College of Human Sciences celebrates groundbreaking of new Barbara Drummond Thorne Academic and Research Facility

As the shovels entered the dirt, signifying the start of a new era, the state-of-the-art Barbara Drummond Thorne Academic and Research Facility will rise on the same footprint as Spidle Hall — the college’s home since 1962 — in the heart of Auburn University’s campus along the Mell Street corridor.

“For decades, this site supported the work of the College of Human Sciences. Today, it becomes the starting point for something new, a facility designed for how students learn, collaborate and prepare for the world they will serve,” said Roberts. “This college will have a home that reflects its excellence and its future.”

While Spidle Hall served the College of Human Sciences for several memorable decades, the time for the construction of a new home arose and the college said goodbye to Spidle Hall last summer.

“Spidle Hall served us well and like so many things we cherish, she carried her age with grace,” said College of Human Sciences Dean Susan Hubbard. “But over time, it became clear that while the heart of Human Sciences remained strong, the facility no longer matched the excellence of the work happening inside it. Today, we honor that past — and we take a dynamic and transformative step forward. On this very spot, construction will soon begin on the Barbara Drummond Thorne Academic and Research Facility — a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art home designed to support how we teach, learn, research and serve today and for decades to come.”

The building bearing the name, Barbara Drummond Thorne, is a testament to the love and influence of a mother. Barbara Drummond Thorne was a trained human scientist, a lifelong learner and lived out the college’s mission in terms of improving quality of life for others.

“What we can’t fully put into words — at least not yet — is the experience this building will create,” said Hubbard. “Though we have a strong sense it will be extraordinary, we can’t fully imagine the confidence it will instill in a first-year student walking through the doors for the first time, the inspiration it will spark in faculty pursuing groundbreaking research or the impression it will leave on prospective students and families who will see, immediately, that Auburn is deeply invested in the human sciences and in the people who choose to study the disciplines represented through the college.”

Following the groundbreaking ceremony, guests made their way to a reception and heard from Riley Parman, a current senior majoring in global studies, as she spoke of the tremendous impact of donors and what the new building will deliver.

“When I think about the impact of this new building, the outcome is clear — your contributions have created a space where our dreams can finally fit,” said Parman. “Students engaging in research and creative work will see the value of their efforts reflected in the walls around them. Beyond that, this space will foster community, strengthen ties to our broader institution and draw out each of our gifts.”

Another goal the Barbara Drummond Thorne Academic and Research Facility will accomplish is consolidating space allowing 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.  

“This facility will consolidate their competitive academic programs into a single location — creating a unified home that enhances collaboration, innovation and visibility for the college’s work,” said Auburn University Board of Trustee Mike DeMaioribus. “This new building will not only honor the college’s storied past but also propel it into a new era. It is inspiring to imagine our future students discovering their passions, refining their skills and ultimately strengthening communities across Alabama and beyond because of the opportunities they will have within this building. This building reinforces Auburn’s land‑grant mission and commitment to excellence and innovation while providing an exceptional student experience.”