Auburn College of Education student receives President’s Award for stellar work in and out of classroom

Maddie Burdette is a star student in Auburn’s College of Education, both in and out of the classroom. 

“Maddie is an outstanding scholar in our undergraduate program,” said Margaret Flores, professor and Special Education Program director in Auburn’s College of Education. “Maddie’s academic work is excellent, as demonstrated by her GPA, fieldwork, and scholarships. However, her work outside of academics sets her apart from her peers.”

This past week, Burdette was recognized for just that and more as one of Auburn University’s annual President’s Award winners. 

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be selected as the recipient of the President’s Award for the College of Education,” Burdette said. “The College of Education has blessed me with so many incredible opportunities through classroom placements, research projects, and even the ability to serve with programs like the EAGLES Program. My time at Auburn was marked with significant growth in my confidence as a future educator thanks to all of the hands-on learning opportunities I had.”

Burdette, a collaborative teacher special education major, was among a select group recognized on April 17 at a special President’s Award ceremony. The President’s Award recognizes one graduate in each college who has completed at least three semesters at Auburn with a minimum grade-point average of 3.40 and possesses outstanding qualities of leadership, citizenship, character and promise of professional ability. 

Ashley Sullivan, director of Academic Advising in the College of Education, said Burdette was the perfect selection for the award. 

“I am incredibly proud of Maddie, whose 4.0 GPA reflects not only academic excellence but also a deep dedication to the field of special education,” Sullivan said. “She has been a pure joy to work with during her time in the College of Education. As vice president of the WINGS Peer Mentor Organization and president of the Auburn University Council for Exceptional Children, she exemplifies leadership, compassion, and a collaborative spirit that inspires everyone around them.” 

The WINGS (Warm Hearted Individuals Nurturing Great Success) Peer Mentor Organization supports the vision and mission of the College of Education’s EAGLES (Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success) comprehensive transition program for students with intellectual disabilities. The Auburn University Council for Exceptional Children is a student chapter of the national Council for Exceptional Children, a professional organization dedicated to improving the success of children and youth with disabilities. 

Flores said that in addition to Burdette’s work outside of the classroom, she also has “volunteered to be part of faculty research, which led to publications.”

Burdette said she is grateful for her most recent award as well as all she has experienced while at Auburn. 

“I truly feel like I have learned from the best while getting to live in one of the brightest places in the world,” she said.