Warhawk Weekly 2-17: Higher Education Day; Southern Studies Conference
Making the case for Alabama’s public universities
Higher Education Day gives students the opportunity to highlight the importance of Alabama’s public universities to state political leaders.
On Thursday, Feb. 19, from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., students from all 14 public universities in the state will gather in downtown Montgomery for the annual Higher Education Day rally. The day includes a march to the State House, remarks from state legislators and lunch.
AUM’s Student Government Association will provide transportation to the Alabama State House. Students should meet outside Taylor Center to depart campus at 9:15 a.m., with a return to campus around 2 p.m.
Students are encouraged to check with their professors in advance regarding class absences, which are at the instructor’s discretion.
To participate, register for Higher Ed Day online.
Free keynote talks highlight Southern Studies Conference
AUM’s 16th Annual Southern Studies Conference will take place Feb. 20-21, bringing scholars, students, artists and community members to campus for workshops, panel discussions and keynote addresses by Emily Ellis, a renowned banjo maker and artist, and Ashley M. Jones, Alabama’s first Black Poet Laureate.
Both keynote talks are free and open to the public and will be held in Taylor Center 230. Ellis will present from 1:15-2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, and Jones will speak from 1:15-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21.
In her presentation, “Rooted in the Land, Shaped by Hand: Farm, Art, and Ellis Banjos,” Ellis will explore the history of the banjo and provide a visual presentation of her banjos, the gourds she uses to build them, and the building process. She will also play a few tunes and answer questions after her presentation.
Jones, the first person of color to hold the position of Alabama’s Poet Laureate in its 93-year history, will read from her forthcoming personal, critical academic essay collection “What the Mirror Said: The Necessity of [Southern] Black Women in Poetry.” She will explore how poetry and storytelling can challenge injustice, preserve memories and allow for personal reflection and social change.
“Those who attend this year’s conference can expect to gain an appreciation and understanding of the history, struggle, achievements and creativity of life across the South,” said Professor of Social Work and MSW Program Director Lacey Sloan, who served on this year’s conference committee.
AUM’s Southern Studies Conference is sponsored annually by the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and has become a cornerstone event for scholars and community members interested in the histories, cultures and contemporary realities of the South.
Thinking about medical school?
Join the College of Sciences’ Pre-Health Club for “Meet A Med School Student,” a conversation with AUM alumnus Austin Boehm (’22) about what it takes to apply to medical school.
A third-year medical student at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) and AUM biology graduate, Boehm will share insights into his journey at 5 p.m. today in the Science & Technology Complex 1014.
During his talk, Boehm will discuss how his time at AUM prepared him for success, the extracurricular experiences that strengthened his application, strategies for preparing for the MCAT and what medical school is really like during clinical years.
Warhawk Athletics: Softball stays perfect, Pookie’s milestone, Hall of Fame nominations
No. 1 Softball set for home opener
The undefeated and top-ranked AUM softball team improved to 10-0 on the season Saturday with a thrilling doubleheader sweep of Rollins College. The Warhawks edged the Tars 4-3 in extra innings in game one before securing a 3-2 victory in game two, completing the sweep with a pair of one-run nail-biters.
AUM now turns its focus to its home opener on Friday, Feb. 20, hosting Gulf South Conference rival University of West Alabama at 5 p.m. at the AUM Softball Complex. Cheer on the No. 1 Warhawks as they defend their home field and open conference play.
Pookie’s milestone career
AUM baseball Hall of Famer Pookie Wilson recently added another milestone to his legacy, earning his bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies more than three decades after first stepping onto the diamond as a Warhawk. Pookie returned to AUM in 2022 to finish what he started, completing his degree this past December and proving it’s never too late. Read Wilson’s remarkable story.
Next Hall of Fame class
Inspired by Pookie’s story? Help us honor the next class of Warhawk legends.
AUM Athletics is now accepting nominations for the 2027 Athletics Hall of Fame, with a deadline of Wednesday, April 1. The Hall of Fame recognizes former student-athletes, coaches and individuals who have made significant contributions to AUM Athletics. Submit your nomination online.
COB professors lead AI conversations in education and government
College of Business faculty members Jeffrey Bohler, David Simmonds and Zack Jourdan are helping lead emerging conversations around artificial intelligence in academia and government.
Dr. Bohler, chair of the Department of Information Systems, recently spoke with WSFA 12 about the changing landscape of AI and what it means for the state’s newly created Technology Assurance Board. The board will be responsible for establishing and enforcing ethical guidelines and security controls as A.I. is increasingly implemented in the workforce.
At the 2026 McKnight Annual Fellows’ Meeting and Research & Writing Conference held Feb. 13-14 in Tampa, Florida, Dr. Simmonds, assistant professor of information systems, served as a panelist for the session, “The Evolving Role of the Ph.D. in an AI-Enabled World.” Drawing on his research in artificial intelligence and large language models, he explored how AI is transforming doctoral education and academic careers.
He emphasized that AI streamlines research processes, enabling Ph.D. students and researchers to focus on critical thinking, ethical judgment, and interdisciplinary insight. By leveraging tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, researchers can reduce routine tasks and concentrate on advancing the human aspects of their work and societal progress.
Dr. Jourdan, associate professor of information systems, presented at the Alabama City/County Management Association on “What Every Government Leader Needs to Know About A.I.” His session outlined how AI creates value for public-sector organizations, key risks leaders must manage, practical tools and applications, and leadership principles for responsible AI use, including a 12-month action plan. The event was hosted by Auburn University’s Government and Economic Development Institute.
“Leaders are overwhelmed with decisions on how their organizations can use AI,” he said. “This is especially true for organizations and leaders who lack expertise in technology and innovation. The one-hour talk simplified these concepts and encouraged leaders to begin creating policies, developing pilot projects, and taking charge of how their organizations use these productive yet risky tools.”
Nominate AUM for Community’s Choice Awards
Auburn University at Montgomery needs your support to hold its status as the River Region’s favorite university in the Montgomery Advertiser’s 2026 “Best of the River Region” Community’s Choice Awards.
The annual awards celebrate and recognize the best that Montgomery has to offer. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate AUM as a top university in the Montgomery region in the following categories:
- Beauty & Health: Hearing Aid/Hearing Specialist Center
- Kids & Education: Child Care
- Kids & Education: College/University
- Sports & Fitness: Fitness Center/Gym
- Top Employers: Place to Work
Online nominations close Feb. 26, with the top five nominees in each category advancing to the voting round in April, where winners and finalists will be selected.
To submit your nomination, visit the Montgomery Advertiser’s Community’s Choice Awards nomination page.
Call for Honors Course Proposals
AUM faculty are invited to submit proposals to teach an Honors course.
Honors offerings include one-credit colloquia — ideal for exploring special topics — and three-credit seminars. Courses should appeal to academically curious students from a range of majors and emphasize discussion and active learning.
Faculty interested in proposing a course can review the Honors curriculum description, guidelines for teaching an Honors course and the Honors course proposal form for additional details.
For questions or to discuss course ideas, contact Dr. Lynn Stallings at [email protected].
