Auburn Outreach

I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work.

I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully.

I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men.

I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities.

I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all.

I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.

I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by “doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God.”

And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it.

-The Auburn Creed, George Petrie (1943)

Dear Auburn Family, Donors, and Community Partners:

I am delighted to present the Auburn University Outreach Impact Report, a comprehensive overview of our efforts and achievements over the past year. This report highlights the significant strides we have made in aligning with Auburn University’s land-grant mission and our commitment to outreach and engagement, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for Alabama citizens and beyond.

Our outreach initiatives have continued to evolve, leveraging innovative approaches and strategic partnerships to address the pressing needs of our communities. By supporting and amplifying the work of Auburn faculty, staff, and students we have advanced educational opportunities, promoted economic development and enhanced public health and environmental sustainability. Auburn Outreach remains dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.

By collaborating with academic, governmental and individual or private sector partners, we have been able to extend our reach and amplify our impact. This report showcases numerous examples of how these partnerships have led to ongoing groundbreaking solutions and transformative outcomes.

As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to being both grounded in our values and groundbreaking in our approach. Auburn Outreach will continue to innovate and adapt, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our communities while staying true to our core mission. We are dedicated to improve lives and strive to make the experience for students on campus memorable by providing hands-on opportunities to make a difference in the world.

As a land-grant institution, Auburn has a special legacy in serving the community beyond campus through Outreach. For more than a century, Auburn University’s outreach and engagement mission has been partnering with communities, businesses, schools and government to help people meet their educational goals and improve quality of life across our state.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. With your help, Auburn Outreach can act as a catalyst for positive change and outcomes. Together, we are building a brighter future for Auburn, the state of Alabama and the world.

War Eagle!

Sincerely,
Royrickers Cook
Vice President for University Outreach and Associate Provost
Auburn University

Health & Wellness

Partnering with communities to increase access to high quality and affordable health and wellness care throughout rural Alabama.

Auburn University Rural Health Initiative

Rural Health Initiative

Auburn University is pioneering innovative, collaborative solutions to deliver healthcare to Alabama’s rural communities who lack access.

The Rural Health Initiative is a partnership between Auburn University Outreach, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and key campus leaders, including faculty and students from Pharmacy, Nursing, Human Sciences, and Liberal Arts. It is an evolving model – integrating telehealth, outreach, and public-private partnerships – centered on patient care, with sustained community engagement.

Students gain invaluable hands-on experience, enhancing their education and future careers. Your support is crucial to the Auburn University Rural Health Initiative, which is committed to improving access to health and wellness and addressing health disparities across Alabama.

2024 At A Glance

January 2024 - December 2024

Patient Consults - 1,207

Patient health needs met - 98%

Touchpoints with AU Faculty & Students - 552

outreach.auburn.edu//ruralhealth/

Education & Experimental Learning

Auburn’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Achieve initiative provides greater access and opportunities to more than 6,500 Alabama middle school students.

GEAR UP Achieve

What better way is there for middle schoolers to visualize themselves as university students than to spend a week on campuses across Alabama engaging with faculty and learning the ins and outs of college life?

Through GEAR UP Achieve, forty-three 8th graders participated in the program’s inaugural Summer Academy. Offered at Auburn University and in locations in Birmingham and northeast Alabama, the 2024 GEAR UP Achieve Summer Academy emphasized academic enrichment, college planning and career exploration.

Led by efforts from the College of Education and University Outreach, GEAR UP Achieve is a seven-year grant that follows a cohort of 8th grade students through their high school years and into their first year of postsecondary education to help ensure greater postsecondary access and success. Scholarships to accredited institutions of higher education will be available to students who complete the GEAR UP Achieve program.

Guiding 6,500 Alabama middle school students

THE BEST IS YET TO COME.

Building a Campaign

Build a campus.
Build a community.
Build a legacy.

Building a Legacy

Adults over 50 are the fastest-growing demographic both locally and nationally. By 2034, one in five adults in the U.S. will be over age 65. Locally, the number of Auburn alumni retiring to Lee County has grown by 60% over the past decade. These trends, combined with our commitment to providing transformative experiences for retired and semi-retired adults, motivate us to build on our strengths and position Auburn University as a leader in lifelong learning.

To advance our mission and continue to offer exceptional opportunities for our constituents, we must create a dedicated space that supports the growing demand for lifelong learning. A new facility will maximize instructional capacity, enhance program innovation and meet the various needs of our expanding community.

