The Dr. Jemelene Chastain Moore Distinguished Faculty Award was established by Dr. Moore’s son Hugh, daughter-in-law Ann, and grandson David to honor Dr. Moore, the first instructor hired in the new school of nursing in 1979. The family’s generosity has enabled the Auburn University College of Nursing to commend a faculty member for service and dedication. The award, presented annually, serves to recognize a faculty member who has demonstrated exemplary accomplishment in teaching, research, outreach, and service.
Dr. Caralise Hunt is the recipient of the 2025 Dr. Moore Distinguished Faculty award. During her 30 years as a registered nurse, she has made and continues to make a significant impact on the College of Nursing. Her achievements often reflects years of efforts, rather than a single moment acknowledged by annual awards.
Following her graduation from Auburn with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, Hunt obtained a master’s degree from Troy State University and a doctoral degree from the University of Alabama Birmingham.
She began her academic career at Auburn University College of Nursing (AUCON) in 2000, as a clinical associate and instructor before progressing through the faculty ranks from Assistant to Associate to Full Professor. In 2018, Hunt became AUCON’s Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. In this role, she oversees more than 400 undergraduate and 100 graduate students, leads a team of over 35 faculty members, 20 staff members, and approximately 100 clinical instructors.
As an accomplished and dedicated academic leader, Hunt successfully directed innovative academic programs that addressed evolving healthcare needs and established our college as a pioneer in nursing education.
She spearheaded the development of a new undergraduate curriculum, implemented this year, which aligns with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials—a foundational framework for professional nursing education. The curriculum’s creation represents a significant achievement; it is the result of three years of strategic leadership, vision, and planning by Hunt, all while continuing to fulfill her faculty responsibilities in teaching, research, outreach, and service.
Her clinical experience includes working at East Alabama Medical Center, Baptist Memorial Hospital in Montgomery, and as a CPR Instructor at Brookwood Medical Center. Concurrently, she has taught at Southern Union State Community College and Auburn University.
Her dedication to service has been recognized with several awards, and she actively participates in numerous professional organizations, serving on advisory boards and committees. Furthermore, she has served as principal investigator or co-investigator on research projects, securing nearly $230,000 in grants. Her research areas include diabetes, technology, and diabetes self-management, which reflect her dedication to enhancing the lives of individuals affected by this chronic condition. During her tenure at Auburn, she has published several papers, authored book chapters and delivered more than 40 presentations.
Committed to student success and fostering an inclusive college environment, Hunt collaborated on a summer bridge program for freshmen and partnered with high school teachers to create a pipeline into AUCON's BSN programs to boost enrollment of underrepresented students.
She led the development of the RN to BSN program in 2016, growing it from 10 to over 100 students, providing nurses the opportunity to attain bachelor's degrees while working. This initiative strengthens relationships with clinical agencies and enhances healthcare outcomes.
Several nominations extolled Hunt's excellence in teaching, research, and service, making her an exceptional candidate for the award.
One endorsement identified Hunt as a transformative leader whose work epitomized the educational vision of the College of Nursing. “She helped create a supportive environment where students feel valued and empowered to achieve their goals. Her focus on student needs and inclusivity ensures that AUCON is a place where all learners can excel.”
Under her leadership as associate dean, the Auburn College of Nursing has seen significant progress over the past decade. It has been ranked as the Number 1 nursing school in Alabama by registerednurses.com, with students achieving passing rates between 98 and 100 percent on the NCLEX exam over the last six years, surpassing both state and national averages.
She has greatly impacted academia and the broader community. Her work has advanced nursing and addresses issues in underserved communities, making healthcare more accessible and fair. She is dedicated to improving lives and strengthening our community.
Dr. Moore’s legacy continues through individuals like Dr. Caralise Hunt, whose work embodies the values Dr. Moore cherished: dedication to education, commitment to research and service, and an unwavering focus on improving the lives of others.
Congratulations to Dr. Caralise Hunt, recipient of the Jemelene Chastain Moore Distinguished Faculty Award.
