Auburn University's Foy Desk: The Lifeline Answering Every Question Since 1953

The Alabama Landline That Keeps Ringing At the James E. Foy Information Desk in the Melton Student Center at Auburn University, students answer a wide array of questions from callers across the globe, keeping a tradition alive since 1953. Initially established by Dean James E. Foy as a resource for students, it soon expanded to serve the public. Located in a modern student center, the desk now features three sleek iMacs in the university's colors, replacing stacks of books like encyclopedias and dictionaries that were once essential tools. The desk fields calls ranging from medical inquiries about prescriptions to requests for the cheapest property prices, celebrity net worths, and even bizarre questions like how to deal with a snake in the house or what to do if someone comes back to life on an operating table. Despite the digital age, the Foy desk remains a vital resource for those who lack internet access or prefer human interaction. Training for the student workers is minimal, guided by a ten-page manual. Key rules include maintaining politeness, ending calls if the content is offensive, avoiding homework questions, and dialing *57 in case of threats. During peak hours, the phones ring ten to fifteen times per hour, typically with brief interactions. However, as night sets in, the calls take on a more personal tone. Regular callers like Beulah, who frequently inquires about pest control, often engage in lengthy, 15-minute conversations. These interactions aren't just about providing information; they often serve as a lifeline for isolated or lonely callers. Braxton Stacey, a senior studying industrial and systems engineering, recounted a particularly poignant call from an elderly woman who had just lost a friend. She spent an hour sharing mundane yet deeply personal details, simply needing someone to listen. The students, though they don't pry, build mental images of their callers based on accents, area codes, and the types of questions they ask. The desk operates with a high level of professionalism and respect. Students like Kamran Kimber, a junior in business management, describe regular callers like "Care Home Lady" who they would talk with for extended periods, imagining her sitting alone in a nursing home. The callers' backgrounds and reasons for dialing remain largely unknown, but the students treat each call with equal importance, understanding the role their service plays in people's lives. One of the desk supervisors, Cora Baldwin, a senior majoring in software engineering, shared a profound experience. Two years ago, she received a call from an older gentleman who requested the birthdays of several celebrities. After disclosing his own ability to deduce personal traits from birthdates, he asked for Cora's birthday. His insightful prediction—that she should work with people rather than software—struck a chord with her. Cora, who hails from a small town in Alabama, revealed her deep empathy for those in difficult situations and a desire to set up a support community. Though unsure of her future path, she feels a strong connection to the human element of her role at the Foy desk. Industry Insights and Company Profiles The persistence of the Foy Information Desk highlights the ongoing demand for human-centered information services, especially in regions with limited internet access or among individuals who prefer personal interaction. According to industry experts, while digital resources have transformed how people seek information, there's a significant demographic that still relies on such traditional methods. This demographic includes older adults, rural residents, and those with limited technological literacy or financial constraints. Auburn University, founded in 1856, is a leading public research institution in Alabama, known for its strong engineering and business programs. The university's commitment to community service, exemplified by the Foy desk, underscores its mission to engage students in meaningful social roles beyond academic pursuits. The desk serves not only as a practical resource but also as a testament to the enduring value of human connection in an increasingly digital world.