Aumnibus Staff, Author at The AUMnibus

Oct

06

2026

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By Aumnibus Staff

Hazing isn’t always what college students think it is

Campus, News

Dr. Black at the Freeze out hazing event next to the admission office (photo by Sofia Cerebuch) https://on.soundcloud.com/adpi3wRGSQb2Yvqjcs By Haleigh Bedwell - AUMnibus Writer Montgomery (Sept. 25, 2026) – When students hear the word "hazing", they may imagine physical harm, alcohol or extreme humiliation. But hazing does not always look obvious, says one AUM director who organized AUM’s latest hazing awareness week. “Hazing is something that can happen in any organization,” said Andrea Blake, AUM Assistant Director of Accountability and Advocacy (OAA). “A number of students have heard the word (hazing) before, but they’re not really quite sure of what it…

Sep

28

2026

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By Aumnibus Staff

AUM’s Baptist Campus Ministries finds community

News

Jordan Phillips (left) and Jonathan Lynch (right) play pickleball at BCM before the kickball game on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026. (Photo by Reagan Thorn) Reagan Thorn, AUMnibus News reporter MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Aug. 26, 2026) — Baptist Campus Ministries held multiple events during welcome week at Auburn University of Montgomery that brought a newer community for students who are from different cultures and religions. "Our main goal is to be a restful and hospitable place for anyone," said Ben Crocker, head minister of BCM. "The amount of Buddhist, Muslims and Atheists that have been in our building over the past 50…

Feb

06

2026

By Aumnibus Staff

AUM hosts ACTF conference for the American College Theater Festival

ArtsACTF, American College Theater Festival, arts, AUM Theatre, AUM Warhawks, collegiate theater, design, host, Students, Theatre AUM

design from sketchify on Canva. By Cameron Harris, Sofia Cerebuch and Anna Messick MONTGOMERY, Ala.— AUM hosted the annual ACTF Region four conference this year, a huge honor in the world of collegiate theater. Neil David Seibel with Anna Messick at the ACTF at AUM. (photo courtesy of Sofia Cerebuch) “The American College Theater Festival is a national network of college theaters that basically, for this week, the region is getting together, and they are celebrating and looking at theater, celebrating theater from throughout our region, bringing in the best of the best,” said Neil David Seibel (ND), a professor…

Sep

29

2025

By Aumnibus Staff

Reporters, reality and robots: Carrington Cole and the future of news

NewsAI, Carrington Cole, features, interview, journalism, positvity, robots, story, WAKA

By: Dezzy Crumpler AUM Audio · WAKA reporter Carrington Cole is interviewed by AUM senior Destannie Crumpler MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The week before Carrington Cole was supposed to start working with Marvel Studios in 2020, the world shut down. “The week before I was supposed to start, COVID hit the U.S,” she said. That sudden pause sent her back to Montgomery, where she traded Hollywood dreams for something unexpected: learning to report the news for WAKA in her hometown. Carrington Cole is shown at this year's Alabama Broadcast Association conference in Birmingham. Her journey is more than just a career…

Sep

19

2025

By Aumnibus Staff

When headlines fade, faith remains: Former reporter Chris Searcy traded the newsroom for the pulpit, finding purpose beyond the press

CampusAI, Alabama, journalism, news, pastor

Pastor Chris Searcy poses for a picture with AUM senior Shaniece McGhee after their interview in the Communication Department office on Sept. 22, 2025. (photo courtesy of Nichlos Cutrell) AUM Audio · Montgomery's Pastor Chris Searcy is interviewed by COMM senior Shaniece McGhee By: Shaniece McGhee Chris Searcy reporting at night against a city skyline backdrop, showcasing his role as a journalist. Before Pastor Chris Searcy stepped in front of a newsroom camera, he never imagined his life going that way. His mind was first set on pursuing a career in politics, and he believed that campaigning would be his…

Sep

18

2025

By Aumnibus Staff

Students and faculty reflect on AI, media and the future of creativity

NewsAI, artificial intelligence, AUM Warhawks, creativity, future, interview, media

Photo courtesy of Steve Johnson on unsplash.com By: Nicholas Drayton MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The impact of artificial intelligence on different professions is manifesting in different fields such as medicine and government, as well as technology, the arts and media fields. This advent of technology has created a level of excitement along with apprehension among students and educators at Auburn University at Montgomery. Sophomore nursing major Jewels Wolfe sharing her thoughts on artificial intelligence. (Photo courtesy of Nicholas Drayton) Jewels Wolfe, a sophomore nursing major from Phenix City voiced a cautionary stance. “I feel like it’s good for certain things, but…

