Auburn College of Education associate clinical professor earns national recognition

In Auburn’s College of Education, Chadwick Springer’s steadfast dedication to preparing students for the workforce was recently recognized with Springer receiving the National Business Education Association’s (NBEA) 2025 University Teacher of the Year Award.

 This honor reflects exceptional instructional leadership and sustained service to students, colleagues and the profession. An associate clinical professor in the College of Education’s Department of Curriculum and Teaching, Springer’s primary focus is teaching business students data analysis and preparing them to enter the workforce with strong analytical skills. He also works closely with graduate students pursuing master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degrees.

“Being named the NBEA 2025 University Teacher of the Year is both humbling and affirming,” Springer said. “It reassures me that I chose the right profession and that the work we do truly matters.

“More importantly, I see this award as a reflection of the College of Education as a whole. I would not be in this position without the mentorship of Dr. Leane Skinner and Dr. Elisha Wohleb, who have challenged me, supported me and guided me throughout my career. Their investment in me has made a tremendous difference, and I’m incredibly grateful.”

A two-time graduate of Auburn’s College of Education, Springer developed his passion for industry credentials—globally recognized certifications that validate real-world skills—in his first teaching position at Chattahoochee Valley Community College. He worked to embed industry credentials into the Office Administration and Technology program at Bevill State Community College and then started the Computer Science program at Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama.

For Springer, returning to Auburn’s College of Education as a faculty member was a natural fit.

“As an Auburn graduate, returning as a faculty member felt like coming home,” Springer said. “The greatest strength of the College of Education is its people. Once you take classes from the faculty or work alongside the administration, you realize how supportive and invested they are—not just in students, but in one another.

“Many of my former professors became mentors, and over time, peers and friends. They have continuously supported and challenged me to grow into the best educator I can be.”

Springer is currently focused on several initiatives in the college, including piloting an artificial intelligence (AI) course that includes a new industry credential validating students’ ability to use generative AI effectively and ethically in their work.

He is also developing a chatbot to answer students’ questions about Excel functions, providing real-time support so students aren’t waiting for an email response.

“I believe my work opens doors by ensuring Auburn students graduate with recognized industry credentials that validate their skills,” Springer said. “When students apply for internships or jobs, those credentials communicate to employers that they are workforce-ready.

“We consistently hear from employers how much they value hiring Auburn graduates. Adding industry credentials to students’ resumes only strengthens that reputation and increases their opportunities.”

Through it all, Springer continues to return to his ‘why’—his grandmother Lucy, who passed away last year and did not have the opportunity to complete her education but consistently encouraged Springer, his siblings and cousins. He said he values the opportunity to do work that truly makes a difference.

“I’m incredibly grateful to my students, my colleagues, my mentors and Auburn University,” Springer said. “Teaching is a privilege. Getting to prepare students for meaningful careers while continuing to learn and grow alongside them is something I never take for granted.”

Visit the Business/Marketing Education webpage on the College of Education website to learn more.