Location announced for College of Human Sciences newly planned Barbara Drummond Thorne Academic and Research Facility

The space along the Mell Street corridor in the heart of Auburn University’s campus will continue its storied association with the College of Human Sciences as the newly planned state-of-the-art building to be known as the Barbara Drummond Thorne Academic and Research Facility will be constructed along the same footprint spanning all the way to Roosevelt Drive, with a target goal to be completed by the summer of 2027.

The news should excite current students, faculty, staff and alumni alike — as the location has been synonymous with the College of Human Sciences because of Spidle Hall’s presence since 1962 and is considered a central spot on Auburn’s campus.

Students and faculty share memories in Spidle Hall and their excitement for what is to come.

“It is incredibly meaningful that the new College of Human Sciences Barbara Drummond Thorne Academic and Research Facility will rise from the original footprint we’ve called home for generations,” said College of Human Sciences Dean Susan Hubbard. “This space is more than just a location — it’s the heart of campus and the heart of our college’s history. For decades, students, faculty, alumni, and friends have walked these halls, made lifelong memories, and advanced our mission to improve quality of life for all. Building our future in this familiar and cherished place reflects the strength of our legacy and the bold direction we’re heading.”

The demolition of Spidle Hall will begin this fall and will usher in an exciting new era at the College of Human Sciences as the Barbara Drummond Thorne Academic and Research Facility will allow many of the students, faculty and staff that are currently spread across multiple buildings on campus to make the transition to the new facility allowing for more collaboration throughout the units. The consolidation will bring the College of Human Sciences academic departments together, with the exception of the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, which moved into the new state-of-the-art Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center in the fall of 2022.

“With this campaign I feel like there is so much opportunity for implementing collaborative spaces throughout the building,” said Caroline Glennon, a student majoring in apparel merchandising. “I know that the College of Human Sciences is an incredible place, and all the students are alike in that they love creating and helping people.”