Allen Greene out as Auburn’s Athletics Director
On Friday, it was announced that Auburn University and Athletics Director Allen Greene have mutually agreed to part ways after the two sides failed to come to an agreement on extending Greene’s contract, which expires in January. “The decision to step away from Auburn Athletics is not an easy one, but it is the right time for me to begin the next step in my professional journey,” Greene said in a statement. “I am very proud of the work that we have done together to move our athletics program forward. Christy and I want to thank the Auburn Family for allowing us to be a part of something truly unique, and I wish Auburn nothing but the best in the years ahead. I’m confident we leave Auburn Athletics stronger than when we arrived.” Greene is the first Black Athletics Director in Auburn history, and all of Auburn’s athletics programs have enjoyed stellar success under Greene’s tenure – all of them except football. The football program’s struggles have led to much discord between the powerful boosters at Auburn University and Greene. “Allen arrived on The Plains with vision, passion, and experience to elevate Auburn Athletics to the next level,” Auburn President Chris Roberts said in a statement. “In the brief time that I have worked alongside Allen as President, he has proven to be an asset to Auburn, enhancing our athletics programs and facilities, and has been dedicated to our student-athletes, to integrity, and to our University. We’re grateful for his commitment and contributions to Auburn over the past four and a half years, and we wish Allen, Christy, and their children all the best as they embark on a new chapter in their lives.” Greene’s last day on the job will be Wednesday. Marcy Girton, currently Auburn Athletics Chief Operating Officer, will take over as interim AD while Roberts and the Board of Trustees begin a formal search for Greene’s replacement. Greene was hired by then Auburn President Steven Leath. Leath also made the controversial decision to renew head football coach Gus Malzahn’s contract. Greene inherited Malzahn and the bitter discontent of powerful Auburn boosters and trustees. Leath was fired not long after that and former Auburn University President Jay Gogue came out of retirement to take his place. The decision to fire Malzahn in the middle of his contract cost the school $21.45 million. The “unrealistic expectations” at Auburn made the coaching search to find Malzahn’s replacement very difficult. After a number of high-profile candidates publicly announced they were not interested in the job, the coaching search came down to two candidates. The powerful boosters and their allies on the Board of Trustees wanted former Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele to get the job. Greene said no to that and instead hired Boise State Head Coach Brian Harsin. Harsin’s tenure was troubled from the beginning. Seventeen players left the program through the transfer portal, and the 2020/2021 recruiting season was Auburn’s worst in decades. The 2021 football season started respectably well at six and two. The lack of depth and a number of key injuries left Auburn fans disappointed as the team lost their last five games to finish 6 and 7. More players left the program through the transfer portal, and Harsin fired a number of assistant coaches. An investigation was launched into the football program, but ultimately President Gogue decided to keep Harsin. Harsin stayed, but the football recruiting has been criticized both by the boosters and in national publications for its recent performance on the recruiting trail. Auburn also made the mistake of committing $92 million to a new football facility. The 233,400 square foot football-only facility was supposed to wow recruits with the best football facilities on the planet; but changes to the NCAA’s name, image, and likeness rules means that other universities are able to simply pay players to commit to their school coming out of high school or through the transfer portal. Other SEC schools are among the leaders in NIL money payouts. Meanwhile, Auburn’s boosters are absorbing $113 million in payout for a building that now seems unnecessary and the Malzahn buyout. The boosters were not supportive of Harsin to begin with, and the new AD is likely to want to choose his own coach. All of this is aligning, so if Auburn football does not have a good season in 2022, it is very possible that Coach Harsin could follow the man that hired him out the door at the end of this season. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Auburn business professor looks at why some follow COVID-19 safety guidelines, others do not
The answer to why some follow guidelines and others don’t lies in “Protection Motivation Theory.”
