State invests $22M for new Kay Ivey Institute for Civic Leadership at Auburn
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Auburn University has received a $22 million investment from the state of Alabama to establish a new civic center honoring alumna Kay Ivey.
The Kay Ivey Institute for Civic Leadership hopes to expand on Auburn’s commitment to “preparing students for lives of character, informed citizenship and responsible leadership, while creating an educational legacy for students, communities and the nation.”
The funds came through the state government’s Public School and College Authority (PSCA) program.
“The Public School and College Authority funding allows us to make generational investments in the classrooms that are fostering future generations. There is simply no task more important than equipping our young people with the best opportunities to succeed.”
Gov. Kay Ivey
Kay Ivey Institute for Civic Leadership
Ivey graduated from Auburn University in 1967 and has a long career of civic service including:
- State treasurer
- Lieutenant governor
- Governor
“Gov. Ivey exemplifies the very best of Auburn — strength of character, a deep commitment to service and an abiding love for Alabama and our country. It is an extraordinary privilege to recognize her consequential career through an institute dedicated to equipping students to lead with knowledge, integrity and purpose.”
Christopher Robers, Auburn president
Auburn hopes the new institute can place character, civic fluency and respect for U.S. history at the center of leadership education. The program will carry forward the university’s educational mission by preparing graduates to “serve their communities, institutions and nation with knowledge, integrity and purpose.”
The school said the institution’s academic direction, programming and long-term priorities will be developed in the coming months. Further plans including design, location and details of total funding needed are expected to be announced at a later time.
“I can think of no more fitting way to honor her extraordinary legacy than through an institute dedicated to preparing future generations for lives of responsible citizenship and leadership. The Kay Ivey Institute will embody the values that have long defined Auburn — love of country, strength of character and a commitment to serving something greater than oneself.”
Jimmy Rane, Auburn trustee and chair of the Board of Trustees’ Governmental Affairs Committee