Our vision for OLLI at Auburn is to construct a purpose-built space to enhance the courses we offer. Strategically located adjacent to the university’s only owned space for the institute, this building will serve as a central hub to foster meaningful community, connection, and legacy. Our members have shown enthusiastic commitment to OLLI’s future. In just six months, members pledged more than $1 million.

Private support is key to making this vision a reality. Financial contributions from Auburn alumni and friends will drive the project forward. Together, we can create a space where lifelong learners can engage intellectually, share expertise, and form new connections. This will enrich their lives through creativity, activity and community.

Aligned with Auburn University’s land-grant mission, OLLI aims to set a new standard in lifelong education and create intergenerational connections. The new building at Sunny Slope will offer innovative programming that fosters valuable relationships, enhances educational opportunities and strengthens community partnerships. Instructional spaces designed for both in-person and online courses will meet local needs and extend OLLI’s mission across Alabama and beyond.

Members have pledged more than $1 million in six months to the building campaign!

Live to serve. Love to serve!

Circle K International

Service. Leadership. Fellowship.

Circle K International (CKI) is one of the world’s largest student-led collegiate service organizations, with thousands of members on hundreds of campuses across the globe.

The collegiate branch of the Kiwanis International family (Kiwanis Club of Auburn and local Key Clubs), CKI is committed to developing leaders by offering unique service, leadership and fellowship opportunities that change the world and the lives of our members.

CKI at Auburn University members leave college with real-life networking and leadership skills and a love for serving others.

CKI members are dedicated to literacy, childhood development and environmental justice. These issues are addressed by serving those who struggle to access food, housing and mental health resources. CKI also partners with UNICEF USA to raise awareness about the need for clean drinking water worldwide.

Empower Minds, Change the World.

2024-25 Theme: Literacy

PARTNERSHIPS: Kiwanis Club of Auburn, Lee Country Literacy, Auburn Public Library, East AL Food Bank, CARE Humane Society, Timothy Manor, EASE House, Boykin Senior Center

Projects:Little Library/Book Drive, Make Blankets, Make Dog Toys, Cards for Sick Kids & Military, Toiletry & Household Supply Drive for Seniors, Volunteer Opportunities with AU Outreach, the Auburn community, Kiwanis and more.

Circle K International at Auburn University is a student-led organization. Circle K International is the world’s largest student-led collegiate service organization whose basic principles are service, fellowship and leadership. CKI at Auburn encourages students from across campus to make a difference in the community to make the world a better place. CKI@Auburn is sponsored by Auburn University Outreach through the Office of Public Service.

The Campus Kitchen at Auburn University is a student-led on-campus service organization committed to fighting hunger in the Auburn-Opelika community. Our mission is to eliminate food insecurity across Lee County. By picking up surplus food from dining halls, organizational events and other locations, we repurpose unserved food into nourishing, nutritious meals with respect to dietary needs for over 18 community partners. Hundreds of volunteers serve weekly at our headquarters in Lupton Hall in the Quad.

Campus Kitchen launched its Mobile Food Pantries project during the 2024 Tiger Giving Day and was funded at 112%. These pantries will create mobile food pantries strategically positioned across Auburn and Opelika to directly address the pressing issue of food insecurity within our community. This would not be possible without the dedication of our students and the support of partners and donors.

CKAU SPRING 2024 STATS

Each Meal is a Step Closer to Forking Hunger

14,075 lbs of food collected

12,730 meals delivered

647 pans delivered

811 shift hours completed

The Campus Kitchen^SM at Auburn Univeristy is a student-led 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The Campus Kitchen is committed to fighting hunger and food waste in Auburn and the East Alabama community. Campus Kitchen is sponsored by Auburn University Outreach through the Office of Public Service.

THIS SEMESTER WSA THE MOST SUCCESSFUL SEMEMSTER IN CKAU HISTORY AND THAT WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT ALL OUR AMAZING SHIFT LEADERS AND VOLUNTEERS!
-JAKE GAERTNER (PRESIDENT OF CKAU)

The 2024 Most Exceptional Campus Organization!!!

(Awarded by AU Student Involvement!!)

Award
Recipient

Dr. Royrickers Cook
Endowed Engagement Award

Sean Forbes

Presented annually to one faculty or staff member who has shown an ongoing and purposeful commitment to implementing outreach. This award is intended to honor one recipient who understands civic and community engagement, interpersonal relationships and serving the underserved.

