June 2025 Newsletter
June 2025 Alumni Newsletter
- Graduate Study Merit Scholarships to Four Exceptional Students
- AUM Researchers Introduce AI Tool for Interpreting Sign Language
- Troy Elementary Principal Teresa Sims Retires after 39 Years
- Spotlight on Movers & Shapers
- Alumni-Owned Restaurant Brings 5-Star Flavor
- AUM Alum Appointed as District Judge
- Honoring a Trailblazer
- AUM Awarded Law Enforcement Training Grant
- Youth Summer Camps in STEM, Art & Communication
- ASF Alumni Night
- Alumni Association Board of Directors Nominations Open
- Alumni Professorship Nominations Open
AUM Alumni Association Awards Graduate Study Merit Scholarships to Four Exceptional Students
The Auburn University at Montgomery Alumni Association has proudly awarded its annual Graduate Study Merit Scholarships to four outstanding graduate students who exemplify academic excellence and dedication to their fields of study. This year’s recipients are Reginald Carter, Caitlin Grant, Gootam Tony Prashanth, and Alberta Danquah.
Each recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship, funded through contributions from AUM alumni memberships. The award supports graduate students who maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher, enroll in and complete at least six credit hours per semester, and remain continuously enrolled throughout the duration of the scholarship.
The AUM Alumni Association remains committed to supporting student success through scholarships funded by its growing network of alumni. This annual award highlights the university’s continued investment in the academic and professional growth of its graduate student body.
Reginald Carter
Auburn University at Montgomery celebrates Reginald Webster Carter, B.S., J.D., for his outstanding contributions to public safety and education. Carter served as Project Manager for the 2021 Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant and was an Adjunct Professor in AUM’s Department of Justice and Public Safety from 2008 to 2012, where he developed graduate courses in Community Corrections and Juvenile Justice.
Reginald is currently pursuing a master of liberal arts degree. He is an accomplished writer and trainer, Carter published a peer-reviewed article in The Journal of Gang Research and instructed statewide law enforcement courses on Advanced Report Writing. His leadership in grant writing has secured critical funding for officer training programs, earning him multiple service awards, including Officer of the Year from the Alabama Pardons and Parole Board.
Currently, Carter serves as District Manager for the Alabama State Board of Pardons and Parole, overseeing operations across four counties. AUM is proud to honor his dedication to justice, education, and community service.
Caitlin Grant
Auburn University at Montgomery proudly highlights Caitlin Grant, B.S., for her commitment to the field of speech-language pathology. A 2020 graduate in Communication Disorders with a Psychology minor, Caitlin has dedicated the past four years as an SLP-A in Mobile County Public Schools, providing therapy across preschool, elementary, and middle school settings.
Currently pursuing her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at AUM (expected May 2026), Caitlin is passionate about pediatric dysphagia and plans to one day open her own clinic serving neonates, children, and seniors. She is an active member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association and has volunteered extensively in her community. AUM celebrates Caitlin’s dedication to advancing communication health and inspiring future generations.
Gootam Tony Prashanth
Auburn University at Montgomery proudly recognizes Gootam Tony Prashanth, an MS in Management Information Systems candidate maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. With a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from B.V. Raju Institute of Technology, Tony brings leadership experience from the IT sector, including roles as Incident Manager and Team Lead at Skillmine Technology Consulting.
At AUM, Tony serves as a Graduate Assistant in Business Administration and as a Student Affairs Assistant, while leading research on Excel proficiency gaps in business analytics education. Passionate about bridging technology and business, Tony aspires to a career in Business Intelligence and IT project management. His dedication to excellence extends beyond the classroom through volunteer work with the Indian Student Organization and the Aashya Foundation.
Alberta Danquah
Alberta Danquah, an MBA candidate in Business Analytics at Auburn University at Montgomery, exemplifies academic excellence with a perfect 4.0 GPA. A first-generation student from Ghana, Alberta combines her strong foundation in accounting and financial management with advanced skills in data analytics and business intelligence.