After George Floyd’s death, petition circulates to rename Auburn University building
Auburn University students, alumni and community members are circulating a petition to rename a building on campus whose namesake was tied to segregation. The petition calls for a name change to Wallace Hall. Named after former Alabama Governor George C. Wallace, a controversial figure who served as governor during the civil rights movement and is known for making the statement, “Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever,” while delivering his inaugural address at the Alabama State Capitol in 1963. The petition was started in the wake of George Floyd’s murder to which Auburn University tweeted, “While we acknowledge the painful reality that prejudice and bigotry exist, we stand resolute that they have no place in the Auburn Family. As an institution that values and embraces each individual, we oppose hate and exclusion and acts that promote them.” The petition reads, “Having a racist governor that was so against integration in schools be forever immortalized on Auburn’s campus directly contradicts this statement… As governor, Wallace promoted and encouraged segregation between black and white people, he tried to stop public schools in Alabama from integrating, and he personally stood in the way of two black students at the University of Alabama to stop them from registering for classes.” Built in 1984, the building is currently used by the Department of Industrial Design, Department of Vocational and Adult Education. The petition proposes the building be renamed “Franklin Hall to honor Harold Franklin, the first black student to be enrolled at Auburn University.” Auburn student Ashley Henton started the petition four days ago. It now has over 10,700 signers at the time of publishing.
Alabama local/state Coronavirus updates (March 12)
This is our third in a series of collective Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from around the state. You can find the first here and the second here. This update includes statements from Secretary of State John Merrill, the state senate, and from Auburn University and Samford We will update this post throughout the day as more notices become available. For up to the minute and detailed information from the Alabama Department of Public Health please visit their resource center here. For information from the Center for Disease Control that includes mitigation strategies visit their website here. Download full CDC Mitigation Strategy pdf here. Download CDC at home care guidance for those who have coronavirus but do not require hospitalization here. As of 2:40pm central there are still no confirmed cased of coronavirus in Alabama. However, the big caveat to this is also that there has been limited testing. State Senate: On Thursday the Alabama Senate approved a $5 million supplemental appropriation to the budget to combat the spread of COVID-19, commonly referred to as Coronavirus, in Alabama. These funds will help supplement the Federal funding which totals $8.1 million to this date. The money is for health care professionals to use as they see fit to stop the spread of the disease in Alabama including helping set up local centers for testing, covering expenses related to telehealth and covering the costs for the uninsured for testing and treatment. Currently there have been no positive tests for Coronavirus in Alabama, however after meeting with professionals in the healthcare industry and public health officials, legislative leadership determined it was important to be proactive and work to get the situation under control should any tests in Alabama come back positive for the disease. Both Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh (R-Anniston) and Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed (R-Jasper) emphasized that if someone is not feeling well, they should contact their physician to administer next steps and determine if further testing is necessary. “I want to thank Governor Ivey and her team for taking this issue head on. One of the biggest problems we have seen from this disease is simply a lack of preparation,” Marsh said. “It is important for everybody to know that Alabama has a solid plan to combat Coronavirus. I cannot stress enough that if someone feels as though they need to be tested for Coronavirus they should contact their doctor to work through the next steps.” “Over the past several days legislative leadership has held a series of meetings with the Governor and her Coronavirus Task Force, as well as with health care professionals who are on the front lines of combating this pandemic,” Reed said. “It is important to know that we have test kits and tests are being administered and we have excellent health care professionals who are prepared to act. One important thing to note is that we are setting up the ability to contact doctors with telehealth so that next steps can be decided over the phone or video chat to limit the potential of exposure to this illness,” Reed said. “In response to the pandemic that has been going around the nation and the world, this supplementary spending bill is a way for the State of Alabama to be proactive and show our citizens that we are serious about fighting the spread of the coronavirus,” said Alabama Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro). “Although we have not had a positive test in the state, we understand that this highly contagious virus could be potentially deadly for those with compromised immune systems. Therefore, we are moving forward in setting up crisis centers to protect our citizens.” Auburn University statement: Auburn University will transition from on-campus instruction to remote delivery beginning Monday, March 16 and continue through April 10 in response to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). University officials ask that students refrain from returning to campus after spring break. University officials will subsequently determine if students will return to campus for the remaining weeks of the spring semester. Auburn faculty will contact students on steps they should take to continue their academic coursework. The university will continue normal operations, although departments and units should utilize remote work and “social distancing” as appropriate. “The Auburn Family faces many unknowns about this virus,” said Auburn University President Jay Gogue. “We are taking these unprecedented steps based on our utmost concern for the health and well-being of Auburn students, faculty and staff. In the meantime, we