December 2024 Volume 3, Issue 4 | |
Rural Health Initiative Expansion
The Auburn University Rural Health Initiative invites faculty and staff to explore our four new health and wellness locations in West Alabama, featuring the innovative OnMed CareStations.
This expansion, made possible by generous funding from the Alabama State Department of Finance and a partnership with the University of West Alabama, aims to significantly enhance health access in areas facing substantial health disparities. We extend heartfelt gratitude to our county, community, and city partners, as well as the dedicated faculty and staff of Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, for their unwavering commitment and open hearts in bringing these locations to life. This inspiring vision, championed by Dr. Royrickers Cook, Vice President for University Outreach and Associate Provost, is now becoming a reality across the state, growing, and making a profound impact.
For more information or to schedule your visit, please contact Hollie Cost at hollie.cost@auburn.edu. Auburn University Rural Health Initiative site
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GEDI HOSTS INTENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRAINING COURSE 40 YEAR REUNION
The Government & Economic Development Institute graduated its 40th class of the Intensive Economic Development Training Course in September of this year and held a 40-year reunion event October 28-30 in Auburn to celebrate. The program has graduated approximately 1,700 students since its inception and about 100 alumni returned to The Plains to learn from industry experts, network, tour various Auburn University landmarks and reminisce about their lives and careers since completing the program.
The reunion featured educational sessions that looked back on large economic development wins for the state of Alabama, including the locating of businesses like Mercedes, Hyundai, Novelis and Airbus, as well as game-changing recreational investments like the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Participants got to peek behind the curtain and learn from the key players in each of these projects to understand all the details, resources, partnerships and timelines that were necessary to bring these projects to life in Alabama. They also learned about growth strategies, trends, demographics and potential economic development opportunities. A luncheon and several receptions were held, as well as optional tours of Jordan-Hare Stadium, The Rane Culinary Arts Center, New Realm Brewing Company and The Jule Colins Smith Museum. The group even enjoyed a visit from Aubie, an educational session with staff and birds from the Raptor Center, Toomer’s lemonade and treats from Hey Day Market.
The Intensive Economic Development Training Course is divided into two one-week sessions and introduces participants to all phases of economic development. The first week is accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and fulfills one of the prerequisites for those who wish to take the exam for the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation. It provides an intensive overview of general economic development concepts and principles. The second week focuses on important issues and resources in Alabama. The program is scheduled for July 14-18 and September 8-11 in 2025.
For more information, visit the Intensive Econ. Dev. site here.
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Middle schoolers explore careers in arts, engineering during AU field trip
GEAR UP Achieve hosted a group of 7th and 8th grade students from Southside Preparatory Magnet Academy in Evergreen, Alabama for a field trip to learn about Auburn University as a whole and gain an understanding of potential career paths after college on Friday, November 15.
First, students enjoyed a backstage tour of the Gogue Performing Arts Center, the professional theater on Auburn University’s campus, where tour guides highlighted unique aspects of the facility. The tour culminated in a panel discussion with theater staff on the wide range of careers in the arts available to students depending on their individual interests.
After lunch on campus, the group was welcomed into the Brown-Kopel Engineering Student Center for an overview of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering with Shannon Young from the Center for Inspiring Engineering Excellence. Young emphasized the vast career possibilities that an engineering degree opens.
The day concluded with a hand-on activity hosted by Jack Montgomery, associate professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Montgomery gave an overview of the field of civil engineering and focused the students’ attention to dams. With the help of graduate and undergraduate students, the middle schoolers used modeling clay to construct miniature dams and tested to ensure their models would hold water.
GEAR UP Achieve serves a cohort of nearly 7,000 8th grade students at select schools throughout Alabama, emphasizing the importance of exploring, exposure and introduction to postsecondary education and career options. For more information on GEAR UP Achieve, visit the GEAR UP webpage or contact Annette Scogin
Director, GEAR UP Achieve.
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GEDI WELCOMES TIM ORY TO THE OUTREACH FAMILY
GEDI welcomed Tim Ory to their team in July of 2024 as a Media Production Specialist.
In this role, Tim is responsible for creating dynamic video content and graphic designs to better capture the work of GEDI and engage our audiences and constituents. A native of New Orleans, LA., Tim holds a film degree from the University of New Orleans. He has provided marketing and promotional video work for marketing agency TLW Productions, offshore logistics firm Edison Chouest Offshore, engineering firm T. Baker Smith, and Loyola University New Orleans. A self-proclaimed “Jack of all trades and master of none,” he enjoys cooking, gaming, art, poker and model-making.
Tim lives in Opelika with his wife Maureen, also an employee of Auburn University, and their dog Rocky.
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Advancing Healthcare Access Across Alabama
The Auburn University Rural Health Initiative is improving healthcare access in underserved Alabama communities, particularly in the Black Belt region, through OnMed® Telehealth Stations that offer remote consultations. These stations have provided over 730 consultations in 2024, addressing common health issues like respiratory issues and hypertension, and helping patients without primary care access. The initiative has also engaged local communities and Auburn University students in health programs benefiting over 1,000 people.
To see the full article RHI healthcare access article here!
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"As a land-grant institution, Auburn University is dedicated
to improving the lives of the people of Alabama, the nation, and the world through forward-thinking education, life-enhancing research and scholarship, and selfless service."
― Auburn University Mission
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