Auburn University’s Office of International Programs co-hosting Study Alabama panel at Economic Development Association of Alabama’s winter conference

Published: January 25, 2022

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On Tuesday, Feb. 1, Study Alabama representatives from Auburn University, Coastal Alabama Community College and the University of Alabama will lead a panel discussion on leveraging Alabama higher education for economic and workforce development.

The panel is comprised of Ed Douglas, director, Coastal Alabama Community College; Andrew Gillespie, assistant provost, Auburn University Office of International Programs; Monique Meadows, US Visa Pro; and Charter Morris, director, University of Alabama International Student and Scholar Services.

In their discussion, the panel will highlight the value that 2-year and 4-year schools offer to the expansion of Alabama’s workforce and its economic development. Each panelist will share and create open conversation about how the schools and their established programs and pathways can assist companies in hiring interns and trainees, establishing and maintaining partnerships, and building allied programs for company workers and their families, as well as domestic and international staff. Ultimately, the goal of the panel is to further the discussion on how and more importantly why leveraging Alabama’s 2-year and 4-year schools is valuable for the state’s workforce and economic development.

There are 61 colleges and universities and over 500 foreign direct investment businesses in Alabama, making it an ideal setting for students and scholars from around the world. Study Alabama and their EDAA panel seek to raise the profile of the Alabama higher education sector as a global study/research destination, share expertise and experience in the field of global education and workforce development, foster awareness of the role of higher education institutions in supporting economic development and international trade, and foster strategic partnerships.

To learn more about Study Alabama and its initiatives, please click here. More information on the Economic Development Association of Alabama can be found here.

Submitted by: Kalani Long