SACUBO 2025: HPM & Auburn to Discuss Revenue-Generating Innovation in Higher Education
As higher education institutions face ever-evolving challenges, the need for innovative solutions to financial sustainability is more urgent than ever. At the 2025 SACUBO Annual Meeting, attendees will have the opportunity to delve into the process of developing and construction of Auburn’s Rane Culinary Science Center. Presented by Kelli Shomaker, Auburn University’s Senior Vice President for Business & Administration and CFO along with HPM SVP Greg Ellis and Senior Program Manager Trent Hall, “Mining for Diamonds in Revenue-Producing Facilities: A Case Study on Auburn University’s Top-Rated Rane Culinary Science Center,” offers a closer look at a dual-purpose facility with unique needs and considerations.
A Culinary and Hospitality Marvel
The Laurel Hotel & Spa, located within the Rane Culinary Science Center, stands as Alabama’s only AAA-rated, five-diamond hotel. The facility is designed to provide unparalleled luxury experience for guests while simultaneously serving as an academic hub for Auburn University students. This dual-purpose approach integrates specialized curriculums, mentorship from Michelin-rated chefs, and hands-on experience in hospitality management—creating a pipeline of highly skilled graduates ready to excel in the industry.
What We’ll Cover
Building a facility of this caliber for a higher ed institution requires meticulous planning and collaboration. The SACUBO session will outline how Auburn and HPM partnered together and navigated the complex journey from concept to completion. Attendees will gain insights into:
- Integrated Planning: How to align academic and financial goals with higher ed facility design and operations.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Leveraging expertise from consultants and industry professionals.
- Overcoming Challenges: Managing unexpected hurdles and maintaining the project’s vision.
Insights You’ll Gain for Your Higher Ed Facility Project
Attendees can expect actionable insights that can be applied to their own institutions. Key takeaways include:
- Identifying Opportunities: How to evaluate and plan for revenue-generating higher education facilities that also serve academic purposes.
- Measuring Impact: Strategies to assess and optimize the economic and community benefits of such initiatives.
- Enhancing Education: Crafting programs that offer students real-world experience while differentiating the institution in a competitive higher education landscape.
Join the Conversation
Mark your calendar for this must-attend session at the 2025 SACUBO Meeting this April. Discover how Auburn University’s Rane Culinary Science Center is reshaping the landscape of Auburn’s strategic vision.