At AUM, she serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Student Assistant at the Wellness Center, while also contributing her leadership skills as a peer mentor and community advocate. Alberta previously worked on USAID-funded health initiatives, leveraging data to drive strategic financial decisions. Proficient in Power BI, Excel, and enterprise accounting systems, Alberta is passionate about transforming data into actionable insights and is actively pursuing a Business/Data Analytics internship for Summer 2025.
AUM Researchers Introduce AI Tool ‘Drishti’ for Interpreting Sign Language
Tucked away in a corner of Goodwyn Hall, Harshavardhan Meka, a computer science major, gently opens his laptop, logs in, and taps the space bar.
At first glance, Meka appears to be a typical student preparing to study, but the graduate student is part of a research team at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) developing an artificial intelligence-powered tool designed to recognize sign language.
What unfolds next is a glimpse of the team’s cutting-edge creation.
Harshavardhan Meka runs a test with Drishti.
While still pressing the space bar, Meka holds up the sign language symbol for the number five as the webcam on his laptop mirrors the gesture. Instantly, the computer creates an outline of his hand and translates it, typing the number into a search bar on his screen — a simple act that highlights the study’s new transformative AI technology to assist individuals with hearing or speech impairments.
Meet “Drishti,” the AI-powered tool named after the Hindi word for “vision” and the idea of Tathagata Bhattacharya, assistant professor of computer science at AUM. The tool is designed to bridge communication gaps for individuals with hearing or speech impairments by recognizing and translating sign language gestures into text.
Original article from the AUM News.
A Salute to Service: Troy Elementary Principal Teresa Sims Retires after 39 Years in Education
A heartfelt congratulations to Teresa Sims, an Auburn University at Montgomery alumna and longtime champion of public education, who is retiring this year after an inspiring 39-year career — with 37 of those years spent in the Troy City School system.
Sims’ journey in education began with a passion for learning that never dimmed. A Bonifay, Fla., native, Sims’ path changed forever after attending a Troy University band camp in ninth grade. She would go on to become the first female assistant drum major in Troy’s “South of the South” Band and earn her Education Administrative Certification from AUM.
Sims’ career includes leadership roles at Charles Henderson Middle School, Charles Henderson High School, and, for the past decade, as principal of Troy Elementary School. Her legacy reflects a tireless dedication to students, staff, and community.
“It has been my great privilege and joy to be a teacher — that’s what I always consider myself,” Sims said. “Our teachers and staff are true superheroes.”
We at AUM are honored to call Teresa one of our own and celebrate her well-earned retirement. Enjoy every moment with your beautiful family, Teresa — and thank you for a lifetime of educational excellence.
Original article from the Troy Messenger.
Spotlight on Movers & Shapers: Coffee, Dale & Geneva Counties
AUM graduates are shaping the future of their communities in extraordinary ways.
Lisa and Tim Johnson, both AUM alumni, are the powerhouse duo behind TCJ Financial Corp. in Elba, AL — revitalizing local real estate while giving back to their hometown. Lisa is also First VP of the Elba Chamber of Commerce, and Tim has served on the city’s Water and Electric Board.
Adam Shanks, CEO of Alabama Pecan Co. and Milky Moo’s Deli, is another proud AUM graduate making waves in the Wiregrass. A 2009 intern for Sen. Jeff Sessions and now a regional leader, Adam remains committed to community growth and mental health through his work with SpectraCare.
Alumni-Owned Restaurant Brings 5-Star Flavor to Cecil
Grib Anderson, an AUM business grad, turned childhood dreams into reality with The Market at John Hall Store — a restaurant housed in a restored 1913 general store in Cecil, AL. The rustic venue offers Southern cuisine with gourmet flair, including the Garden & Gun–featured “Cecil Quail.”
“It started with a veggie basket,” says Anderson, reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey.
With live music, family-friendly vibes, and dishes earning national praise, The Market is now a treasured local destination.
The restaurant celebrated their 3-year anniversary on April 19th with live music, local vendors, and a crawfish boil!
Governor Ivey Appoints AUM Alum Bruce Lieberman as District Judge
Congratulations to Bruce Lieberman, newly appointed Montgomery County District Judge. A lifelong Montgomerian and AUM graduate, Lieberman brings decades of experience in prosecution and legal leadership. He will succeed Judge Tiffany McCord, also an AUM alum, on the Montgomery Circuit Court.
