Rebecca Roden Award

The Rebecca Roden Award, established in May 2021, honors the 41-year service of the Associate Dean of the Auburn University Graduate School. Rebecca Roden joined the Graduate School in 1956 when Auburn was still officially Alabama Polytechnic Institute. “She has had a hand in the progress of practically every doctoral student and the majority of master’s degree recipients in Auburn’s history,” said then Graduate School Dean John Pritchett, upon her retirement in June 1997.

“In all the capacities with which I have worked with her, Mrs. Roden’s commitment to the Graduate School, its students and the university always came through,” Pritchett said. “She was truly one of our unsung heroes.”

Gifts from family and friends helped to establish the Rebecca Roden Award at the Auburn University Graduate School, which recognizes an Auburn staff member for their Excellence in Service to graduate education. Nominations are accepted through the Graduate School where a review committee will then select and identify the recipient, who will receive the award during the spring Graduate Awards Ceremony.

The nomination deadline is February 15, annually. If this date falls over a weekend or holiday, submissions are due by 8:00 a.m. CT on the next business day. Nominators must provide the name, title, and department plus email address for the nominee as well as the nominator. A brief letter summarizing the nominee’s service and dedication to graduate education (PDF upload) is required for consideration.

For questions or concerns, or to update any submission, please contact Dr. Maria Witte, Associate Dean of the Graduate School, at (334) 844-0299.

Submit Nomination Form