Beyond Auburn Magazine

ON THE COVER

Among the ambitious goals in the 2035 “Grounded and Groundbreaking” strategic plan is “Catalytic Engagement,” which calls us to uplift Auburn as a national model of university engagement and impactful community outreach. Of course, the university’s strategic plans over the last twenty years have prioritized outreach and engagement. However, the emphasis on “catalytic” in our current strategic plan significantly amplifies the aspirations for the outreach we produce throughout the institution.

Catalysts stimulate change and hasten transformation. Engagement by its nature is a change agent, addressing critical issues facing the communities we serve. However, catalytic engagement challenges us to act even more urgently and fervently to bring Auburn’s expertise and resources to transform the quality of life for all. Faculty-engaged scholarships are a major component of this process.

Investing in scholarly engagement is a major objective of University Outreach in meeting our strategic goals. The Office of the Vice President for University Outreach sponsors the Competitive Outreach Scholarship Grants Program to encourage and support robust faculty engagement addressing critical societal needs in Alabama and beyond through university/community collaboration. Since 1998, this intramural program has awarded grants ranging up to $30,000 each to more than one hundred innovative faculty-led community engagement initiatives.

We are pleased to continue our support this year with grants for twelve new projects engaging 22
faculty from across the university. These initiatives, highlighted in this issue, address a wide range of
concerns, including environmental management, natural resources, historical preservation, innovation in K-12 education, health and wellness, and sustainability. These initiatives truly are exemplars of catalytic engagement, and we look forward to watching their progress in the months ahead.

Innovative faculty scholarship in collaboration with vibrant community partnership assures that together our engagement is catalytic in making a difference in so many lives across our state and well beyond.

Join me in making that difference!

War Eagle and best regards,
Royrickers Cook, Ph.D.
Vice President for University Outreach
and Associate Provost

Korea Corner - Office of Professional & Continuing Education
Kyungil University Camp 2025

The Harrison College of Pharmacy (HCOP) is dedicated to helping the citizens of Alabama by working to improve health outcomes through various programs and initiatives.

One of the means of achieving that goal is the Auburn University Health Care and Education Clinic, or AUHEC, a collaborative project between Auburn University and the City of Auburn. Located within the Boykin Community Center in northwest Auburn, the clinic provides medical and pharmacy services to Auburn residents who are uninsured, underinsured or prefer to access healthcare within the local community.

Kimberly Braxton Lloyd, associate dean of clinical affairs and outreach for the Harrison College of Pharmacy, said the idea for the clinic started in 2019 when representatives from the City of Auburn contacted HCOP about creating opportunities for families within the community to receive cost-effective healthcare services.

“We were contacted by the City of Auburn to evaluate whether we could collaborate with the city to open a clinic in northwest Auburn in the Boykin Community Center,” said Braxton Lloyd.

“We performed a needs assessment and found there were insufficient medical resources in that area of town, especially for the underserved population, so we partnered with the city. We were delayed due to COVID-19, affecting the construction and remodeling. We held clinic open house in 2023, and we are still growing the services we offer.”

The Auburn University Health and Education Clinic is open Monday through Wednesday, offering a variety of services to Auburn residents. Services offered include pharmacy, vaccines, acute and urgent care, women’s health, chronic disease management, physicals and wellness screenings. These services are provided by HCOP and AU College of Nursing faculty, staff and students.

Patients are not restricted to the Boykin community. Any resident of the city of Auburn can receive care at the clinic. The clinic accepts Medicaid, Medicare and most private insurance plans.

However, there are also provisions for patients without those resources. There is a subsidized sliding scale copay system for underinsured or uninsured people or families. Part of the billing helps fund the subsidized care for patients in need.

According to Braxton-Lloyd, in addition to providing medical services to residents, the clinic is valuable for the education and development of Auburn University students and faculty.

“Auburn University’s vision is to bring faculty, staff and students from our health sciences programs together for interprofessional collaboration. The Boykin Clinic serves as a practice site for our faculty and students to work together professionally and learn from and with each other as they take care of patients.”

In addition to the personnel from HCOP, who are there each day, the College of Nursing has nurse practitioners who perform exams and provide patient care on Tuesdays.

The partnership expands

Since its inception, the clinic has continued to expand the number and types of services available.

In 2024, Stacy Knowlton, Auburn City Schools nurse administrator, approached HCOP about children having difficulty getting vaccines that are required before attending school.

Greg Peden, executive director of clinical health services at Harrison College of Pharmacy, participated in the planning of the program.

“If you have health insurance, you can go to the doctor and get vaccinated. You can normally get in the next day with no problem. You can also go to your local pharmacy to receive vaccines, and you are ready to start school,” said Peden.

“Those without insurance are in a gap. They cannot go to their pharmacy or doctor’s office to get these vaccines, because they are expensive and can cost hundreds of dollars,” he continued.

After learning of this need, HCOP was able to assist students through the Alabama Department of Public Health’s Vaccines for Children Program. Enrolling in this program enabled HCOP to provide free vaccines for children in need.

In August 2024, HCOP provided 74 required vaccines to 40 uninsured children, which allowed them to attend school without delays. Since then, they have continued to administer 30 to 100 vaccines per month for this population.

According to Peden, this program has had other positive benefits. “This has been a great partnership. Not only are we vaccinating these children, but we’re also able to make inroads with these families who need other healthcare services,” said Peden. “They need medical services as well. They need low-cost medications. They need additional resources, so we have brochures (printed in multiple languages) with the school nurses, and they distribute those. I think the partnership both with the clinic in Boykin Center as well as Auburn City Schools has been great.”

“Harrison College of Pharmacy’s work at Boykin to help those in need in our community demonstrates Auburn’s truest spirit,” said City of Auburn Mayor Ron Anders.

“I’m proud of this collaboration between the City and University and thankful for their passion to help the community we all serve and call home,” added Anders.

The Auburn University Health Care and Education Clinic is a great example of HCOP’s engagement with the local community to improve the quality of life of Auburn City School students and Auburn city residents. To find more information about HCOP’s outreach, visit Harrison College of Pharmacy Outreach.

During the spring semester, the Office of the Vice-President for University Outreach presented Competitive Outreach Scholarship Grants (COSG) to 12 projects. The COSG program is designed to promote community-engaged scholarship in the context of mutually beneficial and reciprocal university and community collaboration for the public good.

The Competitive Outreach Scholarship Grants Program was established to encourage and support faculty engagement addressing critical societal needs in Alabama and beyond through university and community collaboration for the exchange of knowledge and resources. This intramural program is a collaboration of University Outreach and Auburn University faculty and serves to enhance public engagement and vigorously promote outreach scholarship. Each proposal is judged on its merit and the project’s potential benefit to the state and Auburn University.

