During his 19-year career at Auburn University, Browning was known for his scholarly works and leadership.  He touched many lives as the director of the Alabama Transition Leadership Institute, which was created from conferences initiated by Browning in 1991. Through his ATLI contributions, Browning helped many of Alabama's youth and young adults with disabilities—and the many professionals serving those individuals—make the transition from work to school and community life.  His efforts and outreach through this program have affected the lives of thousands throughout Alabama and across the nation.

Before joining the Auburn faculty as department head in 1989, he served as a faculty member at the University for Oregon for 21 years, where he did extensive research.  He served first as training director, then research director, of the university's Rehabilitation Research and Training Center in Mental Retardation, as well as director of the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation's doctoral program in Rehabilitation Research and Interdisciplinary Studies.

Browning received his bachelor's degree in psychology at Howard Payne University (Texas), his master's degree in rehabilitation at Texas Tech University in 1966, and his doctorial degree in disabilities at the University of Wisconsin in 1969. Among his many professional accolades and honors is the college's Wayne T. Smith distinguished professorship (1999); Auburn University's Excellence in Faculty Outreach award (2005);  the Distinguished Career Award in Rehabilitation Education from the National Council on Rehabilitation Education  (2003); the College of  Education's Outstanding Faculty in Research (2000) and Outreach (1994) awards;  the Outstanding Special Educator of the Year award from the Alabama Federation Council for Exceptional Children (1996); and the Governor's Certificate of Commendation.