM senior reflects on journey to becoming AUMTeach’s first graduate
When Auburn University at Montgomery senior JaNiya Bevelle began her college journey, she envisioned a future in dental school. Becoming a teacher wasn’t part of her original plan.
In December, Bevelle will make history as the first graduate of AUMTeach when she walks across the stage at fall commencement to receive her bachelor’s degree in biology with a concentration in pre-health science and minor in STEM education. She will also earn a Class B teaching certification in secondary biology education.
Bevelle will share her experience during AUMTeach’s Show and Tell event at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, in Taylor Center 221-223. The event will bring together campus and community stakeholders, including invited representatives from the Alabama STEM Council, state lawmakers and education officials, to learn more about the program and its impact on future STEM educators.
Since its launch in Spring 2023, AUMTeach has allowed students pursuing undergraduate degrees in STEM fields such as biology, chemistry, mathematics and computer science to earn a minor in education and teaching certification alongside their degrees.
“Being AUMTeach’s first graduate is honestly such an honor, and it means more to me than I can put into words,” Bevelle said. “When I first started college, I never imagined that I would be in this position. My college journey has challenged me in so many ways, but it has also helped me grow into a person I probably wouldn’t have recognized when I first started.”
Read Bevelle’s story: https://www.aum.edu/aum-senior-reflects-on-journey-to-becoming-aumteachs-first-graduate/
AUM recognizes faculty and staff excellence
Each year, Auburn University at Montgomery recognizes outstanding faculty and staff during the Fall 2026 Chancellor’s Convocation.
This year, five employees received Warhawk Spirit Awards, which honor faculty and staff who exemplify the university’s core values.
- Andrea Blake, Assistant Director of Accountability & Advocacy
- Kalia Cook, Clinical Coordinator and Assistant Clinical Professor in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Bobby Goins, Campus Maintenance Technician
- Mallory Hale, Academic Advisor for Athletic Success
- Ar’Shundra Hampton, Bridge Program Manager
Additionally, seven faculty members also received awards honoring their reaching, research, and service to the university. AUM Provost Mrinal Varma presented these annual awards.
- Breuna Baine (Department of Fine Arts) – Distinguished Teaching Professor Award
- Casey Giordano (Department of Psychology) – Distinguished Teaching Assistant Professor Award
- Haewon An (Department of Chemistry) – Distinguished Lecturer Award
- Rachelle Shelton (College of Nursing and Health Sciences) – Outstanding Adjunct Professor Award
- Gabriel Costa (Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences) – Distinguished Research Professor Award
- Juntai Lu (Department of Business Administration) – Distinguished Research Assistant Professor Award
- Yi Wang (Department of Mathematics) – Outstanding Service Award
Alumni Association Board President Janice Marshall also presented the Faculty Service Award to Kalia Cook, assistant clinical professor and clinical coordinator in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
The Faculty Service Award is a prestigious honor that recognizes a faculty member whose dedication has left a lasting impact on AUM and generations of Warhawks. The award celebrates excellence in teaching, meaningful service to the AUM community, and an enduring commitment to student success. The award is selected through a competitive nomination process.
Faculty members with five or more years of full-time service at AUM are eligible for nomination. The Faculty Service Award is presented during Fall Convocation, and the recipient receives a $1,000 award from the AUM Alumni Association.
Theatre AUM students put their ‘Best Foot Forward’
Theatre AUM students will put their talents in the spotlight during the “Best Foot Forward Showcase,” a fall performance featuring an entertaining mix of theatrical scenes, songs and monologues.
The showcase will also highlight students’ creativity behind the scenes through a visual presentation of their theatrical designs and projects.
Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, through Saturday, Nov. 14, with an additional matinee at 2 p.m. Saturday. All performances are free, open to the public and will be held in Theatre AUM in the Taylor.
Theatre AUM will also accept donations of nonperishable food items at each performance to support the AUM Food Pantry.
Celebrate how far you’ve come during First-Gen Week
Are you the first in your family to take flight as a college student?
Celebrate your educational journey during AUM’s First-Gen Celebration Week! Join us for campus events honoring the achievements of first-generation students, building connections, sharing inspiring stories and preparing students for success beyond graduation.
