Warhawk Weekly 9-23: South’s best public universities; AUM Day of Giving
AUM named among South’s best public universities
Auburn University at Montgomery has once again been recognized among the South’s top public universities in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” rankings.
In the newly released survey, AUM ranked No. 33 overall among public regional universities in the South and placed 64th overall among both public and private peers.
“Auburn University at Montgomery’s continued recognition in the U.S. News & World Report rankings underscores the quality and value of the education we provide,” Chancellor Carl A. Stockton said. “Our students thrive in a supportive, student-centered environment where dedicated faculty and staff help them achieve their goals and prepare them for lifelong success. This recognition is a testament that our efforts are being recognized at the national level.”
In addition to its overall rankings, AUM earned recognition in several specialty categories. The university placed No. 34 among the South’s “Best Colleges for Veterans” and climbed four spots to rank No. 51 in “Best Value Schools.” AUM was also named a top performer in “Social Mobility,” which measures success in graduating students who receive Pell Grants.
The “Best Value Schools” list was determined based on areas such as academic quality relative to cost and the percentage of all students receiving need-based scholarships or grants. The “Best Colleges for Veterans” category highlights institutions that provide benefits and academic support for veterans and active-duty service members, including participation in the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program.
For more than four decades, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings have guided millions of students and families in their college search. The 2026 survey evaluated more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities based on up to 17 factors measuring academic quality and graduate outcomes.
AUM Day of Giving: Make a Difference
The countdown is on. AUM Day of Giving is Thursday, Sept. 25!
This special day brings the entire AUM community together to support what makes the university extraordinary. From each of our colleges and Veterans Services to student scholarships and beyond, every gift helps open doors and create opportunities for our students and faculty.
This year, giving also comes with a fun twist.
One lucky faculty or staff donor will be selected to step behind the counter in the AUM Coffee Shop and create their very own specialty drink. The winner will work with baristas to design the drink, name it, and see it featured on the Grubhub menu for everyone to enjoy!
Join us in making an impact this Thursday by giving back at give.aum.edu.
Go Warhawks!
AUM to host Graduate Studies Preview Night
AUM will host a Graduate Studies Preview Night to showcase its diverse range of master’s and doctoral programs, spanning fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Business, Education and Nursing.
The event will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 5-7 p.m. in Taylor Center 221-223.
Whether you’re a soon-to-be graduate exploring your next academic step or a seasoned professional, the event offers valuable insight into how an advanced degree can support your career growth and development.
Application fees will be waived for event attendees. Register online now to save your spot.
Learn more: https://www.aum.edu/graduate-studies-preview-night/
Theatre AUM play explores ancient Greek comedy
Theatre AUM will present “THE BIRDZ,” a modern adaptation of Aristophanes’ play The Birds, one of the playwright’s longest surviving comedies.
AUM’s production runs Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11 at 7 p.m., with the final matinee performance on Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. All performances will take place in the Taylor Center Theatre.
Directed by AUM Professor of Theatre Neil David Seibel, THE BIRDZ is based on the original classical satirical comedy that was first performed in 414 BCE. Theatre AUM’s adaptation of the play follows two friends who decide they’ve had enough of human nonsense and seek a better life among the birds, convincing them to build a floating city in the sky and cutting off the gods from humankind. Retold with contemporary music and updated for 2025, the play looks at universal themes of power, coming together and transformation.
Admission is free for students, alumni, faculty, staff, and OLLI members with a valid ID. Ticket prices for others are as follows:
- $5: Military & Senior Citizens
- $10: General Public
Cash or check payments are accepted. Audience members are encouraged to arrive on time, as there will be no late seating.
Participate in AUM’s Blood Drive
AUM has partnered with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers to host a campus blood drive on Sept. 29 and Sept. 30.
The drive will be held both days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the LifeSouth bloodmobile, located at 7061 Senators Drive on campus.
All donors will receive a recognition keepsake and a free cholesterol screening. 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 have written parental permission.
The blood drive is hosted by AUM”s Department of Medical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences and AUM Athletics.
Nominations open for 2025 Warhawk Spirit Awards
AUM’s annual Warhawk Spirit Awards recognize outstanding members of the AUM community who embody the university’s Core Values.
This year, we invite faculty and staff to show your Warhawk spirit by nominating a deserving colleague for this prestigious honor. The nomination deadline is Friday, Oct. 3.
Submit your nomination today and help celebrate those who make AUM a remarkable place to learn and work.
The Warhawk Spirit Awards will be presented during the annual Chancellor’s Convocation on Friday, Nov. 7. An RSVP for the Convocation will be sent out closer to the event date.
Kickstart your future with AUM’s MS-SLP program
Applications are now open for the Fall 2026 cohort of our online Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology program.
Designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders or a related field, the MS-SLP program prepares graduates for licensure and certification.
Apply before the January 15 deadline.
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.
