College of Education graduate honored as Auburn Young Alumni Council 20 Under 40 awardee

When Maj. Mikayla Stewart graduated from Auburn University’s College of Education in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, her love for her alma mater only grew stronger as she transitioned from student to alumna.

Because of Stewart’s commitment to embodying the Auburn Creed through her personal integrity, professional accomplishments, and tireless service, she was selected as a recipient of the Class of 2025 20 Under 40 Award, given annually by the Auburn Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Council. The awards recognize members of the Auburn Family for extraordinary accomplishments, significant professional achievements, and distinguished service to others. Recipients of the award make substantial impacts in their industry, field, or community and demonstrate the ideals of the Auburn Creed.

Since graduation, Stewart has maintained strong ties to Auburn through her service to the Army Auburn Alumni Affiliate, where she holds multiple leadership roles on the executive board including mentorship chair and strategic marketing/social media chair.

Richard Stinson, president of the Army Auburn Alumni Affiliate, said that as mentorship chair, Stewart has established a comprehensive program connecting Auburn military service members and ROTC cadets with experienced Auburn alumni across all branches of service.

“This program has expanded worldwide,” Stinson said. “Her innovative approach included developing virtual mentorship opportunities, ensuring that even those serving in remote locations could benefit from the Auburn network. The program has directly impacted over 250 young alumni and current students, helping them navigate both military and civilian career paths.”

Stewart has also actively worked to fund scholarships through the Army Auburn Alumni Affiliate.

“She promotes the objectives of the Auburn Alumni Association and fosters the Auburn spirit by engaging members of both the Auburn and Army communities. Her work bridges these two important aspects of her identity, creating valuable connections and opportunities for Auburn students interested in military service or healthcare administration,” said Bedarius Bell Jr., a two-time Auburn alumnus and Stewart’s nominator for the 20 Under 40 Award.

In addition to her service work, Stewart serves as the Joint Medical Operations Plans Officer at the Pentagon’s Joint Staff, a position that places her at the nexus of military healthcare strategy. She provides guidance to the Joint Staff Surgeon and builds strategic presentations for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Congress, and other senior leaders. Prior to her current role, she was hand-selected as the Executive Assistant to the Office of the Surgeon General Director, serving as the mission focal point for the Army Health System spanning five continents with over 84,000 medical military personnel.

An accomplished military leader and expert aeromedical evacuation pilot, Stewart also served as a commander leading operations for Army aviation, supporting more than 4,500 personnel across the Indo-Pacific region. She has made significant contributions to military healthcare operations and aeromedical evacuation that have raised standards across her field and contributed to improved patient care. A decorated officer with multiple commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal and Sikorsky Rescue Award, Stewart combines strategic thinking with operational expertise.

“This honor serves as a reflection of the community that the Auburn Family has fostered – a community that encourages innovation, leadership, and service to others,” Stewart said. “The Auburn Family has been pivotal in my life, and I am truly grateful to be part of the lineage.”

Stewart, who earned her Auburn degree in the School of Kinesiology in the College of Education, was recognized alongside other 20 Under 40 Award recipients during Auburn’s football game versus Missouri.

“This recognition serves as a powerful motivation to continue serving, striving for excellence, and finding new ways to contribute to Auburn’s growth and development,” she said.