EVERYTHING AUBURN PODCAST

If you have questions about eating healthier or making your budget dollars stretch further, chances are Extension has solutions that work.“We cover a really broad spectrum,” Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) director Eve Brantley said. “It's because we serve all of Alabama.”Service is at the heart of what Brantley does every day.  Named the 1862 Extension director for ACES this past January, she steps into the role with deep, field-tested experience as both a multi‑county Extension agent and an associate director.In her current role, Brantley guides more than 700 faculty and staff across both Auburn and Alabama A&M campuses and in all 67 Alabama counties.“We have an army of people,” Brantley said.  “Our Extension agents work hard to learn everything about their communities so they can serve as local subject matter experts.”ACES was formed following the passage of the federal Smith-Lever Act in 1914. It was designed to provide research-based education to rural populations, particularly to combat threats like the boll weevil and to teach home economics.Today, ACES continues to advance Auburn’s land-grant mission, connecting the university with local communities by sharing practical, researched-based knowledge and information.“It's not just a one-way street,” Brantley explained. “What makes Extension special is we ask people, ‘what do you need?’  Then, we do research to solve those problems.”From school classrooms and college campuses to the career field, family life and retirement, ACES provides educational outreach opportunities for every stage of life.“We're well known for agriculture, forestry and natural resources, but we also have a very large human sciences component, federal nutrition programs and community resource development initiatives,” Brantley said.Every year, Extension staff coordinate more than 6,000 educational events across Alabama.  Extension’s Online Directory provides an interactive opportunity for every Alabamian to access a trusted, reliable source of information. “We're unique because we have a unified extension system that helps us serve both our urban and rural clientele,” Brantley explained.Alabama Extension Week runs April 12 – 18.  It’s been held for the past four years to draw awareness and visibility to ACES’s programming, people and mission. This year, the focus is on the Auburn and Alabama A&M campuses, aiming to make students more aware of resources offered to them by ACES. Several events and 14 free webinars are planned, with agents sharing practical tips and research-based solutions for gardening, mental health, nutrition, financial planning and more.“Extension professionals are going to be sharing different examples of what we do,” Brantley said.At Auburn, a Career Exploration opportunity is planned for Tues., April 14 at 2 p.m. in 203 Upchurch Hall with Home Horticulture Agent Megan Jones. On Wed., April 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., ACES will host Extension on the Green featuring 15 engaging exhibits, free food, trivia and door prizes.The entire week offers ACES county offices across the state a chance to remind communities that help and expertise are close to home.“This is a real opportunity to say, ‘yes, Extension does that,’” Brantley said. Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

As assistant director of cAUse marketing with Auburn Advancement, Lisa Lofland knows one day can change everything.   In 2015, she was part of a group charged with creating a day of giving for Auburn University. “Our team envisioned this grassroots platform,” remembered Lofland.  “We really wanted people to find their match and find the causes and projects they were passionate about.”  From that idea grew Tiger Giving Day — a 24-hour online day of giving that shines a spotlight on the people and programs that make Auburn special. “Tiger Giving Day is very story-driven, very project-based and very individualized," Lofland said. Tiger Giving Day 2026 will be held on Wednesday, March 25.  There are 35 projects – one from every college – with fundraising goals between $5,000 to $30,000.   Attention and funding are brought to projects that focus on innovation and the Auburn spirit, serving students and communities which are central to the university’s land grant mission.  Donors can support projects ranging from the Campus Kitchen and Campus Career Closet, to creating a Community Makerspace, upgrading the Auburn University Raptor Center’s travel carriers, sending youth to 4-H summer camps and more.  “This year, for the first time, we have all three ROTC branches that will have a presence on Tiger Giving Day,” added Lofland. Since 2015, more than 16,000 donors have given seven million-plus dollars to fuel over 400 life-changing projects. “It's about connection,” Lofland said. “We want to provide you with a philanthropic opportunity and connect you with like people who share the same passion.”  Since 2017, Auburn’s Adaptive Athletics program has benefited from the generosity of supporters on Tiger Giving Day. Adapted Athletics, which began in 2009 with wheelchair tennis and one student-athlete, has quickly grown to include wheelchair basketball and power wheelchair soccer with about 25 student-athletes competing across those three sports.  Tiger Giving Day donations have funded competition wheelchairs, scholarships, shot-tracking cameras, an adapted van and a recovery room.  This year, in partnership with the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Adapted Athletics is raising funds to build the next generation of power soccer wheelchairs through a collaborative, student-driven design initiative. “Getting these chairs created will allow our power soccer team to continue to compete at a high level and bring in recruits,” said Taylor. “We want to continue to play at a top level with basketball and tennis, too, and possibly add additional paralympic sports in the future.” For Lofland, Tiger Giving Day represents the unique spirit of the Auburn Family. “I always want Tiger Giving Day to be accessible to anyone at any giving level,” Lofland said. “It is an honor to steward that and continue to cultivate it.” Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