To be considered, projects must exemplify the qualities and purposes of reciprocal and beneficial community engagement. Proposals must meet the university definition of outreach, which refers to the function of applying academic expertise to the direct benefit of external audiences in support of university and unit missions. In addition, the proposals must include letters of support from the faculty members’ department head, the community partner, as applicable, and a representative of the external constituency.

The proposed project must serve a university or unit mission and contribute to the investigator’s scholarly agenda. Additionally, it must exemplify collaboration between the university and the community involved. Finally, the proposal must clearly articulate a need for the project and demonstrate how the external constituency will participate in providing direction, support and evaluation for the project as a collaborating partner.

The Office of Faculty Engagement, which administers the grant program, called for proposals during the fall semester and conducted four information sessions for interested faculty and those desiring to partner with faculty. They then convened a panel to review proposals and select recipients.

To learn more about the COSG program, visit the Faculty Engagement Grants website.

This project is under the direction of Aurélie Frolet, an assistant professor, and Emily McGlohn, associate professor in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction.

This project aims to address the urgent public health crisis caused by failing wastewater infrastructure in Alabama’s Black Belt region. In partnership with Hale County and the Hale County Extension Office, the initiative will develop a traveling educational exhibition and programming, including lectures, discussions, demonstrations and workshops. These efforts will raise awareness about wastewater management and equip residents to advocate for themselves and drive political change.

The impact of this project is significant. By enhancing community understanding of wastewater systems, the initiative empowers residents to engage in civic discussions and advocate for better sanitation solutions. The project will build strong community partnerships and address an urgent need, benefiting residents across Alabama. The educational exhibition and programming will facilitate widespread access to functional and healthy sanitation, improving public health and environmental conditions in the Black Belt region.

McGlohn hopes the project will help residents in the Black Belt secure effective wastewater infrastructure. “Learning about the challenges of wastewater treatment empower Black Belt residents to seek the right solutions for themselves and their communities. What happens to wastewater after it leaves a building is mystery to most people,” said McGlohn. “Understanding why some systems do not work in Black Belt soil is a step in the right direction to finding systems that do work. Everyone wants access to proper sanitation, and we hope our project will make it easier to attain.”

This project is under the direction of principal investigator, David Hill, associate professor in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture.

This project aims to transform a 250-acre plot of land in Montgomery, Alabama, into the Cypress Nature Preserve, a publicly accessible “urban wild.” The initiative will involve students from Auburn’s Graduate Landscape Architecture Program in designing and implementing a public green space for an underserved community. The site features an old-growth water tupelo swamp, ancient river bluffs, beaver dams, natural seeps, cypress groves, fern glades and deep ravines, making it a unique and valuable ecological resource.

“I hope that this project will allow more people in Montgomery to have access to nature,” said Hill. “I hope this project encourages people to get outside and experience Alabama’s wild, rich ecologies.” The impact of this project is multifaceted. By creating the Cypress Nature Preserve, the initiative will provide much-needed public green space, improve community health and offer ecological education and nature-based play opportunities. The project will also support the environmental health of Montgomery by providing stormwater retention, water filtration, air purification and carbon sequestration. Additionally, it will promote eco-tourism and contribute to the economic revitalization of downtown Montgomery. This initiative will enhance the quality of life for residents and provide valuable hands-on learning experiences for Auburn University students.

Hill appreciates how this grant will help him achieve his goal for this project. “This grant is allowing Auburn students within the Landscape Architecture Program to design and implement a small catalytic component of the nature preserve that will hopefully raise more awareness about this incredible site,” said Hill.

Hillworks Cypress Nature Preserve

Under the direction of principal and co-principal investigators, Sarah Coleman and Isaac Cohen, assistant professors in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction, this initiative seeks to develop a comprehensive maintenance plan for the Florence Indian Mound by convening tribal representatives, regional site managers, historians, landscape architects and community members. The project will facilitate public lectures and an exhibition to convey the mound’s complex history and frame critical politics of care for its future maintenance. The initiative aims to foster dialogue and collaboration across disciplines and communities, ensuring the ongoing vitality of the Florence Indian Mound.

Alabama is home to one of the densest concentrations of ancient Native American monumental architecture in North America, yet this history remains underrepresented in the state’s public landscapes. The Florence Indian Mound, constructed between AD 100 and 500, is a significant cultural site that has been historically misrepresented and neglected. This project will create a sustainable maintenance plan that honors Indigenous knowledge and contemporary best practices. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the initiative will promote a deeper understanding of the site’s cultural significance and ensure its preservation for future generations.

Coleman expressed excitement over the opportunity this grant creates for the project. “With the support of COSG funding, we are extremely excited to be able to develop a culturally appropriate, community-engaged landscape visioning process for the Florence Indian Mound. This funding will allow us to engage the site’s stakeholder groups and regional Mound site caretakers to grapple with questions of recognition and care,” said Coleman. “We believe this process is an opportunity to shift notions of maintenance away from practices that hold sites in stasis, and that are often financially, physically and ecologically costly. Instead, we hope to reorient maintenance as a rigorous act of care, one that is generative of both new practices and relations. Auburn’s Outreach Grant program will also allow us to compensate descendant community members for their time and expertise, without whom this work would not be possible.

Under the leadership of David T. Marshall, associate professor, Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology in the College of Education, this professional development initiative aims to equip K-12 educators with foundational knowledge and practical strategies to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their classrooms. Launching on November 1, 2024, the course addresses the growing need for AI literacy in K-12 education, providing teachers with tools to navigate and implement AI technologies. The program will benefit educators and students, preparing them for an AI-driven future while fostering a collaborative virtual learning community.

The impact of this project is significant. By providing accessible and comprehensive professional development, the initiative addresses critical educational needs and promotes long-term benefits for teachers and students. The program will enhance educational outcomes, particularly in under-resourced schools, by equipping teachers with the skills to integrate AI into their classrooms effectively. This initiative will foster an innovative learning environment, ensuring students develop the critical thinking and ethical awareness necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

“Generative AI can help reduce teachers’ workloads by assisting them with lesson planning, designing classroom activities and creating assessments. By doing so, we can alleviate teacher burnout and retain more teachers in the classroom. It will become increasingly important for teachers to not only know how to use these tools but also to teach students to use them both ethically and responsibly. Our project primarily seeks to impact teachers; however, we recognize that improving circumstances for teachers also enhances opportunities for students,” said Marshall. “Our project offers an asynchronous course designed to train teachers in using generative AI in their teaching practice. With this grant, we can provide the course at no cost to over two hundred teachers in Alabama, prioritizing those working in schools located in the Black Belt region, as well as those working in schools serving historically marginalized student populations.”

Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha, assist. professor and co-director of Mosaic Theatre Co.
Tessa Carr, assoc. professor, department chair & co-director of Mosiac Theatre Co.
Theatre & Dance, College of Liberal Arts

Salisa C. Westrick, department head and Sterling Professor in the Harrison College of Pharmacy, Abdul-Khaliq (AK) Murtadha, assistant professor and co-director of the Mosaic Theatre Company in the College of Liberal Arts and Tessa Carr, associate professor and department chair in Dance, Department of Theatre and Dance, are working together to lead this project.

