Turning insight into impact: Auburn honors excellence in student learning assessment

Continuous improvement and academic excellence were in the spotlight January 27 as the Office of Academic Insight recognized several programs and faculty during the Provost Academic Improvement & Excellence Awards.

Held annually, the awards acknowledge members of the campus community whose intentional use of assessment has led to meaningful improvements in instruction and student learning. Beyond celebrating individual and programmatic achievements, the awards also reflect on the university’s broader commitment to strengthening its assessment culture and advancing continuous improvement across the institution.

“These awards recognize faculty and programs that embrace assessment as a tool for reflection, improvement and innovation,” Provost Vini Nathan said. “In addition to strengthening our academic mission, their work reinforces Auburn’s culture of continuous improvement and our efforts to ensure our graduates are prepared for success after graduation.”

The following programs were recognized this year:

Provost’s Excellence in Assessment Awards

Honoring academic programs that demonstrate exceptional achievement in student learning assessment through innovative, data-informed practices, the Provost’s Excellence in Assessment Award winners included two programs from the College of Liberal Arts - the Public Administration and Public Policy doctoral program and the Bachelor of Arts in Music and Bachelor of Music.

Selected for its strategic use of student learning data to shape curriculum and support students with diverse professional backgrounds, the Ph.D. in Public Administration and Public Policy prepares scholars and practitioners to conduct rigorous research and contribute to effective governance, public service, and policy development. Housed in the Department of Political Science and submitted by Kelly Krawczyk, professor of political science, the graduate program emphasizes the integration of theory, research and practice across public and nonprofit administrations. In addition to ongoing curriculum review and targeted revisions, the program was highlighted for its ability to strengthen student learning and prepare graduates for leadership roles in academia, government and research organizations as well as policy-focused careers.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music and Bachelor of Music programs were also recognized for sustained departmental leadership in assessment and the effective use of student learning data to strengthen instruction. Submitted by David Odom, professor of clarinet and coordinator of woodwind studies, the programs reflect a department-wide commitment to using assessment as a tool to inform teaching and curriculum. Guided by a dedicated assessment committee, the department’s faculty have intentionally shifted assessment from a reporting requirement to a practice that directly supports student learning. Their data-informed approach has resulted in measurable improvements in student outcomes while strengthening preparation for graduate study, professional music careers and interdisciplinary pathways.

Learning Improvement Award

For its intentional, data-informed approach to curriculum improvement and commitment to student success, the undergraduate program in the McWhorter School of Building Science in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction, in collaboration with the Office of Academic Insight, received this year’s Learning Improvement Award.

Building on its long-standing tradition of preparing graduates for leadership in the construction industry, the program maintains close collaboration with industry partners and a strong emphasis on applied learning. Faculty used feedback from industry partners and recent graduates to inform a comprehensive, program-wide review of workforce expectations for entry-level professionals. That process led to targeted curriculum enhancements aligned with current industry needs, strengthening technical competencies and professional readiness.

As a result, the program’s student learning outcomes have improved, and graduates report being well-prepared to enter the workforce and contribute immediately to the built environment professions.

Distinguished Partnership Award

Given to an individual whose sustained collaboration with the Office of Academic Insight has led to meaningful improvements in assessment practice across the university, this year’s Distinguished Partnership Award was presented to Doug O’Keefe of the Department of English for his long-standing partnership with the Office of Academic Insight and his leadership in advancing assessment as a tool for academic quality and student success.

O’Keefe has played a key role in supporting faculty across disciplines through his work as an Academic Insight Faculty Fellow, where he collaborates with instructors and programs to strengthen assessment design, interpretation, and use. His efforts emphasize reflective and creative approaches that move assessment beyond compliance and toward continuous improvement. In support of this work, O’Keefe has developed practical training resources to help faculty use assessment more effectively to inform teaching and learning.

In addition to his faculty work, O’Keefe also serves as a blind reviewer for the university’s assessment process, contributing expert feedback on more than 150 assessment reports. Through his contributions, O’Keefe has helped build institutional capacity for high-quality assessment and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making.

Academic Program Improvement Award

Recognizing an academic program that uses assessment as a tool for intentional change, alignment and continuous improvement, the Academic Program Improvement Award requires sustained partnership with the Office of Academic Insight, including participation in workshops focused on clarifying learning outcomes, developing comprehensive curriculum maps and aligning coursework with post-graduation expectations.

This year’s recipient, the Department of Nutritional Sciences, leveraged its interdisciplinary structure and collaboration with the Office of Academic Insight to strengthen curriculum design and student preparation. The department offers programs that support careers in health professions, research, community nutrition, and public service, with coursework grounded in the biological, behavioral and social sciences.

Through a comprehensive review of student learning data and curriculum alignment, faculty implemented targeted changes to better support multiple career pathways and improve program coherence. These efforts have strengthened student learning outcomes while ensuring graduates are prepared to address complex health challenges that affect individuals and communities in Alabama and beyond.

“What makes this event so meaningful is that it celebrates faculty and programs who truly care about improving the student learning experience,” said Thompson. “These faculty exemplify a level of dedication that goes far beyond expectations; they reflect a genuine commitment to helping our students.”

More information about the Office of Academic Insight, including its institutional assessment efforts to strengthen assessment culture through strategic programs and initiatives, opportunities for faculty engagement and Quality Enhancement Planning, is available at auburn.edu/academic/provost/academic-insight.