When the stakes are high and the bases are loaded, Brooks Fuller might be the Auburn man you’d want on speed dial –  ready to deliver when it matters most.“It's a blessing to be here in Auburn,” Fuller said.Auburn tradition is a family affair for Fuller. His father, Mark, played baseball for the Tigers in the late 1980’s. His mother, Lori, also attended Auburn, cheering on the baseball team as a Diamond Doll.“Baseball brought them together,” said Fuller.Thirty years later, Fuller followed in his father’s footsteps, signing a scholarship with Auburn Baseball and Coach Butch Thompson as a pitcher in 2018.  He succeeded on the mound – and discovered a higher calling in the classroom.“I came to Auburn to be an orthodontist believe it or not,” Fuller joked. “I got to organic chemistry and God had different plans.”After reconsidering his academic path, Fuller transitioned to Auburn’s Harbert College of Business and changed his major to finance.“I come from a background of entrepreneurs,” said Fuller.  “So, I think it was in my blood.”As they say, hindsight is 2020.  But then came March 18, 2020 – and a big curveball for Fuller.“That's really when my life changed,” he remembered.Fuller was in the visitor’s baseball dugout at Wofford University when he learned the baseball season would be cut short.“My teammates went home across the country, and I grabbed my backpack and went home to Moore’s MilI in Auburn,” Fuller recalled.Back on Auburn’s campus, 4,800 dorm rooms were quickly evacuated. After seeing concerns being expressed on Auburn Parents Facebook groups, Fuller’s mother encouraged him to step up to the plate. “In May 2020, people started shipping their dorm room keys to my parent’s house,” Fuller explained. “With Auburn's permission, my brother Brady and I, masked up, gloved up, went into the dorm rooms, packed them and shipped items to families via UPS. We were shipping literally all across the country.”By summer’s end, Fuller and his younger brother had packed and shipped contents of more than 4,000 dorm rooms.When Fuller returned to classes in August 2020, he met New Venture Accelerator Director Lou Bifano and began networking with Entrepreneurs-In-Residence Dan Leonardi and Ward Swift.By spring 2021, Fuller began receiving text messages requesting his expert packing services once again. He started putting together his moving business playbook, eventually entering the annual Halloween Pitch and Tiger Cage Competitions.Fuller’s baseball season ended in May 2021, and his new company Room2Room Movers was officially incorporated the following month with office space in Auburn's New Venture Accelerator. Fast forward to 2026, Room2Room Movers is an established, growing company offering collegiate and commercial moving and storage services. As founder and CEO, Fuller says they’ve even expanded into more markets like the University of Mississippi. “We've built technology where you don't have to call the office to book,” said Fuller. “You can go to our website, build your inventory, pick your date and schedule.” Ironically, the former southpaw hurler doesn’t want to see anyone strike out on their entrepreneurial dreams.“It's important to put your business plan together, understand your financials and be patient,” he said.Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

Auburn senior Jake Yohn didn’t just choose the referee life — he inherited it. “I’ve always felt at home here, just really enjoy the campus, the people and what Auburn's all about,” said Yohn.As a student assistant in Auburn’s competitive sports program, the Montgomery, AL native is responsible for daily operations, as well as officiating intramural and club sports games.Wearing the referee stripes runs in the family.  His father David held the same position at Auburn back in the 80’s.“It’s been cool to do the whole full-circle family thing,” Yohn said.Today’s collegiate competitive sports aren’t your daddy’s pickup flag football — they’re faster, fiercer and on a whole different level. This rise in popularity has given campus recreation departments increasing value among students and stakeholders. “Honestly, I saw the Sportsplex facility when I first came and visited and the ability to offer competitive sports there is really what sold me,” said Keegan Ashbee, who arrived at Auburn five years ago to become the director of competitive sports.Auburn’s recreational facilities are second to none. The 240,000 square-foot Recreation and Wellness Center has a 1/3-mile indoor track, two 50-foot climbing towers, six basketball courts, weight and cardio spaces, group fitness studios, a leisure pool, tennis and racquetball courts, and more.  The Sportsplex and intramural fields offer more than 15 acres of lighted green space, multipurpose fields, two softball fields, and sand volleyball courts. There’s also Auburn Outdoors where students can rent tents, bikes, kayaks and sleeping bags for adventures in nature.  “We give tours daily – it’s a major stop on the college tour process,” Ashbee said. Auburn has more than 40 intramural sports, everything from flag football and basketball to sand volleyball, soccer and more. There are 44 club sports, including baseball, bass fishing, ice hockey, lacrosse, pickleball, rowing and ultimate frisbee, to name a few.Participation in Auburn’s competitive sports program is open to all currently enrolled students, regardless of skill level. Emerging technologies like digital group fitness management tools and live steaming of championship games are elevating intramural and club sport popularity. Last year, almost a quarter of Auburn’s student population participated in intramural and club sports. For Ashbee, it’s about more than just the game.  The Delaware native’s main role is hiring, training and developing employees and student assistants like Yohn to run programs in the evenings - and help them see success both on and off the field. “I can highlight student after student and their personal growth,” said Ashbee.  “They go from keeping to themselves to being out front and leading."Yohn, a political science major, is one of about 100 students employed by the Rec Center.“It's such a unique job that teaches you so much,” said Yohn.  “You learn how to talk to people, how to make connections and really just empathy.”The Rec Center also offers about 80 group fitness classes each week, including Tiger Pump, yoga, Cycle 45 and more.“If you're new to fitness, we've got personal trainers, wellness coaches and class instructors that can help you,” explained Ashbee. Ashbee says the Rec Center’s website is your one-stop-shop for getting in the game!Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