This interdisciplinary project aims to enhance vaccine confidence among older adults through applied theater interventions. Collaborating with community partners in Lee County, the project will develop and implement theater performances to improve vaccine confidence and intentions to get vaccinated. The mixed-methods approach includes field interviews, script co-creation, performances and experimental design to measure changes in vaccine confidence.

The impact of this project is profound. By leveraging the power of theater, the initiative seeks to address low immunization rates and vaccine hesitancy among older adults, who are particularly vulnerable to preventable infectious diseases. The project will foster trust within the community, enhance the credibility and acceptance of vaccination programs and provide a model for expanding similar interventions to other under-vaccinated populations in Alabama. This innovative approach aims to improve public health outcomes and contribute to the overall well-being of older adults.

Westrick hopes the grant will help build the partnership while improving the perception of vaccines.

“The funding enables us to establish a collaborative partnership between health outcomes scientists, pharmacists and theater professionals,” said Westrick. “By leveraging the power of theater, we aim to influence perceptions, emotions and behaviors regarding vaccines. Theater interventions have proven effective in promoting various health initiatives, and we are enthusiastic about assessing their impact on vaccination programs. Additionally, we aim to debunk common myths surrounding vaccines to further bolster vaccine confidence and informed decision-making.”

Murtadha hopes the partnership will specifically impact the perception older adults have about vaccines. “With this collaborative, we hope to significantly boost vaccine confidence among older adults through engaging theatre performances, with potential expansion to other under-vaccinated populations,“ said Abdul-Kaliq Murtadha.

Under the direction of Emma Lathan-Powell, assistant professor of psychological sciences in the College of Liberal Arts and Brendan Bergquist and Phillip Moon, assistant clinical professors in the College of Veterinary Medicine, this project aims to evaluate a new safe housing pet program at the Domestic Violence Intervention Center (DVIC) in East Alabama. The program, supported by RedRover/PetSmart Charities and designed in collaboration with Auburn University’s Department of Psychological Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, allows domestic violence survivors to bring their pets to the shelter. The project will track the program’s reach, examine its feasibility and evaluate its effectiveness in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among survivors.

“Our Competitive Outreach Scholarship Grant award will help fund a new safe housing pet program at Domestic Violence Intervention Center, Lee County, AL. DVIC’s new safe housing program will consist of a state-of-the-art secure housing facility and provide veterinary care for the pets/companion animals of domestic violence survivors in need of emergency shelter,” said Lathan-Powell. “Specifically, grant funds will be used to cover pet care costs and to evaluate the program’s effectiveness in promoting survivors’ psychological well-being.”

Research has demonstrated a strong link between domestic violence and pet abuse, with more than 70% of pets living in homes with domestic violence also facing abuse. However, as a result of ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration between DVIC and several community-academic partners, including Auburn’s Department of Psychological Sciences and Auburn’s Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital, residents of several counties in East Alabama will no longer have to make the difficult decision to stay in an abusive relationship to protect their pet or to leave their pet behind in a dangerous environment.

“DVIC’s new pet program will give survivors in need of emergency shelter services the option to bring their cats and dogs with them, which will hopefully reduce one of many barriers to reaching out for help. DVIC’s Safe Housing Pet Program will represent the second on-site safe housing pet program in the state of Alabama and is anticipated to be fully functioning by the end of 2025,” said Lathan-Powell.

Under the direction of Wendy DesChene, an Art professor in the College of Liberal Arts, this project proposes the creation of a 30 x 10’ mural to honor the cultural heritage and resilience of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Alabama’s only federally recognized Tribe. The mural, to be placed in a prominent outdoor location, will be created in collaboration with Auburn University students, Poarch Band Creek leaders and the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities. It will celebrate the Tribe’s historical perseverance, contemporary achievements and future aspirations. A smaller, portable version will be used for educational outreach, traveling with tribal representatives to various venues across Alabama and the nation.

Between 1914 and 1932, over 5,000 Rosenwald Schools were built across the Jim Crow South, with more than four hundred in Alabama. These schools, initiated by Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald, symbolize the pursuit of educational equality and community identity. Despite their significance, many are at risk of collapse, and the personal histories of alumni are fading. This project will collect and preserve these oral histories, creating a digital archive to educate current and future generations about the struggle for educational equality during segregation. The initiative will culminate in a symposium to share experiences and strategies for preservation, ensuring the legacy of Rosenwald Schools continues to inspire and educate.

“This mural is more than a work of art—it is a cultural bridge and a visual declaration of the presence, resilience and identity of the Indigenous people of our state. By honoring the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Alabama’s only federally recognized Tribe, this collaborative painting confronts erasure, amplifies Indigenous voices and offers a powerful platform for education, dialogue and exchange. As a collective act of respect and recognition, it honors the Band’s enduring legacy and living culture,” said DesChene. “Through direct collaboration with the Tribe during the mural’s creation, our painting students will foster connection, deepen understanding and help ensure that stories of resilience and contribution are seen, shared and carried forward across generations and communities. Murals democratize art they bring creativity out of the gallery and into public space, where everyone has access and a voice.”

DesChene added, “This generous Auburn University Outreach grant is instrumental to realize this vision. It will provide the necessary resources to engage directly with the Tribe, support student participation and ensure this mural becomes a meaningful community collaboration and cultural preservation site.”

Under the direction of Morgan Yordy, associate professor, College of Nursing, and Seth H. Perry, assistant clinical professor, College of Nursing, this project aims to expand the Sensory Outreach Under Nursing Direction (SOUND) initiative, which provides community resources, education and awareness to support individuals with sensory regulation challenges. The expansion will involve all community members in Lee County, including those without sensory issues, and will enhance educational offerings for community partners. The project will also involve Auburn University College of Nursing students, who will collaborate with stakeholders to increase awareness and inclusivity.

The impact of the project is significant. By providing resources such as a mobile sensory trailer and sensory toys at community events, the initiative promotes inclusivity and engagement for individuals with sensory processing challenges. The expanded educational programs will equip nursing students with essential skills and knowledge, fostering a more inclusive and informed community. This project aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with sensory regulation challenges and enhance community engagement and understanding.

“SOUND hopes to increase awareness, inclusion and training about sensory processing challenges and nonpharmacological methods to promote emotional regulation,” said Yordy. “This grant will assist us in attaining that impact by expanding the program to community partners to help grow a multigenerational outreach program.”

Under the direction of Sarah Richling, associate clinical professor, and Mattie Levin, instructor, in the Department of Psychological Sciences this project aims to expand the services provided by the Center for Autism Research, Treatment and Training (CARTT) at Auburn University. The initiative will offer free social skills training groups to adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and provide family support interventions. The project will also enhance the clinical training of graduate and undergraduate students in the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program, equipping them with essential skills to serve the community.

