From the Nominator

As part of academic museum programming, The Jule Museum Podcast is an innovative approach to education, research, and outreach. Two episodes, "Student Stories" and "Monuments," exemplify the podcast's success in fostering connections between the museum and its diverse audiences of students, university employees, the community, and constituents of the Southeast. "Student Stories" takes listeners on a journey through the museum experience, guided by the insightful voices of Auburn University students who serve as guides. These students' conversations showcase how the museum enriches their education and lives. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the museum's role in developing intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness – essential qualities for well-rounded individuals. "Monuments" delves into the potential of active learning at the museum. The episode features a conversation between four faculty members who used "Monuments and Myths: The America of Sculptors Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Daniel Chester French" as a springboard for developing semester-long projects in their respective disciplines: studio art, curriculum and teaching, English, and history. This episode underscores interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration across campus. Episodes are promoted through university communications and exhibition signage. The "Student Stories" and "Monuments" episodes garnered a combined 200 plays on Soundcloud, with more than 2,000 plays for all episodes in 2023. Faculty-focused episodes support recruitment, demonstrating ways to integrate the museum into diverse academic disciplines. By showcasing unique perspectives and the impact of a teaching museum, The Jule Museum Podcast embodies the commitment to aligning programming with the university's academic mission.

From the Judges

It is commendable that The Jule Museum Podcast decided to have students actively participate in the production of the podcasts. This establishes a stronger connection with the community, the target audience, to raise awareness of the museum's work.