After returning home from a tour in Afghanistan, retired U.S. Marine Corps pilot David Deep hit the throttle on a new mission — one that started with buying a boat.“Getting on the water was my way of getting back into normal life,” Deep recalled. For the Huntsville, Alabama native, watersports became more than just a hobby; it was therapy after 28 years of military service. Deep’s journey began at 18 years old when he enrolled in Auburn’s ROTC program.“ROTC became my fraternity at Auburn,” he said.By 1988, Deep had earned his degree in aviation management and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. From there, his career soared—logging over 250 combat flight hours during deployments to Somalia, the Persian Gulf and beyond.“Honored to do it,” he said.Then came Sept. 11, 2001. Deep was back in action, flying Bell AH-1 Cobra helicopters in Afghanistan. When the dust finally settled, a new calling surfaced for the naval aviator. After striking up a friendship with a fellow Marine who was a double amputee, Deep sought to share his passion for the water and wondered if someone without lower limbs could learn to wakeboard. The answer wasn’t just yes; it was life changing.“It wasn’t about being on the water,” Deep said. “It was about the relationship we built."That experience led Deep to start Wake for Warriors (WFW), a nonprofit grassroots movement that’s grown into a nationwide lifeline for injured veterans. Since its founding in 2012, the organization hosts more than 50 multi-day events across more than 20 states, serving over 600 veterans each year.“It’ s basically a gateway to connect veterans with each other,” Deep said.Deep, who retired from the military in 2016, today serves as a first officer on the Airbus A350 with Delta Air Lines. Between international flights, he coordinates WFW events from his home in Salem, Alabama. He relies on a team of volunteers who lend their boats and their time, offering up their houses and even some delicious southern vittles.“Breakfast is not a jelly roll or donuts,” Deep joked. “It’s 80-year-old ladies bringing in their custom grits and biscuits that have been blessed.”Aside from catching waves, WFW retreats break down barriers and build new bonds for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.“I tell them, ‘Don’ t be afraid to tell your story, because it might help somebody that may be behind you in their journey of healing,’” Deep said.Enter U.S. Air Force veteran Tyler Densford. The Olive Branch, Mississippi native served in the 155th Air Guard Unit in Memphis. In the summer of 2016, he fell 40 feet from a Blackhawk helicopter during a training mission. The accident paralyzed him from the chest down.  Months later, Densford arrived at a WFW event carrying more than physical scars. He was searching for hope and healing. Alongside his loyal service dog, Able, he discovered a new community who lifted him higher than any wake ever could.“My life changed because of the impact that Wake for Warriors had on me,” Densford said. “Now I get to share that experience with other people and help them have a better life.”WFW has extended beyond combat veterans to include first responders and adaptive sports participants. Recently, the group hosted Auburn’s Wheelchair Basketball team for a challenging day of wakeboarding on nearby Lake Harding.Thanks to a lineup of generous sponsors, WFW retreats are free for veterans and their families. Visit their website to get plugged into the mission!Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

Auburn’s Hey Day is more than just a campus tradition — it’s a timeless greeting that’s been passed down for generations.“Hey Day is such a cool event,” said Owen Beaverstock, Auburn’s Student Government Association (SGA) president. “It’s the first thing I volunteered for when I was a freshman.”The annual Hey Day event began in 1947 to welcome back World War II soldiers, when the SGA pushed for a day to unite campus. Nearly 80 years later, it has grown into a beloved custom of handing out nametags and encouraging everyone to say “hey” to each other.“I love talking to strangers,” joked Parman. “You’re engaging in real conversation that reinforces the values of the Auburn Family." The 78th Hey Day will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 15, and will include live music, food, t-shirts, and a Social at Hey Day Market.Parham said it’s a simple concept that can have a big impact.“You could be the only one who speaks to that person this week or asks how their day is going,” she said.Both Beaverstock and Parman consider it an incredible privilege to serve the student body.Parman, a global studies major in the College of Human Sciences, said her role as 2025-26 Miss Auburn is like having a full-time job, a tradition that dates back to 1934.“We do the ‘Empower Her’ women's leadership dinner, read to kids in schools, combat food insecurity, and engage with civic leaders,” she said.Already in her tenure, Parman started an endowed scholarship for future Miss Auburns, and made outreach visits to the Auburn Bee Center, E.W. Fisheries Center and AU Singers. Like Parman, Beaverstock serves as an advocate for students, attending every Auburn Board of Trustees meeting as a non-voting member.A double major in business and political science in the Harbert College of Business, Beaverstock was elected in February to lead SGA. Since then, funding has been secured for 10 new security shuttle drivers and 24/7 security on campus. He’s working with the City of Auburn to have a three-way traffic stop light installed at the crosswalk on Magnolia Avenue, between 320 West Mag apartments and the Ginn Concourse, to curb student pedestrian safety concerns. Most recently, trustees backed SGA’s concept to build a new, six-story, 680-bed dormitory on the Cambridge Hall property.“We think that's a huge win for our students and a great spot, too,” he said.Beaverstock said his advice to younger peers is to get plugged in — and early.“One of the coolest things we do is the Expansion (EXP) Branch of SGA,” he said. “You can volunteer for Hey Day, CREED Day or football game shaker distribution. In the spring, we’ll have applications for year-round SGA roles.” Just like their post-war era predecessors, both Beaverstock and Parman will be leading the charge this week at Hey Day — greeting all with a spirit that is not afraid.“It just shows the human touch that makes Auburn so special,” said Parman. Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