The impact of this project is substantial. By providing accessible and affordable autism services, the initiative addresses a significant community need and supports underserved families. The collaboration with local organizations and the application of research-based interventions will ensure the project’s relevance and effectiveness. This project will generate valuable data to inform future research and improve autism services, enhancing the quality of life for individuals with autism and their families.

“The need for autism services in our community is significant, with 1 in 31 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, translating to over 100,000 individuals in Alabama. In this state, access to timely and affordable interventions remains a challenge. CARTT is dedicated to addressing this need through their commitment to training, outreach and community-funded support. This year, due to stakeholder feedback, CARTT sought to expand their community services to include social skills training groups for adolescents aged 10-16. These groups, called CARTT Club, aim to improve adolescents’ emotion regulation, interpersonal relationships and communication. One barrier to effective support within the community is affordability. Recognizing this barrier, CARTT is committed to making their services accessible to all,” said Richling. “This project will benefit the community by furthering our offerings of no-cost, evidence-based interventions to families in the Auburn/Opelika area. The grant will provide full financial relief for families while also supporting the supervision and clinical over-site of a board-certified behavior analyst with interdisciplinary training as a licensed independent clinical social worker.”

Circles Opelika
PRF Ministry
Community Organizations

Under the direction of Tracy Witte, professor and director of clinical training in the College of Liberal Arts, this collaboration with two community organizations, Circles Opelika and PRF Ministry, aims to support children and families struggling with poverty. The initiative will provide Auburn University psychology students with opportunities to engage in high impact practices by volunteering with the Circles Children’s program. The project hopes to build the necessary infrastructure for children’s programming, which is essential for the success and well-being of the Circles Opelika program.

The impact of this project is profound. By addressing the needs of families living in poverty, the initiative supports community engagement and financial empowerment. It also provides critical support to caregivers and children, helping to break the cycle of poverty. Additionally, the project offers valuable hands-on experience for psychology students, enhancing their education and fostering a deeper connection with the community. This initiative aligns with Auburn University’s mission of outreach and community engagement, promoting positive outcomes for both the local community and university students.

“My primary goal is serving the children and families of the Opelika community. Each week, we have fun together, and there is truly never a dull moment! The Circles model emphasizes the importance of relationship building, and I have witnessed firsthand the strong bonds that are forming between the Auburn University students and the children we work with.” said Witte. “Another goal is breaking down the walls of the ivory tower by encouraging our students to engage with people in the surrounding community they might not otherwise meet. Finally, I want to provide a rich training experience for psychology students who aspire to work with children in their future careers.”

Witte says this grant will be critical to provide items necessary for the success of the project. “Receiving this grant will be a game changer in terms of purchasing necessary supplies for children’s activities. I am so excited to purchase books, crafting supplies, toys, and more! We will also be able to support the meals that we have together on a weekly basis, which is a key component of meeting families’ needs and building strong relationships,” said Witte.

Lena McDowell, associate clinical professor in the Harrison School of Pharmacy, leads this project which aims to address significant healthcare disparities in Henry and Houston Counties, Alabama, by leveraging student pharmacists to expand preventive healthcare services in underserved areas. In collaboration with the Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging, the initiative will involve student pharmacists in activities such as health fairs, immunization assessments and health risk assessments. These students will work alongside experienced pharmacist preceptors to deliver essential services like medication therapy reviews, immunizations and screenings.

The impact of this project is profound. By providing health education, basic health screenings and medication counseling, the initiative addresses critical healthcare gaps and promotes wellness in rural communities. The project aligns with Auburn University’s mission of community service and the national goals set forth in Healthy People 2030.

Additionally, by offering supplemental funding for student housing during rural rotations, the project ensures that students are fully immersed in the community, enhancing their educational experience and fostering stronger connections with the populations they serve. This initiative aims to create a lasting healthcare infrastructure in rural communities, improving overall public health outcomes.

“We hope this project will empower student pharmacists to become catalysts for change by improving access to preventive healthcare in rural Alabama. Through direct engagement with underserved communities, students will help reduce health disparities while gaining invaluable experience in patient-centered care,” said McDowell. “This grant enables us to place student pharmacists in rural areas by supporting their lodging, ensuring they can fully immerse themselves in the communities they will serve.”

Karen McNeal, professor of Geosciences in the College of Sciences and Mathematics and Chandana Mitra, associate professor of Geosciences in the College of Sciences and Mathematics are leading this project which aims to connect interdisciplinary researchers with stakeholder communities to solve sustainability-related problems through co-produced research. Building on the successful $3M National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) Climate Resilience project, the initiative will provide training in the coproduction of science and offer real-world research experiences to Auburn University graduate students, post-doctoral scholars and faculty. The project will scale up the NRT program’s model to support graduate student career development and facilitate collaborations between faculty, students, community and external stakeholders.

The impact of AU SOLVES is substantial. By integrating faculty research with graduate student training and fostering partnerships with external stakeholders, the initiative enhances Auburn University’s research profile and addresses critical sustainability challenges. Graduate students gain valuable research experiences and expand their professional networks, while faculty benefit from cross-departmental collaboration. Stakeholders receive tailored research solutions and form connections with Auburn University researchers, contributing to advancing knowledge in their respective fields. This project will enable Auburn researchers to collaborate with community stakeholders to solve real-world problems, promoting long-term mutual benefits for Auburn and its partners.

The AU SOLVES grant will allow for the implementation of three workshops focused on co-production of a partner-identified problem with faculty, graduate students and partners, mini-grants provided to each partner-interdisciplinary Auburn University team to complete a co-produced research project and the development of an AU SOLVES portal developed to connect external partners with Auburn researchers enabling co-produced research to continue beyond the initial pilot program.

“The AU SOLVES approach enables Auburn University researchers to work with community partners to solve real-world problems across various disciplines and sectors that reside within the sustainability footprint. Graduate students will gain valuable research experiences, expand their professional networks and increase their employability post-graduation through engaging with co-production approaches,” said McNeal. “Faculty will benefit from cross departmental collaboration as they work collectively, streamline broader impacts and increase engagement with external stakeholders. Partners will receive tailored research solutions, form connections with Auburn researchers and contribute to advancing knowledge in their respective fields and sectors. Overall, the project will foster stronger partnerships with external partners and the university to solve real-world problems.”

The Government and Economic Development Institute (GEDI), a department of Auburn University Outreach, is one of the premier agencies for training and professional development for municipal employees across the state. GEDI has long-standing relationships with multiple professional organizations to provide educational training, certification and credentialing programs and to host conferences. Some associations GEDI works with include those representing public personnel administrators, county commissioners, city and county managers, revenue officers and economic developers. Now, through a new partnership agreement with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, emergency managers have been added to the list.

