Dean Finley Connects with CADC Alumni

CADC Dean Dawn Finley at the Urban Studio Open House 2024

Connecting with people who love Auburn is a priority for Dawn Finley, Dean and McWhorter Endowed Chair in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC).

Coming up on her first anniversary in the role as dean, Finley has been traveling around the country to connect with CADC alumni and foster relationships between the education and practice.

“As a designer, educator and practitioner, I understand how the boundaries between the academy and professional life can be overstated,” Finley said. “These visits aren’t just about staying connected—they’re about ensuring that our design and construction programs correspond to the rigor, relevance and ambition that today’s work demands.”

Last year, Finley and CADC Director of Philanthropy Christopher Griffin visited the Urban Studio to celebrate the renovation and reopening of the Auburn in Birmingham building.

This kicked off a series of tours around the southeast. In February, Finley traveled to Mobile, Ala., and hosted a Meet the Dean evening at the Retirement Systems of Alabama Battle House Tower followed by a visit to the Chamber of Commerce and firm visits coordinated by McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) alum Mike Rogers ’87, president of construction company Rogers & Willard.

Finley also traveled in Atlanta this spring, touring TVS Architecture and Interior Design, Hendrick and Holder Construction.


These visits aren’t just about staying connected—they’re about ensuring that our design and construction programs correspond to the rigor, relevance and ambition that today’s work demands.

Dawn Finley, Dean and McWhorter Endowed Chair

Recently, Finley visited Boston during the annual AIA Convention, hosting a reception at Legal Seafood for alumni and friends. There she connected with CADC alumni from all over the country including AIA Alabama President Andrea Simpson ‘05 and Neil Davis ’76, founder of Birmingham’s Davis Architects.

In October, the dean plans to host a reception in Los Angeles in tandem with the 2025 AIGA Design Conference.

In addition to traveling, CADC’s Office of Advancement has organized lunches in Auburn on a regular basis to connect Finley with alumni and friends locally, helping to strengthen bonds across the Auburn Family.

The visit also included firm tours and a stop at the Chamber of Commerce, coordinated by BSCI alumnus Mike Rogers, class of 1987, president of Rogers & Willard.
CADC Dean Dawn Finley speaking at the Urban Studio Open House 2024
CADC Dean Dawn Finley speaking at the Urban Studio Open House 2024.

“The CADC is a special place within Auburn University that includes some of the most influential and passionate Auburn graduates within the built and design environment,” Griffin said. “Dean Finley has observed the significant contributions our graduates are making as designers and creators across the country. It has been a privilege for my team to support her efforts in establishing these valuable connections”

Finley said that if the College works hand-in-hand with its alumni in the field, “our education will not just respond to the world—it will shape it.”

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Dawn Finley