Donor spotlight: Susan and James Bannon

College of Education Donor Support Spotlight

Susan H. Bannon and James Bannon

 

New Education Building Room name:

Susan and James Bannon Director’s Office

 

Named after:

Susan H. Bannon and James Bannon 

 

Their story:

Susan H. Bannon and James Bannon, both proud Auburn University graduates, dedicated their careers to advancing education and research.

Susan, of Columbia, Alabama, joined Auburn University in 1985 and built a distinguished career in educational media and school library programs. As Associate Professor and Director of the Learning Resources Center in Auburn’s College of Education, she has led major initiatives in instructional technology, library automation and statewide outreach. Her contributions earned Auburn’s Outstanding Faculty Outreach Award (1998) and the College of Education’s Outstanding Service Award (2016). She also served as president of the Alabama Instructional Media Association and contributed to national standards through the American Association of School Librarians and the STAR teacher-preparation task force.

James, a Montgomery native, built his career as a research scientist with Monsanto before becoming director of outlying units for the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, supporting agricultural innovation across the state.

Their daughter, Laura, continues the family’s Auburn legacy as an alumna and dedicated teacher.

 

Tell us what it means to you and your husband to have a named space in the College of Education’s new building.

Naming the Learning Resources Center’s director’s office in the new Auburn University College of Education building is a profound honor and a deeply meaningful way to show our support for the college’s leadership and mission. The director’s office is more than just a workspace — it is a place where vision is shaped, decisions are made, and the future direction of informational and instructional technology programs and resources is guided. The director plays a pivotal role in advancing excellence, fostering innovation, and upholding the values that define Auburn. Supporting that office is a way to champion the steady, behind-the-scenes work that ensures the College of Education thrives. To have our name associated with that space symbolizes our belief in strong, thoughtful leadership and our confidence in the college’s continued growth and impact.

What excites you most about the new College of Education Building?

What excites us most about the new College of Education Building is the opportunity it creates. It’s more than just a beautiful, modern space — it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation, and preparation for the next generation of teachers, counselors, and educational leaders. The design fosters cooperation, creativity, and hands-on learning, all of which are essential in preparing professionals to meet the evolving needs of students and communities. Knowing that our named space will be part of those daily interactions and transformative moments is truly inspiring.

There’s so much to love about Auburn and its College of Education. What do you love most?

There is so much to love about Auburn and its College of Education, but what stands out most is the sense of family and shared purpose. Auburn’s spirit — its commitment to excellence, integrity, and service — is evident in the faculty, students, and alumni who dedicate themselves to making a difference. The College of Education, in particular, embodies the belief that education changes lives. That mission resonates deeply with our family’s values and is why supporting this effort felt so natural.

It also reflects our gratitude for what Auburn has meant to us and our desire to give back in a way that has lasting significance. We hope that every director who serves in that office feels encouraged by the knowledge that others believe in their leadership and are committed to the college’s success.

What do you hope future generations will know about you/your family and the importance of the room that bears your family’s namesake?

We hope future generations will see our family’s name and understand that it represents gratitude and belief — gratitude for the opportunities Auburn has provided to serve the College of Education and belief in the transformative power of education. More than anything, we hope they know that the named space serves as a reminder that others have invested in their journey and are cheering them on. Then it will have meant more than we could ever express.