Alabama is no stranger to severe weather threats, and recent events like the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and the wildfires that ravaged California make it more apparent that every state needs to invest in the training and development of emergency management personnel. It is not a question of whether Alabama will face a state of emergency, but when it will happen and how the state manages the crisis when it arises.

GEDI and AEMA have wasted no time acting on their newly formed partnership and enhancing the knowledge and skills of our employees who are on the front lines and behind the scenes when disasters emerge. GEDI kicked off 2025 by hosting a four-day leadership training event for Alabama emergency managers in February at the Auburn Hotel and Dixon Conference Center. The program was full of useful information and strategies to ensure that Alabama is ready to prepare for and respond to any imminent threat or crisis. Topics discussed included creating a culture of service, fostering organizational synergy, recognizing cultural and generational differences, team building, communication, decision making and setting and implementing strategic goals. The group also toured the Auburn Public Safety Complex and the Auburn University Regional Airport to share ideas and best practices and observe how the concepts they are discussing can be put into action.

Alabama EMA director Jeff Smitherman expressed optimism about the partnership with GEDI. “We are dedicated to empowering our team through a targeted leadership curriculum that refines the skills essential for excelling in complex operational environments. This recent training session was both timely and immensely valuable,” said Smitherman. “One key takeaway from the event was the critical importance of understanding the ‘why’ behind our actions.

Gaining this clarity enables us to determine the most effective ‘how’ in carrying out our mission to serve the great citizens of Alabama. We thank GEDI for their unwavering support and look forward to continued collaborations.”

The February training event was the first step in providing meaningful professional development for emergency management staff who play pivotal roles in protecting the people and resources of Alabama. Investing in the development of emergency personnel is one of the best things GEDI can do to strengthen the state of Alabama and its ability to safeguard citizens. For more information on this program and future course offerings, visit the GEDI website.

Outreach Programs and Projects Network

aub.ie/outreachpro

Through this database, Auburn University faculty can share information about their Outreach programs and projects to facilitate further engagement, promotion and partnerships.

Auburn University’s dedicated efforts to bolster workforce development in Alabama have reached a milestone as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant program draws to a close after three years.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, signed into law in July 2014, aimed to revolutionize workforce development by promoting coordination and alignment of key employment, education and training programs at all levels. Designed to increase employment, retention and earnings, WIOA has been instrumental in improving the quality of the workforce and enhancing economic self-sufficiency.

Under the leadership of the Center for Educational Outreach and Engagement (CEOE), Auburn University has been the recipient of a renewable three-year grant to partner with the Macon and Bullock County Career Technical Education Centers. This partnership has allowed Auburn University to provide supplemental programs that align with CEOE’s mission to enhance the development of K-12 schools in Alabama.

The Auburn University Success Plus Youth Program (AUSPP) tailored to enrich the education and employability skills of youth across Macon and Bullock Counties. In collaboration with Macon County Schools, Bullock County Schools and the Black Belt Community Foundation, AUSPP offers a comprehensive curriculum, field-expert guest speakers and seminar sessions aimed at preparing students for the workforce.

The Auburn University WIOA Supplemental Program encompasses eight categories, including employability skills, entrepreneurial skills training, global communications skills training, adult mentoring, counseling, campus career visits, guest speakers and financial literacy. These diverse offerings equip participants with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

Reflecting on her experience in the program, Ja’Nyiah Middleton, a senior participant who graduated in May, shares her journey: “ I have absolutely loved the different sessions we have participated in because it gave me a chance to express myself and feel comfortable around others. This program brought light to my life and made me feel like I had a voice for myself and could stand up for myself,” said Middleton. “This program has taught me about coping strategies, job skills, communication skills, future aspirations and more. The field trips were very educational, allowing me to get an inside look on the career I may want to pursue. For me, it was the nursing field, so being able to gain insight into the different things used in classes and information was extremely helpful. Being in this program taught me to explore different opportunities out there and not just narrow my abilities down to one thing. I must always strive to reach my full potential.”

As the WIOA grant program concludes, Auburn University remains committed to fostering a skilled and empowered workforce in Alabama. While this chapter may be ending, the impact of the program will continue to resonate within communities for years to come, empowering individuals like Ja’Nyiah to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. Additionally, CEOE will partner with the Auburn University College of Agriculture to continue to provide career and technical programming for Bullock County high school students interested in the agriculture industry.

Anna-Margaret Goldman, director of CEOE, is pleased with the impact the program has had on high school students. “When polled about plans after high school, I was delighted to hear that almost every participant has plans to attend post-secondary or has a job. To me, that is a testament to WIOA working in students’ lives to provide college and career pathways and the skills they need to succeed after high school,” said Goldman.

For more information on Auburn University’s ongoing initiatives in workforce development, please visit the CEOE website.

Each year, the Alabama Autism Conference presents the CARES Award — which stands for Commitment to Autism Research, Education and Service — to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to advancing autism research, education or services. This year’s recipient is Maria Gutierrez, family navigator for the Auburn University Regional Autism Network. She was honored with the award during the conference, held in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Gutierrez was very honored to receive the recognition. “I am deeply honored and grateful to have been selected for this honor. I share this award with all of my colleagues, family navigators, RAN directors across the state and all who work in improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families,” said Gutierrez.

Gutierrez serves as a liaison for families — especially Spanish-speaking families — to help them access AURAN training and services as well as understand all resources available to them as they seek professional intervention for family members diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disorders. Gutierrez is the parent of a young adult with an autism spectrum disorder. Gutierrez founded a local non-profit organization, Lee County Autism Resource and Advocacy, which provided resources, workshops and support for families affected by autism spectrum disorders in Lee County.

Gutierrez has served as a governor-appointed community member in the Alabama Medicaid Working Group and ADAP’s Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council. Gutierrez was selected to participate in the 2022-2023 cohort of Partners in Policymaking Alabama (PIPA). PIPA is a leadership training program designed for individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members. She worked as a parent mentor in California under the Family Focus Resource Center and worked on the implementation of a grant awarded by the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities for Hispanic Outreach Grant for families impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Gutierrez does not consider this an individual accomplishment. “This recognition motivates me to continue striving for excellence. This award is a testament to our collective efforts, and I am profoundly grateful to be a part of such a dedicated group.”

The Alabama Autism Conference is an annual event held in February that brings together professionals, families and advocates to share the latest research, strategies and resources related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), aiming to improve services for individuals affected by ASD.

The Government & Economic Development Institute (GEDI) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute, a program developed in 2015 through a partnership with the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA). The program was designed to educate and empower elected officials, economic developers and community leaders around the state and to improve local economies by strengthening community leaders.

Joe Sumners, GEDI executive director emeritus, was a driving force in creating the program. “The GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute was developed to focus on practical applications, rather than theory. The course format provides opportunities for discussion and engagement, not just lecture,” said Sumners. “It was our hope that this format would initiate regional conversations that would lead to action and positive results for business marketing and attraction, workforce preparation, retail development and community leadership and development.”

