March 12, 2021 — today — marks one year since Auburn University announced its decision to move classes completely online, a day after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic.
It’s been a long year. For many, it’s been a year of mourning, a year full of challenges and frankly, a year that’s felt a lot longer than 365 days.
So, we decided to look back and compile some of the biggest stories from the past year. Because while it may have felt like life was put on hold, the news didn’t stop.
March 12, 2020: AU goes online
A day after the WHO named COVID-19 a pandemic, Auburn University announced it would be moving to fully remote instruction.
March 20, 2020: First Auburn student diagnosed with COVID-19
Following a trip out of the country, Julia Creech, an Auburn student, tested positive for COVID-19.
April 2020: Auburn professor dies of COVID complications
Roger Rice, beloved professor in the McWhorter School of Building Science, died in late April from complications of the coronavirus. He is the only known faculty member who has died from COVID-19.
May 31, 2020: National calls for justice reach Auburn
Groups of people packed into downtown Auburn to protest following the extrajudicial killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black male, by a Minneapolis police officer.
Sept. 4, 2020: Student Center gets a new name
The Board of Trustees announced that the Student Center would officially be renamed the Melton Student Center in honor of Harold Melton, Auburn's first Black SGA president. Melton now serves as the chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court.
Nov. 3, 2020: Tuberville heads to D.C.
Former Auburn football head coach Tommy Tuberville officially made his way into the political arena, beating out the Democrat incumbent Doug Jones for one of Alabama's Senate seats in the November election.
Nov. 8, 2020: District attorney arrested
Brandon Hughes, the Lee County District Attorney, was arrested twice in two days: Once by the Lee County Sherrif's Office for five ethics charges, conspiracy to commit theft and perjury, and a day later in Montgomery County for another perjury charge.
Dec. 13, 2020: Guz Malzahn fired
After eight years at Auburn, head coach Gus Malzahn was relieved of his duties — at a price. Malzahn had four years left in his contract, and his buyout cost the University $21.5 million.
Dec. 22, 2020: New head coach announced
After a coaching search filled with confusion and rumors, former Boise State head coach Bryan Harsin was announced as the Tigers' new head coach.
Jan. 31, 2021: City manager hangs up his hat
After 25 years with the City of Auburn, former city manager Jim Buston had his last day on Jan. 31 before retiring. The city manager is the most powerful position in Auburn's government.
Feb. 2, 2021: New SGA president elected
On a chilly Tuesday behind Cater Hall, Rett Waggoner, junior in finance, was elected SGA president for the 2021–2022 school year.
Feb. 25, 2021: The Plainsman shifts online
After 127 years in print, The Auburn Plainsman announced it will now be a primarily online news publication.
March 4, 2021: Coach Flo out as head coach
After being at the helm of the women's basketball program for nine years, Terri Williams-Flournoy will no longer serve as the team's head coach. Williams-Flournoy, often called Coach Flo, finished with 140-138 record over nine seasons.
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