Sep

17

2025

By Aumnibus Staff

How one WSFA marketing producer is on a path of growth and creative fulfillment

NewsAI, features, Timothy Skipper, WSFA

WSFA studio is shown where anchors deliver the news for the people of Montgomery and the surrounding area. (Photo taken by Devin Vaughn) By: Devin Vaughn “It’s important to know what draws eyes and ears and what people find appealing.” - Timothy Skipper, WSFA-12 Timothy Skipper smiles as he leans on a rail on Wednesday morning Sept. 17 for a photo after his interview. (Photo takn by Devin Vaughn) MONTGOMERY, Ala. – “That was a really fulfilling experience,” I thought to myself as I took the elevator down from WSFA’s news floor located in the RSA building downtown. Earlier, I’d had…

Feb

24

2025

By Aumnibus Staff

Review: AUM theater students bring unique performance to life in ART IRL

Arts, Theatre AUMReview, Theatre

By: Christa Burns, Junior staff writer Auburn University at Montgomery Theater students performed an original production, ART IRL (In real life), this past weekend. The performance consisted of pieces from various songs, plays, and movies the student performers chose, compiled into one show. The production featured many art forms, such as dance, poetry, song and monologue. The show's highlight was a selection from the play Blood at the Root, written by Dominique Morisseau and performed by Michael James Pritchard and Tiara Staples. According to Concord Theatricals, Blood at the Root is a "striking new ensemble drama based on the 'Jena Six,' six Black students who…

Feb

12

2025

By Aumnibus Staff

AUM Men’s Basketball secures a homecoming victory over Mississippi College

News, Sportsbasketball, homecoming

AUM Forward Trent Coleman shoots a free throw after MC’s first technical foul at AUM’s homecoming game on Feb. 1. By: Kate Lindsey-Hunter AUM Audio · Post Game interview with Michael Cheaney - AUM Men's Basketball Head Coach 2/1/2025 MONTGOMERY, Ala. — On the evening of Feb. 1, the Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) men's basketball team defeated Mississippi College (MC) 86-74 in an exciting homecoming match demonstrating AUM's tenacity and energy, especially in the second half. As both teams battled for the lead, the game got off to a fast start. AUM forward Malachi Rhodes established the tone in…

Feb

06

2025

By Aumnibus Staff

InterVarsity blends creativity, worship and community at AUM

Campus, Newschristian fellowship, Event

AUM students fellowship, share the gospel and make art at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship’s Christ and Canvases event in Taylor Center 223 on Jan. 27. By: Kate Lindsey-Hunter MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) students gathered for painting, snacks and fellowship at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship’s Christ and Canvases event on the evening of Jan. 27. With the theme, “Where creativity meets worship,” the event provided a space for students to express themselves artistically while connecting with fellow believers. Held in Taylor Center 223, Christ and Canvases encouraged students to create meaningful art while engaging in worship. Upon entrance, students…

Jan

27

2025

By Aumnibus Staff

Spoon-Fed Success: The WASC Serves Up Tips for Students Last Wednesday

Campus, NewsEvent, wasc

Above, Mrs. Chanell Davis, prepares a bowl of soup for a student during the "Soup with Success" event. Students Digest Spring Strategies with Every Spoonful at Campus Kickoff Event By: Trace Espinosa MONTGOMERY, Ala. – They say, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. It’s an old adage that has stood the test of timepartly because it’s true and classic; however, some say if you look close enough you might seefoundations shape in your own backyard. Last Wednesday, on the second floor of the library tower, the Warhawk AcademicSuccess Center (WASC) laid a cornerstone of its own with the “Soup with…

Dec

09

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

Opinion: AUM’s cafeteria should be open 7 days a week

Campus, Opinionopinion

By: Victoria Salters MONTGOMERY, AL— Extending the cafeteria's hours is one way our campus could be made better. Here at AUM students’ weekend meal options are currently restricted because the cafeteria is closed on weekends. This is a problem for an institution that prides itself on helping its student body. Because of how this issue affects AUM students and staff, the school should extend the cafe hours to seven days a week. AUM lags behind other colleges and institutions across the country that understand how important it is to have their cafeterias open seven days a week. Similar-sized schools and…

Nov

21

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

Opinion: The truth about melatonin

Opinionmelatonin, opinion

Safe for short term use but can cause sleep disorders By: Christa Burns Melatonin has been advertised to consumers as a drug free sleep aid that is safe for the whole family. The Sleep Foundation surveyed 1,270 adults in America. The results showed that 27.4% of adults take melatonin as a sleep aid and 38.6% take it every night. However, despite popularity, there are side effects to taking melatonin and it's not safe to take it every night. Melatonin is a natural hormone that our bodies produce to help regulate our sleep-wake cycles. Many people have resulted in taking synthetic…