Jim Searcy, former executive director of EDAA, was involved from the beginning, bringing the program from concept to the classroom. “We continually struggle with the public perception of economic development. So many times, people see a ribbon cutting or groundbreaking, and they think that is all there is to it. We need them to understand it is a process and there are many people involved along the way, and so much work that goes into it behind the scenes months and years before you ever get to a ribbon cutting,” Searcy explained. “There are some great groups in Alabama like the League of Municipalities and the Alabama Association of County Commissioners, and they offer great programs. Ours was designed to build upon that and to supplement those programs. However, the nature of our programs makes our group of participants unique. You may get mayors, city clerks, chamber directors and economic developers from various places in our classes, and that mix creates a synergy that you don’t find in other programs.”

“The GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute educates and engages elected officials, economic development board members and other community leaders about key issues in economic and community development,” said GEDI director Jeremy Arthur. “We utilize economic development practitioner experts as instructors and panelists, so elected officials and other program participants learn about local resources and issues and build relationships with key local and regional economic development leaders.”

Courses are offered on a variety of topics, including essentials of economic development, retail development, workforce development, community development, financing tactics, marketing strategies and more. Classes can be taken on a stand-alone basis, but the focus is to have students earn a GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute Certificate, which requires participants to complete four courses and attend one EDAA Conference. After initial certification, participants must take two additional courses every two years to recertify.

Since the Leadership Institute was launched, over 550 participants have attended more than 70 courses, and over 115 have earned the Leadership Institute Certificate. Organizers have re-vamped the program over the years, offering new courses, distinct locations, online and hybrid options, and a host of various instructors. The approach to economic development opportunities and issues may change, but the commitment of GEDI and EDAA to offer programs to help Alabama leaders better position their communities to grow and thrive remains the same.

For more information about the GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute, or to see the current course schedule and register to attend, visit the GEDI Leadership Institute website.

In 2016, the online Encyclopedia of Alabama (EOA) was the inaugural winner of the Alabama Historical Association’s (AHA) Digital History Award. When the award was presented in 2025, it bore a new name honoring EOA’s founding editor and AHA’s 69th president, Robert “Jeff” Jakeman. The award recognizes excellence in projects that share the state’s history with online audiences.

“Naming the Digital History Award after Dr. Jeff Jakeman is particularly fitting since EOA is the premier public history and information project in the state,” said Mark Wilson, AHA secretary and director of the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities at Auburn University. “Jeff’s comprehensive vision, incredible work ethic and commitment to excellence continue to be the guiding force for that resource and the people he encountered throughout his career.”

Jakeman played an instrumental role in creating and launching EOA. He was the director of the graduate program in archival studies in the Department of History at Auburn University when he was recruited, in 2002, to a statewide team investigating the feasibility of creating an online encyclopedia for Alabama. At the time, Jakeman was also the editor of Alabama’s state history journal, The Alabama Review. When Auburn University accepted the invitation from the Alabama Humanities Foundation (now Alliance) and the University of Alabama Press to host the editorial office for the state’s new online resource, Jakeman agreed to serve as its editor. He filled that role from 2003 to 2011. EOA was officially launched in 2008, and since that time, the site has attracted more than 16 million visitors and has generated more than 31 million page views of EOA’s content.

The Robert J. “Jeff” Jakeman Award for Digital History recognizes excellence in projects that deliver information on Alabama’s past using the internet and social media tools. Criteria for the award, which is presented on a two-year cycle, include providing historically accurate content grounded in solid research and scholarship and offering visitors clear informational and educational benefits. It is awarded to both large and small projects, categories that are determined by staffing and funding. EOA, whose editorial offices are administered by Auburn University Outreach, won in the large project category. Claire Wilson, EOA’s senior content editor, served on the selection committee for the 2025 award.

Jakeman, who earned a doctoral degree in history from Auburn in 1988, was the author of The Divided Skies: Establishing Segregated Flight Training at Tuskegee, Alabama, 1934-1942. He also published articles on archival topics, state history, and military aviation. Before joining the Auburn faculty, Jakeman had a 26-year career with the U.S. Air Force, followed by working as an archivist at Auburn University, Maxwell Air Force Base and the Alabama Department of Archives and History. He died of cancer in January 2023 and is buried at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.

Auburn University’s Office of Outreach Global offered transformative global experiences this summer with the return of the Ghana Service-Learning Program and the relaunch of the GlobalConnect Camp.

Outreach Global’s Ghana Service-Learning Program took place in Accra, the capital city of Ghana, from June 3-16. During the program, students apply academic knowledge to real-world scenarios through service-learning projects with local nonprofit organizations, institutions and communities in Ghana. Participants in the program work on various service-learning initiatives, including teaching and shadowing in local schools, providing firsthand assistance in community health clinics alongside healthcare professionals and working with local nonprofit organizations on agriculture, environmental and social work initiatives. Students returned from Ghana with new perspectives and a deeper understanding of global issues, ready to apply what they have learned in their future careers.

In addition to the service-learning initiatives, cultural immersion opportunities included visits to Cape Coast Slave Castle and national historical and cultural sites. Participants took part in a naming ceremony, wore traditional attire, enjoyed dance lessons, visited local markets and more.

Outreach Global hosted its premier GlobalConnect Camp June 23–27 on Auburn University’s campus. The academic day camp introduced rising 8th through 12th grade students to global affairs and cross-cultural communication. Through interactive workshops, guest speakers and hands-on activities, students developed skills to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. Programming included activities related to international relations, global STEM, world cultures, history, geography, arts and crafts, cooking, technology and other global topics.

For more information about the program, visit the GlobalConnect Camp website.

Through these initiatives, Outreach Global continues to advance global awareness, intercultural interaction and experiential learning opportunities for students, faculty, staff and alumni. Whether traveling abroad to Ghana or exploring global issues on campus through GlobalConnect Camp, participants gain valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom.

The Office of Outreach Global and Harrison College of Pharmacy’s (HCOP), Community Outreach and Healthcare program was successfully implemented in the Maldives to evaluate the local population’s mental well-being while screening basic health parameters. This initiative was part of a collaborative effort between the Department of Drug Discovery and Development at the Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, and the Department of Pharmacy Practice, JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, India, with local healthcare professionals.

This program was incorporated into the Spring Break Healthcare Service-Learning Program, organized and supported by the Office of Outreach Global in partnership with the Office of the Associate Dean for Research HCOP and the Office of Faculty Engagement. The program was led by Elizabeth Quansah, Muralikrishnan Dhanasekaran and Chippewa Thomas, alongside pharmacy students, including four doctoral students, two volunteers and a Clinical Pharmacy Resident from India. The program was coordinated and facilitated by Mohamed Hameed from Villa Group Maldives.

