Bullock County Development Authority collaborates with Auburn University GEDI for online course

David Padgett, economic developer with Bullock County Development Authority, recently collaborated with University Outreach’s Government and Economic Development Institute, or GEDI, in an online class at Auburn University during the summer session. A portion of the class curriculum was focused on Bullock County. The students presented ideas on website and social media design, tourism and uses of the Franklin Field Airport along with its industrial expansion.

The class (POLI7700) is a three-hour graduate course offered through the Department of Political Science. The course introduces students to the theory and practice of the broad field of economic development. The program allows students to expand their knowledge, develop an appreciation of the field and gain practical experience assisting a community with an application project. Most of the students who took part in the course are studying in the Master of Public Administration or Community Planning programs. Approximately one-third of the class was comprised of international students.

David Mixson, associate director of GEDI, served as instructor of the course which was conducted via Zoom. Mixson was pleased with the students’ recommendations and work during the short summer mini-semester. “The opportunity for our students to apply their knowledge and gain first-hand experience, while also helping Bullock County develop an economic development plan, is a win-win proposition. This community project reflects Auburn’s commitment to both instructional and outreach excellence as a land-grant university,” Mixson said.

For more information on this program, GEDI and Auburn University’s Economic Development Administration University Center, contact David Mixson at 334-844-3887 or via email at mixsoad@auburn.edu.

Visit GEDI online at www.auburn.edu/gedi.