Nov

14

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

Opinion: Expanding online degree programs at AUM

Opinionopinion

By: Christian Stephens In a world that is changing faster than we can keep up, Auburn University at Montgomery(AUM) has an opportunity to create a significant effect by expanding its online degreeprograms. This change could help current and future students, alumni and the communityalike. Expanding online degrees would address crucial challenges by enhancing access toeducation, embracing new learning styles and increasing career growth opportunities. Expanding online degrees can greatly improve access to education. Many students,especially those working full-time, raising families, or living farther from campus, find ithard to attend in-person classes. Online programs give students the freedom to learn fromany…

Nov

13

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

“If you are interested in it, pursue it!”

Campus, Newsfeature

Associate Professor and Department chair, Kimberly Pyszka, is shown in her faculty profile. (Courtesy of AUM's website) Associate Professor of Anthropology, Kimberly Pyszka shares her story. By: Anna Grace Tompkins MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Auburn University at Montgomery’s own Kimberly Pyszkatalks about her academic career and gives us a look into landscape archaeology, as well assharing fun stories about Anthropology as a whole and talks environmental challenges that goalong with her profession. Pyszka wears many hats, she is the department chair of sociology, anthropology andsocial work, as well as an associate professor at AUM and a published author. Pyszka teachesmany anthropology-based…

Nov

13

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

Behind the badge: Chief Brenda Mitchell’s commitment to safety and mentorship

Campus, Newsfeature

Pictured is Chief Brenda Mitchell, the chief of police at Auburn University at Montgomery. By: Kniya Potts MONTGOMERY, Ala.---Auburn University at Montgomery’s very own Chief BrendaMitchell is absolutely the heart of the university. Mitchell is distinguished by her position andsteadfast commitment and vision. I had the honor of speaking with Chief Mitchell about herincredible career, her crucial role, and her motivating outlook for the university’s future. AL.com reported some interesting facts about Michell's remarkable career and achievements. Chief Mitchell is a career law enforcement officer who obtained her criminal law degree in criminal justice, in 1985. Fromthere, Mitchell later joined the…

Nov

13

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

Protecting the future of the eastern small-footed bat

Campus, Newsbats, biology, feature

Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service AUM’s biology professor Matthew Grilliot shares his experiences researching these bats By: Kate Lindsey-Hunter AUM Audio · AUM Biology Professor Grilliot Environmental Opportunist is interviewed by Kate Lindsey-Hunter Not only do the peaceful cliffs of northern Alabama hide breathtaking scenery, but they also protect one of the rarest animals on the planet. An elusive species of bat lives up among the rocks, unnoticeable but vital to the environment it inhabits, according to one of Auburn University at Montgomery’s professors. AUM’s experienced biology professor and environmental opportunist Matthew Grilliot has spent a significant portion of…

Nov

06

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

From Seoul to four degrees

Campus, NewsEducation, feature

Pictured is Eunyoung Kim graduating from the University of Alabama with her doctorate in December 2016. AUM professor Eunyoung Kim sheds light on her educational journey By: Maya Thompson MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Moving from Seoul, South Korea with a population of over nine million people to Alabama can be a difficult adjustment. This rings true for Associate Professor Eunyoung Kim who teaches for the Department of Communication and Theatre at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM). In September, Kim was interviewed about how she got to where she is today as an educator while being from a different country. She was born on May 20,…

Oct

23

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

“Think before you click: Unlocking the power of media literacy”

Campus, NewsEvent, media literacy

COMM students host Dark Money documentary event to kick off inaugural media literacy campaign at AUM By: Christa Burns and Maya Thompson MONTGOMERY, Ala. — This week communications students are hosting an inaugural media literacy campaign "Think Before You Click" at AUM with a series of engaging events designed to help students better their media literacy skills. “With the prevalence of social media in today’s times it is crucial to be knowledgeable on the topic of media literacy. Most students rely on Instagram and TikTok for a big portion of their news. This is why media literacy is so important…

Sep

16

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

AUM students react to US presidential debate

Campus, Newselection, vox pops

By: Cameron Harris and Alexis Stafford AUM Audio · AUM students react to the U.S. presidential debate MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Last Tuesday, U.S. presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump held what is believed to be the only debate that will take place between the two candidates before the November election. Trump and Harris went toe to toe with each other about many different policies and political topics. A major talking point was the economy and what each candidate was going to do to help struggling families and small businesses. Another huge point was the issue of immigration and how…