Two Auburn Engineering staff members presented with Graduate School's Roden Award

Two Auburn Engineering staff members were honored at the university’s annual Graduate Student Awards Ceremony on Friday, April 24. 

Krysta Weed, program manager for Engineering Online and Continuing Education, and Yury Morales, accountant in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, both received the Rebecca Roden Award.  

Established in May 2021, the award honors Rebecca Roden, who served 41 years as associate dean of the graduate school. Roden joined the graduate school in 1956 when Auburn University was officially the Alabama Polytechnic Institute.  

“Mrs. Roden’s commitment to the Graduate School, its students and the university always came through … she was truly one of our unsung heroes,” said then-Graduate School Dean John Pritchett upon Roden’s retirement in 1997. 

Gifts from family and friends helped establish the Roden Award, which recognizes Auburn staff members for their excellence in service to graduate education. 

Engineering Online director Alicia Harkless said Weed represents this commitment and excellence because of her willingness to “step in during moments that extend well beyond her formal role.” 

“Whether responding to late-night messages from students worried about securing a course, thoughtfully creating engagement activities that help online learners feel connected to the Auburn family, or offering steady reassurance when situations feel overwhelming, Krysta consistently goes above and beyond,” Harkless said.  

Receiving this award was a surprise and an honor, Weed said, adding that she also hopes the recognition “shines a light on our online student population and helps people better understand the challenges they face and the determination it requires to perform at such a high level as a distance student.”    

Weed has served in her role at Engineering Online for 13 years.  

David Timm, civil and environmental engineering department chair, said he nominated Morales because of her kindness, compassion and dedication toward their graduate students. 

“Through countless acts that went far beyond her job description, she showed what it truly means to live the Auburn Creed and be there for others when it matters most,” Timm said.  

Morales, who has been with the department for four years, said she enjoys being involved in students’ research projects, watching the students grow and graduate and supporting all department activities.   

“Serving as the department’s accountant has been a source of great pride,” she added. “Receiving the Roden award reassures me that the students I’ve worked with have felt my support and empathy as they navigate their academic journeys, and it affirms that the work we do has a positive impact and is appreciated by the department.”