With a name like Robyn, some might say you’re destined to soar through life, working with all things winged and wonderful.“Spelled slightly differently, but yes, my life is absolutely for the birds,” said Robyn Miller.Miller, who was named director of the Auburn University Raptor Center (AURC) this past January, first came to the Plains a decade ago to study 19th century English literature. While earning her doctorate, she volunteered at the center.“I watched my best friend return a barred owl back to the wild and I was immediately enraptured,” remembered Miller.Equally as strong as her bird puns is Miller’s goal to strengthen AURC’s conservation, education and rehabilitation efforts. A licensed falconer and naturalist, she’s honored to return to the place that first sparked her avian passion.“When I saw this job open up, I saw an incredible opportunity to give back to the facility that started it all,” she said.Meanwhile, if AURC’s administrative coordinator Andrew Hopkins looks familiar, it’s probably because he is.“You have no idea how many Christmas cards I've been on over the years,” joked Hopkins.Hopkins began his journey with AURC in 2007 while an undergraduate student. By 2011, he had earned his bachelor's degree in zoology. He, along with a slew of AURC’s dedicated volunteers, works tirelessly during the summer months at Jordan-Hare Stadium training the center’s eagles for their iconic pre-game flights.“We're just out there winging it every day, every single day,” laughed Hopkins.  “Seriously though, lots of repetition and positive reinforcement. They literally start drooling when they see that field.”Together, Hopkins and Miller spearhead the center’s day-to-day operations in partnership with Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine.“We provide rehabilitation for about 300 injured or orphaned raptors each year and also travel extensively across the Southeast teaching about conservation,” Miller said. That mission has taken on a milestone this year as AURC celebrates 25 years of pre-game eagle flights in Jordan-Hare Stadium – a tradition many argue is the greatest in all of college football.“There's nothing like the energy in Jordan-Hare on gameday, especially when those eagles take flight,” Miller said. This football season, Aurea, a golden eagle and War Eagle VIII, and Independence, a bald eagle, are keeping the 25-year tradition alive. The anniversary is being celebrated with a philanthropic campaign for center improvements in hopes of turning it into a more zoological-type facility.“This is an invitation for the community and the Auburn Family to rally behind this tradition,” Miller said. “We're trying to shine a light on how those War Eagle flights really carry on their wings the entire Raptor Center.”The center also continues to host its popular Football, Fans and Feathers events on Fridays at 4 p.m. CT before every home football game.The bonus?  At the show’s conclusion, they bring all the birds back out for attendees to get plenty of new family photos. And who doesn't need a good Christmas card picture, right?Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

There’s nothing more rewarding for Bobby Woodard than watching the Auburn campus come alive. “We have over 34,000 students, and it's my job to be their chief advocate,” said Woodard.Woodard embraces his role as Senior Vice President for Student Affairs with dedication and enthusiasm.“I get paid never to leave college,” joked Woodard.  “But seriously, every day we can have input on how somebody is going to set a trajectory for their life to make it better.”Woodard, a North Carolina native, is entering his twelfth year on the Plains. He’s previously held leadership roles at East Carolina University, University of Georgia and University of Central Florida.“This is my fourth university in four states,” said Woodard. “After I interviewed here, I called my wife and said, ‘it's just a little different.’  Auburn will give you what you put into it, and it’s a great place.” Guiding thousands of 18-to-22-year-olds is no small feat. Woodard understands the profound influence he has on each student's journey.“You're 18 years old coming here, and no matter where you came from, you get to decide where you go and what you become,” said Woodard.  “That is what's so important.” To help students discover their path, Woodard and Auburn University’s Office of Student Involvement created The First 56 – eight weeks of special programming, events and initiatives to promote student engagement. Organized by the University Program Council, The First 56 starts at move-in and runs through October. The program involves 500+ student organizations and nearly 400 events – all designed to help students find their niche.“Research will tell you the first 56 days is when you begin to feel part of a campus or any town that you go to,” said Woodard. “If students have a good social network, they’re likely to perform better in the classroom."If there’s one thing Woodard enjoys just as much as serving the Auburn student body, it’s a visit to the restaurant chain Waffle House.“It's easy, it's quick and I like to people watch,” he said.Fueled by Woodard's passion for all things scattered, smothered and covered, Waffles with Woodard was born in 2014. In just six short years, this event has become a beloved tradition as part of The First 56 with Waffle House food trucks dishing out mouthwatering waffles and bacon.“You would think that we were giving out free tuition,” Woodard laughed.This year Waffles with Woodard will be held on Wed., August 20, starting at 8:30 a.m. on the Haley Concourse.“It's one of the best days,” said Woodard. “I get to go out there for about four hours, see the students and talk to them. We want to know who you are.”In addition to Waffles with Woodard, other signature events scheduled as part of The First 56 include a Block Party, Concert with Joshua Bassett, Casino Night, Convocation, an Involvement Fair, Pizza & Popsicles with the President and much more.Students can view The First 56 Calendar of Events here or follow @auinvolve on Instagram for updates. They can also visit the AUInvolve website for a complete list of student organizations and activities to discover their path on the Plains and beyond.Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

