College of Education EAGLES student named Gogue Performing Arts Center Ambassador for fall

This fall, Bryson Crooms will step into the spotlight as a key representative for one of Auburn University’s most prominent locations on campus.

Crooms, a student in the Auburn College of Education’s EAGLES Program, was recently named one of just 12 Auburn students who will serve in the inaugural Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center Ambassadors Program.

“I’m looking forward to being part of the team and helping engage with the community,” said Crooms, a Cowarts, Alabama, native who is entering his senior year in EAGLES (Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success), the College of Education’s comprehensive transition program for students with intellectual disabilities. 

As part of the ambassador program, Crooms will be responsible for helping promote the Gogue Center in several ways, including:

• Attending and participating in regular meetings, which will include a mix of professional development and team-building opportunities.
• Serving as a liaison between GPAC and the student body to disseminate information.
• Assisting with performances, tours and engagements.
• Presenting to other student organizations about GPAC’s upcoming season and events.
• Serving as a professional representative of GPAC and Auburn University.
• Facilitating and promoting interaction among the student body, departmental chairpersons, professors, faculty, staff, patrons and visitors.

Crooms said he is beyond excited for the opportunity, and his mom, Towanna Crooms, said she couldn’t be more proud of her son and all he has accomplished while at Auburn and in the College of Education’s EAGLES program. 

“The EAGLES Program has just been a wonderful opportunity for us,” she said, noting how the program and the supportive nature of the Auburn Family have led her son to achieve amazing growth toward a goal of independent living. “Now, he’s stepped into his own world at Auburn.”

In addition to EAGLES, Crooms has participated in the past in Auburn’s Student Government Association, SGA Freshman Forum and University Program Council (UPC). He said he can’t wait to get started in promoting the Gogue Center.

“It’s a really nice facility,” he said, adding that the ambassador program will be a lot of fun “because you get to meet new people.”

Crooms was chosen as an ambassador among a competitive pool of applicants, to include a thorough interview process. He was selected based on academic standing, leadership skills, character, enthusiasm for Auburn and a passion for the performing arts.

“We’re very excited to have Bryson be a part of our inaugural group!” said Ashley Pope, the campus and community programs coordinator for the Gogue Center who is overseeing the new ambassador program. “He demonstrated a strong professionalism in his interview, and his leadership skills and passion for the arts were very evident. We look forward to seeing what he brings to the team!”

Pope said the idea of such an ambassador program was first discussed about a year ago just before she began in her role.

“When I began, I was tasked with getting this group up and running. In the fall of 2024, I selected a group of students to serve on a planning committee. This group met monthly and helped shape what the ambassador program should look like. This included things such as uniforms, application and interview process, roles and responsibilities, etc.”

She said the first round of applicants and interviews opened this past spring, and among a large group of those interested, 12 top candidates – including Crooms – were selected.

“The vision is that having student ambassadors will not only help us reach campus more effectively but also allow us to pour back into students by providing hands-on experience in the performing arts,” she said.

Pope said the inaugural group of ambassadors will have plenty to tout among the Auburn Family, adding that the Gogue Center is always looking to grow its reach.

“We’re super excited about the upcoming season, and we’re always looking for ways to collaborate with new campus and community partners,” she said. “If anyone is ever interested in partnering with us, they can reach out to me via email at anp0093@auburn.edu."