Auburn College of Education’s Kelly Buckingham honored with Spirit of Excellence

Every gift tells a story, and since 2009, Kelly Buckingham has played a major role in bringing those stories to life in Auburn’s College of Education. Buckingham’s efforts were recently recognized as she was named a July Spirit of Excellence award recipient.

“Being honored with the Spirit of Excellence means being awarded not just for doing my job, but for doing it with heart, integrity and commitment,” Buckingham said. “It’s a reflection of the values I strive to live every day: supporting my colleagues, showing up with positivity and helping to create an environment where everyone feels valued. It’s significant because it tells me that the work I do truly matters to others.”

As a development support specialist, Buckingham is part of the team responsible for fundraising and donor engagement in the College of Education. She focuses on building meaningful relationships with donors and creating experiences through events and stewardship that celebrate their impact.

“My favorite part of my job is connecting donors with the real-life impact of their generosity,” Buckingham said. “I love being part of the moments where donors see how their support makes a difference. I also deeply value the relationships we build along the way. Many of our donors begin to feel like family, and it’s incredibly meaningful to walk alongside them as they invest in the future of education.”

Buckingham and her office’s work has been especially important over the past few years as the college has worked to open the doors to a brand-new building on campus. With nearly 50 named spaces in the building and support from countless members of the College of Education’s Auburn Family, Buckingham has been instrumental in equipping the college to carry out its mission of transforming lives through education.

“Whether it’s organizing an event, crafting a heartfelt thank you or helping donors see the difference they’re making, I’m driven by the opportunity to honor their generosity and help them feel truly connected to Auburn and the College of Education,” Buckingham said.

She was also recognized for her efforts earlier this year at the College of Education’s 44th annual Awards Recognition Ceremony, where she was honored with the Dean’s Leadership Award. With 16 years of service to the college under her belt, Buckingham has truly found her home on Auburn’s campus.

“I love the sense of community and purpose that runs through everything we do at Auburn and in the College of Education,” Buckingham said. “Auburn feels like home, not just because of campus traditions, but because of the people. I get to work alongside passionate and dedicated individuals who truly care about making a difference, and I have the privilege of working with donors whose generosity directly impacts our students, programs and future initiatives. Seeing how their support transforms lives and helps us fulfill our mission is incredibly rewarding.”