As the old saying goes, being in the right place at the right time has its benefits. This couldn't be truer for Auburn University's Asim Ali, who seems to have a knack for seizing opportunities. “I feel like I was made for this moment,” said Ali. “The vowels in my first name and my last name are both ‘AI.’"As Executive Director of the Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, Ali oversees a team of more than 90 professionals. Their main mission – provide professional development programs, services and resources to enhance instructional innovation.“At the heart of what we do is educating and empowering faculty, staff and students to do their best work possible," said Ali.At nine years old, Ali moved with his family from New Jersey to Alabama after his father was hired at Tuskegee University to help spearhead the college’s aerospace engineering program. “I remember telling my cousins that we're moving to a place called Alabama,” Ali recalled. “They were like, ‘where is that?’” In Auburn, Ali flourished.He graduated from Auburn High School and went on to earn his undergraduate degree in software engineering at Auburn. He took a full-time position in 2004 as an information technology specialist in Auburn’s College of Education. He held that role for ten years, during which he earned his master’s in information systems management and a Ph.D. in adult education.Eleven years ago, Ali founded Auburn Online for enhancing online and hybrid teaching methods. This initiative proved to be exceptionally timely when COVID-19 struck in 2020.“After the pandemic, then right along came AI,” Ali said.Today, Ali co-leads work on artificial intelligence (AI) for the Office of the Provost.  “We can't ignore it, it's going to be here,” said Ali. “So, let's be dang good at it – that's the approach we're taking.” Thanks to the partnership with Auburn’s Office of Information Technology, the Biggio Center is fully funded to build a framework for how to engage the entire campus on AI research, infrastructure, ethics and cultural impact.Ali says the Auburn Creed with its emphasis on human touch uniquely positions the land-grant institution to be a groundbreaking leader in defining the use of AI.“We don't want a chatbot replacing people – that's not Auburn, that's not who we are or how we operate,” he said.Numerous Auburn instructors and students are taking full advantage of AI technology in virtually every college. The Biggio Center has created Teaching With AI and How To AI courses and has even launched a new AI course for K – 12. They’ve also developed a course for the Southeastern Conference AI Consortium, making it available for all 16 universities in the SEC to use, as well as the Alabama Community College system.For Ali, his job remains all about paving the way for students and colleagues to blaze their own trail to success – one byte at a time.“It’s a blessing to be at this institution that I love, working alongside incredibly talented people who are invested in the work they're doing,” he said.Visit Auburn’s Biggio Center website for a list of AI resources.Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

If you ever find yourself in a fight for equity and opportunity, Texas-born Dr. Christine Drew is exactly who you’d want in your corner."I'm a fighter, I'm an advocate," she said. "The thing that will keep you going is the thing that breaks your heart."For Drew, that "thing" was watching students with intellectual disabilities face unnecessary barriers. Instead of accepting the status quo, she turned frustration into action. Now a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Assistant Professor in Auburn University's College of Education, Drew has been guiding students since 2019. By 2020, she became the Faculty Research Advisor for the EAGLES Program—a groundbreaking initiative that gives students with intellectual disabilities a true college experience.“I sort of got going in the fall of 2020 and just never looked back,” Drew said.Started in 2018, EAGLES (Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success) is one of only 300 programs nationwide that provides students with intellectual disabilities access to academics, clubs, health and wellness and social opportunities—the full breadth of university life."Auburn is an amazing university," Drew said. "EAGLES offers two and four year options. The students follow their own path of interest and can even earn food handlers’ licenses."As Drew worked with EAGLES students, she noticed a major challenge: the transition to independent living. That’s why she teamed up with fellow special education advocate Kristin Lombardi to co-author Spectrum of Independence – a  book designed to give parents practical tools for maximizing the independence of children with autism, intellectual disabilities, or other forms of neurodiversity."These parents have been fighting for their kids since day one," Drew said. "We want to give them resources to help their child thrive."The practical book focuses on task analysis, breaking down daily lifestyle tasks into manageable micro steps, helping kids take ownership of their routines. Targeting children ages 8 to 11, Drew’s book emphasizes starting early—because building independence at home opens doors for education, employment and social opportunities later on."If a student arrives at college knowing how to shower, brush their teeth, make a snack and get to the bus stop, their world expands exponentially," said Drew.Parents of neurodiverse students interested in applying for the EAGLES program can learn more at EAGLES Preview Days, scheduled for July 16 and September 16 this year.Spectrum of Independence is available locally at Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers, on Publisher Guilford Press' website and on Amazon."I join the parents in the fight," Drew said. "The more parents who have this book, the more empowered they'll be—and that keeps me going."Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

