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After more than 22 years of service, Hope Stockton, assistant vice president for University Outreach and Professional and Continuing Education has retired from Auburn University. Stockton previously served as executive director for the Office of Professional & Continuing Education, (OPCE), in the division of Outreach.
“Hope Stockton’s vision and extensive executive experience in professional and continuing education transformed Auburn’s base of non-credit programming,” said Royrickers Cook, vice president for University Outreach. “Hope greatly expanded our continuing education program strategically across new career and workforce training pathways, especially in Alabama’s growing industrial sector, elevating the Office of Professional & Continuing Education as a nationally recognized provider of high-quality interdisciplinary learning programs.”
Stockton brought extensive administrative and financial management experience to the position along with a comprehensive background in planning, developing and administering professional and continuing education programs. She earned her bachelor’s degree in finance and history from Huntingdon College and a master’s degree in management from Troy University, with additional doctoral-level studies in adult education at Auburn University. Prior to her employment with Auburn, Stockton spent 13 years in healthcare administration and worked for the United States Army Budget Office in Vicenza, Italy. She came to Auburn in 2003 to lead the Blue Ridge Conference on Leadership in the College of Business before being hired in University Outreach as OPCE director.
During her tenure, Stockton reorganized OPCE into four major program areas. She is credited with increasing Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits awarded, individuals served and income generated by OPCE. In the past year alone, OPCE had 12,039 registrations through 507 programs, certifications, and non-credit courses with 26,057 CEUs awarded. Under her leadership, OPCE added the Korea Corner, the Global Leadership Training Initiative, expanded workforce certifications and professional development opportunities and strengthened youth programs by establishing Auburn Youth Programs. Today, Auburn Summer Camps are among the largest camping programs in higher education.
“It has been a privilege to serve Auburn University, University Outreach and the Office of Professional & Continuing Education for so many years. As I reflect on my tenure here, I think about my wonderful colleagues with University Outreach and the impactful outreach and engagement performed for the citizens of Alabama and beyond. I also think about the exemplary work of the OPCE team and the strides they have made in serving the learning needs for the audiences we serve with non-credit education opportunities. They are dedicated and talented professionals that are willing to go above and beyond to help learners achieve their goals. It has been a blessing to be a small part in this important work,” said Stockton.
Hope and her husband of 38 years, Rick, will continue to live in the Auburn area.
