Rural Studio’s own Emily McGlohn and Mackenzie Stagg were recognized at halftime along with six other Auburn folks supporting rural initiatives on Saturday, August 31st at Jordan-Hare Stadium in front of a crowd of over 88,000 people!

Emily is Associate Professor and Extension Specialist based in Newbern, Alabama. Each year she teaches dozens of 3rd-year architecture students new to Rural Studio, and often new to rural life. Her classes push them to grow as budding, thoughtful architects and as involved community members. Emily and her students also work together to design and build a new home for one of our Hale County neighbors. She’s a wiz at collaborating with specialists across disciplines to find workable, affordable solutions for the wastewater crisis in rural communities. Those problems are particularly challenging in the Black Belt, with soils that often make septic systems unworkable. She is also a fierce and effective advocate for healthful housing, researching building and finishing materials that promote health and wellness.

Mackenzie is an Assistant Research Professor based in Auburn, Alabama. She is a project manager on the Front Porch Initiative, which extends our knowledge of best practices through providing design and technical assistance to a wide range of partners across six states. Front Porch Initiative works with a variety of not-for-profit housing providers building Rural Studio designs across the Southeast as well as interfacing with housing policy stakeholders at the state, regional, and national levels. Mackenzie manages this critical work with both expertise and grace, making it look easy.

We’re so proud of Emily and Mackenzie!

#WarEagle