Drs. Debra Cobia, Gerald Halpin, Glennelle Halpin and Judith Lechner were each recognized for their valuable contributions to the college during May retirement celebrations. Each was awarded emeritus faculty status as acknowledged by Auburn University President Jay Gogue.

Cobia, professor and School Counseling program coordinator in the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, Counseling/School Psychology, joined the college in 1990 after completing her doctorate at the University of Alabama. She earned a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Auburn's College of Education before completing her master's degree and earning an educational specialist degree in counseling and guidance from West Georgia College. Cobia served as a teacher, school counselor and behavior therapist in Georgia and Louisiana schools before completing her doctorate.

Gerald Halpin, a professor of educational research and statistics in the Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Technology, served on the college's faculty for 35 years. Much of his research delved into program evaluation and assessment issues. He came to Auburn in 1974 after earning his doctorate from the University of Georgia and teaching for two years at the University of Montana. Halpin earned his master's degree from the University of Georgia and his bachelor's degree from Jacksonville State (Ala.) University.

Glennelle Halpin, a professor of education psychology in EFLT, also served on the college's faculty for 35 years. Like her husband, she completed her doctoral work and earned her master's degree at the University of Georgia and received her bachelor's degree from Jacksonville State. Glennelle Halpin, a Mildred Cheshire Fraley distinguished professor, focused her research on program evaluation, problem solving and motivation.

Lechner, a professor in EFLT's school library media/technology program, joined the college 21 years ago. Her primary teaching areas on the undergraduate and graduate levels were children's literature and media, reference materials and services for school library and media specialists. Her primary research interests included global and multicultural children's literature, folktales, illustrations in children's books, biographies and science literature for children. Lechner earned her doctorate from the University of California, Los Angeles, a master's of education from Auburn University, a master of library science degree from Columbia University and a bachelor's degree from The City College of New York.