Raymond J. Harbert College of Business Lowder Hall
Raymond J. Harbert College of Business Horton-Hardgrave Hall

2024

  • Jennifer Mueller-Phillips becomes the ninth dean of the Harbert College of Business. Since joining the Auburn faculty in 2000, Mueller-Phillips has served as director of the School of Accountancy and associate dean for academic affairs. She holds a Master of Accountancy and doctorate in accounting from Virginia Tech and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Jacksonville State University. Her scholarly accomplishments include numerous publications and presentations, a highly competitive research grant by the Center for Audit Quality, appointment to a national research synthesis team of the US Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and appointment to the KPMG Academic Research Panel, which supports the firm’s academic research initiatives globally. She is a past recipient of the college’s Outstanding Research Award as well as the McCartney Teaching Award.
  • Jennifer Mueller-Phillips, Dean for the Harbert College of Business

2023

  • Harbert College of Business celebrates the 10 year anniversary of it's naming gift.
  • 10 years as Harbert. 60 years in Business.

2022

  • The Harbert College of Business establishes the Institute for Real Estate Development with a $5 million anonymous gift. The Institute positions Auburn as a ntationally recognized hub for exceptional real estate instruction, thought leadership and research innovation across all major property sectors.
  • The Auburn University RFID Lab partners with retail giant Walmart to implement its technology in modernizing inventory control.
  • Flashtract, a New Venture Accelerator start-up company, receives $15 million in series A funding. Flashtract is a fast-growing provider of billing and payment software for the construction industry.
  • Joe Hanna, Regions Bank Professor, is named interim dean of the Harbert College of Business.
  • Joe Hanna named interim Dean for the Harbert College of Business

2021

  • The HarbertPodcast debuts. This series draws on the skill and experience of Harbert alumni and faculty who offer perspectives on building careers and successful business enterprises.
  • Harbert Podcasts launched in 2021

2020

  • Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business announced on June 8 that it has formed a Department of Supply Chain Management. The creation of the new department brings expanded resources and focus to the college’s highly ranked supply chain management program.
  • Department of Supply Chain Career Fair
Celebrating 50 Years of Business Eagle
Celebrating 50 Years of Business Eagle
2016-Young Entrepreneur of the Year Cameron Doody with Dean Hardgrave and Kevin Harrington

2019

  • In August 2019, the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business unveiled its new state-of-the-art business building, Horton-Hardgrave Hall
  • Online MBA program celebrates its 30th year
  • The College expands its program offerings, adding Business Analytics to the ranks
  • Horton-Hardgrave Hall Ribbon Cutting Event

2018

  • Dr. Annette L. Ranft joined the Harbert College of Business as its eighth dean on August 1, 2018. Dr. Ranft received her Ph.D. in Strategic Management at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research has been published in top journals, including the Academy of Management Review, the Academy of Management Journal, Organization Science, the Journal of International Business Studies, and the Journal of Management. She has served on the editorial board of the Strategic Management Journal, and as Associate Editor for the Journal of Management.
  • Dean Annette L. Ranft headshot

2017

  • The Raymond J. Harbert College of Business celebrates its 50th anniversary
  • Dean Hardgrave named Auburn University Provost
  • The College breaks ground on its new business building. The building is expected to be complete in time for the Fall 2019 semester
  • Harbert College of Business 50th Year Anniversary logo
  • 2017 New Business Building Groundbreaking Ceremony

2016

  • College announces $15 million gift in September from 1982 alumnus Raymond J. Harbert. Coupled with a $15 million match from Auburn University, the gift will lead to the creation of a second building to house graduate programs. Expected completion is for Fall 2018
  • The Harbert College of Business surpasses its $100 million target goal in the "Because This is Auburn" comprehensive campaign in July. That far exceeds the college's total from the previous campaign ($19.2 million) completed in 2008 and surpasses the college's total fundraising ($60 million) from 1967-2008. College launches Center for Supply Chain Innovation
  • A June 27 electrical fire on the first floor of Lowder Hall forces the temporary closure of the building. Restoration efforts enable the college to resume normal operations for the start of the Fall 2016 semester
  • Department of Aviation and Supply Chain Management becomes Department of Systems and Technology
  • 2016 Graduate Business Building Announcement Student Speaker
  • 2016 Graduate Business Building Rendering