Sean Forbes, a professor of educational psychology at Auburn University, is the visionary behind O Grows, a community-driven initiative that started over 12 years ago with a simple garden at his son’s school. This project, located in Opelika, Alabama, has since grown into a vital local food initiative that addresses food insecurity, offers educational opportunities and fosters community relationships. O Grows includes a 24/7 community garden, a state-certified farmers market and educational programs. The success of O Grows is deeply rooted in partnerships with Auburn University, the City of Opelika and others. Philanthropy plays a crucial role in its ongoing impact and future growth.

“The O Grows program exemplifies the university’s commitment to community partnership and outreach by addressing issues of food insecurity in the Opelika area,” said College of Education Dean Jeffrey Fairbrother. “It is an honor for Sean Forbes to be recognized by University Outreach with this prestigious award, and it reinforces our commitment to continue this important work.”

– Jeffrey T. Fairbrother
Dean and Wayne T. Smith Distinguished Professor
of Auburn’s College of Education

Award
Recipient

Award for Excellence in Faculty Outreach

JoEllen Sefton

This award honors the engagement of exemplary faculty members and demonstrates the tremendous impact Outreach has on the community, state, nation and beyond.

This annual award, and a $5,000 honorarium, is presented to one Auburn faculty member for distinguished outreach contributions which exemplify the qualities and purposes of reciprocal and beneficial community engagement, and which exceed expectations for the person’s career stage and job responsibilities.

JoEllen Sefton’s outreach work exemplifies the integration of academic research with practical applications, directly benefiting tactical athletes and first responders. Her initiatives have not only improved the health, performance and well-being of these individuals but have also influenced military training practices and policies. Sefton’s dedication to outreach and her ability to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders make her a deserving recipient of the 2024 Award for Excellence in Faculty Outreach.

JoEllen Sefton, an endowed alumni professor and director of the School of Kinesiology’s Warrior Research Center and Neuromechanics Research Laboratory in the College of Education, has been recognized with the 2024 Award for Excellence in Faculty Outreach for her significant contributions to the health and performance of military personnel, first responders and other tactical athletes.

Sefton develops and teaches courses related to neuromechanics, research, and sports medicine. Through her leadership at the Warrior Research Center (WRC), Sefton has developed and implemented numerous programs that integrate academic research with practical applications. Notably, the Warrior Athletic Training (WAT) program, supported by the Department of Defense, provided comprehensive sports medicine care to over 60,000 soldiers annually and influenced the adoption of athletic trainers across all Army Initial Entry Training units. Additionally, Sefton has organized the Tactical Athlete Summit, fostering collaboration among researchers, human performance professionals, and tactical athletes to share best practices and innovative solutions.

Sefton’s outreach extends beyond the military to include first responders such as firefighters and police officers. She has collaborated with the Auburn Fire Department and the Alabama Firefighters Academy to develop programs aimed at improving health and performance, including research on the effects of heat on cognitive performance and the development of cooling methods for firefighters. Her efforts have also led to the creation of a Tactical Wellness Program for the Auburn City Police Department. Furthermore, Sefton’s work with Auburn University’s ROTC programs has prepared future military leaders to implement effective health and fitness practices. Her innovative collaborations have resulted in new technologies and methods to support tactical athletes, ensuring their safety and effectiveness in challenging conditions.

Auburn University faculty and staff who are addressing current issues with real world practical solutions ...

LaKami Baker

Dr. LaKami Baker, the Russell Foundation Associate Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies at Harbert College of Business, bridges the gap between academia and industry. She teaches strategy and technology commercialization, equipping students with essential skills for the modern workforce. Her outreach fosters entrepreneurial skills and supports economic development and entrepreneurship growth across Alabama. The impact of Dr. Baker’s efforts is evident in the enhanced employability and entrepreneurial success of her students, significantly contributing to workforce development and regional economic growth. In addition, Baker provides entrepreneurship training to people in Benin, West Africa in collaboration with the Office of Outreach Global in Auburn University Outreach.

