Warhawk Weekly 9-29: College Immersion Experience; Author talks second chances
AUM College of Business connects area high school students with business, AI and leadership
More than 90 River Region high school students recently visited Auburn University at Montgomery to explore college, business and career opportunities through a new partnership between AUM’s College of Business and the Why Not Win Institute.
The “Why Not Win Institute College Immersion Experience” is one of several initiatives created through the college’s broader partnership with the Birmingham-based organization founded by best-selling author and entrepreneur Larry D. Thornton Sr. Thornton serves as an executive in residence at AUM and established a Why Not Win Institute satellite office on AUM’s campus to help expand programming and outreach to high school students throughout the River Region.
“Our partnership with the Why Not Win Institute allows us to reach students early and help them see the possibilities that a college education can create,” College of Business Dean Daewoo Park said. “By bringing students to our campus and introducing them to business, artificial intelligence and leadership, we want to help them envision themselves succeeding in college and preparing for careers in a rapidly changing workforce.”
During the immersion experience, Thornton spoke with students about preparing for successful careers and developing the skills needed to thrive in academics and the business world. The event also included lunch and opportunities for students to connect with members of the AUM community.
The initiative is designed to create opportunities for high school students to pursue higher education and achieve their academic and career goals, Thornton said.
“At the Institute, we want students to see that higher education and a successful future are within their reach,” he said. “We want them to understand that how they think, communicate and connect with others can shape where they go in life. When you change what you think, you change what you do.”
As part of the event, Park introduced students to AUM’s artificial intelligence programs and two new AI leadership initiatives: the AI Innovation Leadership (AIIL) Passport and AI Innovation Leadership Black Belt programs.
The two leadership initiatives build on AUM’s Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program by giving students additional opportunities to combine artificial intelligence with their areas of study. AUM’s MSAI is the first degree of its kind in Alabama housed within a college of business.
Students also participated in a 30-minute conversation with current AUM business students, who shared their experiences navigating college and pursuing their academic and career goals.
About the Why Not Win Institute Partnership
The Why Not Win Institute’s partnership with AUM’s College of Business builds on the institute’s mission to help individuals develop leadership, communication and professional skills through lessons drawn from Thornton’s experiences in business and community leadership.
Founded in 2019 by Thornton, an entrepreneur, author of the book “Why Not Win?,” artist and community leader, the institute is a non-profit organization providing programming for corporations and higher education institutions across the country. Thornton began his career as an art teacher before entering the corporate world and becoming the first Black McDonald’s franchise owner in Alabama. He later served as president of Thornton Enterprises Inc. and has held leadership roles in business and community organizations.
Through its continued partnership with AUM, the Why Not Win Institute will help create additional opportunities for River Region students to engage with AUM faculty, students and business leaders while exploring the possibilities that higher education can provide.
Author Craig Stanland to share powerful story of second chances
The AUM community is invited to an inspiring evening with speaker and author Craig Stanland as he shares his personal story of identity, consequences and finding the courage to begin again.
Stanland will present “The Decisions That Shape a Life: A Story of Identity, Consequences, and Starting Again” on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Goodwyn Hall 109.
Through his story, Stanland will challenge audiences to consider how the choices they make can shape their lives and how difficult moments can become opportunities for growth, purpose and new beginnings.
The event is presented through the AUM University Speaker Series and co-sponsored by the School of Accountancy in AUM’s College of Buseinss and Beta Alpha Psi.
Roll up your sleeve for AUM’s blood drive
AUM has partnered with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers to host a campus blood drive, and there’s still time to give.
Today is the final day of AUM’s campus blood drive with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. Donations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the LifeSouth bloodmobile, located at 7031 Senators Drive in front of the AUM Athletics Complex.
All donors will receive a recognition keepsake and a free cholesterol screening, and those who volunteer to support the LifeSouth Research Institute’s efforts to advance scientific breakthroughs may also receive a $10 e-gift card.
Donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and present a driver’s license or other valid form of ID. Sixteen-year-old donors must also provide written parental permission.
The blood drive is sponsored by AUM’s Department of Medical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences and AUM Athletics.
Theatre AUM’s ‘The Mercy Project’ opens Thursday
The curtain rises Thursday, Oct. 1, on Theatre AUM’s fall production of “The Mercy Project: A Showcase Honoring Playwright Mercy Otis Warren,” celebrating the life, writings and legacy of the American Revolution-era playwright and political satirist.
