Staff

Hope Stockton, Director

Hope Stockton earned her bachelor's degree in finance and history from Huntingdon College, a master's degree in management from Troy University, and is a PhD Candidate in Adult Education at Auburn University. She initially came to Auburn in 2003 as the Executive Director of the Blue Ridge Conference on Leadership in the College of Business. Prior to her employment with Auburn, Stockton spent 13 years in healthcare management and worked for the United States Army Budget Office in Vicenza, Italy. She brings 23 years of administrative and financial management experience to the office along with extensive experience in planning, developing and administering professional and continuing education programs. As the director, she provides leadership and administrative, financial and academic management for the Office of Professional and Continuing Education.

John Freeze, Associate Director

John Freeze joined the Office of Professional and Continuing Education in the Fall of 2008. His prior service in higher education includes working as a software trainer at Texas A&M University and as the program manager for the Center for Cybercrime Investigation Training at the University of Tennessee. John holds a Bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University and a Master's degree from Texas A&M University. His responsibilities include providing leadership within the Office of Professional and Continuing Education and working to develop and market new training programs to be delivered through OPCE.

Dr. Mary Burkhart, OLLI Administrator

Mary Burkhart received her Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Florida State University in 1973. She came to Auburn in 1974 to work in what was then called the Conference Office. S he directed the Community Courses program for a number of years and served as Alabama Elderhostel State Director from 1979 to 1998. In 1989, she formed the Auburn University Academy for Lifelong Learners (AUALL). AUALL received a grant from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) in 2007 and AUALL was renamed to OLLI at Auburn. Now semi-retired, Mary continues to serve as the administrator for OLLI at Auburn.

James Birdsong, Summer Youth Programs / Professional Development

James is a retired Air Force Officer and served as a C-130 pilot, instructor, and staff officer during his career. He is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and holds a Master’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. James currently leads OPCE Summer Youth Programs, as well as OPCE computer training courses.

Danell LaPread, Executive Secretary

Danell LaPread was employed for 20 years by a local manufacturer where her work was principally in the field of human resources. She joined the Office of Professional and Continuing Education in 2002, and provides support with Road Scholar, OLLI@AUBURN, and Community Course programs. Danell also works with registrations and graphic publications.

Marsha Peters, Office Supervisor

Marsha Peters has been with Auburn University since 1987. She joined the Office of Professional and Continuing Education in 1991. She provides administrative support in the role of finances, payroll, human resources and general office proceedings. Marsha grew up in Auburn and continues to love living in the loveliest village on the plains with her family.

Linda Shook, OLLI

Linda Shook earned a B.A. in public relations with a minor in human resource management and a concentration in political science. Currently, she serves as the coordinator for OLLI. Since moving to Auburn in 2003, she has worked for the Auburn University College of Business and the Rural Studio. Prior to that, she worked in development and administration for non-profit organizations and schools in Oklahoma, Louisiana, Illinois, and Texas. She enjoys sports and traveling internationally with her family.

Claire Twardy, Professional Development / CE Programs

Claire Twardy received a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from the University of Georgia. She is the coordinator for the Tax & Accounting Professional Seminars, AP Summer Institute, and coordinates other professional development programs. Her background includes event planning and marketing. She and her husband, Joe, live in Auburn and love it! They have two daughters, Sara and Anna, recent graduates of Auburn University.

Lydia Walls, Community Courses / Real Estate Professional Development

Lydia has a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Business. She has worked in event planning in various educational and business settings with Troy University, George Mason University, Norfolk Botanical Gardens, and the United Way of South Hampton Roads. Lydia is happy to be back in Auburn where she is responsible for Community Courses and real estate professional development.

Last Updated: May 22, 2012