At Harbert: Outreach
belt use, innovative digital animation, and the effectiveness of work in the classroom. The latter two awards came from a collaboration with Paul Holley of Auburn’s CADC and Matt Reyes of Oklahoma State. Charged with nearly every aspect of the University’s Lifetime Achievement Awards, the MPG was responsible for print, video, set design as well as authorship, staging and direction. The MPG enjoyed a seamless collaboration with the creative staff of the Gogue Performing Arts Center, benefited from the performance of host Rudy Gaines (’78), and the talent of musician Khari Allen Lee. In the words of one participant, “the best awards ceremony ever.” The unit also contributed to the naming event for The Winchester Institute for Real Estate Development and the 25th Anniversary of the Graduate Executive Programs. NEW VENTURE ACCELERATOR Lou Bifano, Director The New Venture Accelerator supports those who are looking to start a new business or who may need help growing an existing one. It has a team of Entrepreneurs-in-Residence who offer their real-world experience through coaching, counseling, mentoring, and business idea pitch competitions. Open to students and faculty campus wide, the accelerator is managed and governed by the Harbert College of Business. Recently, a designated Kickstart
Fund within the Auburn University Foundation was formed to provide direct, non-dilutive grants to select New Venture Accelerator companies exhibiting best-in-class potential for success. The fund is designed to bridge the gap between new business formation and initial seed or Series A funding and will be administered under the oversight of the Harbert College and the New Venture Accelerator. Auburn University is fast developing a reputation as having one of the best entrepreneurship programs in the country. RFID LAB Justin Patton, Executive Director Auburn University’s RFID Lab is a research institute focused on the business case and execution of the RFID technology in a plethora of industries including logistics, aviation, food, retail, manufacturing and supply chain sectors. The advisory board for the lab includes 23 members that attend 3 meetings a year. These meetings provide the board members updates on research progress and the lab’s latest discoveries. With the help of the Harbert College of Business, the RFID Lab has employed hundreds of student employees, partnered with companies around the globe, and advanced RFID technology in ways never seen. It is with this growth and the support of the college of business that the lab is in the planning stages of building a brand new, state of the art lab in Auburn’s Research Park.
“The RFID lab specializes in retail, supply chain, and manufacturing and we work with partners like Walmart, Delta, McDonald's, and Nike. Recently we partnered
with the Los Alamos laboratory to enhance
collaboration and research, education, and workforce development.”
– Justin Patton Executive Director RFID Lab
The Auburn University RFID Lab is passionate about fostering growth for their student employees’ careers, including offering meetings and events with the lab’s various business partners. Upon graduation, many students who work for the lab are able to utilize these connections and secure valuable job offers to kick start their careers. The lab is eager to continue producing industry standards and create impacts not only on the RFID Industry, but the students who have found their place working for the lab.
18 Harbert Magazine, Spring 2025
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