Auburn announces inaugural Foundation Fellows

As part of its campuswide commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, Auburn University has announced the inaugural cohort of Foundation Fellows, selecting six faculty members and 22 students from across the university to participate in a new interdisciplinary initiative exploring the ideas, institutions and debates that have shaped American democracy. Nearly 30 faculty members representing nine colleges and 63 students from 10 colleges applied for the inaugural cohort. The selected fellows represent a wide range of disciplines and perspectives.

“The Foundation Fellows initiative is a powerful example of meaningful dialogue about the ideas and institutions that shape American democracy,” Provost Vini Nathan said. “Through these opportunities, students and faculty explore our nation’s founding principles while thinking critically about their relevance for the next generation.”

Administered by the Honors College and open to students and faculty from all academic disciplines, the Foundation Fellowship brings together emerging student leaders and distinguished faculty scholars for a semester of shared study, dialogue, and civic engagement. Through coursework, discussions, and experiential learning, this initiative invites participants to examine foundational American texts and consider how democratic ideals continue to shape contemporary society.

Faculty fellows will participate in a weekly reading group led by Honors College Director Dr. Laura Stevens focused on foundational American documents. Student fellows will enroll in a seminar titled “The American Experiment, Then and Now,” collaboratively taught by the faculty fellows. During fall break, the students will also travel to Washington, D.C., where they will engage with national institutions and policymakers through programs hosted by Auburn’s Office of Federal Relations.

“Incorporating a visit to Washington, D.C., will provide Auburn students an inside look into the inner workings of our government and a deeper dive into foundational moments in our nation’s history,” said Andrew Newton, Auburn University’s assistant vice president for federal relations. “I look forward to welcoming these students to our nation’s capital as they study the American democracy—as it is, was, and should be.”

“The response to the call for applications was remarkable,” Stevens said. “We received exceptionally thoughtful submissions that reflected the intellectual curiosity and civic engagement of Auburn’s students and faculty.”

“I am incredibly honored to be selected as a Foundation Student Fellow,” said Mikayla Williams, a political science major from Gardendale, Alabama. “This program gives students a space to have real conversations about democracy, leadership and civic responsibility, and I believe it will strengthen Auburn’s student community by encouraging thoughtful dialogue and a stronger commitment to the public good.”

2026 Faculty Fellows

Melissa Blair, College of Liberal Arts, professor of history

Mitchell Brown, College of Liberal Arts, Curtis O. Liles III professor of political science

Steven Brown, College of Liberal Arts, Morris Savage Endowed Chair and professor of political science

Isaac Cohen, College of Architecture, Design and Construction, assistant professor of landscape architecture

James Noles, College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, professor of practice of environmental law

Jesús Tirado, College of Education, associate professor of general social sciences education

2026 Student Fellows

The student fellows major in fields collectively representing the College of Agriculture, the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business, the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, the College of Human Sciences, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Sciences and Mathematics, the College of Veterinary Medicine. They include:

Harper Alspach, College of Liberal Arts, law and justice major

Brianna Bello, College of Liberal Arts, law and justice major

Lydiannah Cunningham, College of Liberal Arts, international studies major

Evan Carter Dees, College of Sciences and Mathematics, biochemistry and microbiology major

Wyatt Devine, College of Agriculture, agricultural business and economics major

Ella Kate Green, College of Human Sciences, hospitality management major

Tripp Hedden, Raymond J. Harbert College of Business, finance and business analytics major

Krysanne Hicks, College of Sciences and Mathematics, genetics and mathematics major

Christopher “Chris” Khalaf, College of Veterinary Medicine, public and one health major

Emma Kirk, College of Liberal Arts and Raymond J. Harbert College of Business, public relations and marketing majors

Abigail Landry, Raymond J. Harbert College of Business, supply chain management major

Emma Lindley, College of Liberal Arts, psychology major

Ahmad Lodhi, College of Liberal Arts, neuroscience major

Charlie Martin, College of Liberal Arts, history and political science majors

Woodson Moss, Raymond J. Harbert College of Business & College of Liberal Arts, supply chain management and Spanish majors

Drake McDaniel, College of Liberal Arts, political science major

Jenna Neal, College of Liberal Arts, law and justice and sociology majors

Brandon Hepworth Rivera, College of Liberal Arts, professional flight major

Hannah Taylor, College of Liberal Arts, political science major

Jalen Walker, College of Liberal Arts, political science major

Mallory Whitt, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, computer science major

Mikayla Williams, College of Liberal Arts, political science major

More information about the faculty fellows can be found here and information about the student fellows can be found here. For more information about the Foundational Fellows Initiative, please contact Stevens at lms0181@auburn.edu.