2015

  • In May, the Auburn University RFID Lab hosts its grand opening. The lab, which explores the business case for the implementation of radio frequency identification technology, draws on Harbert College of Business faculty and students
  • The Harbert College hosts the first Auburn University Entrepreneurship Summit in April. The event includes the Tiger Cage student entrepreneurship competition, as well as the Top Tigers awards honoring the fastest-growing companies founded, owned or led by Auburn alumni
  • Panopto system becomes course delivery mechanism for online MBA students
  • 2015 Auburn University RFID Lab Grand Opening
  • 2015 Auburn University Entrepreneurship Summit Hall of Fame Gala

2014

  • College renames its alumni publication Harbert Magazine, moves to bi-annual publication and repackages The Shareholder as an annual report
  • 2014 Harbert Magazine Cover

2013

  • Exterior renovations to Lowder Hall completed
  • Business Analytics program and Ph.D. in Finance are launched
  • College renamed the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business in June after $40 million commitment from 1982 alumnus – then the largest gift in Auburn University history
  • 2013 Raymond & Kathryn Harbert honored for college naming gift

2011

  • College sets $100 million goal for university-wide comprehensive campaign
  • 2011 President Jay Gogue with Auburn finance student

2010

  • Dr. Bill Hardgrave is named dean of the college in April after previously serving as executive director of the Information Technology Research Institute in the University of Arkansas' Sam M. Walton College of Business. "I look forward to helping the college assume its position as one of the elite business schools in the country," said Hardgrave, whose tenure begins in August
  • College Strategic Plan outlines goal of becoming "among the elite public business schools in the U.S."
  • Office of Professional and Career Development opens, becoming the only college-embedded career placement resource on the Auburn University campus
  • College of Business launches Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) program with College of Architecture, Design and Construction
  • The college's MBA program ranks 35th nationally and 75th worldwide in a survey by Financial Times, its best showing ever in that particular ranking
  • 2010 Bill Hardgrave named dean of the college
HCOB Celebrating 50 Years Eagle
2009-Sunset over Lowder Hall
2005-Eagle flying at Auburn football game
2005-Eagle flying at Auburn football game

2009

  • Distance MBA students begin receiving courses via streaming video
  • 2009 MBA Student Lounge

2008

  • College offers "custom" MBA program for Pratt & Whitney

2007

  • Department of Aviation and Supply Chain Management replaces Department of Aviation Management and Logistics
  • Newspaper Clipping College of Business celebrates 40th anniversary

2004

  • Paul Bobrowski, formerly associate dean of Syracuse University's Whitman School of Business, joins the college as dean in August.
  • DVDs replace VHS tapes as course delivery tools for Auburn University distance MBA students
  • 2004 Samford and Langdon Halls at Night

2002

  • A $1 million gift from 1972 alumnus Bennie Bray announced in June offers support for undergraduate scholarships and the creation of a faculty professorship
  • Newspaper Clipping $1 million gift from Alumnus Bennie Bray

2001

  • Undergraduate enrollment reaches 4,511, making the college the largest at any university in Alabama
  • Department of Aviation Management and Logistics created

2000

  • College launches Aviation Management professional option and the Entrepreneurship and Family Business program
  • Wayne Alderman resigns as dean of the college in July and returns to the School of Accountancy as a full-time faculty member. Professor John Jahera is named interim dean in August, filling the role until Paul Bobrowski's hiring in 2004
  • Newspaper Clipping John Jahera named Interim Dean
Celebrating 50 Years of Business Eagle
Celebrating 50 Years of Business Eagle
1999-Springtime in Auburn
1993-Toomer's Corner Panoramic Photo

1999

  • Physicians Executive MBA Program (PEMBA) launched in the fall quarter
  • Auburn University's Executive MBA students travel to Europe, marking the program's first international trip
  • Newspaper clipping Physicians Executive MBA Program

1998

  • Executive MBA Program (EMBA) launched
  • Business fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon starts an Auburn University chapter
  • 1998 Go Tigers wall on College Street

1995

  • Regions Financial Corporation donates $600,000 to the college as part of Campaign Auburn. The gift leads to the creation of the J. Stanley Mackin Eminent Scholar Chair in the college
  • Newspaper clipping Regions Financial Corp donates $600,000

1994

  • Building named the Edward L. Lowder and Catherine K. Lowder Business Building in honor of the parents of longtime Auburn trustee and 1964 alumnus Bobby Lowder

