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Hi! I’m Montana Humphries, and I am from Oxford, Alabama, a somewhat large town between Birmingham and Atlanta. As a child, I grew up a huge Auburn fan! My mother and I would always take special trips on Saturdays to watch the Tigers play in Jordan-Hare. Attending games and walking around campus at such a young age meant so much to me and inspired me to one day attend Auburn after graduating high school. There are so many amazing careers in the world, but nothing beats a career that allows you to forever make an impact in the lives of the individuals around you. This is exactly what the College of Human Sciences allows you to do! When I was transferring to Auburn, I was seeking a major that would allow me to make a difference in the world and provide guidance to others, while also having student organizations and opportunities available to students. The College of Human Sciences was the perfect fit as it focuses on the well-being of others, families, and environments to improve and enhance the human condition, while also focusing on the student experience.

What is your field of study and what do you plan to do?

My field of study is Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) with a concentration in Adult Development. I graduate May 2022 with hopes of working for Auburn University as an Academic Advisor. 

What have you enjoyed most about studying Adult Development in HDFS? 

The adult stages of life are so significant because they are when individuals make important life decisions that will impact the rest of their lives. Throughout someone’s adult years, they are faced with challenges and successes that mold them to be a unique individual. This is exactly why I chose this major and concentration. I have always desired to someday work with college students and serve as a mentor to provide guidance through such an important stage in their life. College is all about adjusting, figuring out who you truly are and desire to be, and starting the pathway to a dream career. It will mean the world to me to have an impact on a student’s academic career and advise them throughout their journey.

How would you describe the class sizes in the College of Human Sciences?

The class sizes are similar to high school and, for me, this was extremely beneficial!  As someone who made the transition from high school to community college to a four-year University, I was nervous and afraid I would struggle making friends or creating a relationship with my professors.  This college provides you with countless opportunities to build relationships. I had so many amazing conversations with my peers that not only helped me network but created friendships that will last a lifetime.

How did you feel transferring to AU and what do you enjoy most about the College of Human Sciences?

Coming from a smaller institution, I was both excited and nervous about making the move to Auburn University. As I started classes, met new friends, and introduced myself to my professors, I quickly realized that the opportunities to grow in the College of Human Sciences are endless. My experience of transferring into Human Sciences was nothing short of amazing. A fear of mine was that I would not be able to fit in and find my place, and that I would be a step behind someone who started as a freshman. I was completely wrong. The staff and faculty welcomed me with open arms. I felt at home and knew I made the right decision. There are so many clubs and organizations that are available for students to get plugged into, and this was another huge part of how I found my place in the college as well. What I enjoy most about the College of Human Sciences is the endless love and support that is poured into all the students. I can truly say that every single person I have encountered in the college demonstrates their passion for working with students, helps them grow, and accepts them no matter the circumstance. CHS wants their students to excel, grow, and have an amazing college experience.

What clubs/activities within the College of Human Sciences are you taking part in?

CHS offers so many clubs and organizations that allow students to become involved on campus and demonstrate their strengths. The Student Ambassador organization within Human Sciences has provided so many opportunities for me including community outreach, campus involvement, and an internship. I serve as HDFS Co-Chair for the Ambassadors which gives me an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. Another club I am involved in is the HDFS Professionals Club. I served as Public Relations Chair my junior year and now Vice-President for my senior year. These leadership positions helped me improve my interpersonal skills, meet new people in the community, and serve as a mentor to other students

Tell us about your internship in the College of Human Sciences.

My internship is with the Office of Academic Affairs and focuses on Academic Advising. I have the opportunity of working closely with students, locating student files, and assisting in appointment preparation. Shadowing advising appointments helps prepare me for my future career as it demonstrates the exact duties that I will perform on the job, what is expected of me, and how to handle all situations with students.  I have also learned more about the many important software programs used by advisors today, giving me a jump start at a career in this field.  As the first ever intern for the Academic Affairs office, I have had the privilege of working closely with staff and faculty and becoming involved not only in the college but all over campus at Auburn. This is an experience I will always cherish.

Montana’s major in Human Development and Family Science is one of several College of Human Sciences degree programs described as ahead of the curve because of a focus on social awareness, global trends and forward-thinking curriculum. Keep scrolling to see the possibilities, nationwide rankings and something exciting on the horizon, particularly for students interested in Hospitality Management.

By broadening your horizons and opening your mind to the possibilities of a CHS degree, we prepare graduates to be a step ahead of the competition in the global marketplace. More students in the College of Human Sciences travel and study abroad than in any other college at Auburn University.