On Auburn University’s campus, not all heroes walk on two feet. Sometimes, they come with four paws, a cold nose and a warm heart.“They’ve got all the credentials,” said Dr. Doug Hankes, who heads up the university’s animal assisted therapy program, appropriately nicknamed the Dogtors.That program plays an instrumental role in Auburn’s Student Counseling & Psychological Services (SCPS) – a department in student affairs serving as the primary mental health counseling center for undergraduate and graduate students.SCPS’s four-legged team of Dogtors, including Dr. Rooster, Dr. Nessie, Dr. Eve and Dr. Winston, can often be found spreading joy to students across campus, rescuing them from the stress that often comes with college life.“We currently have four Dogtors on staff,” said Hankes. “Three of them are retired detection dogs.”In collaboration with SCPS, the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Canine Performance Sciences team re-trained the three dogs to become therapy dogs and donated them to SCPS.Now retired from their days of sniffing out danger, the Dogtors have redirected their keen noses to providing comfort through group and individual therapy sessions with students.“We call them our mental health ambassadors,” explained Hankes.Hankes is finishing his 27th year on the Plains. He graduated from Auburn with his bachelor’s in physical education before heading to the University of Texas to complete his master’s in sports psychology. He completed his Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of North Texas in 1996. After a stint at the University of Tennessee, Hankes returned to Auburn in 1998. For the past 20 years, Hankes has been the executive director of SCPS. He also serves as Auburn Athletics' executive director of counseling and sport psychology.Hankes has seen firsthand the remarkable expansion of on-campus mental health services. Today, there are more than 30 mental health care professionals on staff at SCPS.“How we've grown is just a tribute to our administrators who realized we need to take care of Auburn students and their mental health,” Hankes said.With May marking Mental Health Awareness Month, Hankes and his team of Dogtors will be hitting the ground running. This month, they’ll kick off their Camp War Eagle Parent Run and Walk campus tours, welcoming hundreds of incoming freshmen parents. SCPS will continue hosting their Get Moov’in Walks twice weekly during Fall and Spring semesters. The Dogtors will also be on hand at many mental health awareness events throughout the year, promoting the benefits of good self-care.For Hankes the most rewarding part of his and the Dogtors’ job is seeing students heal and thrive.“It's the best job ever,” he said. “You get to see people change. You get to see people get better."SCPS has two locations on campus: in the AU Medical Clinic and and in Haley Center. Students can walk-in any time and be seen. There is no charge for any of their services. Dogtors are at both locations, always ready to greet visitors with a firm tail-wag. If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, it's crucial to seek immediate help. Visit the SPCS website or call the counseling center at (334) 844-5123.Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

Julia Wiard’s Auburn journey is a rollercoaster ride of unexpected twists and turns.Growing up in Selma, Alabama, she was a die-hard fan of the orange and blue, thanks to her dad and grandparents who are all Auburn University alumni.“We grew up really loving Auburn,” explained Wiard.But in her senior year of high school, Wiard's rebel spirit led her to seek a different path.“It was the most rebellious thing I’ve ever done,” recalled Wiard.  “I thought I needed a different experience, and needed to prove that I could do it.”Full of determination, Wiard ventured out of state to earn her bachelor’s degree in educational psychology from Mississippi State University and later her master’s in college student personnel administration from the University of Central Arkansas. “It helped me build independence as a leader and learn more about myself,” she said. However, the thought of returning to her Auburn roots always lingered in the back of Wiard’s mind. And sixteen years ago, she did just that.“I really can't take all the credit for it,” Wiard said. “My husband Nick saw a job opening at Auburn he thought would be perfect for me and urged me to apply.” Wiard ended up accepting the position, relocating with her husband and two young children to Auburn in 2009.  After a stint in student affairs, she has served as the instructor and coordinator for Auburn's Leadership Minor program since 2011.“I had the opportunity to start teaching one class in the leadership minor, and then one class turned into two classes,” recalled Wiard. “Eventually it turned into the opportunity to direct the minor and teach both the intro and the capstone courses.”The Leadership Minor program is part of Auburn’s University College, which is under the Office of the Provost. When Wiard began teaching in the minor, there was only one student enrolled. Today the program has well over 100 students at any given time that are declared in the minor.In the Leadership Minor, students can tailor their coursework to complement any major. Courses on problem solving, decision making and civic engagement draw students from all majors and disciplines. It’s that diversity that benefits every student who signs up.“Some come into class haven't really having that organizational experience yet where they've gotten to think about what kind of leader they want to be,” explained Wiard. “The great thing about leadership classes is there something you can use instantly in your student organization, in your job, your internship or your athletic team." Over the years, Wiard has worked many student organizations to provide leadership development, including College of Liberal Arts Career Development, Greek Life and Auburn Athletics. Last summer, she led a study abroad leadership class in Madrid, Spain.Student interest in Auburn’s Leadership Minor program has grown by leaps and bounds leading to the expansion of course offerings next year.“We’re going to offer more sections of the intro course to allow more students to get into the minor,” said Wiard.Wiard, who is consistently ranked by students as one of Auburn’s top professors, maintains it is building relationships that make her job worthwhile.  She ensures her students don’t just learn about leadership—they live it.“I do love those big moments when a student runs for something or they apply for something and they email me to let me know they got the job,” she said.  “It's cool to get to be part of their experience.”Learn more about Auburn’s Leadership Minor program here.Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