Rural Studio

in Selma, Alabama

The Rural Studio in the College of Architecture, Design, and Construction addresses housing shortages in Selma exacerbated by an EF-2 tornado in January 2023. The solution in

volves developing sustainable, affordable, and high-performance housing through the Front Porch Initiative. This initiative, supported by a $1 million grant, collaborates with local and state partners to design and implement housing projects tailored to community needs. The impact of Rural Studio’s work is profound, providing much-needed housing for displaced families and workers, thereby fostering economic development and resilience.

AU’s Rural Studio Front Porch Initiative partnered with the City of Selma Planning and Development Department, Selma Housing Authority, Black Belt Community Foundation, AU Outreach and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) to develop sustainable, affordable housing within the city. A $1 million grant will support the work, with funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and matching funds from Regions Bank, Wells Fargo, Auburn University’s Office of the Provost, University Outreach, ACES and the College of Architecture, Design and Construction.

Alicia Powers

As the Managing Director of the Hunger Solutions Institute (HSI)–College of Human Sciences, Powers has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy eating habits both locally and globally. Her career in community nutrition began with co-founding LiveWell Greenville, a non-profit focused on healthy eating and active living. At HSI, Powers has secured over $13 million in grant funding, supporting programs like the End Child Hunger in Alabama (ECHA) initiative and the Alabama Campus Coalition for Basic Needs. She has also led the Nourish Wellness program and several large-scale nutrition incentive programs, including Alabama Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) and the Healthy Fluid Milk Initiative (HFMI). Powers’ outreach efforts have profoundly impacted community health, improving access to healthy foods, addressing food insecurity and promoting holistic health care. Her efforts exemplify the integration of research, education and community service.

Katilya Ware

Katilya Ware, Associate Professor in the College of Nursing, has significantly contributed to community health through her extensive outreach work. She focuses on improving maternal health outcomes and addressing substance use among adolescents, particularly in underserved communities. Ware’s “Improving Maternal Health and Pregnancy-associated or Related Deaths through Community Togetherness” (IMPaCT) program addresses maternal health disparities by fostering collaboration among African American women, their families, and healthcare providers. She also leads the “East Alabama Breakthrough for Youth” program, educating adolescents on stress management and healthy coping mechanisms. Ware’s initiatives have educated over 500 adolescents and impacted more than 40 students, significantly improving community health.

Ryan Thomson

Ryan Thomson, Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, College of Agriculture, has made significant contributions to addressing heirs’ property issues through his extensive outreach work. As Chair of the USDA Southern Extension and Research Activity’s (SERA-49) project, Thomson has trained hundreds of Extension agents, lawyers, and community organizers across the U.S. His work with organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center underscores his commitment to supporting marginalized communities. Cofounding the Alabama Heirs’ Property Alliance (AHPA), Thomson has created educational frameworks and secured significant grant funding, making him a leading voice on heirs’ property issues.

Wilmer Pacheco

Wilmer Pacheco, Associate Professor of Poultry Science, College of Agriculture, has significantly impacted the poultry and feed industries. His outreach work focuses on improving feed manufacturing, enhancing poultry nutrition, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Pacheco supports Alabama’s feed industry through a robust extension program and has helped feed mills comply with the FSMA. He has organized training sessions for safe operations and collaborated internationally to develop programs for the Soy Excellence Centers. His efforts include the Feed Science Podcast and partnerships with institutions like Zamorano University, advancing Auburn’s mission and addressing real-world challenges.

Center for
Educational Outreach
& Engagement

Transforming local underserved K-12 communities through programs and partnerships in the classroom and beyond.

Campus Tours

AU Outreach
Ambassadors

The Center for Educational Outreach and Engagement (CEOE) at Auburn University is committed to enriching Alabama’s youth, schools and communities through impactful programs. By utilizing the university’s resources, CEOE creates opportunities for students to engage in academic, social and cultural experiences that promote college and career readiness.

We support existing initiatives and develop new programs to equip students with the 21st-century skills they need for success. In addition to preparing students for postsecondary education and careers, CEOE emphasizes the importance of global citizenship.

Our mission is to inspire Alabama’s youth and prepare them for future leadership in their communities and the world.

GEAR UP ACHIEVE

Almost 7000 8th grade students across Alabama participate in college and career readiness for total of 7 years

WIOA*

Bullock and Macon county seniors earned diplomas, 29 digital badges and 70 certificates of completion

CAREER AND TECHNICAL ACADEMY

52 students in Lee County completed 710 hours of college prep and career instruction

(YPiT)* YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IN TRAINING

College pipeline program that exposes underserved students in 5th-12th grade to college and professional careers

*100% GRADUATION RATE

Encyclopedia of Alabama

Free, online reference resource on Alabama’s history, culture, geography and natural environment. EOA is an outreach initiative of Auburn University working in collaboration with a number of state agencies, educational institutions and historical and humanities organizations across Alabama.