1993

  • Wayne Alderman becomes the first Auburn business graduate to be appointed as the dean of the college. Alderman, who joined the faculty in 1977, moved into the role in August.
  • 1993 Wayne Alderman

1992

  • The College celebrates 25th anniversary with the completion of a six-story, 158,000-square foot classroom and office building in August. The $12 million facility, which replaces Thach and Tichenor Halls as the college's administrative and teaching home, opens for the fall semester
  • Danny Bellenger announces in August his intention to resign as dean the following year
  • Newspaper clipping New facility opens for Fall semester

1991

  • The College of Business adds Management Information Systems program

1990

  • The College of Business breaks ground on a $15 million building on October 5. Located at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Donahue Drive, the building will contain 175 administrative and faculty offices, and 30 classrooms capable of seating between 25 and 400 students
  • An agreement between Auburn's College of Business and College of Engineering establishes the first VHS recording and delivery of courses for MBA students
  • Five College of Business students combined to take first place in the 13th Annual Southeastern Conference MBA Case Study Competition in April
  • 1990s Auburn University Seal
Celebrating 50 Years of Business Eagle
Celebrating 50 Years of Business Eagle
Celebrating 50 Years of Business Eagle
1983 Toomer's Corner
1989 Construction site for new business building
1989 1987 Harold Melton elected SGA president

1989

  • Danny Bellenger begins tenure as dean of the college on August 1 after serving as an associate dean at Texas Tech University
  • As part of a $150 million building campaign, Auburn University announces plans for a business building along with more than 30 other projects
  • College of Business enrollment tops 3,700 students in fall semester
  • A $2.6 million grant from H. Ross Perot in honor of longtime business associate Thomas Walter establishes the Thomas Walter Center for Technology Management, which focuses on building bridges between the engineering and business sectors
  • 1989 Construction site for new business building

1988

  • A February Auburn Plainsman story notes that business enrollment has risen by 42 percent from the fall of 1982 to the fall of 1987.
  • Charles Kroncke steps down as dean on August 31 to pursue an opportunity at the University of Texas-Dallas, and Bob Niebhur steps in to serve in an interim capacity
  • A $1.2 million gift from the Lowder family creates two Lowder Eminent Scholar faculty positions
  • College establishes Ph.D. program in Management
  • Personnel and Industrial Relations program renamed Human Resources Management

1987

  • The College of Business establishes a business minor and announces revisions to its MBA program, including a mandatory orientation for incoming students and a "lockstep" model that enables students to enter and graduate with the same class. The changes take effect in the 1987-88 academic year
  • Associate dean for academic affairs William Holley reports in an April interview with The Auburn Plainsman that MBA program enrollment stands at 55, double its total from the previous year
  • International business major Harold Melton makes Auburn University history in April, becoming the first black student to be elected SGA president
  • Newspaper clipping Harold Melton first black student elected SGA president

1986

  • Former University of Wisconsin faculty member Charles Kroncke joins the college as dean in the summer and reorganizes its administrative structure, creating associate dean positions to oversee academic affairs and external affairs
  • The Auburn Technical Assistance Center becomes a part of the college, joining a roster of outreach programs that includes the Small Business Development Center, the Center for International Commerce, and the Center for Executive and Management Development. A fifth program, the Center for Research and Development, is planned
  • Dean Kroncke announces plans to make the MBA program a "lock-step program" and to implement an Executive MBA program in 1987
  • Auburn University's Board of Trustees approves bond issue for design and construction of $15 million facility to bring business classrooms and offices under one roof after having classes spread between Thach, Tichenor and other buildings
  • 1986 Tiger the eagle
  • 1986 Newspaper picture of Charles Kroncke

1985

  • Auburn University's Board of Trustees approves changes in the university's organizational structure in March. The School of Business is renamed the College of Business on July 1.
  • The Board of Trustees approves the formation of the School of Accountancy
  • The newly-established College of Business begins offering a master's of accountancy program in the spring
  • Enrollment tops 3,400 students in the fall semester, making the college the third-largest on campus
  • Newspaper Clipping Transportation

1984

  • George Horton resigns as dean in September and returns to the faculty and a professor of marketing and transportation. "Dean Horton has worked tirelessly in developing quality programs in the School of Business and has been able to attract a large group of distinguished teachers to the university,"" Auburn University President James E. Martin told the Auburn Plainsman. Ethel Jones is appointed interim dean and helps prepare the college for a successful reaccreditation process in 1986
  • Newspaper clipping Dean George Horton Resigns