Performances will be held Oct. 1-3 and Oct. 8-10 at 7:30 p.m., with a final performance at 2 p.m. Oct. 11 in the Taylor Center Theatre.
Directed by Distinguished Research Professor Val Winkelman, the production features a student cast bringing Warren’s story and contributions to American history, politics and theatre to the stage.
Born in 1728 in Barnstable, Massachusetts, Warren emerged as an influential writer and political commentator during an era when women were largely excluded from public political discourse. A poet, playwright and historian, she used her writing to engage with the political ideas and events that shaped the American Revolution and the early republic.
Health care leaders to share career insights
AUM students interested in careers in health care will have an opportunity to learn from experienced industry leaders during “Healthcare Horizons: Career Growth at Every Stage” on Friday, Oct. 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Taylor Center 221-222.
Hosted at AUM, the American College of Healthcare Executives of Alabama (ACHE) event will feature a panel discussion, “Strategically Mapping Your Early Career Development,” focused on helping students navigate career opportunities, develop professionally and learn from leaders representing different areas of the health care industry.
Panelists will include Peter Selman, chief operating officer of Baptist Health – Central Alabama; Rachel Anderson, vice president of supply chain for DCH Health System; and Tom McDougal, a former hospital chief executive officer, author and health care entrepreneur.
Selman brings extensive experience leading hospitals and health systems across Alabama and Georgia and has held executive leadership roles with Baptist Health since 2009. Anderson brings more than 14 years of health care supply chain experience, including previous leadership roles with Baptist Health in Montgomery, and is active in developing future health care supply chain leaders. McDougal brings 30 years of health care executive experience, including 23 years as a hospital CEO. He is also an author and founder of multiple health care startups.
Doug Jones, an assistant professor in AUM’s Department of Healthcare Administration, will moderate the discussion. Jones brings more than three decades of health care leadership and consulting experience, including executive roles as a CEO, COO and CFO. At AUM, he teaches and conducts research in areas such as health care finance, data analytics, leadership and artificial intelligence in health care.
Following the panel discussion, participants will have an opportunity to connect with health care professionals during a networking lunch. Student updates, internship presentations and service awards will conclude the program.
Studer brings lessons in leadership to AUM
AUM’s College of Business will welcome nationally recognized leadership expert and author Quint Studer to campus for a special guest lecture Friday, Oct. 2, from 1 to 2 p.m. in Taylor Center 221-222.
A lifelong student of leadership, Studer is known for translating complex strategies into practical approaches that help leaders and organizations achieve sustainable results. He is the author of several books on leadership and organizational excellence, including “The Human Margin,” “Hardwiring Excellence,” “Results That Last” and “The Busy Leader’s Handbook.”
Studer also co-founded Healthcare Plus Solutions Group, which provides leadership development and coaching to health care organizations.
The AUM community is invited to attend the lecture and gain insights on leadership, professional growth and strategies for achieving long-term success.
Launch your next career at Graduate Studies Preview Night
If you’re ready to start building the next phase of your career or considering changing careers,
Auburn University at Montgomery’s Graduate Studies Preview Night is an opportunity to identify the best graduate program for your field and future.
AUM’s Graduate Preview Night event will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 5-7 p.m. in Taylor Center 221-223. There will be multiple drawings throughout the night for stackable book scholarships.
The event enables current students and working professionals to identify which AUM master’s degree and doctoral programs best fit their needs for professional advancement or reinvention.
Application fees are waived for attendees, and dinner will be provided. There is no cost to attend, but attendees are asked to register in advance of the event.
Protect yourself during Cyber Security Awareness Month
Small actions can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your personal and work information online.
As part of Cyber Security Awareness Month, AUM will host a Cyber Security Awareness Training session Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 1:30 to 2 p.m. in Taylor Center 221.
Brian Humphrey, AUM security specialist, will share practical tips for protecting personal and workplace information from scammers, recognizing common cyber threats and helping keep the AUM community secure.
The training offers faculty, staff and students an opportunity to learn simple steps they can take to strengthen their cybersecurity awareness and stay safer online.
Recognize an outstanding AUM faculty member
The Auburn University at Montgomery Alumni Association’s Faculty Service Award recognizes outstanding faculty 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.
