The Auburn University Board of Trustees has approved construction of the BrownKopel Engineering Student Achievement Center – Analytical, Innovation and Manufacturing Laboratory, according to Auburn University, marking what officials describe as 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 designed to strengthen Auburn’s student experience while supporting Alabama’s workforce and economic development priorities, the university said.
“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.”
According to Auburn University, the project will transform 16,000 square feet of unfinished space within BrownKopel, which was completed in 2019. The 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 between Brown-Kopel and the Gavin Engineering Research Laboratory.
University officials said the lab will concentrate on electronics manufacturing, materials analysis and testing, and advanced manufacturing, giving students hands-on experiences aligned with current industry needs and technology-driven workforce demands.
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, according to the university.
“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, officials said.
The BrownKopel Engineering Student Achievement Center — Analytical, Innovation and Manufacturing Laboratory underscores Auburn’s role as Alabama’s land-grant institution and its commitment to stewarding public resources responsibly, according to the university. Officials say the investment in high-impact educational infrastructure is intended to strengthen Auburn’s ability to serve students, advance innovation, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, 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, which will improve accessibility and bring natural light into the facility, according to Auburn University.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
