Service Learning Colloquia Speakers

Harriet W. Giles

Harriet W. Giles, Ph.D., serves as Director of External Relations for the Auburn University College of Human Sciences (CHS) and as Managing Director of the Auburn University International Hunger Institute (IHI).  Prior to assuming her current administrative positions within the College of Human Sciences and the IHI, Giles was a faculty member in the Auburn University Department of Human Development for 18 years. Giles began her professional career as an early childhood educator in the Alabama public school system in 1972.  She holds the Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and the Master of Science degree in Family and Child Development from Auburn University and the Doctor of Philosophy in Child and Family Development from the University of Georgia.

 

Kate Thornton

Kate Thornton, Ph.D., serves as the Director of Hunger and Sustainability Initiatives at the International Hunger Institute at Auburn University. She has served in this capacity since January 2012 following a Hunger Post-Doctoral program also at Auburn. She has a varied background ranging from business to biochemistry and is interested in utilizing her diverse knowledge base to bring sustainable solutions to help solve the global challenges of our world. Dr. Thornton earned her doctorate, as well as an MBA, and MS in Consumer Affairs from Auburn University. She also holds a BS in Biochemistry and a BFA in Painting from Clemson University. Prior to her work in higher education, Dr. Thornton worked as a chemical and biological weapons analyst in Washington, DC.

 

The Auburn Hunger Model: A Best Practice in Service Learning
The session will include an overview of hunger from domestic and global perspectives; the partnership between Auburn University and the World Food Programme; the development and implementation of the Auburn Hunger Model, including the grassroots student campaign and the academic agenda; the evolution of Universities Fighting World Hunger; and the recent establishment of the Hunger Solutions Institute.

Giles and Thornton spoke on Thursday, November 15, 2012, in the Auburn University Student Center.