continue working with public health and emergency preparedness officials to make decisions in the best interest of the campus community and to help stop the spread of COVID-19.” Other university actions: All university events, including sporting events, are canceled through April 10, ensuring appropriate “social distancing” and helping prevent the potential spread of the virus. All university domestic and international travel is suspended through April 10. Dining facilities, libraries and residence halls will be closed through April 10. University officials will make arrangements for international students and others who are unable to return home. Students who have specific questions should contact the Division of Student Affairs. Decisions have not yet been made on spring commencement, summer study abroad programs or other events and activities beyond April 10. The university medical clinic remains open. Those exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should immediately call the Auburn Medical Clinic at 334-844-9825 before visiting the clinic. University officials will make arrangements for students who do not have access to the technology needed for remote instruction. Students who live on campus and believe it necessary to return to campus to collect personal items should first contact the Office of University Housing at housing@auburn.edu. John Merrill, Secretary of State: Our plan for changes in the elections process, if necessary, will be revealed at the appropriate time. Our intentions are to ensure a safe and secure election and provide accountable results in a manner that is transparent to the people of our state. We will continue to do so as we
College town probes halt on student housing projects
A college town in Alabama proposed temporarily halting construction on any new student housing developments in the city amid concerns the number of existing facilities exceeds the amount of students. Auburn Mayor Ron Anders proposed an ordinance at last week’s city council meeting that would halt new student housing developments for about 90 days to give leaders time to figure out a long-term solution, the Opelika-Auburn news reported on Friday. Ongoing complaints from residents and businesses about the rising number of student developments in the city prompted the council to form a task force about a year ago, the newspaper reported. Data from its efforts showed the number of beds in the city designed specifically for students is too high at approximately 37,000, Anders said. At the same time, Auburn University officials say the school is expected to maintain consistent undergraduate enrollment at about 25,000 students with no significant growth foretasted. The ordinance will be introduced at the council’s Dec. 17 meeting. Republished with the Permission of the Associated Press.
Jimmy Parnell: Agriculture research funding needed
American agriculture has long been the envy of the world. Thanks to investment in plant and animal breeding, pest management, conservation and automation, U.S. farmers have more than doubled productivity since 1980, while reducing erosion and protecting the environment. If America is to remain a farming superpower, we must strengthen research efforts at our colleges and universities. That’s why Alabama Farmers Federation is calling on Congress to increase support for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Since 1921, the Farmers Federation has worked to build public support for agriculture and forestry. Securing funding for research at Alabama’s land grant universities was an early focus of the organization, and it remains a priority today. Each year, farmers set aside a portion of their harvest revenue to fund education, promotion and research through checkoff programs. Over the years, these voluntary efforts have provided millions of dollars to Auburn University and other research institutions. Likewise, private companies leverage the intelligence and innovation at our universities to develop new products and technologies. Still, public investment is needed to ensure American agriculture and forestry remain globally competitive. Alabama’s Congressional delegation has been supportive of agriculture and forestry research. But in recent years, Brazil and China have outpaced America’s commitment to food and agricultural research. In fact, China is now investing twice as much as the U.S. on potentially groundbreaking research to help farmers feed, clothe and shelter a growing world. NIFA provides a vehicle for coordinating research that can have immediate impact on the agriculture and forestry industries. In one example, over $18 million in competitive grants through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program have been awarded to research projects at Auburn University, Alabama A&M University, Tuskegee University and other state institutions. These AFRI grants, under NIFA, have allowed researchers to discover new ways for farmers to prevent infectious diseases that threaten farm animals; developed strategies to ward off pests that could affect soybean production; and helped farmers embrace data to increase profitability. h The Farmers Federation was founded in the decades following the passage of federal laws establishing land grant universities and Cooperative Extension Systems. Our country’s investment in the threefold land grant mission of instruction, research and outreach had a direct impact on the growth of productive and sustainable agricultural and forestry practices. By pairing the scientific curiosity and initiative of researchers with the innovation and hard work of farmers, America became the world leader in agriculture. Our farmers learned to produce more food and fiber with fewer inputs. We developed conservation practices to reduce erosion and create habitat for wildlife. Families were given access to a greater variety of high-quality, nutritious food. And, we were able to export much of this technology to help poor and impoverished people around the world. If the U.S. is to remain the leader in agriculture, we must invest in the future. Alabama’s 40,000 farms generate $70 billion in economic impact and create one in every five jobs. These men and women possess the work ethic, ingenuity and dedication to take agriculture and forestry to the next level. They are investing their own hard-earned money in research. We ask Congress to join us in keeping American agriculture the envy of the world. Jimmy Parnell is the President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Alabama Farmers Federation.
