Auburn’s College of Education launches fall semester in new state-of-the-art building

Auburn University’s College of Education welcomed students to the first day of fall classes on Monday, marking another milestone in the debut of its new academic home at the corner of West Samford Avenue and Duncan Drive.

The start of the semester followed an Aug. 12 official grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 167,000-square-foot-building. While students were first able to take classes in the new facility during the summer semester, this week signals the first time a fall semester has been held in the state-of-the-art building.

“I love how open the new building is,” said Avery Yeargain, a junior in elementary education. “It’s bright and happy, and it gives College of Education students our own sanctuary.”

The college’s new home features modern classrooms, instructional labs, collaboration spaces and a light-filled Common space designed to foster community and innovation.

In celebration of fall classes launching, the college is offering several Welcome Week events aimed at connecting students with faculty, staff and resources while celebrating the start of a new academic year. Monday featured a “Donuts and Directions” event, with faculty and staff greeting students with pastries and offering guidance on navigating the college’s new building.

College of Education professors shared their own excitement for the new space of learning.

"I'm incredibly excited for the fall semester and the opportunity to teach in our new building,” said Leslie Cordie, associate professor of Adult Education. “The state-of-the-art facilities will undoubtedly enhance our students' learning experience and foster an even more collaborative and inspiring academic environment."

Jennie Baumann, assistant professor of Literacy Education, agreed and said a new semester always brings with it great possibilities.

“I can’t wait to watch the newest cohort take on literacy methods this semester!” she said. “We’re going to learn and grow as readers, speakers, listeners, thinkers, and teachers—get excited!”

That sentiment was echoed by Malti Tuttle, associate professor and School Counseling Program coordinator.

“I am absolutely thrilled to begin teaching my School Counseling students in the new College of Education Building this fall 2025 semester,” she said. “This state-of-the-art facility offers endless opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth, providing the tools and technology to foster learning, development, and professional preparation.”

The week’s festivities continue Tuesday with a “Tasty Tuesday” event, featuring Smalls Sliders at 11 a.m., followed by a Wednesday “Midweek Munchies” event at 9:30 a.m. On Thursday, students will experience “Paws and Unwind” programming with wellness activities, giveaways, therapy dogs, a “Mindful Minutes” session, a “Study Break Stretch” and more. The week concludes on Friday with a “Friday Freeze” Kona Ice offering at 10:45 a.m., with free treats for the first 100 students in attendance. Read more about Welcome Week online.

“I didn’t expect our college specifically to have so many Welcome Week activities and I’m especially excited for the therapy dogs,” said Ellie Faye, a freshman in elementary education.

In addition to Welcome Week activities, the college has also scheduled a “Sweets & Critiques Resume Reviews” session on Monday, Aug. 25, from 2-4:30 p.m. in the new building’s Flex Space. As part of that event, students will be able to meet with members of the college’s ENGAGE Alumni Council for resume feedback.