Warhawk Weekly 12-16: Nursing transfer partnership; “Bravo Zulu” graduates
AUM, Wallace Community College–Dothan partner to expand nursing, transfer pathways
Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) and Wallace Community College–Dothan (WCCD) have entered a new partnership to create pathways that help students save time and money as they pursue four-year degrees.
The two institutions signed the partnership agreement Monday at AUM to establish a collaborative and seamless transfer process, concurrent enrollment opportunities, scholarships, reverse transfer options, and expanded student services for WCCD students who plan to continue their education at AUM.
“AUM is proud to partner with Wallace Community College–Dothan to create clear, supportive pathways for students to complete their bachelor’s degrees,” said AUM Chancellor Carl A. Stockton. “This agreement addresses affordability and time to degree, two of the biggest barriers students face, while ensuring they receive consistent advising and academic support throughout their college journey.”
A key component of the agreement is a concurrent enrollment program that allows qualified WCCD students to begin taking AUM courses while completing their associate degree. The initial concurrent enrollment pathway will launch for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing from AUM, with additional programs to be added in the future.
“This memorandum of understanding demonstrates how strong institutional partnerships can accelerate student success while strengthening Alabama’s health care workforce,” said Wallace Community College President Kathy L. Murphy. “By collaborating with Auburn University at Montgomery, we are offering a concurrent pathway that allows students to earn their desired nursing credentials more efficiently. These forward-thinking partnerships play a critical role in meeting our state’s health care needs by expanding access to high-quality education and producing well-prepared professionals.”
AUM courses will be taught on WCCD’s campus, either live or online, enabling students to accelerate degree completion and transition seamlessly to full-time enrollment at AUM.
“We value our strong partnership with Auburn University at Montgomery,” said Leslie Reeder, dean of instructional affairs at Wallace Community College–Dothan. “This agreement offers a clear and seamless pathway for our students in the Associate Degree Nursing program to concurrently enroll in AUM’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, earning both credentials in a streamlined manner. This collaboration highlights our shared commitment to high-quality education and service to our community.”
“Bravo Zulu”: Capt. Steven Williams’ charge to AUM’s fall graduates
AUM alumnus and retired Navy Capt. Steven C. Williams (’96) uplifted the university’s fall class of 2025 at commencement Saturday, closing his speech with a resounding “Bravo Zulu.”
The Navy phrase, meaning “well done,” was an inspiring conclusion to Williams’ address, which reflected on his life journey, his time at AUM, and his Navy career. AUM celebrated more than 700 graduates during two commencement ceremonies.
Recalling his time as a student, Williams shared how his studies at AUM — including political science courses under Dr. Jim Nathan — prepared him for a career spanning military command, senior civilian roles across multiple federal agencies, and international diplomacy.
“I served several years in the Navy, but the tools that I needed to succeed … had largely been provided by my professors at AUM: the ability for critical thought, to analyze another nation’s positions and agenda, and the ability to listen and comprehend the framework that drove their goals. Without realizing it as a student, these were among the tools added to my portfolio by the time I received my diploma,” he said.
Williams encouraged graduates to look forward, pursue new goals, give back to their communities, and continue building on their accomplishments.
“AUM became my lighthouse, a beacon of security, knowledge, hope, and acceptance,” he said. “Today, you are living both the conclusion of one AUM journey and the beginning of another.”
Closing with heartfelt holiday wishes, Williams urged graduates to celebrate and reflect while carrying the lessons of AUM into the next chapter of their lives.
“Bravo Zulu, graduates, job well done,” he said.
Class of 2025: Tell us your AUM story
Commencement was this past weekend, and we’re continuing to celebrate graduates! If you’re a member of our Fall 2025 graduating class, share your AUM memories and tell us where your degree will take you.
Send an email to [email protected] with:
- Your graduation photo
- Or a short video clip in your graduation gear answering: “Tell us where your AUM degree will take you.”
- Your name
- Your major/degree
- Your hometown
- Your future plans
- Your favorite AUM class or professor
- What you’ll miss most about your time at AUM
We’ll feature your submissions on AUM’s social media as we celebrate the Class of 2025!
Celebrate the season with AUM’s Staff Council
The AUM Staff Council Executive Committee and Unit Representatives invite all staff to a Holiday Luncheon and Market from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17.
This year’s theme is “’Tis the Season for Warhawks to Give Back,” and the Staff Council encourages staff to explore opportunities to make a difference on campus and in the community:
- Donate to a cause you support, snap a photo of your donation, and share it with the Staff Council.
- Donate toys, food and other items directly to the Staff Council to deliver to the agency of your choice. Donations can be dropped off at the holiday luncheon or at the Office of Central Advising, Room 45, to Kennedy Smith.
Don’t miss this festive opportunity to celebrate the season with your colleagues.
‘Common Thread’ seeking submissions for 2026 issue
The Common Thread, AUM’s student-run literary and creative arts magazine, is accepting submissions from students, faculty and staff for its 2026 issue. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 31, and entries should be emailed to [email protected].
This year’s editorial team aims to showcase the creativity and diverse voices of the AUM community. The 2026 issue will center on community, inviting contributors to create together, celebrate one another and explore how collaboration shapes who we are. The “common thread” unifying the issue will come directly from the voices of its contributors.
As a collaborative space, the magazine highlights local creativity, reflects on shared history and imagines a future grounded in resistance, change and collective growth.
Keep up with campus events
There’s an easy way to keep up with all of the fun events offered on our campus. Enroll in AUM365 and get the 4-1-1 from Curtiss The Warhawk himself. Text curti$$ to 334-398-6025 to receive reminders about upcoming happening.
