College of Education dean to receive MacVittie Emerging Leadership Award

Jeffrey T. Fairbrother, dean and Wayne T. Smith Distinguished Professor of Auburn's College of Education, has been chosen to receive the 2024 MacVittie Emerging Leadership Award from the American Association of University Administrators (AAUA).

The award, named for the first elected president of AAUA Robert W. MacVittie, was established in 2010 and is given annually to an individual currently engaged in a higher education administrative position below the level of vice president and who has given up to five years of service at the current level of appointment. Recipients are chosen by a selection committee and are thought to have outstanding potential for higher education leadership, demonstrated by professional accomplishments.

“I am honored to be chosen for this award among an outstanding group of leaders,” said Fairbrother. “Serving as the dean of Auburn’s College of Education is rewarding because I am part of a group of faculty, staff and students who are innovative in their approaches to addressing education and health challenges. They inspire me to be a better leader as we set the standard for quality education and health sciences programs across the country. As dean, I appreciate the opportunities I am given to continue our work toward building a better future for all.”

Fairbrother will receive the award this fall at the AAUA 2024 National Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. The AAUA is a non-profit professional organization for higher education leaders and administrative personnel. It is the only professional association for individuals who are interested in the entire range of higher education management (from department chair/unit director through president) in the entire diverse set of American colleges and universities (two- and four-year; public, private non-profit, private for-profit; comprehensive, research-focused, special mission).