1983

  • School adds International Business, Industrial and Operations Management and Management programs
  • School of Business enrollment stands at 2,600 – down from 3,400 eight years ago. Dean George Horton attributes it to tougher admissions standards, as well as limited financial resources, in a May interview with the Auburn Plainsman. "If the funds are limited, we just can't service as many people," he said.
  • 1983 Toomer's Corner

1982

  • Percentage of faculty with doctorates now at 80 percent – double the rate from 1972 School of Business establishes its first doctoral program, a joint Ph.D. with the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology and the School of Forestry
  • A March Auburn Plainsman story – "Financial woes cause loss of faculty, large classes" – reveals the School of Business has struggled to address overcrowding since its foundation. Forty-four percent of all "unable to assign" classes are housed in the school of business. "We start each quarter at or above the limit the Board of Accreditation allows for a student-teacher ratio,"" Associate Dean Ellsworth Steele said.
  • Newspaper clipping Plainsman Profile Dean George Horton

1980

  • After months of unrest among administrators, faculty and students, the School of Business is deemed "fully accredited" at the annual meeting of the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in June. Dean George Horton, Associate Dean Ellsworth Steele and Director of Graduate Studies Edward Kern presented Auburn's application to the AACSB in Chicago. The assembly identified Auburn "as the strongest contender" out of 77 schools vying for accreditation. The school earned initial accreditation in 1976, but must be re-accredited every five years.
  • Small Business Development Center established
  • Newspaper clipping School of Business Receives Accreditation
Celebrating 50 Years of Business Eagle
Celebrating 50 Years of Business Eagle
Celebrating 50 Years of Business Eagle
Auburn Aerial view
1967 Computer Registration
1973-Jean Howard serves as college student officer

1979

  • The School of Business enters a tumultuous period as the state suffered from the effects of a deep national recession. Newly-elected Gov. Fob James' proration request for a 10 percent state budget cut sent shockwaves to Auburn's campus. Auburn University President Harry Philpott warned that such deep cuts, coupled with a 9-12 percent inflation rate, would "affect quality programming." James went so far as to suggest schools of business and engineering at Auburn University and the University of Alabama could be combined as cost-cutting measures
  • In early May, President Philpott draws public criticism after his response to a question on whether budget cutbacks would lead to a decline in business school enrollment and, potentially, the loss of accreditation. President Philpott said "the sky won't fall if we weren't accredited" and that "a loss of students would be good" to give the School of Business time to address unmet needs
  • School of Business Dean George Horton reacts with shock in the wake of Philpott's comments, telling the Auburn Plainsman "I could hardly believe it. My objectives ever since I've been here have been to develop the greatest, most productive business school in the country. Naturally, I get upset when I hear anything that would have that objective slowed down. … I'm trying to develop the finest business school, and I'll continue to do that." According to The Plainsman, Auburn University spent $2 million on its business school in the most recent calendar year compared to $30 million at Harvard
  • School of Business advisory council members express concerns that a loss of accreditation will hamper students' efforts to find jobs. "It will definitely be more difficult for graduates to get jobs," said Liberty National Life Insurance President Robert Stewart. "Loss of accreditation would be very unfortunate."
  • Auburn University's Board of Trustees approves a three-year, $30 million capital drive – its first in 20 years -- for campus-wide projects. The campaign drive idea was presented to the board in June 1978, when School of Business Dean George Horton and Engineering Dean Grady Cox requested support in mitigating funding deficiencies.
  • Auburn University President Harry Philpott announces his resignation and retirement on September 7 after 14 years. Dean George Horton said, "We need to take what Philpott has built, and make it higher. We have to start realizing the full potential of Auburn University now. … We have set our objectives very high in the School of Business and we cannot obtain them with lower levels of funding."
  • Newspaper clipping Dean Horton discusses budget cuts
  • Newspaper clipping Professional Schools Hit Hard

1977

  • General Business added to the school's curriculum
  • School of Business granted chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma national honor society for business and management students

