Warhawk Weekly 9-15: Down syndrome research grant; Baseball facility unveiled
AUM receives $508,516 NIH grant for Down syndrome research
AUM has received a three-year, $508,516 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to examine how entrepreneurship and employment relate to financial stress, coping and emotional well-being among adults with Down syndrome and their caregivers.
The NIH project is funded through an NIH R15 Academic Research Award from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. Jack Richter, assistant professor of management and AI in the College of Business, is the project’s principal investigator.
“Families are finding creative ways to create meaningful work for adults with Down syndrome, but we need better evidence about what running a business together means for their financial stress and emotional well-being,” Richter said.
Richter will collaborate with a community advisory board and researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Florida State University and the University of Connecticut to conduct the study.
The research will include families who have created businesses — including bakeries, coffee roasters and mobile food operations — to provide employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“For this study, we will listen to adults with Down syndrome and their caregivers about both the opportunities and the challenges,” Richter said.
Richter and his research team will examine whether entrepreneurship is associated with financial stress, coping and emotional well-being among adults with Down syndrome and their caregivers. The team hopes the findings will help inform employment programs, policymakers and community support organizations how to approach entrepreneurship as a potential employment pathway for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the families who support them.
Families interested in participating in the study can contact the research team at [email protected] or 334-244-3492.
The NIH-funded project also will support eight paid undergraduate research assistant positions for AUM students. Students interested in a paid or volunteer research position may email a resume and a short paragraph explaining their interest to [email protected].
AUM baseball unveils Johnson Brothers Hitting Facility
AUM’s newly opened baseball hitting facility has been named the Johnson Brothers Hitting Facility in honor of former players and brothers Derek and Keith Johnson, devoted alumni and supporters of Warhawk baseball. The year-round, covered facility provides student-athletes with a dedicated space for practice and player development.
Located adjacent to QV Lowe Field on AUM’s campus, the Johnson Brothers Hitting Facility features two hitting tunnels, equipment storage and ample space for hitting, pitching and defensive instruction, giving the Warhawks a dedicated space for individual instruction, team practices and skill development throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions.
The covered turf practice space also provides AUM student-athletes with expanded opportunities to train, develop, and compete at a championship level.
The facility’s namesakes each played baseball at AUM and said they are grateful for the opportunity to give back to the program that made a lasting impact on their lives.
Derek Johnson played baseball at AUM during the 1993 and 1994 seasons and currently serves as market president for Regions Bank in Montgomery. Keith Johnson, a 2001 AUM graduate, played baseball for the then-Senators from 1999-2001 and is currently the general manager of Ingram Equipment Company in Birmingham.
“I’m so thankful for the impact the game of baseball has had on me and my family, and especially for the life lessons learned as a member of the AUM Baseball Team,” Derek Johnson said. “I will always cherish the memories of my time at AUM, and I hope that the Johnson Brothers Hitting Facility will be a great resource for all the current and future players.”
Keith Johnson said, “I’m incredibly honored to have the opportunity, alongside my brother Derek, to give back to AUM Baseball and a game that has meant so much to our family. I hope the Johnson Brothers Hitting Facility will have a lasting impact on generations of AUM student-athletes and help them pursue excellence both on and off the field.”
The Johnson Brothers Hitting Facility was approved by the Auburn University Board of Trustees in February and completed June 30, 2026.
Meet the Firms connects AUM accounting students with employers
AUM accounting students will have the opportunity to connect with prospective employers and explore career opportunities during the School of Accountancy’s annual Meet the Firms event Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Taylor Center Rooms 221-223.
Meet the Firms gives undergraduate and graduate accounting students the opportunity to meet potential employers, learn about internships and full-time positions, build professional networks and explore career paths across the accounting profession. The event also provides students with an opportunity to practice professional communication and make connections with organizations seeking accounting talent.
This year’s event will bring approximately 20 organizations to campus, representing public accounting, private industry, state government, regulatory agencies and professional associations.
AUM Greek Week brings Warhawks together
Greek Week is underway. AUM’s fraternities and sororities are coming together throughout the week to celebrate scholarship, leadership, service and the connections that make Greek life meaningful.
The fun continues today with Kick It with the Greeks from 5 to 6:30 p.m. behind Library Tower. On Wednesday, Sept. 16, students can explore opportunities to make a difference at the Causes & Connections Expo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Taylor Center lobby.
Greek Week will wrap up with the Leaders with Letters Dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. in Taylor Center 221-222, celebrating the leadership and accomplishments of AUM’s Greek community.
Open to the entire campus community, Greek Week is a chance to learn about Greek life at AUM, meet members of the campus community and learn about opportunities to get involved through service, leadership and lifelong connections.
AUM alumna to discuss election administration on Constitution Day
Auburn University at Montgomery will observe Constitution Day on Thursday, Sept. 17, with a presentation examining the work that takes place behind the scenes to administer elections.
Alexandria Stephens, director of elections for the Montgomery County Election Center in the Office of Probate Judge J.C. Love III, will present “Behind the Scenes: Election Administration” from 1 to 2 p.m. in Goodwyn Hall 111. Her talk will provide an opportunity for the AUM community to learn more about election administration and the processes involved in helping eligible voters cast their ballots.
Stephens brings a unique connection to AUM and to election administration. Originally from Camden, Alabama, she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from AUM in 2009 and a Master of Public Administration, with a concentration in nonprofit management and leadership, in 2012. She later earned a master’s degree in human resource management from Troy University in 2024.
Stephens began her career in election administration as an undergraduate intern at the Montgomery County Election Center. After completing graduate school, she served as elections coordinator for Jefferson County, Alabama, before moving to Columbia, South Carolina, where she served as director of voter registration and elections for Richland County.
In 2022, Stephens returned to Montgomery as director of elections for Montgomery County — the same office where she began her career as an AUM undergraduate intern. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to ensuring that every eligible voter in Montgomery County can cast a ballot securely and successfully.
Stephens is a member of the National Association of Election Officials, commonly known as The Election Center. In 2017, she earned the organization’s Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) certification.
Constitution Day is observed annually to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. The day also recognizes all individuals who are U.S. citizens — either by birth or through naturalization.
Protect yourself and your fellow Warhawks with a flu vaccine
Warhawk Health Services will host flu vaccine walk-in clinics to help AUM students protect themselves and the campus community this flu season.
A special walk-in clinic will be available Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 16-17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Moore Hall 102.
Beginning Monday, Sept. 21, students can also 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 AUM Alumni Association’s Faculty Service Award recognizes an outstanding faculty member 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.