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALABAMA HAS ANSWERS

Auburn University Outreach’s Encyclopedia of Alabama has been featured in Alabama Living Magazine’s October 2024 issue. (article written by Katie Jackson)

The full article can be found at: alabamaliving.coop/articles/got-questions (Source: Alabama Living Magazine)

4 MILLION

• 30 MILLION page views generaged by 15 million visitors
• 2,400+ Published Entries (with new content added monthly)
• 5,800 multi-media items
• 854 entry authors
• 240 countries & territories reached
• Used by 50 states and the District of Columbia

Launched in 2008, The Encyclopedia of Alabama is housed in the Office of Faculty Engagement in Auburn University Outreach. EOA has been recognized nationally for its excellent content. It was named a “Best of Free Reference” by the Library Journal, the library field’s leading professional publication. The Internet Scout Project, a respected source of online resources for researchers and educators that is hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, featured EOA in an issue of its Scout Report. EOA is regularly named in Family Tree Magazine’s annual listings of “best” sites. In 2016, the site was presented the Alabama Historical Association’s inaugural “Digital History Award” for excellence in projects that deliver information on Alabama’s past using the internet and social media tools.

Faculty Engagement

Providing campus-wide support, advocacy and leadership in the promotion of outreach and community engagement at Auburn University.

The Office of Faculty Engagement at Auburn University Outreach provides leadership and advocacy for faculty-driven outreach and community engagement across campus. By offering critical support, the office empowers faculty to make lasting impacts through various programs. These include the Award for Excellence in Faculty Outreach, the Faculty Outreach and Engagement Council and the Outreach and Engaged Scholarship Symposium.

One of the office’s key initiatives is the Competitive Outreach Scholarship Grants, which fund faculty projects that directly benefit communities. Additionally, the office oversees the Encyclopedia of Alabama (EOA), a vital educational resource for K-12 students and teachers across the state. Faculty Engagement also offers EOA Teacher Workshops, equipping educators with tools to integrate Alabama’s history and culture into their classrooms.

Through these programs, the Office of Faculty Engagement enhances Auburn’s role as a leader in community-engaged scholarship and supports the university’s mission of service.

• 658 Engaged Outreach Scholar/Practitioners on Auburn’s Campus (faculty, staff and students)
• $201,892 Competitive Outreach Scholarship Grants awarded (through 2025)
• 27 consultations with faculty members (fall semester 2024)

The Office of Faculty Engagement hosts The Faculty Outreach and Engagement Council (FOEC) and the Outreach & Engagement Community of Practice (OECOP) supporting Auburn University faculty, staff and student outreach, community engagement, extension and engaged scholarship.

Government & Economic

Development Institute

Providing impactful training and assistance to governments, elected officials, economic developers, community leaders and businesses.

The Government & Economic Development Institute (GEDI) builds better communities throughout Alabama by training and equipping local leaders, public servants and economic development professionals.

This year we fulfilled Auburn University’s land grant mission and achieved success by:

• Building community and government leadership capacity by administering 71 professional development programs,
• Helping our elected officials to serve their communities better by providing 124 local elected officials with crucial training and educational programs,
• Strengthening communities by training 1,264 local government administrators and issuing 138 certifications and re-certifications,
• Awarding over 1,030 Continuing Education Units,
• Improving the lives of families by engaging 1,491 Alabama parents in government policy research on childcare,
• Supporting the hopes and dreams of future entrepreneurs by hosting 8 community workshops across the state so that their businesses can thrive.

• $102,250 Raised to support critical programs
• 30 Program partner collaborations
• 67 Alabama counties impacted through training & educating leaders & citizens
• 40th graduating class of the Intensive Economic Development Training Course

Outreach Global

GLOBAL COMMUNITY DAY FESTIVAL

Founded in 2016, Outreach Global is a pivotal office within Auburn University Outreach, dedicated to fostering global engagement and community development at home and across the world. Through affordable, short-term service-learning experiences, Outreach Global enables students who may not afford traditional study abroad programs to gain invaluable cultural immersion and global exposure. By doing so, it broadens educational horizons and promotes collective uniqueness in experiential learning.