This international collaborative effort between Auburn University, JSS College of Pharmacy and Villa Group Maldives was instrumental in bridging healthcare accessibility gaps and promoting community engagement in mental health initiatives. The findings from this program will contribute to future research and outreach activities, which can positively lead to potential policy recommendations aimed at improving mental healthcare in the general, underprivileged and underrepresented Maldivian populations.

The team conducted health assessments and mental health screenings on two Maldivian islands: Maamigili and Fenfushi. This program measured vitals, blood glucose and blood pressure, assessed mental health, provided health and mental wellness education and discussed the importance of good nutrition and healthy eating habits. This initiative reflects Auburn’s commitment to meaningful outreach, cross-cultural learning and exemplary research for addressing global health disparities in various communities and populations.

The success of the program sets the foundation for future healthcare initiatives and outreach activities, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration and investment in global health education and service learning. With the support of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach, the Office of Outreach Global, the Associate Dean for Research, HCOP and the Office of Faculty Engagement, these programs will continue to bridge healthcare access gaps and create lasting positive change in communities worldwide.

This program successfully provided essential health screenings and raised awareness about mental health in the local Maldivian communities (Maamigili and Fenfushi). The initiative not only facilitated immediate healthcare interventions but also emphasized the need for sustained mental health support and awareness programs in the region.

After talking to a friend, Natalie Cairo had an idea of what she was getting into when she requested an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) at Wind River Family and Community Health Care in Wyoming. In their fourth year, Harrison College of Pharmacy students complete APPEs, which consist of eight five-week rotations at various pharmacy practice settings in Alabama and beyond.

APPE rotations allow students to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to patients in real practice settings. Over the years, the College has developed an affiliation with the Indian Health Service in Montana and Wyoming, providing students with an elective rotation on Native American reservations.

“I believed the experience would push my professional and personal limits,” said Cairo. “I believed it would offer a diverse patient population that would broaden my patient-interaction skills, as well as expand my empathy. I also believed this patient population was long overdue for equity in care,” Cairo added.

Briley Graves, who completed the rotation with Cairo last fall, sought Wind River Cares for similar reasons. “Professionally, I saw it as an opportunity to serve a unique population to better inform my ability to practice patient-centered care with diverse populations in my career,” said Graves. “Personally, I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and live in a new area.”

Living in the small community of Fort Washakie, the duo had a 10-minute drive to the Ethete clinic, where a typical day consisted of performing medication reconciliations, counseling patients, filling prescriptions and additional projects. They did similar work at other clinics.

Pharmacy students rotate in and out of Wind River Cares five times a year, but at least two Auburn people are always there. Katherine (Baker) Plunkett, a 2019 pharmacy graduate, works at the Ethete clinic and is the preceptor, or primary instructor, for Auburn students.

“Our rotation allows students to experience a unique clinic system and interact with a particular population,” she said. “Our close-knit clinic provides an opportunity for interdisciplinary interaction and enables students to become part of the pharmacy team,” Plunkett added. According to Plunkett, students are generally given one or two longitudinal projects that assist the pharmacy or clinic. Their time otherwise is spent in day-to-day activities, so they experience the workflow of the pharmacy and clinic as much as the rest of the healthcare team.

“Students are encouraged to interact with providers on clinical questions, counsel patients on new medication initiation, answer patient questions and get involved in the pharmacy workflow,” Plunkett said. “We also like to engage the students in community and public health events. Participation in community vaccine clinics or health fairs has allowed students to personally experience our patient population.”

For Cairo, her time in Wyoming was memorable for the breathtaking landscape she saw every day, the exceptional people she met and how it all fostered her personal and professional development. “I am so blessed that I was given this opportunity through HCOP. I will never forget it,” she added.

Twenty nursing and general studies students from Kyungil University in South Korea completed a 20-day intensive global training program in Auburn this summer. The one-of-a-kind program combined English language skills, advanced academic study and cultural experiences.

“This program followed a multidisciplinary approach and combined the expertise of the Auburn Colleges of Nursing, Education, Business, Liberal Arts, and the School of Aviation,” according to Daniel Dong Woo Yu, an assistant director of Global Leadership Training Initiatives in Auburn’s Office of Professional and Continuing Education. “Students participated in specialized sessions tailored to their academic majors.”

Nursing students joined the Summer Nursing International Program (SNIP), which included hospital observations, clinical simulation training NCLEX test preparation, and lifestyle medicine sessions. General studies students participated in the Empowering Leaders in the Digital Age (ELDA) program which included communication, leadership, digital media and global issues. Students stayed in Auburn University residence halls to immerse themselves in American academic life. They also participated in tours of international industries and local historic sites.

The Korean students agree it was a short but powerful introduction to American higher education.

“Observing the hospital and participating in simulations helped me understand U.S. nursing systems firsthand,” said one Korean student. Another commented “participating in leadership and public speaking sessions gave me a new sense of confidence.”

“This is a turning point for their lives,” said Yu. These exchange students want to come back to Auburn as a student, complete their education, and work in the international industries that are such an important part of our economy.”

In a world where generational divides often seem insurmountable, a unique class at Auburn University brings together students from vastly different age groups to share their experiences and perspectives on life. The Prime of Life: Writing About Yourself at Any Age is an intergenerational memoir writing class that pairs Auburn University Honors College students with members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). This innovative course, taught by Daniel Grace, a lecturer in Auburn University’s Department of English, challenges the assumptions that young writers lack life experience and that older writers have missed their chance to write meaningfully.

OLLI member Marnie Leonard initially felt reluctant to join the class but was drawn by the opportunity to hone her memoir writing skills. “I have been in the OLLI course Writing Our Lives two or three terms and loved it,” Leonard said. “I had considered auditing some classes, so here was the opportunity. I knew deep down that this would be more of a challenge and quite rigorous.”

Participants meet each Wednesday for workshops, careful reading and engaging discussions on the art of memoir writing. The goal is for each student to complete a polished short essay or memoir suitable for submission to a literary journal. The course also covers best practices for submitting work for publication.

Peter Wolf was intrigued by the idea of cross-generational interaction. “I knew we would critique our writing and wanted to get a different perspective from an audience I don’t normally hear from,” said Wolf.

This class is bridging the gap between generations through their shared love for storytelling. As participants continue to learn from and about one another, they not only hone their writing skills but also build meaningful connections. “Teaching creative nonfiction in an intergenerational classroom was an experiment born, in part, of the observation that we live in a time of intergenerational distrust,” said Grace.

Wolf has been impressed by the quality of writing from the undergraduates. “They each write well and have compelling stories,” said Wolf. “From interacting with the students in our class and reading their pieces, I’m finding they are not dark and brooding. They are thoughtful, intelligent, worldly, and caring students.”

OLLI members have found the class to be a transformative experience. “The Honors College students have truly embraced this concept, and any preconceived ideas of a generational gap have merely melted into inspiration for each of us to tell our stories,” said Leonard.

