Auburn’s College of Education hosts 2025 Spring Preview Day

Sophia Corliss and her father are pictured at Auburn's College of Education Spring Preview Day.

Earlier this week, Auburn’s College of Education hosted its Spring Preview Day, a bi-annual showcase of everything the college has to offer. Potential students from more than 10 states made the trip to the Plains, including Sophia Corliss, a senior in high school from Cullman, Alabama, who is planning to major in early childhood education.

“I know someone from my community who attended Auburn’s College of Education, and she said she felt very well-prepared for her career as a teacher,” said Corliss on her decision to attend Spring Preview Day. “I’m planning to start as a freshman this fall because I want to feel just as prepared as my friend to make an impression on all the students in my future classroom.”

Corliss and her fellow attendees began their day on the Plains with an hour of mingling in the Melton Student Center. Preview Day guests were able to tailor their experience by speaking with faculty, staff and advisors to learn more about specific programs in which they were interested before receiving a warm welcome from Dean and Wayne T. Smith Distinguished Professor Jeffrey T. Fairbrother. 

“We take great pride in the knowledge, skills and learning experiences we provide to our students,” said Fairbrother to the audience of future educators. “We care about our students and want them to succeed, and if you want to make the world a better place, we have a program for you.”

Next, a student panel answered questions from potential students about programs in the College of Education, life on campus, and the transition to college life before representatives from Career Services, the Housing Office and Scholarships provided additional information. Advisors from the college’s departments and the School of Kinesiology also provided a brief overview of their services.

“I think the student panel is such an important part of the day because we get to tell potential students about the wide range of opportunities that exist for them both inside and outside of our college,” said Tess Lambert, a senior majoring in rehabilitation and disability studies.

Guests were provided a complimentary lunch, and some attendees elected to attend a special Table-Talk lunch with distinguished alumni members of the College of Education ENGAGE (Educate, Network, Grow, Advocate, Give, Empower) Council. Members shared valuable information with Preview Day guests about how the College of Education has supported them both on campus and after graduation.

“I wanted to ignite the fire in a young educator,” said Courtney Bass, an ENGAGE Council member and assistant principal at Liberty Park Middle School in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. “It’s important work to find students who are passionate about children and who want to put in the effort to educate our next generation.”

In addition to other Preview Day activities, interested students rounded out the day with tours of the general campus and the School of Kinesiology.

“It was a joy to showcase our college to potential students from around the country,” said Student Services Coordinator Davide Shamp. “We hope to see many of them back on campus this fall as College of Education students.”

Visit the College of Education’s website to learn more about its variety of programs.