AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn University has named Jeremy Arthur as Assistant Vice President for University Outreach and Professional and Continuing Education, expanding his leadership role within the university’s outreach mission.
In this position, Arthur will provide executive leadership for the Office of Professional and Continuing Education (OPCE), overseeing administrative, financial and academic operations while advancing a wide range of non-credit professional and continuing education programs. He will also continue to provide strategic leadership to the Government & Economic Development Institute (GEDI) through the Vice President for University Outreach.
Arthur brings extensive experience in economic and community development, leadership training and statewide engagement. He has served as Director of GEDI for five years, where he was responsible for the organization’s overall operations, including providing guidance for training, conferencing and professional development programs as well as civic engagement initiatives across Alabama.
“Jeremy’s proven leadership, deep understanding of outreach and commitment to service make him exceptionally well suited for this expanded role,” said Dr. Royrickers Cook, Vice President for University Outreach and Associate Provost. “His ability to build partnerships and deliver impactful programs will strengthen Auburn’s efforts to serve communities across the state and beyond.”
As assistant vice president, Arthur will lead strategic planning and program development for Auburn University Outreach’s professional development and continuing education, including online certificate programs, professional training, conferences and events, global leadership initiatives and youth programs. He will also focus on expanding non-credit credentials, micro-credentialing and corporate training opportunities to support workforce development, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning. He will continue leading the strategic visioning and oversight of the program of work for the Government & Economic Development Institute’s mission as the primary resource for education and training, consultation, and research by the State and local governments and the economic development community.
In addition, Arthur will collaborate with Auburn’s academic colleges and external partners to enhance outreach programming and foster interdisciplinary initiatives that increase access to high-quality professional education. His role includes identifying funding opportunities, generating revenue and ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of outreach programs.
Arthur’s career reflects a strong commitment to economic development and public service. He began his career serving as president of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce, where he led community development, tourism and economic development initiatives. He later served as president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama, representing local chambers statewide through advocacy, training and leadership development.
A seventh-generation Alabamian, Arthur is a two-time Auburn University graduate and a Ph.D. candidate in public administration and public policy. He also holds the Certified Chamber of Commerce Executive (CCE) designation, a credential earned by fewer than 4% of chamber executives nationwide.
Arthur said he is honored to take on the expanded role and continue advancing Auburn’s outreach mission.
“Auburn University has a long-standing commitment to serving communities through education, engagement and innovation,” Arthur said. “I look forward to working with our partners across campus and beyond to expand opportunities that support economic growth, workforce development and lifelong learning.”
For more information about University Outreach programs, visit Auburn University Outreach.
Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Auburn University Outreach, outcomm@auburn.edu
Jennifer Ryan, GEDI -Communications & Marketing Manager, 334-728-7863
jennifer.ryan@auburn.edu
