Auburn University Board of Trustees approves Engineering Innovation Project

The Auburn University Board of Trustees gave its final approval today for construction of the Brown Kopel Engineering Student Achievement Center – Analytical, Innovation and Manufacturing Laboratory, marking a significant investment in student learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced manufacturing innovation.

Funded through State of Alabama FY23 supplemental appropriations, the project reflects a strategic investment by the university and the state in facilities that strengthen Auburn’s student experience while supporting Alabama’s workforce and economic development priorities.

“We are deeply grateful to the Alabama Legislature for its continued investment in Auburn University and in the future of our state,” President Christopher B. Roberts said. “This project is another clear example of Auburn’s commitment to strengthening advanced manufacturing and innovation in Alabama by ensuring our students graduate ready to lead, our research continues to grow and our state’s economy remains competitive nationally and globally.”

Advancing engineering education through strategic state investment

The project will transform 16,000 square feet of unfinished space within Brown Kopel, which was completed in 2019. A world-class laboratory and collaboration space will be located within the existing plinth of the Brown-Kopel Engineering Student Achievement Center, directly beneath the green space located between Brown-Kopel Engineering Student Achievement Center and Gavin Engineering Research Laboratory. The lab will concentrate on electronics manufacturing, materials analysis and testing and advanced manufacturing, providing students with hands on experiences aligned with current industry needs.

For the last 15 years, the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering has been ranked among the nation’s top 35 public institutions by U.S. News and World Report’s Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs. The College’s online master’s programs ranked No. 18 among more than 300 institutions in the 2026 U.S. News and World Report Best Online Graduate Engineering Program rankings.

“This new laboratory will deliver exceptional, real-world experiences for our students,” said Mario Eden, dean of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. “These experiential learning opportunities reflect the technologies, processes and challenges our graduates will encounter in manufacturing and technology-driven industries. It represents an important step forward in preparing Auburn students to make an immediate impact.”

By utilizing previously allocated state funds, Auburn is maximizing the impact of public dollars while investing directly in student achievement, research growth and workforce readiness.

Investing in students and the state’s future

The Brown Kopel Engineering Student Achievement Center — Analytical, Innovation and Manufacturing Laboratory underscores Auburn’s role as Alabama’s land grant institution and commitment to stewarding public resources responsibly. This investment in high-impact educational infrastructure strengthens Auburn’s ability to serve students, advance innovation and contribute to the state’s long term economic prosperity.

“This laboratory is another strong example of Auburn’s sustained commitment to bolstering advanced manufacturing and applied research,” said Steve Taylor, senior vice president for research and economic development. “Investments like this help drive innovation, strengthen our manufacturing ecosystem and support economic growth across Alabama and beyond.”

The project also includes construction of a new terraced entrance off the Ginn Concourse, improving accessibility and bringing natural light into the facility.