Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Auburn University to build 5 new research facilities + launch new academic programs
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Auburn University’s Board of Trustees approved several measures to modernize campus infrastructure and expand specialized academic programs last week.
Read on to learn more about the university’s investment in agricultural research, engineering opportunities and new academic programs.
4 new agricultural experiment stations
Auburn’s agricultural program is expanding with the construction of four new 2,500-square-foot “support buildings,” or additional hubs, across the state:
- E.V. Smith
- Brewton
- Autaugaville
- Chilton
The aim of the new buildings is to modernize field research and agricultural innovation, the university said.
“These new spaces expand AAES’s reach where it matters most – out in the fields and communities across Alabama.”
Arthur Appel, interim dean of the College of Agriculture and interim director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
In a previous meeting, the board approved JMR+H Architecture of Montgomery as the project’s architect.
The future of the Haley Center
Auburn’s largest and most widely used academic facility will be evaluated to determine the future of the building, ensuring it meets today’s student and faculty needs.
“Haley Center has long been central to Auburn’s academic life.
“This evaluation is an important step in ensuring that our facilities continue to meet the evolving needs of our students, faculty and staff while advancing the university’s goals for excellence and innovation.”
Vini Nathan, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs
The board decided to move forward in selecting an architect to head up the assessment.
Engineering center to get new lab
A new Analytical, Innovation and Manufacturing Laboratory will be built in the Brown-Kopel Engineering Student Achievement Center thanks to state appropriation funds.
This project will turn 16,000 square feet of “unfinished shell space” into laboratories for electronics, manufacturing, material analytics and advanced manufacturing.
Additionally, a new, terraced entrance will be built off the Ginn Concourse to improve lab access and bring in some natural light.
New academic programs
Finally, three new academic programs were approved by the board:
- Healthcare Management at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM): A new Bachelor of Science at the Montgomery campus to address the regional demand for health administration professionals
- Graduate Certificate in Marketing: A 12-credit-hour program in the Harbert College of Business
- Mass Timber Design (M.S. in Architecture): A new degree option focused on sustainable, bio-based building materials, responding to recent industry investments in the Southeast
The new graduate certificate in marketing will be the only graduate-level marketing certificate in Alabama, specifically designed for working professionals and online MBA students.
Calling all Auburn alum! Which of these big updates or additions are you most excited about? Let us know on Instagram or Facebook by tagging us @thebamabuzz!