Auburn University constructing $22 million Advanced Structural Testing Laboratory
Auburn University is taking a big step as a leader in structural engineering research and instruction through the construction of a $22 million Advanced Structural Testing Laboratory. The 41,500-square-foot facility will include a high bay laboratory with specially engineered floors and walls capable of handling extreme structural testing loads; a geotechnical test chamber; a concrete materials research and testing laboratory; a wind testing facility, and faculty and graduate student spaces. The 4,700-cubic-foot geotechnical test chamber is one of the few across the nation included in a university laboratory. It will allow students and faculty to conduct testing that has been possible only in the field until now on structures such as foundations, anchorages and towers. In addition, the wind testing facility will allow replication of the dynamic wind loads induced by hurricanes, tornadoes and other extreme wind events on large-scale specimens. These unusual features, and many more, will accelerate research aimed at reducing the impacts during extreme events, and increase lifespan and safety of structures under all loading conditions. “Auburn is at the forefront of engineering education, and by providing our students opportunities for experiential learning, we’re ensuring our graduates emerge as industry leaders,” said Auburn University President Steven Leath. “This outstanding facility enables our researchers to deliver innovative solutions to pressing industry demands — something Auburn does best.” The laboratory will be near Auburn University Facilities Management offices on West Samford Avenue. The construction of the new facility will allow the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering to repurpose the structural laboratory space in the Harbert Engineering Center for other academic and research programs. “When you combine the strong floor and strong wall with the geotechnical testing capability and all the other materials testing capabilities, we think this will be one of the best laboratories in the country — if not the best,” said Steve Taylor, associate dean for research in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. “If I’m a civil engineering student who wants to be a structural engineer, this is going to be one of the best places to go to school in the nation.” This story originally appeared on Auburn University’s website.
Richard Shelby announces $43.3M for new agricultural facility in Auburn
Auburn University will be receiving $43.3 million in federal funds to construct a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) National Soil Dynamics Laboratory as part of the agency’s capital improvement strategy, U.S. Senator Richard Shelby announced Monday. “I am proud to have secured funding for the new ARS facility in Auburn,” Shelby aid. “The soil lab will serve as an outlet for the USDA to complete research that will improve crop and livestock production for Alabama and the entire nation. I look forward to the work that will result from the partnership between Auburn and the USDA, and I am confident the project will continue to enhance our state’s thriving agriculture industry.” The $43.3 million in funding for the new ARS National Soil Dynamics Laboratory was provided through the H. J. Res 31: the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019, the final Fiscal Year 2019 appropriations package signed into law on February 15, 2019. Research done at the facility will focus on improving the productive and sustainable use of soil and water resources for increased crop and livestock production. The funding will allow for relocation and construction of the new facility, which will take the place of the current laboratory at Auburn. “The new facility will further Auburn’s drive to inspire through life-changing innovation,” said Auburn President Steven Leath. “Auburn will deepen its relationship with the USDA, more opportunities will emerge for our students and faculty and Auburn will be in a better position to solve real-world problems. Once again, Sen. Shelby has proven himself a champion of science and research that improves quality of life and fosters economic opportunity for farmers in Alabama and across the nation. We’re grateful to him for making it happen.” Agriculture is Alabama’s top revenue producing industry, generating an annual state-wide impact of over $70 billion. With over nine million acres of farmland and more than 48,500 farms, the state is a national leader in food production and a global competitor in the poultry, catfish, timber, cotton, and livestock industries.
Kay Ivey wants to see Alabamians become safer drivers
Gov. Kay Ivey wants to see Alabamians become safer drivers. That’s why she’s awarded a $2.8 million grant to the University of Alabama and Auburn University, who are putting their gridiron rivalries aside to team up to help Alabamians become safer drivers. The two universities, along with the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), are gathering traffic safety data and converting it into messages to encourage Alabama drivers to use seat belts and child restraint seats, do not drink and drive or drive while distracted and obey traffic safety laws. “Regardless of your allegiance, when two of our larger universities work collaboratively to save lives and prevent injuries on our highways, our entire state wins,” Ivey said. “I am very grateful for the efforts of these universities along with the Department of Public Health to bring greater awareness to traffic safety. My administration remains committed to keeping drivers safe on our roadways, and I am proud to offer my support to this project.” The University of Alabama’s Center for Advanced Public Safety provides data to determine where crashes are occurring and the causes. The information, much of it collected by ADPH, also examines factors such as seat belt use, distracted driving and sobriety. Law enforcement agencies use that information to increase patrols and monitor traffic in high-crash zones. Auburn University’s Media Production Group produces outreach and awareness campaigns geared toward safe driving. Many of those promotions are tied to national highway safety campaigns like “Click it or Ticket” seatbelt enforcement or “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” impairment crackdown and are conducted around major holidays, like Labor Day, when more people are likely to be travelling. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering the grants from funds made available to the state by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “These efforts along with increased law enforcement presence send a clear signal that dangerous drivers are not tolerated on Alabama’s roads,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in supporting the efforts of these institutions to increase highway safety.” Gov. Ivey notified Cynthia Hope, UA director of sponsored programs, John M. Mason, AU vice president for Research and Economic Development and Dr. Scott Harris, state Health Officer, that the grants had been approved.