And there’s more!  Happening this summer—the new state-of-the-art Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center opens, serving as the new home to the Hospitality Management Program and bringing a luxury hotel and spa, teaching restaurant, microbrewery, coffee roastery, food hall and more to Auburn University and the community.  The Rane Culinary Science Center is certain to be a top pick among students and a favorite gathering spot in Auburn.

Opening Summer 2022

Take a fly through of the Rane Center!

With the skills and knowledge gained in the College of Human Sciences, our students not only meet the needs of consumers and businesses but exceed their expectations.

Visit the College of Human Sciences website for more information and come join us!

Hi! My name is Annie Dorsey, and I am an Industrial and Systems Engineering student from Dallas, Texas.  As a senior reflecting on my experience at Auburn, I am so, so glad I chose to come ~700 miles away from my home (even though this meant leaving what is unequivocally one of the top 50 states).  

Me (middle) and an engineering project group in front of our Brown-Kopel Engineering Student Achievement Center

I study Industrial and Systems Engineering, which focuses on process improvement, efficiency, and optimization. Typical ISEs pursue roles in manufacturing, healthcare, or supply chain. ISEs are the people who created the fast pass at Disney World, who suggested the Chick-Fil-A employees stand outside to take your order during rush hours, and if you’ve ever seen Cheaper by the Dozen, both parents are ISEs. 

Industrial and Systems Engineering is just one engineering discipline of 12 total majors in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. In alphabetical order, they are: 

• Aerospace Engineering
• Biosystems Engineering
• Chemical Engineering 
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Wireless Engineering

These majors are all 4 year programs and are all ABET Accredited. To see the courses required for graduation in each major, navigate to the “Majors” section of the Auburn Bulletin.  

The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering is named after an impressive alumni of the college: Samuel Ginn. He is such a fantastic example for us as students, so many of the great programs we offer in the college replicate his experience in industry.

Samuel Ginn (middle) in Fall 2021 on a visit to the College of Engineering where he chatted with students and faculty 

Ginn worked for 27 years for AT&T then moved to join what would become Verizon.  He worked there for 22 years, overseeing both mergers and IPOs.  As engineers, we learn how to work cross functionally.  We study to learn how to problem solve, then, after we receive the best training, we are equipped to go into any industry.  Samuel Ginn is the perfect example of this, having worked in telecom, not a typical engineering role.  It is especially impressive to me that he was in charge of large divisions that were being bought and sold and was able to adapt to new leadership in each case.  We encourage our students to be involved with engineering beyond simply their declared major, because a well rounded engineer makes a great engineer even better.  

The College of Engineering also begins the cycle of lifelong learning. By having electives that adapt to industry needs each semester, we ensure our students are prepared to go into the workforce. However, we also know as our Alumni change roles and grow in their career, they will need to continue to seek out learning opportunities.  In addition to robust grad school offerings at Auburn, we encourage our students to practice lifelong learning by participating in clubs. To facilitate learning outside of the classroom, we offer organizations like the Theme Park Engineering Group , which encourages all engineering disciplines who are passionate about theme parks to grow a deeper understanding of the engineering, design, construction, and user experience that go into making a ride. Programs like the Academic Excellence Program, which just celebrated its 25th year, is dedicated to recruiting and retaining diverse students to the college. By providing a community for students of any minority status to go to for mentorship, professional development, and peer learning, we hope to facilitate students meeting their future co-workers or co-founders! It is clear Samuel Ginn also holds lifelong learning in high regard by his serving as a Sloan Fellow at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.  

Some of our Chemical Engineers, members of AIChE, at a recent conference

AURA (Auburn University Rocketry Association) members prepare for a launch

When Ginn was inducted to the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame in 1992, he continued to exemplify what we should aspire to become as engineers.  All Auburn students are held to a high standard, but the students in the College of Engineering have especially achieved some amazing success.  We have had graduates who have gone on to become VPs at Exxon Mobil, CEO of Accenture, CEO of Apple, NASA Astronauts, and much more.  Lots of friends have used our robust alumni network to get internships at top companies like Blue Origin, Tesla, Brassfield and Gorrie, and Johnson & Johnson.  Even beyond job titles, our graduates continue to achieve and succeed. For more cool stories, check out our podcast, #GINNing, which highlights students, professors, and alumni alike.  

Here’s me, Annie, with one incredible graduate of Auburn Engineering, Tim Cook

It is clear Samuel Ginn is not only a great namesake of the college, but also should be a role model for all students in the College of Engineering with his passion for cross functional training, lifelong learning, and career and life successes.