Auburn University senior Abbie Stockard is still in a state of shock when she thinks about being crowned Miss America 2025.“When they got down to three people standing, I was like, ‘holy moly, what is going on?’” recalled Stockard.  “Then they called my name.  It was at that moment my entire life changed.” This past January, the 22-year-old Vestavia Hills, Alabama native beat 51 contestants to become the 104th Miss America.  Stockard began entering pageants as a freshman at Auburn with hopes of earning enough money to pay her way through college.“It really all started because I was looking to relieve a financial burden and get some scholarships,” said Stockard. “Then I found out I just loved the Miss America organization and everything it stood for.” The Miss America program has been around since 1921. It allows participants to acquire lifelong skills, cultivate service initiatives and engage within their communities.  Miss America’s four pillars are style, service, scholarship and success – attributes Stockard takes to heart.  “I think people really value authenticity, and they like someone who is just going to be real and relatable and not this perfect pageant queen,” said Stockard.Stockard is the fourth Alabama woman to win Miss America and the first in 20 years.“It's nice for little girls to look at Miss America and know it is attainable,” said Stockard. “Hopefully, I'm a good example of that.”Stockard will spend the next seven months traveling the nation inspiring women and advocating for the American Heart Association’s Go RED for Women initiative along with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She serves as a National Brand Ambassador for Cystic Fibrosis (CF), using her platform to bring hope to the more than 15 million Americans impacted by CF.“My best friend Maddie was born with this disease and currently there is no cure,” said Stockard. “Growing up, I saw the devastating effects this disease took on her physical and mental health, and I made a promise that I would do everything in my power to fight for her and for others who have CF.  Being Miss America has opened so many doors.”After Stockard completes her reign in September, she plans to return to Auburn’s College of Nursing this fall to finish up her degree. Her goal?  Make a big impact in the medical field.“I grew up in a medical family, so I knew it was something I was always interested in,” said Stockard. “When I started competing in pageants, I found out that I have a heart for service. I truly have the most fulfillment when I'm giving of myself to others, and being a nurse, you're doing just that.” Thanks to winning nearly $90,000 in tuition scholarships, Stockard will graduate from Auburn completely debt-free.“My dream is to get one-to-two years of critical care experience in the ICU and become a pediatric nurse and ethicist,” Stockard explained.Stockard says her experience as a student at Auburn helped prepare her for the demanding role of Miss America.“Work, hard work – it all ties back to Auburn for sure,” said Stockard.Want to experience Stockard’s journey as Miss America 2025?  Follow the official Miss America social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.  Visit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation website to find your state chapter and a list of fundraising events planned for this year.Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

From an early age, Beth Thorne Stukes was immersed in the vibrant world of orange and blue, thanks to her mother, Barbara. But beyond the colors, Barbara passed down something even more enduring—a deep love for education and its power to transform lives. “Mother is a Human Sciences grad,” said Stukes. “She just had the most wonderful time of her life as a student at Auburn.” In a heartfelt tribute to their late mother, Stukes, alongside her sisters Barbara “Babs” Thorne Anderson ’88 and Rebecca “Becky” Thorne Carroll ’86, recently made a transformative gift to Auburn’s College of Human Sciences.  Their generous lead donation is going to help fund the construction of a new cutting-edge academic facility which will be known as the Barbara Drummond Thorne Academic and Research Facility.Stukes says the state-of-the-art building will be a lasting symbol of their mother’s legacy and commitment to education.“I like to say Human Sciences bakes the cake of life,” explained Stukes. “Mother brought so much of what she learned as a food and nutrition major into being a home economics teacher before her four children came. She planted all those seeds.”Like her mother, Stukes was an educator herself. She spent 16 years teaching in rural Walker County, touching the lives of students every day and preparing them for a better quality of life. “I'm the oldest child in our family, which makes me a Bossy Flossy,” joked Stukes. “I'm a little nurturing, but we must make sure that our students are ready for this world today, that they can be nimble as they go through their life.”Stukes’ joy of giving can also be traced back to her mother’s influence.“I started going to Women's Philanthropy Board meetings with mom,” recalled Stukes. “I began to learn things that affect women and their lives and how to be a better steward of my time, talent, treasure and trust.”That same spirit of intentionality continues to guide Stukes’ life. Her philanthropic support spans the breadth of Auburn’s mission, creating educational opportunities and resources for countless students.“It’s very important for Auburn to create critical thinkers,” said Stukes. “We need to distribute that back to our state and our community so that all our children have a better head start. As a land grant university, that's our mission. That's why we're here. I'm very proud to say I don't think anybody's doing it better.”Last year, Stukes’ steadfast commitment to education led her to be recognized as Alabama’s 2024 Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Alabama Chapter.This year, Stukes is serving as the chair of The Auburn University Foundation.“When Auburn comes knocking on your door, you say yes,” said Stukes. “The more I've been engaged, the more I've learned to love Auburn and come to know about the great efforts our different units are making for good change that will benefit our community, our state and globally.”Stukes finds immense joy in witnessing students thrive. By following in her family’s footsteps, she strives to leave a meaningful legacy herself and inspires others to do the same—an effort her mother would undoubtedly be proud of.Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

