Dr. Renée A. Middleton, the college's director of research, human resources and outreach, was awarded the Academic Freedom Award by the Auburn University chapter of the American Association of University Professors.

Since being presented to then-President William Muse in 1994, the Academic Freedom Award is bestowed annually to a person who has demonstrated high ethical standards and professionalism in his or her field of specialization. The award also recognizes significant contributions to advocating, protecting and extending academic freedom at Auburn. This marks the first member of the College of Education faculty to receive this AAUP designation.