1976

  • School of Business earns undergraduate accreditation in May from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), becoming one of 160 accredited business schools out of 2,000 nationwide. "The main effect will be reputation-wise," Dean George Horton tells the Auburn Plainsman. "Auburn will now be recognized for its excellent business program, not merely have it."
  • Auburn Technical Assistance Center (ATAC) begins helping business, industry and non-profit organizations improve efficiency and competitiveness
  • School of Business professional options consist of Accounting, Finance, Economics, Industrial Management, Food Industry Management, Personnel and Industrial Relations, Marketing and Transportation
  • International business debuts as a major in Fall semester
  • Newspaper clipping Business school given program accreditation

1975

  • Students in the Auburn Student Accounting Association offer free tax service for Auburn University students from February to April 15. ASA secretary Bill Justice explains that the service provides important professional development for accounting students
  • 1975 Dean George Horton

1974

  • Dean George Horton outlines a plan for the School of Business to pursue Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, telling the Auburn Plainsman "We are trying to attract top-notch people from the better institutions in an effort to significantly improve the faculty quantitatively and qualitatively." Horton sets the goal of applying for AACSB accreditation in the spring of 1975
  • The Executive in Residence program, developed with the help of the Business Advisory Council, welcomes its first honoree. The program brings leading executives from throughout the U.S. to Auburn for two- to three-day visits. South Central Bell Telephone general personnel manager Carl Happer Jr. and Armstrong Rubber and Chemical Corps. Senior VP and Chairman of the Board Joseph Stewart become the first distinguished alumni award honorees selected by the School of Business
  • Newspaper clipping Accounting, Finance courses prove Popular

1973

  • O.D. Turner's tenure as dean comes to an end. He is replaced by former Department of Marketing and Transportation head George Horton as the School of Business' second dean on July 1. "With the appointment of Dr. Horton, we renew our commitment to attain a full accredited School of Business and enlarge the contributions of Auburn University to the business communities of our state and region," Auburn President Harry Philpott said. Horton had previously served as head of the School of Business' Department of Marketing and Transportation
  • Food Industrial Management is added as a professional option to the Management Department at the start of the fall semester. The degree program offers preparation for management positions in food processing, packaging and merchandising
  • 1973 The Kopper Kettle served as a favorite student eatery

1972

  • The School of Business hosts the first Business Tomorrow Conference in October. Conceived by Dean Turner and sponsored by the Associated Industries of Alabama, the conference brings together students and faculty from state business schools and features leading executives as guest speakers, as well as "buzz groups" devoted to specific business topics
  • O.D. Turner announces he will resign as dean at end of the 1972-73 academic year to accept a position with management consulting firm Business Science Corp. "We fortunate to have his leadership during these formative years," Auburn University President Harry Philpott tells the Auburn Plainsman. Faculty positions during Turner's tenure grew from 42 to 69, while the number of graduates with business degrees grew by 120 percent
  • 1970 Newspaper Article for new programs at the college of business

1970

  • School of Business forms Business Advisory Council to connect faculty with state and regional business leaders. The council began with 40 members from companies throughout the U.S. and served as a resource in shaping curriculum
  • A two-year Pre-Business program is formed, which, assistant dean Ellsworth Steele told the Auburn Plainsman in a November interview, ensures students are "given a chance to demonstrate that he is able to handle business subjects before going on to the more advanced courses."
  • 1970 Dean OD Turner visits with student
People
1967 Psychadelic year
Julie Andrews

1969

  • Business Extension Unit forms, enabling faculty members to conduct research and outreach throughout Alabama
  • Professional options for the School of Business grow to include accounting, finance, geography, quantitative methods, marketing, transportation, general business, industrial management, personnel and industrial relations and office administration
  • 1969 Faculty member Ethel Jones teaches a course

1968

  • O.D. Turner becomes dean of the School of Business on April 1
  • Professional options for students in the school include business administration and secretarial administration
  • 1968 First College Dean OD Turner

1967

  • Auburn University's Board of Trustees creates the School of Business by decree on March 15.
  • Dr. Ellsworth Steele serves as interim dean of the school until O.D. Turner's arrival as dean in 1968
  • The School of Business becomes the university's 10th undergraduate school in September and ranks fourth in size at Auburn University with 1,800 students. The School of Business is organized into four departments – Accounting and Finance, Economics and Geography, Management, and Marketing and Transportation
  • The School of Business makes its initial home in Thach and Tichenor Halls
  • Of the 134 female students enrolled for fall quarter, 93 were enrolled in Secretarial Administration
  • 1967 First Interim Dean Ellsworth Steele