Richard Shelby secures Auburn University $3M for 3-D printing research
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded $3,087,090 to Auburn University for research and the development of techniques to improve the additive manufacturing, also known as 3-D printing, industry. “Auburn University has become a national leader in the field of additive manufacturing,” said Senator Richard Shelby, who announced the grant on Wednesday. “This NIST grant will provide Auburn the unique opportunity to innovate and empower engineering industries, boosting efforts to promote the continued economic growth of our manufacturing sector. The research, training, and development that will take place as a result of this funding will allow the university to advance additive manufacturing and continue competing on a national stage.” Unlike traditional manufacturing processes that require machining to create components, additive manufacturing allows manufacturers to fabricate parts layer-by-layer from metals, plastics or other materials using a 3-D computer-aided design model. Because parts are made by building upon each layer, additive technology reduces waste in the manufacturing process, allows for the creation of highly complex shapes and can create parts that are both lighter and more durable than those made using traditional manufacturing methods. The technology is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry, giving engineers new methods to create custom parts for manufacturers in the aerospace, biomedical and automobile industries as well as in other areas. “Additive manufacturing is revolutionizing industries ranging from aviation to medical instruments to automotive,” added Auburn University President Steven Leath. “Thanks to Senator Shelby, the State of Alabama is providing national leadership in developing and refining these technologies that foster economic opportunity, improve quality of life and strengthen our country’s infrastructure.” With the help of this NIST award, Auburn University will work to address various issues challenging the additive manufacturing industry. Specifically, the initiative will: Conduct cutting-edge research Train and educate graduate and undergraduate students Develop and promote technological innovations that advance the pace of the additive manufacturing industry. This new funding from NIST will allow Auburn’s National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME) — founded through a collaboration between Auburn University and the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) — to expand its programs to include new research on metrology, which is the measurement and characterization of 3-D printed parts, and advanced process models that will allow engineers to predict the properties and performance of these 3-D printed parts. The research resulting from this grant will have a strong technical and economic impact on various industries in the United States.
Women of Influence: Dr. Cynthia McCarty, Alabama Board of Education Vice-President
Vice-President of the Alabama Board of Education, Alabama Educator Hall of Famer, and a career spanning over two decades; Dr. Cynthia McCarty has a love for her calling that few can match. Born in Auburn, Ala. McCarty attended city schools until her graduation from Auburn University with a Bachelor’s degree in International Trade. From there, she moved to Birmingham, Ala. pursuing an MBA at Samford University then moving to North Carolina to earn a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Moving back to the Yellowhammer State, McCarty began her career in education at Jacksonville State University (JSU) in 1990, where she still works as a Professor of Economics in the College of Commerce and Business Administration. For the past 20 years McCarty has also served as the Director of JSU’s Center for Business and Free Enterprise Education and Entrepreneurship, providing professional development for K-12 teachers and education students, in the areas of economics, social studies, and personal finance. Throughout her already impressive career, McCarty has been involved with several organizations outside of her “job.” McCarty currently serves as president of 3E, an organization that strives to enhance the connections between the business community and area schools; is a member of the Alabama Council for Social Studies and previously served as a Board member of the Alabama Council on Economic Education. She is also a member of the National Business Educators Association and the American Economics Association, according to her website. She’s a graduate of Leadership Calhoun County, and has taught several sessions of Youth Leadership Calhoun County. In 2013, McCarty was inducted into the Alabama Educator’s Hall of Fame for her contributions to the field of economics. According to her website, she has authored or co-authored “14 published academic articles and has presented numerous times on the state of Alabama’s economy and economic education in K-12 schools.” In 2014, McCarty ran unopposed in the November general election as the representative for district six on the Alabama State Board of Education. She held her position until last month when the board elected her as Vice-President. McCarty runs again this year for her seat; unopposed. McCarty is a woman of true dedication and service to the State of Alabama, and was kind enough to answer some of