Participants discover that storytelling has the power to transcend age, build understanding and forge connections that enrich their lives, both as writers and as individuals. “OLLI students told me how the Honors students give them hope for the future, and I know that the Honors students have gained important insight into the sorts of challenges faced, adventures had, and sacrifices made by their OLLI classmates during amazing lives well lived,” said Grace.

When asked what has surprised her most about joining the class, Leonard says, “Becoming an official ‘readmitted’ AU student after 45 years has been absolutely uplifting!”

OLLI director celebrates 20 years at Auburn

Scott Bishop, director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Auburn University, recently celebrated 20 years of service at Auburn and five years in University Outreach. During her tenure, Bishop has overseen the expansion of OLLI programs to include more than 40 classes per term, intergenerational courses with Auburn graduate and undergraduate students, and the development of OLLI Shares — a partnership between Auburn, the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Huntsville to share online courses.

She is currently working to raise funds for a new classroom building to enable University Outreach to better serve the needs of the community.

Before joining OLLI, Bishop spent 15 years developing academic and outreach programs at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. She was instrumental in facilitating campus and community partnerships. A two-time Auburn graduate, Bishop has taught as an adjunct in the departments of English and Art and Art History.

Alabama Recognizes OLLI Day

OLLI Day in Alabama 2025 was held on Aug. 12. This year’s observance was an internal collaboration among staff and volunteer leadership from the three OLLI programs in the state. The meeting focused on sharing ideas to improve OLLI programs individually and collectively.

Alabama OLLI Day offers members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes at Auburn University, the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Huntsville an opportunity to celebrate lifelong learning together. Gov. Kay Ivey first proclaimed Alabama OLLI Day in 2020 to acknowledge how the three programs worked together to keep members engaged and connected during trying times. That collaboration continues through OLLI Shares, where each university offers select online classes to members of the other OLLI programs.

Guest speakers for past Alabama OLLI Days have included author and New York Times columnist Margaret Renkl, former NASA engineer and author Homer Hickam, and humorist and storyteller Sean Dietrich.

OLLI at Auburn to offer more than 50 courses

Join OLLI at Auburn, where curiosity never retires. OLLI offers more than 50 courses each term in art, literature, science, history and more.

For a list of upcoming classes and public lectures, visit the OLLI website.

Office of Faculty Engagement welcomes new staff

Amy Wadsworth Register, who has been serving as the TES administrator in the Office of Faculty Engagement (OFE) and the Encyclopedia of Alabama (EOA) since August 2023, has transitioned to the fulltime role of Administrator, Outreach Programs, effective February 10, 2025. During her tenure, Amy has been instrumental in planning three Outreach and Engaged Scholarship Symposiums, managing the Competitive Outreach Scholarship Grants with the OFE team, and documenting and streamlining processes within the Office of Faculty Engagement.

Steffany Moyer joined the online Encyclopedia of Alabama (EOA) editorial staff in February 2025 as the communications editor. Before joining the EOA staff, Moyer worked for Learning for Justice, an education project at the Southern Poverty Law Center, where she coordinated projects, authored and edited content and managed the department’s databases. She has a master’s degree in secondary education from Auburn University at Montgomery and a bachelor’s degree in English and Social Science from the University of Montevallo. EOA’s editorial office is under the direction of the Office of Faculty Engagement in University Outreach.

Gail Harper Yeilding Morris, is the program coordinator for Encyclopedia of Alabama. Morris holds a doctoral degree in English education and has 12 years of experience teaching in K-12 environments. Her teaching journey has taken her to diverse locations, including Uganda, South Africa, the Zuni reservation in New Mexico, and urban and suburban areas in Boston and Birmingham, Alabama. While pursuing her doctorate, Morris supervised internships for preservice teachers and taught Junior-level courses in the College of Education. She has presented her work at numerous conferences. Her research has been published in The Professional Educator, Journal of Language and Literacy Education, and The Journal of Writing Teacher Education. In her new role, Morris designs workshops to help teachers across Alabama implement EOA content in their classrooms and earn digital badges as EOA Power Users.

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Tim Boosinger’s enduring influence on Auburn University as a leader and respected mentor continues to resonate even after his passing in January 2025 from cancer complications. Boosinger retired in 2018 after serving Auburn University for 35 years, including faculty member and dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, and later as provost and chief academic officer.

As Provost, Boosinger led Auburn’s academic programs during a period of marked growth. He played a key role in the development and implementation of a strategic budget model that ensures accountability and places resources as needed to support enrollment and bolster key programs. His skills in academic leadership were widely recognized among peer institutions and highly valued during periods of transition and program growth.

Chippewa Thomas, director of the Office of Faculty Engagement and EOA, recalls Boosinger’s contributions to outreach and faculty development. “As Provost, Dr. Boosinger supported faculty development and advancement both individually and collectively. He did not hesitate to encourage and empower emerging faculty leadership,” said Thomas. “He also supported further institutionalizing community outreach and championed publicly engaged scholarship at Auburn University.”

While dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Boosinger successfully lobbied for the 1998 Agricultural and Veterinary Bond initiative in Alabama, which was an instrumental step in doubling the college’s facilities. He also worked closely with university leadership and donors to initiate a large-scale renewal of the veterinary campus, resulting in the John Thomas Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital (2004) and the Wilford and Kate Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital and Veterinary Education Center (2014), among other facilities. During his tenure, the College’s annual budget doubled from $24 million to $43 million; research expenditures increased from $2.8 million to $10.2 million annually; and private giving surpassed $39 million.

As a faculty member, Boosinger served as a board-certified anatomic pathologist whose mentorship of students and residents impacted many careers. He was internationally recognized as an expert in bone and joint pathology and in foodborne bacteria that cause illness in humans.

Boosinger’s leadership and engagement extended beyond Auburn University. He served as president of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (2007-08) and as a six-year member of the AVMA Council on Education, the accrediting body for veterinary colleges.

Before joining the Auburn University faculty, Boosinger served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, three years in active duty and 17 years in the reserves. He retired in 1996 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

He was a two-time graduate of Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (DVM, 1976 and PhD, 1983). He was recognized as Purdue University’s Distinguished Alumnus in 2004.

Boosinger’s legacy endures through the ambitious course he set for the College of Veterinary Medicine and the University, which continues today.

"Dr. Boosinger brought unwavering support to the work of Outreach, engagement and service here at Auburn University. Tim’s leadership led to a significant increase in the number of faculty, students and staff contributing to Auburn’s land-grant mission."

- Royrickers Cook, Ph.D.
Vice President for University Outreach
and Associate Provost

Send your Outreach news, opportunities, projects and programs to outnews@auburn.edu or send us your email address to join the monthly newsletter mailing list!

The Outreach newsletter serves to provide our Auburn Family with ongoing updates regarding the tremendous outreach initiatives that are collaboratively launched between our unit and others across campus to impact citizens across Alabama and beyond. We are pleased to add this to our publication portfolio and hope this will inspire you to join us in making a difference!