Laney Roe named President’s Award recipient for Auburn’s College of Education

Laney Roe is topping off an outstanding tenure in Auburn’s College of Education with university-wide recognition, receiving the President’s Award from Auburn University President Christopher B. Roberts.

“I am so humbled to receive the President’s Award for the College of Education,” Roe said. “I am surrounded by so many incredible women in my Elementary Education cohort who inspire me every single day, and I know so many of them are so deserving of this honor, too. I can only imagine all the other students and educators in the College of Education who also work so hard, and it is that hard work and the passion of my peers that have challenged me and helped me grow into a better version of myself.”

The President’s Award, given out at a special ceremony on April 15, 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.

“One of the best parts of my role at Auburn is recognizing exceptional students like Laney Roe,” College of Education Dean Jeffrey T. Fairbrother said. “She exemplifies Auburn’s academic excellence and spirit of service.”

Roe’s academic advisor, Ivy Sharp, said the qualities that earned Roe the award will serve her well in her future career.

“Laney is a dedicated and driven student who consistently goes above and beyond in everything she does,” Sharp said. “She takes initiative, spends extra time gaining real classroom experience and is always willing to support both her students and peers. Her passion for teaching and strong work ethic will make her a positive and impactful educator.”

An Elementary Education major from Hoover, Alabama, Roe has been highly involved during her time in the College of Education, from participating in research initiatives to working closely with students with intellectual disabilities in the EAGLES Program as a WINGS Peer Mentor to serving as a student ambassador for three years, one of which she was president of the group.

Roe was also the recipient of several additional honors, including Auburn University’s National Student Employment Award for Leadership and the Honors College Outstanding Student Leadership Award. 

“Not only is Laney a shining example of what a future educator should be, but she is the epitome of what it means to be an Auburn College of Education student who maintains a selfless desire to build a better future for all,” said Student Services Coordinator David Shamp.

After recently passing the Middle School Math Praxis, Roe is officially certified to teach math up to an eighth-grade level and hopes to teach upper elementary or middle school math following her graduation in May.

“I want to help students feel confident not only in the subject of math, but also in themselves,” Roe said. “These years are so pivotal for students academically, socially and emotionally, and I hope to teach in a school where I can be someone they can always lean on. My goal is for students to leave my classroom not just as confident mathematicians, but as confident, capable humans.

“The only thing finalized is that next school year, I am confident that the Lord is going to place me in a classroom where I can pour into the next generation of students.”