Alabama Today’s questions about her life, work, and influences. How have other women influenced your success? My mother, who has consistently supported and encouraged me to strive for excellence, certainly motivated me to always do my best. Although there are too many to name individually, I would say that colleagues at JSU, educators in District VI, and fellow board members have all taught me a tremendous amount about service and leadership. I continue striving to improve by observing their accomplished leadership skills. What shaped your desire to work in education? My desire to work in education comes from a belief that relevant, accessible, and quality education will allow our children to reach their potential and prosper. If I can help improve the quality, relevance, and accessibility of education in Alabama, then I certainly want to do this. What has been your favorite area of service, and what is your favorite thing about that position? My favorite work in education is visiting classrooms and observing innovative, effective teachers introduce a new concept to students in such a way that they all “get it.” That moment is both miraculous and inspirational. Thus, my favorite area of service occurs when I can improve policies that allow teachers to provide more quality instruction in the classroom. Have you read any books that have shaped your perspective on life? Oh, the list of books I read! Well, I try to read a Biblical passage each morning. I’m also reading a book (for the second time, so that maybe it will stick better) on Christian Leadership, given to me by my predecessor, Dr. Charles Elliott. And I read many books on education, such as Ron Clark’s “Move Your Bus” and Robert Putnam’s “Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis.” In addition, I have a love of biographies and am currently reading the biographies of the US presidents (I just finished Rutherford B. Hayes) and novels such as “The Guernsey and Potato Peel Pie Society,” which I read when I needed a break from Rutherford. Books inspire and relax me. What advice would you give to young women who want to work in education? I would say that educators are the key to the success of our future. Nothing is so important as a caring, effective teacher. That said, education is the most important profession. If we don’t have quality, caring educators, where will our engineers, writers, doctors, inventors, electricians, machinists be in 20 years? How will they learn to read, write, compute, problem-solve? We must nurture and encourage intelligent, caring adults to continue to pursue education as a vital career path. Yes, teaching can be difficult. However, although teaching is sometimes challenging, the opportunities to improve the lives of students are enormous and will benefit generations to come. How do you spend your (rare) free time? I spend any free time I can grab by reading books, watching Auburn football and the NCAA basketball tournament, and visiting family and friends. For her dedication to the education of students within the Yellowhammer Sate and her desire to lead publicly on the State Board of Education, Dr. Cynthia McCarty is undeniably an Alabama woman of Influence
House District 77 candidates working for high voter turnout in runoff election
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill has predicted 15 to 18 percent of voters will show up to the polls on July 17 for the runoff election. But two first time Democratic candidates for House District 77 are hoping to encourage even more voters to show up on election day. Since the June 5 Democratic primary, Malcolm Calhoun and Tashina Morrishave doubled down on their canvassing efforts in hopes of motivating a high voter turnout. The two are going head-to-head in the Democratic primary runoff election, seeking to win the seat currently held by Rep. John Knight. Knight, who’s held the seat since 1993, is running for the Alabama Senate District 26 seat, disqualifying him from running in the House District 77 race and thus creating the open seat. Calhoun is currently the owner and operator of an insurance agency and holds an M.B.A. in marketing from Auburn University. He looks forward to taking his business expertise to Montgomery. “When I traveled that district there are too many buildings that were once vibrant places of business that have closed up and are left now and eyesore of a vacant building. We need to change that,” Calhoun told WSFA. “I understand having to budget, make sacrifices, make those decision and being successful in doing it.” Meanwhile, Morris is the director of the TS Morris Youth Intervention — a non-profit geared towards educating children and families on conflict resolution, anger management, teen pregnancy, and drug and alcohol abuse. Earning her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Alabama State University, Morris has a strong stance on criminal justice reforms. “I believe in people over politics, purpose over power. I believe in your voice and your voice should be heard,” she told the Montgomery Advertiser. Both candidates are seeking to reform education and increase funding for Montgomery schools. “Unity is one of the main key components in move us forward,” Morris told WSFA. “I would like to bridge the gap between people and government. Some people just don’t know different things about government. I want to bridge the gap so you will be involved”