“I’m honored to be returning to that courthouse where my career began,” Lieberman said.
Original article from WSFA.
Honoring a Trailblazer: Susie H. James-Mindingall (Class of 1993)
At 96 years young, Susie James-Mindingall is proof that education is a lifelong pursuit. A 1993 AUM graduate at the age of 64, Susie continues to serve as a pastor and Sunday school superintendent in Tuskegee.
Her story is now beautifully captured in A Half Cup of Coffee with Grandma Susie, a touching biography written by her granddaughter, Suzanne M. Cade, Ph.D.
“She has kept the educational flame aglow.” — Suzanne M. Cade
Available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, WestBow Press, and smcinspire.com
AUM Awarded $115K Grant for Law Enforcement Training
AUM was recently awarded $115,000 by ADECA to support crime prevention and law enforcement training programs.
“This training will equip officers with knowledge and techniques to benefit public safety,” said Gov. Kay Ivey.
We’re proud to help our officers gain critical skills that protect and serve Alabama communities.
Original article from the Black Belt News Network.
AUM Launches Youth Summer Camps in STEM, Art & Communication
Get ready for a summer of discovery! AUM is hosting several free and low-cost summer camps for middle and high school students, including:
- Digital Photography Camp (June 2–6)
- Video Game Storytelling & Character Design (May 30, June 2–6)
- Computer Science & Communication Summer Academy – hands-on with robotics, coding, 3D modeling ($200/week)
The camps are open to students from select Montgomery public schools. Get more information on the High School and Middle School Student Summer Camps.
Join Us for Alumni Night at ASF – July 24th!
Auburn University at Montgomery is excited to invite all alumni to a special evening at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival for Alumni Night on Wednesday, July 24th. This year’s featured performance will be The Wizard of Oz, promising a night of nostalgia, community, and world-class theatre.
Reconnect with fellow alumni and enjoy a classic production in one of the South’s premier performing arts venues. Whether you’re reliving memories or making new ones, this event is the perfect opportunity to celebrate our shared AUM spirit.
Tickets go on sale starting June 1st, so be sure to reserve your spot early. Don’t miss out on this enchanting evening.
Purchase your tickets from the Alumni Association.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Alumni Association Board of Directors Nominations are Now Open
Do you have a passion for Auburn University at Montgomery and a desire to help shape the future of its alumni community? The AUM Alumni Association is now accepting nominations for its Board of Directors!
This is your opportunity to give back, grow your leadership experience, and play a vital role in strengthening the bond between AUM and its graduates. Board members serve as ambassadors for the university, helping to advance alumni engagement, support student success, and promote AUM in the community and beyond.
Nominations are open through September 15, 2025.
To apply or nominate someone, please visit https://www.aum.edu/alumni-board/
We’re looking for enthusiastic and committed alumni who are eager to make an impact. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a longtime supporter, your voice and experience matter.
Let your legacy of leadership begin here—apply today!
2025–2028 Alumni Professorship Nominations Open July 1
The AUM Alumni Association is now accepting nominations for the Alumni Professorship, a prestigious award recognizing outstanding AUM faculty who exemplify excellence in:
- Teaching
- Research, scholarly, or creative accomplishments
- Service to the university and community
Eligibility
Nominees must be full-time teaching faculty with 10 or more years of service at AUM.
Award Details
- Three-year, non-renewable term
- $2,500 annual salary supplement
- Award conferred at Fall Convocation
Nomination Requirements
Submit five letters of nomination by September 19, 2025 from the following individuals:
- Nominee’s Dean
- Department Head
- A Current Student
- A Former Student
- A Faculty Colleague
Letters should be no longer than two pages and include examples of the nominee’s teaching, research, service, and impact beyond the classroom. Vitae may be attached. No letters from family members will be accepted.
Submit Nominations
Send nomination letters via:
Email: alumni@aum.edu
Mail:
AUM Alumni Association
Attn: Awards Committee
75 Technacenter Dr.
Montgomery, AL 36117
Questions? Contact us at 334-244-3567 or alumni@aum.edu
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Warhawk Proud, Always.
— AUM Office of Alumni Relations
