Upcoming Academic Programs

Auburn Journalism Day is an annual event organized and sponsored by the School of Communication and Journalism that gives students an opportunity to network with working professionals and learn about the latest trends and important issues in the field. Held every fall semester, usually in mid-to-late October, Journalism Day traditionally includes a keynote address from a prominent alumnus of the School of Communication and Journalism as well as multiple panels moderated by faculty with various professionals and experts.

• In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding, the journalism faculty are preparing some special programming, including a keynote speaker that can address the state of political journalism in the country and state. This is especially relevant given the gubernatorial and midterm federal elections happening in 2026.

• The School is also planning to host a few special panels focusing on the historical role of journalism in the country’s founding and how journalism shapes democracy in an increasingly digital and fragmented society.

Building on the success of last summer’s Geo Explorer Auburn Quest Out West expedition—from Auburn to the Esri Education Summit in San Diego and back—the College of Sciences and Mathematics is preparing an expanded, coast-to-coast initiative aligned with the upcoming 250th commemoration.

This July, Geo Explorer Auburn will travel to Washington, D.C., and then across the country, visiting national parks and landmarks to host pop-up Geo Explorer events focused on STEM education, outdoor science and recreation, and America 250. This next phase positions Auburn to elevate its national visibility in environmental education, civic engagement, and public service.

Geo Explorer Auburn operates a mobile STEM lab that brings hands-on, field-based investigations directly to schools, communities, and public spaces across Alabama and the United States. The lab serves as a platform for engaging learners of all ages through experiential education rooted in science, technology, and place-based discovery. More information is available at www.geoexplorerlabs.org.

Advancing Environmental Literacy Nationwide: The mobile lab brings environmental science and geospatial technology to life through hands-on, immersive experiences that showcase Auburn’s leadership in sustainability education and outreach.

Expanding Youth STEM Access: Through engaging K–12 programs, Geo Explorer Auburn offers students opportunities to learn by doing—exploring real-world science, discovering career pathways, and applying technology in meaningful ways that reflect Auburn’s land-grant mission and commitment to developing future STEM leaders.

Strengthening Civic and Community Engagement: Through America 250 programming, Geo Explorer Auburn weaves environmental learning together with national heritage, civic awareness, and community storytelling, highlighting Auburn’s public-service mission and extending its impact to communities across the country.

Building on the inaugural 2025 national trek, the upcoming journey will span the country, visiting national parks and public lands to deliver family-friendly STEM programming and America 250 Field Trip experiences that celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Interactive, Field-Based Exhibits: The mobile lab offers hands-on investigations that promote environmental stewardship, sustainable thinking, and outdoor science education in public spaces nationwide.

1. OLLI Course, Winter Term, 2026: "US 250: Perspectives from Auburn University History Faculty,” in collaboration with AU History Department

2. 6th Grade Teacher Workshop on U.S. Independence and Creating U.S. Government, in collaboration with Auburn Public Schools

3. Public talks with guest True Lewis on “My True Roots to the American Revolution,” in collaboration with Opelika chapter of NAACP and Elmore County History Museum

4. Constitution Day Lecture with Dr. John Fea, Messiah University, in collaboration with AU History and AU Libraries

Together, Pebble Hill and the Department of History will launch a speaker series, Revolutionary Legacies, that features three faculty members talking about the legacies of the Revolution on their area of expertise, including journalism, law and public health. The Auburn faculty include assistant professor Autumn Linford from the School of Communication and Journalism and professor Steve Brown from the Department of Political Science.

The first speaker will include professor Andy Wehrman, a historian of medicine at Central Michigan University, whose lecture will also be included in the Medical and Health Humanities Speaker Series.

This spring, Auburn University’s ROTC will incorporate America 250 into a rappel tower event by inviting faculty to participate, engaging cadets in conversation, and creating a visible tribute to the nation’s 250th anniversary, including a symbolic rappel display and photo opportunities during cadet certification training in the spring.

This year, Auburn’s Navy cadets will create a one-of-a-kind semiquincentennial salute at the heart of campus, bringing cadets in full uniform together at the Clock Tower to form “250,” framed by American flags and punctuated by a soaring War Eagle flyover. Designed as a visual tribute to service, tradition and the enduring ideals of the nation’s founding, the moment will blend Auburn pride with a powerful commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.