Outreach Global also facilitates short-term outreach and research opportunities for Auburn faculty, fostering academic growth and cross-cultural collaboration. The programs expose participants—students, faculty, staff and non-university partners—to diverse perspectives, encouraging critical thinking and a deeper understanding of global issues, including cultural, social, political and economic dimensions.

Furthermore, Outreach Global strengthens both domestic and international partnerships by offering capacity training programs, both online and face-to-face, promoting sustainable community engagement and development, Global Community Day Festival, and Fulbright In The Classroom. In doing so, Outreach Global plays a crucial role in expanding Auburn University’s global footprint while enriching the learning experiences of its community.

• 2,000+ PATIENTS in Ghana received free healthcare and medications.
• 100+ STUDENTS participated in service-learning programs in Ghana, Greece, and Tanzania.
• 20+ faculty & staff engaged in service-learning and research.
• 500 global partners received capacity training in Benin, Ghana, and Tanzania.
• 2,000 textbooks & supplies donated

* Since 2017

Office of Professional
and Continuing
Education

Making the educational resources of AU available for non-credit education programs designed to promote lifelong learning – regardless of age, interest or location.

The Office of Professional and Continuing Education (OPCE) plays a pivotal role in extending the university’s educational resources to a broader audience through fee for service non-credit programs designed to foster lifelong learning. By offering a variety of courses, workshops and certificate programs, OPCE empowers individuals to enhance their professional skills, stay competitive in the job market and pursue personal enrichment. Programs and services are offered in professional and workforce development, personal development, youth programs and conference and event services. These programs and services are accessible to anyone, regardless of their background or career path. They are available in various formats, including online and live sessions, ensuring flexibility and convenience for participants.

OPCE’s impact is evident in its commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the workforce and community. Through initiatives like the EagleCast Webinar Series, Global Leadership Training Initiative, Korea Corner and specialized bootcamps in software development, artificial intelligence and design, OPCE equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic and competitive environment. Additionally, the office’s focus on military families and high-demand fields such as healthcare, IT and skilled trades underscores its dedication to supporting economic development and individual career advancement. OPCE bridges the gap between academia and practical application, significantly contributing to the professional growth and lifelong learning of its participants.

• TOTAL REGISTRATIONS - 12,039 through 507 programs, certifications and non-credit courses
• Awarding 26,057 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• 4,277 youth served from 37 states and 4 countries through Auburn Youth Programs camps and conferences
• 1,436 workforce certification credential enrollments including 777 active-duty military and their spouses
• 210 Educators Trained through the Advanced Placement Summer Institute
• 11 MOUs signed and 6 agreements with International Research Institutes, Universities, and Industrial Partnerships

Office of Public Service

The Office of Public Service (OPS) at Auburn University fosters student, faculty and staff engagement through impactful community partnerships. Our programs connect the university to the public, strengthening our collective commitment to service.

OPS proudly supports student groups like Campus Kitchen and Circle K International, which empower students to engage in meaningful service. The AuburnServes network connects over 140 community partners with Auburn’s faculty and students, offering volunteer opportunities and service-learning projects that address critical needs. Key campus and community partners supporting these opportunities include Rural Studio, O’Grows, Braveheart, Children’s Harbor and municipalities and townships across the state.

Other initiatives include the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, AmeriCorp VISTA program, the MLK Day Scholarship Breakfast & Day of Service, All In All Pink breast cancer and general health awareness and the Gulf South Summit.

The Auburn University Rural Health Initiative engages students, faculty and staff across disciplines in working with communities to improve the health and wellness in Alabama’s areas with limited healthcare access and increased health disparities. The Auburn Across Alabama bus tour is another flagship initiative, where faculty, staff and students travel to underserved communities across the state, building partnerships that foster lasting change. Through these efforts, OPS provides tools, support and visibility to community engagement, ensuring Auburn University remains a leader in service addressing real-world needs in the state with solutions through collaboration.

Whether through student involvement, community collaboration or innovative outreach, the Office of Public Service is committed to enriching the lives of Alabamians and beyond.

