Emory Serviss to Receive Auburn Teaching Award

The Harbert College of Business professor will be honored at the university's 20th annual ceremony in November 2026.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Internships

Emory Serviss to Receive Auburn Teaching Award

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Auburn University will honor senior lecturer Emory Serviss with the Alumni Undergraduate Teaching Excellence award this November 2026. Serviss is the first marketing professor in the Harbert College of Business to receive this recognition.

Why it matters

The award recognizes the impact of Serviss' teaching style, which emphasizes real-world accountability by having students present marketing recommendations to corporate partners.

During his 12-year tenure, Serviss has taught nearly 5,000 students and supervised 147 interns. He is the seventh Harbert faculty member to receive this university-wide distinction.

The players

Emory Serviss

He is a senior lecturer in the Harbert College of Business at Auburn University who has taught nearly 5,000 students over 12 years.

Rachel Cody

She is one of the recipients of the Auburn Alumni Undergraduate Teaching Excellence award alongside Serviss.

C. Brooks Mobley

He is one of the recipients of the Auburn Alumni Undergraduate Teaching Excellence award alongside Serviss.

The details

Serviss curates curriculum by partnering with organizations in healthcare, banking, and the performing arts. Beyond his teaching, he is a two-time recipient of the Steven Shaw & Joe Hair Best Paper award, having won in 2020 and 2023.

November 2026: Emory Serviss receives the teaching excellence award.
2020 and 2023: Serviss received the Steven Shaw & Joe Hair Best Paper award.

Market Landscape

This honor reflects the growing academic reputation of the Harbert College of Business within the broader university ecosystem. It positions the department as a leader in high-impact, practical undergraduate education compared to other collegiate programs.

Students within the Harbert College of Business can anticipate continued emphasis on real-world project work that connects them to industry leaders. This commitment to practical training remains a central component of the department's professional development approach.

The takeaway

Serviss demonstrates how incorporating direct corporate accountability into classroom curriculum can significantly enhance the undergraduate experience. His recognition highlights the value of blending academic research with practical application for career-ready students.