< Previous50 UNIVERSITY NEWS AUBURNTIGERS.COM The buzz at the Auburn University Bee Center isn’t just about harvesting honey for the AU-BEES program. It’s also about groundbreaking research, immersive student experiences and impactful community outreach. Recently elevated from a lab to a center by Auburn’s Board of Trustees, the Bee Center is leading the charge to reverse the global decline in the health of honey and native bees through in- novation, collaboration and education. “Creating the center recognizes the important contributions we have made towards understanding and improving bee health and beekeeping,” said Geoff Williams, associate professor in the College of Agriculture and the center’s director. “It positions us to move for- ward more effectively as a regional and national leader by streamlining faculty and resources dedicated to bees.” Auburn already plays a commanding role in this work through its stewardship of the U.S. Beekeeping Survey — a vital national initiative that tracks honey bee colony losses. The data collected not only reveals critical trends but also directly informs policymakers and re- searchers, shaping agricultural practic- es and guiding research priorities. With the latest survey revealing even greater colony losses among commercial beekeepers — driven in part by unusually high winter mortal- ity — center researchers are stepping up with data-driven solutions and practical support to help the industry respond. Globally, the center is also leading ef- forts to monitor and manage the spread of Tropilaelaps mercedesae, a parasitic mite affecting honey bee populations across Asia and Eastern Europe. “By leading efforts to understand and manage this mite, we are prepar- ing U.S. beekeepers for its potential arrival, demonstrating our commit- ment to proactive and preventive measures,” Williams said. Teamwork makes it happen Williams emphasizes that collab- orations with stakeholders and sci- entific partners are essential to the center’s ability to conduct impactful research that promotes the health of both honey bees and native bees. Facing the ongoing threat of an- other parasitic mite, Varroa destruc- tor, Auburn has joined forces with researchers from across the U.S. and Canada to identify new tools and im- prove application methods for con- trolling the pest. Partnerships with the USDA ARS Stoneville Pollinator Health Research Unit have led to the deployment of new mechanisms to manage honey bee pests and improve forage for bees. “These partnerships are essential to delivering real-world solutions that benefit both bees and the agricultural community,” Williams said. Auburn students are essential to the center’s team. Graduate students lead experiments and present find- ings, while undergraduates assist with data collection and outreach. Williams said that these immersive experiences not only support the center’s work but also prepare students for meaningful careers in agriculture, environmental science and beyond. The center also maintains strong ties with local beekeepers and farmers through field visits, surveys and lead- ership meetings. “Understanding their needs and addressing them practically is at the heart of our work,” Williams said. While traditional methods remain vital, the center is embracing mod- ern technology to share findings and support beekeepers. Interactive maps help track colony development and compare data across regions. Edu- cational outreach includes webinars, YouTube videos and in-person work- shops that extend the center’s impact far beyond campus. The future Looking ahead, the Bee Center is preparing to launch SEBees, an im- mersive undergraduate research and outreach program. The initiative aligns with Auburn’s strategic plan to offer ex- ceptional student experiences, allow- ing participants to make meaningful contributions to bee health and pres- ervation while gaining real-world skills. “Our vision is to make lasting con- tributions to sustainable agriculture and bee conservation,” Williams ex- plained. “By working closely with our network of collaborators and stake- holders, we are providing solutions to critical issues and ensuring a healthier future for bees and the ecosystems they support.” UNIVERSITY NEWS BY: AMY WEAVER BUZZING WITH PURPOSE: BEE CENTER TACKLES POLLINATOR CRISIS AT HOME AND ABROAD The Bee Center does so much more than harvest honey for the AU-BEES program. The Bee Center is addressing the global decline in the health of honey and native bees.52 RUDI JOHNSON AUBURNTIGERS.COM Rudi Johnson made the 2000 football season one to remember for himself, his teammates and for Auburn. Johnson, who passed away Sept. 23, a week before his 46th birthday, led the Tigers to the Western Division title while earning SEC Player of the Year honors. “He was so unselfish,” remembered Ben Leard, Auburn’s quarterback in 2000. “He always gave accolades to his offensive line, his receivers and to the defense.” Arriving on the Plains in January after one of the most dominant junior college performances in history, Johnson quickly earned Auburn’s starting running back job, needing only 11 carries to gain 98 yards on A-Day, a preview of coming attractions. “We knew he was going to be special,” Leard said. “We knew he was going to be a guy who could absolutely win us a lot of ballgames.” At 5-10, 228 pounds, the durable Johnson combined toughness between the tackles, breakaway speed and a penchant for yards after contact. “A once-in-a-lifetime player,” remembered Tommy Tuberville, Auburn’s head coach from 1999-2008. “Great player, great person. He was hard-nosed. His work ethic was excellent.” Johnson set a program record by reaching the 100-yard mark in 10 of Auburn’s 13 games, including a dazzling debut in which he ran for 174 yards and three touchdowns in the season opener against Wyoming. Rudi’s SEC premiere the following week was equally electrifying: 29 carries, 165 yards and two touchdowns in a road win at Ole Miss. Johnson ran for more than 100 yards in each of his first five Auburn games and 10 of the first 11. “They would try to tackle him and his yards after contact were awesome,” said Eddie Gran, Johnson’s position coach at Auburn. “They would try to tackle him low, and he could keep going. It really was amazing how strong he was.” Against Louisiana Tech, Johnson exploded for 249 yards and four touchdowns. Three weeks later in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, he rushed 34 times for 152 yards. It would’ve been 35 carries, but true to his character, Johnson shared the spotlight. After Georgia kicked an overtime field goal to lead 26-23, Johnson converted on third down to give Auburn first-and- goal inside the Bulldogs’ 1-yard line. RUDI JOHNSON BY: JEFF SHEARER REMEMBERING RUDI JOHNSON: ‘ONE OF THE BEST TEAMMATES I EVER HAD’ Continued on page 6454 2025 STADIUM MAP 2025 STADIUM MAP AUBURNTIGERS.COMThe Medical School making a difference in our community EVERY DAY ©2025 Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. All rights reserved. Please go to www.vcom.edu/outcomes for a copy of our outcomes report. At the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Auburn, Alabama our mission is to train future physicians who are community-focused and ready to make a difference. That starts right here at home. Over the last 20 years, VCOM students and alumni have made great improvements to healthcare in southern Appalachia, but there is still work to be done. We’re inviting you to join us in this mission and make a difference for our community. 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