• 26 New Campus and Community Partnerships
• $878,754 Funds Secured
• 69 Auburn Across Alabama participants
• 29 Faculty Engagements with Children’s Harbor
• 140 Community Partners in AuburnServes network

Osher Lifelong
Learning Institute

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI) is a membership organization offering engaging courses, social connection and volunteer opportunities. The program is designed for adults aged 50 and over; however, all adults are welcome. OLLI at Auburn serves over 650 members on 2 campuses with innovative programs to enrich the lives of members, create intergenerational connections and develop community partnerships. From lectures to hands-on workshops, OLLI offers something for everyone. Volunteer instructors teach over 2,000 hours of courses each year in history, writing, current affairs, health and wellness, nature, arts and literature. Lifelong learning is known to improve memory, decrease cognitive decline and enhance both physical and psychological well-being.

At OLLI, curiosity never retires.

Celebrating 34 years!

• 200+ Courses
• 45 Public Lectures
• 20 Field Trips & Socials
• $55,000 Awarded in Grants
• 650+ Members

What’s Next 2025-26?

Guided by Auburn University’s 2035 Strategic Plan, titled “Grounded & Groundbreaking,” Auburn University Outreach envisions a future emphasizing the university’s commitment to transformative education, research and community outreach and engagement. One key focus area, Catalytic Engagement, aims to position Auburn as a premier resource for addressing technological, economic and environmental challenges through strategic partnerships and innovative outreach programming.

Auburn Outreach is poised to play a pivotal role in this vision by expanding its reach and impact. The plan outlines a future where Auburn Outreach will employ next-generation approaches to deliver forward-looking outreach programs that inform and educate the public. This will involve leveraging cuttingedge technology and methodologies to engage with the citizens of Alabama and beyond, fostering lifelong learning and community development.

The concept of “Grounded and Groundbreaking” is central to Auburn Outreach’s future initiatives. Being “grounded” reflects Auburn’s deep-rooted commitment to its core values and traditions as a land-grant institute, while “groundbreaking” signifies its drive to innovate and lead in new directions. Auburn Outreach will embody this duality by maintaining strong community ties and heritage, while simultaneously facilitating and pioneering new programs and partnerships that address modern issues and future needs.

One of the exciting prospects for Auburn Outreach is its enhanced focus on collaborative efforts with academic constituents, governmental and private organizations and the community at large. These partnerships will be crucial in developing practical solutions to real-world problems, from engaging advancements in cybersecurity and AI initiatives to improving healthcare and educational opportunities in underserved communities. By fostering these collaborations, Auburn Outreach aims to create a more resilient and prosperous society.

Furthermore, Auburn Outreach will continue to support the university’s mission of delivering exceptional education and conducting impactful research. This includes providing students with opportunities to engage in community service and applied research projects that have tangible benefits for the local and global community. Such experiences not only enrich students’ academic journeys but also prepare them to be leaders and innovators in their respective fields.

Auburn University Outreach will continue to use catalytic engagement to harness the university’s extensive expertise and resources to address pressing social, health, technological, economic and environmental challenges. By maintaining synergistic partnerships with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, industries, research centers, governmental and non-governmental organizations, Auburn aims to create impactful solutions that benefit both local and global communities. Auburn Outreach’s goal is to enhance public education and lifelong learning, driving economic growth and improving quality of life throughout the state of Alabama and beyond.

In summary, Auburn Outreach is set to be a cornerstone of Auburn University’s strategic vision. Through catalytic engagement and a commitment to being both grounded and groundbreaking, Auburn Outreach will enhance its role – addressing real-world problems with real-world solutions. This dynamic approach will ensure that Auburn remains a transformative force in higher education and a vital resource for addressing the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Auburn Outreach believes in the power of catalytic engagement. By bringing resources, people and communities together, we are able to take on big problems and create lasting solutions. Join us in our mission to make the state, nation and world a better place through collaboration and innovation.

LIFELONG LEARNING

586+

Undergrad Students Engaged
with Auburn University Outreach

Auburn University Outreach offers students valuable experiences that enhance their academic journey and personal growth. Engagement spans various departments, projects, programs and sponsored student groups, showcasing the university’s commitment to community involvement and experiential learning.

2024 At A Glance

• $1,275,293 Funds Secured
• 4 New Rural Health Centeres Opened (Chambers, Greene, Sumter and Wilcox counties. First wellness center established in Chambers county in March 2023)
• 97 Campus & Community Partnerships*
• 720 Outreach Activities
• 37,057 people enrolled in classes & programs
• 29,550 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Awarded