Meet our Staff

Andrea N. Hunt, PhD

Executive Director

Pronouns: she/her/hers
Andrea N. Hunt is an Associate Professor of Sociology and Family Studies, and the Director of the Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion at the University of North Alabama. She is a proud first-generation graduate and was recently awarded the George Merida Huckaba Endowed Professorship for 2020-2021. Her teaching, research, and community work cover a diverse range of topics including trauma, identity, inequality, the role of academic advising in student retention, mentoring, effective online pedagogy, and learning experiences that promote information and media literacy. Dr. Hunt has facilitated numerous workshops on creating more inclusive campus environments, academic advising for diverse student populations, preparing high school students for college, best practices for online learning, and techniques for teaching about social inequality. Dr. Hunt is a court appointed special advocate and works in the community with mental health professionals, social workers, youth in juvenile detention, and adults in recovery. She is currently pursuing a degree in counseling to better support her community. Dr. Hunt is an Honorary Member of the National Society for Leadership and Success and received the Excellence in Teaching Award last year from NSLS. She is the recipient of the College of Arts and Sciences Early Career Service Award, the College of Arts and Sciences Early Career Teaching Award, the UNA Academic Affairs Outstanding Service Award, the Housing and Residence Life award for Faculty Collaborator of the Year, and the College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Faculty Award. She is currently the awards Chair for SWS-S, Chair of the Lyman Book Award Committee for the Mid-South Sociological Association, and Chair of the Committee on Sociological Practice for the Southern Sociological Society.  

Alyson Bergner

Associate Director

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Alyson Bergner is a first-generation graduate of the University of North Alabama (UNA)’s Master of Family Studies program. She is an outspoken advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion on college campuses. Bergner’s work is focused on fostering inclusivity and creating sustainable partnerships both on campus and within the community. Her research is focused on intra-institutional partnerships and first-generation student success. She is a leader in educational programming—aiming to deepen connections, understanding, and respect across cultures. Bergner is also dedicated to civic engagement and social justice work. She volunteers with various organizations in the Shoals with the centralized focus on youth success in our community.

Gabriel Paduganan

Graduate Assistant

Pronouns: he/him/they 

Gabriel Paduganan earned his Bachelor of Social Work from University of North Alabama in December 2013 and was fortunate to gain ten years of field experience throughout the state prior to joining UNA’s MSW program in Fall 2023.  He is a proud co-parent to three amazing human children, one Scottish terrier, and all of the cats.  Gabriel loves living in the Shoals and is honored to live and work alongside so many inspiring and creative folks.   

Wren Aris

Graduate Assistant

Pronouns: he/they

Wren is a UNA May 2023 graduate with a bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in Professional Writing, and they are now pursuing a master’s in Technical Writing. Wren loves reading and writing, as well as making art and playing video games. He has a passion for advocating for equal rights for everyone, especially disabled people, POC, and the LGBTQ+ community. Wren is from Huntsville, AL, but currently lives in Florence with his partner and their two cats Thomas and Butters.