AU OUTREACH eNews

March 2026 Volume 4, Issue 3

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Auburn University Earns 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification

Auburn University has again been recognized nationally for its commitment to community engagement, earning the prestigious 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. This elective designation, awarded by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, affirms Auburn’s continued dedication to meaningful partnerships that strengthen communities and enrich student learning. Read about Auburn University's Carnegie Community Engagement Classification.

GEDI Meets Students at the Intersection of Classroom and Community

While GEDI staff typically provide training and certification programs in the workplace, it is important for us to be a bridge to connect college students to careers. GEDI Associate Director David Mixson is an instructor for courses designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners increase their success, but since 2020, Mixson has also served as Auburn University faculty, teaching the POLI 7700 course, “Economic Development and Competition”. This course, which is required to earn the graduate certificate in economic development, gives students a comprehensive understanding of the key components of economic development and lets them apply their knowledge to address a real-world community challenge. Read more about how David Mixson’s class introduces students to possible careers here.

Pharmacy and Theatre collaborate to address vaccine confidence in older adults

Auburn University’s Harrison College of Pharmacy and the College of Liberal Arts, home to the Department of Theatre and Dance, have partnered on an innovative project using live performance to boost vaccine confidence among older adults. Through Mosaic Theatre Company’s original play A Little TLC, students and faculty combined storytelling, research and community engagement to spark dialogue about recommended vaccinations. The performance at Pebble Hill, supported by Auburn University Outreach, included a Q&A with health experts and pre‑ and post‑survey data collection. Early results show strong audience engagement and meaningful conversations that may help expand this approach to under‑vaccinated populations across Alabama. Read more about this collaboration.

Jocelyn Vickers, director of Public Service in University Outreach, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U), a national organization dedicated to advancing the quality and public purpose of higher education. Vickers will serve on the Board’s Membership Committee, contributing to efforts that strengthen institutional engagement and broaden participation across AAC&U’s national network.

The AAC&U Board of Directors provides strategic leadership and governance for the organization and meets twice annually to guide priorities related to liberal education, equity, and student success. Vickers’ appointment reflects her ongoing commitment to public service, civic engagement, and advancing inclusive excellence within higher education.

ATTN Faculty! ESC2026 accepting proposals

The Engagement Scholarship Consortium is now accepting proposals for its 2026 annual conference, Changing Lives and Improving Society: Data-Driven Engagement and Innovation, to be held Oct. 7–8, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee, with pre-conference activities Oct. 5–6. Faculty are invited to submit proposals that highlight how engaged scholarship brings together academic expertise and community wisdom to address society’s grand challenges. The submission deadline is Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Learn more and How to submit your proposal.

COMING SOON! The 5th Annual Global Community Day Festival!

Join the AU Office of Outreach Global as it celebrates the 5th Anniversary of the Global Community Day Festival!

On Saturday, March 28, 2026, join AU Outreach Global at the Opelika SportsPlex Amphitheater (1001 SportsPlex Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801) from 9:30am to 3:00pm for a day filled with cultural exchange and international experiences. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public!

If you are interested in having a booth at the festival, performing a talent, participating in the Parade of the Flags or Global Attire Showcase (cultural fashion show), sharing your culture in some other way, or registering as a vendor to sell goods/food, please contact Olivia Houlden (oph0007@auburn.edu, 334-844-5787) or Outreach Global at outrglb@auburn.edu. For more information, please visit our website at aub.ie/globalfestival. 

Businesses or organizations interested in partnering with Outreach Global as festival sponsors are encouraged to contact Dr. Elizabeth Quansah (eid0001@auburn.edu, 334-844-5716).

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Follow some of our programming on social media:

AuburnServes

https://www.facebook.com/AuburnUniversityServes/

GEAR UP Achieve

GEAR UP Achieve - Facebook

Circle K International at Auburn

(student led community-service organization)

Circle K International at Auburn University - Facebook

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