AU OUTREACH eNews

September 2025 Volume 3, Issue 13

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Twenty students from Kyungil University, including ten nursing and ten general studies majors, successfully completed a 20-day intensive global training program at Auburn University. This program, which combined English language improvement, advanced academic study, and cultural experiences, received enthusiastic responses from the participants.

All students attended a daily three-hour intensive English course from Monday to Friday. The English curriculum was designed by Dr. Jamie Harrison, Associate Professor of ESOL Education at Auburn University, and was co-taught by a team of guest instructors. The classes focused on practical conversation, public speaking skills, and cultural understanding.

In the afternoons, students participated in specialized sessions tailored to their academic majors. Nursing students joined the Summer Nursing International Program (SNIP), which included hospital observations, clinical simulation training, NCLEX preparation, and lifestyle medicine sessions.

This program was organized in collaboration with Auburn University College of Nursing (AUCON), with comprehensive support provided by Professor Hae Sagong of AUCON.

Meanwhile, students from general studies took part in the Empowering Leaders in the Digital Age (ELDA) program, led by Dr. Myung-gi Chun, Dean of Auburn’s Graduate School of Communication and Journalism.

This program covered topics such as communication, leadership, digital media, and global issues, and was enhanced by lectures and workshops led by special guest speakers. Participants also had opportunities to visit local Korean companies and aviation-related facilities, gaining valuable field experience and expanding their career perspectives.

During the program, students stayed in Auburn University dormitories, immersing themselves in American campus life. They also participated in cultural excursions, including a city tour of Montgomery and a visit to Atlanta.

Reflecting on their experience, students said, “Although the program was short, it was a special time where we improved our English skills, deepened our academic knowledge, and developed a global mindset.”

This program stands as a successful example of international collaboration in education. Auburn University’s Korea Corner will continue building meaningful global education opportunities through ongoing partnerships.

For more information, contact Dr. Daniel Yu.

Portia Johnson named 2025 recipient of the Royrickers Cook Endowed Engagement Award

Portia Johnson, assistant professor and Extension specialist in Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences, has been honored with the 2025 Royrickers Cook Endowed Engagement Award. Johnson was recognized for her leadership in creating the Alabama FAST (FAFSA Application Survival Toolkit) program, which has helped over 10,000 students and families across 90 Alabama high schools navigate financial aid and college planning.

A first-generation college graduate, Johnson launched ALFAST in 2022, combining her expertise in consumer behavior with a passion for educational access. Her work has significantly boosted Alabama’s FAFSA completion rates, especially in underserved communities, and earned multiple national accolades. She is also piloting a new initiative, the ALFAST Career Explorer, to connect students with high-demand career paths.

The award was presented at the 2025 Outreach and Engaged Scholarship Symposium's Recognition Ceremony in August.

👉 Learn more about ALFAST

Read the full article here.

2025 FACULTY AWARDS

Auburn University annually recognizes extraordinary faculty members who inspire students to lead, encourage discovery, and transform lives while impacting the world around them. Auburn faculty are vital to the university’s tradition of innovation and exist at the core of our land-grant mission. Their exceptional contributions have fostered Auburn’s international reputation as a leader in visionary instruction, research, scholarship, and outreach.

SUBMISSION NOMINATIONS

Deadline: September 19, 2025

Auburn University Award for Excellence in Faculty Outreach

The Award for Excellence in Faculty Outreach honors the engagement of exemplary faculty members and demonstrates the tremendous impact Outreach has on the community, state, nation and beyond.



Nominate a colleague whose outreach work deserves to be recognized and celebrated.

Celebrating 5 years of global connections and cultural exchange: SAVE THE DATE for the 2026 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 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! 

The 2026 Global Community Day Festival will draw in international and domestic communities from Auburn, Opelika, and the surrounding areas to experience a day dedicated to intercultural education. Activities throughout the day will include the Parade of the Flags, the Vendor Trade Fair, the Global Attire Showcase, musical performances, dance demonstrations, international food trucks, arts and crafts, sports, and games. 

Over the past five years, the festival has grown into a beloved community tradition, bringing people together and creating opportunities to learn from one another. The festival provides a space for community members, student groups, clubs and organizations, as well as governmental and trade groups, to engage with one another and embrace the many unique cultures represented within our community.

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), or sharing your culture in some other way, please contact Olivia Houlden (oph0007@auburn.edu, 334-844-5787). If you would like to register as a vendor and sell goods/food, please reach out to oph0007@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!

Auburn Across Alabama exploring impact: Auburn Outreach tour connects faculty with Gulf Coast communities

This August, a group of faculty and staff embarked on an enlightening tour through some of Alabama’s most dynamic sites of research and community collaboration as part of the Auburn Across Alabama initiative. Participants engaged in a two-day learning experience in Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia counties.

Learn more about the experience here.

Connections Across Counties: Auburn Students Serve Rural Alabama

AU’s Rural Health Connect students engage in communities across Alabama to improve access to health care, housing, and education. From nursing students working with Chambers County EMS to pharmacy students guiding Medicare decisions, the program offers hands-on service and learning. Supported by University Outreach and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, this effort is part of a broader mission to build resilient rural communities. Read entire Rural Health Connect article here.

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

Visit our news page for more Auburn Outreach News!