AUM recognizes faculty and staff excellence at Fall Chancellor’s Convocation

Each year, Auburn University at Montgomery recognizes outstanding faculty and staff during the Fall Chancellor’s Convocation.

During this year’s event, six faculty members received university awards honoring their teaching, research, and service. AUM Provost Mrinal Varma presented awards to the following faculty members:

Dr. Donald Amoroso, College of Business, has been named AUM’s 2025 Distinguished Research Professor. A leading scholar in information systems and innovation strategy, Dr. Amoroso has published more than 68 refereed journal articles, contributed multiple book chapters, and presented nearly 90 conference papers in top venues. His work — featured in journals such as Journal of Management Information Systems, Information & Management, and Journal of E-Business Research — has shaped global conversations on technology, consumer behavior, and digital business ecosystems. He also founded The Research Club at AUM, fostering collaboration and mentorship across disciplines.

Dr. Paul Hard, College of Education. has been named AUM’s 2025 Outstanding Service Award recipient. Throughout his roles as faculty member, program coordinator, and department chair, Dr. Hard has demonstrated exceptional dedication to AUM. His leadership in sustaining accreditation for the Counseling Program reflects years of commitment to academic excellence and student success. He also champions inclusion and community engagement through efforts such as the “Many Colors Art Initiative” and his service as faculty advisor for Chi Sigma Iota and AUM Spectrum.

Dr. Jessica Bodily, College of Sciences, has been named AUM’s 2025 Distinguished Teaching Award recipient. Known for her innovative teaching and unwavering commitment to student success, Dr. Bodily creates inclusive, supportive learning environments that build confidence and competence. She meets students where they are, guiding them toward their academic and professional goals while fostering critical thinking and growth. Her consistently high student evaluations reflect the lasting impact she has on both learners and colleagues.

Dr. Agnitra “Roy” Choudhury, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, has been named AUM’s 2025 Distinguished Research Associate Professor Award recipient. A leading applied economics scholar, Dr. Choudhury’s work explores how public policy influences health and economic outcomes. His research has been cited more than 100 times in high-impact journals, including Health Policy, Vaccine, and Economics Letters, and has garnered national media attention. He is also recognized for mentoring students in collaborative health policy research.

Dr. Keith Cates, College of Education, has been named AUM’s 2025 Outstanding Adjunct Instructor Award recipient. With extensive clinical experience, Dr. Cates enriches the Education Specialist program by integrating real-world case studies, collaborative projects, and practical applications that bridge theory and practice. His teaching fosters intellectual curiosity and a deep passion for counseling, shaping the next generation of professionals.

Teran Renee Fulford, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, has been named AUM’s 2025 Distinguished Clinical Faculty Award recipient. Since 2011, she has advanced the training of future speech-language pathologists by drawing on her diverse experience in private practice, rehabilitation, and home health. As Externship Site Coordinator for the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program, she provides hands-on, student-centered instruction that builds clinical competency. Her mentorship and collaborative approach make her an invaluable member of the AUM Speech and Hearing Clinic.

Also in faculty honors, Alumni Association Board President Janice Marshall presented the 2025–26 Alumni Professorship Award to Dr. Tewhan Hahn, Distinguished Chair in the College of Business’ Department of Business Administration. Awarded through nominations by students and alumni, the prestigious award recognizes faculty who demonstrate excellence in teaching, research, scholarly and creative achievements, and service. Eligible faculty must have at least 10 years of full-time service at AUM. Alumni Professorship recipients serve a three-year, nonrenewable term and receive an annual $2,500 salary supplement.

2025 Warhawk Spirit Award recipients

Five employees were recognized with Warhawk Spirit Awards, which honor faculty and staff who exemplify the university’s core values. The following employees are this year’s award recipients:

Dr. Chanell Davis, associate director of the Warhawk Academic Success Center
Davis’ dedication to enhancing the student experience has led to new initiatives for engagement, recognition and funding. She is best known for her commitment to empowering AUM’s first-generation students, which led to Gov. Kay Ivey proclaiming “First-Generation Celebration Week.” She also goes beyond her own duties to assist colleagues and departments across campus.

Kenneth Jones, senior public safety technician
Jones’ dedication to students and the campus community shows in his constant efforts to provide the best training, technologies and protocols to keep AUM safe. He values diversity and inclusiveness by welcoming “input from all staff, faculty and students — regardless of background — making sure everyone’s voice is heard when shaping safety policies.” Jones’ commitment to excellence and collaboration is reflected in his leadership on policy and equipment updates. He also participates in many campus events, including performing with the faculty and staff band, the Jamming Warhawks.

Dr. Ben Okeke, Distinguished Research Professor of Industrial and Environmental Microbiology
Dr. Okeke’s dedication to teaching, research and student mentorship is evident in his work guiding more than 60 undergraduate students in research projects. Many of these students have presented at national conferences, received awards and launched successful careers. Throughout his career, Dr. Okeke has secured or helped secure more than $3 million in grant funding. He received a Fulbright Scholar Award in 2019, AUM’s Distinguished Teaching Professor Award in 2020, and most recently a $400,000 National Institutes of Health grant.

Angela Pringle, coordinator of the Warhawk Resource Center
Praised for being a bright presence on campus, Pringle interacts daily with students, faculty, staff and visitors. She embodies AUM’s core values of excellence, student-centered experience, citizenship and community engagement, and inclusiveness. She is known for her encouraging words and warm welcomes that help foster a positive campus environment.

Molly Trammell, AUM Teach advisor and recruiter
An AUM alumna, Trammell became a full-time staff member in 2021. In her current role, she collaborates with faculty, staff and students to ensure program needs are met and students are empowered to succeed. Committed to excellence and continuous improvement, she engages with the campus and local community, as well as other universities, to strengthen AUM’s programs. Trammell mentors students in their studies and models lifelong learning as she pursues her own master’s degree at AUM.

Top photo caption: AUM Chancellor Carl A. Stockton; Warhawk Spirit Award recipients Kenneth Jones, Dr. Ben Okeke, Molly Trammell, Angela Pringle, and Chanell Davis; and AUM Provost Mrinal Varma