2026 First-Gen Week schedule:
- Wednesday, Nov. 11 | After the Credits: First-Gen Panel Discussion
Noon to 1 p.m. | Taylor Center 223 | To RSVP, email [email protected]. - Thursday, Nov. 12 | Shining Stars of AUM
Follow AUM’s first-generation community on Instagram through @aumwasc1, @aum_first_in_flight and @trialphazetatauchapter. Posts will spotlight AUM’s first-gen Shining Stars and celebrate the accomplishments and experiences of first-generation students. - Friday, Nov. 13 | Alpha Alpha Alpha Induction Ceremony
Throughout the week, first-generation students, faculty and staff are encouraged to show their pride by submitting photos of themselves wearing a First-Gen button, First-in-Flight T-shirt or AUM gear. Include a brief statement sharing one of the best things about being a first-generation student or offering advice to current first-generation students. Email submissions to [email protected].
Honoring our AUM family who serve
AUM’s Veteran & Military Resource Center (VMRC) will host Breakfast with the Brave, an event honoring AUM’s military-affiliated faculty, staff and their families as Veterans Week comes to a close.
Breakfast with the Brave will take place from 8:30-10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, in Taylor Center 223. The event will feature a slideshow presentation recognizing AUM’s military-affiliated faculty and staff members and their loved ones.
Military Service Photo Submissions
We invite all military-affiliated faculty and staff to share their favorite service photos — whether of yourself, loved ones, or friends and family members who are serving or have served. Please email your photos to [email protected] by 3 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12.
Include a brief caption with your submission using the following format:
- Photo Submitted by: Marie Smith
- Affiliation: Mother of Active military members
- AUM Office or College: Student Affairs
- Persons in the Photo: Johnny Smith and Suzy Smith
- Any Remarks: My son Johnny and daughter Suzy are currently serving in the U.S. Army.
All submissions will be featured in Friday’s slideshow presentation, a meaningful way to raise awareness and express gratitude for the members of the AUM community who have served our country.
View the full Veterans Week schedule on the AUM Calendar of Events.
For more information, call the Veterans and Military Resource Center at 334-244-3799.
AUM MBA alumna brings leadership insights back to campus
Auburn University at Montgomery MBA alumna Kristy Brown (’08), chief human resources officer of Three Notch Group, will share insights from her career in human resources leadership as the featured speaker for the College of Business Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, in Goodwyn Hall 109.
Brown, who earned her MBA from AUM, holds Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certifications, reflecting her expertise in strategic human resources management, employee relations and organizational leadership.
During her presentation, “Empower, Engage, Elevate,” Brown will share lessons from her professional journey, offering insights into effective leadership, employee engagement and making a lasting impact in the business world and beyond.
The College of Business Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series connects students with accomplished alumni who share real-world experiences, career insights and professional networking opportunities. Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend and bring students.
Warhawks unite to tackle student food insecurity
AUM Athletics and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) are challenging every Warhawk to help tackle food insecurity during the 2026 AUM SAAC Food Drive throughout November.
As part of a friendly competition among Gulf South Conference schools, AUM is collecting cash donations and nonperishable food items to support the AUM Food Pantry. Every donation helps support fellow Warhawks while moving AUM closer to the top of the conference leaderboard.
Warhawks can join the effort by dropping off donations at athletic events or the AUM Athletics Complex, Room 115. For on-campus donation pickups, email [email protected].
Fans can also score free admission to Warhawk basketball games held Wednesday, Nov. 18 by donating $5 or more or at least five nonperishable food items per person in place of purchasing a ticket.
The Nov. 18 games include:
- 5:30 p.m.: Women’s Basketball vs. Georgia Southwestern State
- 7 p.m.: Men’s Basketball vs. Georgia Southern-East
Every donation helps AUM compete for the conference’s top spot while supporting fellow Warhawks in need.
Help AUM score big in Marble Bowl 2026
Help AUM show off its Warhawk pride while celebrating Alabama’s biodiversity. AUM is competing against 11 other Alabama colleges and universities in the annual Marble Bowl Biodiversity Competition, and the Warhawk SEEDS student chapter needs your help to move up the leaderboard!
Students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of AUM are encouraged to participate by submitting biodiversity observations to help AUM climb the rankings before the competition ends Sunday, Nov. 29.
Every valid observation counts, and the participant who submits the most valid observations for AUM will receive a special gift from the Warhawk SEEDS student chapter.
Learn how to submit your observations: https://www.aum.edu/events-archive/marble-bowl-2026/.
Commemorate your commencement
Fall graduates, celebrate your achievements and leave a lasting legacy with a gift honoring your graduation year.
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 support future Warhawks and help more AUM students achieve their academic dreams.
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:
- Tuesday, Nov. 10
- Wednesday, Nov. 11
- Tuesday, Nov. 17
- Wednesday, Nov. 18
- Tuesday, Dec. 1
Already ordered a medallion? Online orders and in-person preorders can be picked up Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Taylor Center lobby.
Still thinking about it? Medallions will also be available for purchase or pickup at the Alumni Association table during commencement.