As the Director of Sports Performance for the Auburn men’s basketball team, Coach Damon Davis is a slam-dunk when it comes to getting Johni Broome, Dylan Cardwell and company conditioned and primed to fulfill their physical potential on the court.The Petersburg, Illinois native is now in his 15th season on The Plains.“I really just wanted to work with athletes,” said Davis. “I wrestled at Western Illinois University, so I have a background of being a division one athlete. That’s what got me interested in strength conditioning, because without being bigger and stronger, I wouldn't have been able to compete at that level.”After graduating college, Davis interned with the Chicago Bulls in the early 2000’s.“I really went there because of Al Vermeil,” explained Davis. “He's the only strength coach in professional sports to earn championships in both football and basketball, with the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers and the NBA’s Chicago Bulls. He's really a true legend in our field.” Davis, a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, spent four years as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at the University of Iowa before heading to The Plains. When he first arrived at Auburn in 2008, Davis trained athletes in track and field, golf, tennis and baseball before moving to men’s basketball in 2012. “A lot of people would be really interested in what all goes into it,” said Davis. “Technology has increased in the past 10 to 15 years, and it's obviously becoming more integrated with what we do to monitor player load.” Auburn men’s basketball players wear accelerometers in their shorts during games and practices. These motion-sensing devices track and analyze player movement and gather data on speed, acceleration and changes in direction, providing insights into performance, training effectiveness and even injury risk. They also use jump plates that measure force – a valuable tool that gives Davis a deeper understanding into an athlete's power, strength and movement efficiency.“Basketball is one of those sports that you need to be good in all three planes of motion,” explained Davis. “You’ve got to be good vertically, you’ve got to have good acceleration linearly to sprint down the court, and then you've got to be able to move multidirectional or laterally to play defense.”With a grueling 30+ game 2024-25 season, Auburn men’s basketball is playing one of the toughest schedules in the nation. Intensity must remain high.“We're training twice a week, playing twice a week, and on some level, the lifting and strength conditioning helps manage the fatigue,” said Davis. “The movement and the blood flow through strength and power training helps players recover.”Without a doubt, Davis is a steady secret weapon for head coach Bruce Pearl.“I'm blessed to work under such great leadership that has allowed me to be part of the success and have stability for such a long time,” said Davis.  “Coach Pearl has done such a great job developing this program and building it tirelessly.  We've had very little turnover. Our staff has been more consistent than any other college staff that I've ever witnessed.”Davis is also quick to credit the Auburn Family as a big part of the team’s success this year.“When you go to other places, it's not the same, the jungle is the jungle,” said Davis. “I love our fan’s enthusiasm and it's such an advantage.”He relishes seeing the team’s hard work come full circle.“When you get a group of guys all pulling in the same direction, I think you get what you're seeing right now,” said Davis. “You see the success, the brotherhood, and all these guys just having fun playing together, and they love each other. Yeah, it's special.”Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

For Auburn’s Kurt Sasser, connection is mission critical.As the Chief Engagement Officer for Auburn University's Advancement team and the Director of the Auburn Alumni Association, he works daily to develop meaningful and impactful ways to engage the Auburn Family – and connect them back to the university.“The Auburn Family means all our 252,000+ living Auburn alumni, but it's much more than that,” explained Sasser. “We have parents who went to another school who are sending their son or daughter to Auburn, we have corporations, foundations, friends, family, and other stakeholders who are all in the Auburn Family.”The pride that comes with belonging to the Auburn Family is something Sasser knows firsthand. He’s a two-time graduate of Auburn’s Harbert College of Business, earning his bachelor’s degree in 2011 and master’s degree in 2016. As an undergraduate, Sasser served as Auburn’s Student Body President 2010 to 2011.“I think that defines Auburn in some sense,” said Sasser. “And what I mean by that is you can take a Sheffield, Alabama guy that graduated with 16 people in his high school senior class, put him in an environment of 25,000 and he's able to get involved and engaged.”Enhancing Engagement OpportunitiesIn an age of constant contact—and constant distraction— Sasser is spearheading a transformative expansion of Auburn’s alumni relations structure, positioning the university to better connect with its growing, nationwide community of multi-generational family, friends and stakeholders.“It's our job and our responsibility to go and meet them where they are, regardless of their stage of life, regardless of their geographical location,” said Sasser. “We think of our alumni and our friends in segments, and we call them life stages. It all begins with students, and then it goes to younger alumni, then midlife and then seasoned.”Under Sasser’s leadership, Auburn’s Advancement Engagement team is working to expand the framework of programming and networking opportunities, offering a more accessible way for the Auburn Family to connect through local chapters nationwide. In October, Sasser’s team appointed five regional engagement officers to better leverage their club and affiliate network as a part of the Auburn Alumni Association. “These officers go out, connect and utilize our volunteer network to meet Auburn Family members who are otherwise not connected back to the institution and find out what they’re passionate about,” he explained.The Auburn Club and Affiliate Program supports more than 100 active groups. These clubs and affiliates are spread across 32 states and a handful are based on common interests such as military veterans or specific areas of study.Fostering Lifelong PartnershipsSasser and company are able to tap in to a multipronged outreach approach that embraces high-tech while maintaining high-touch efforts.“Auburn Athletics, famously quoted by David Housel, is the front porch to the institution,” said Sasser. “Engagement means inviting you from the front porch inside the house.”Fostering lifelong partnerships ensures the Auburn Family continues to serve as powerful ambassadors for the university’s brand, ensuring Auburn’s legacy and mission endures for generations to come.“We want our alumni and friends to not just be connected to Auburn at a certain point in time, we want them to be connected and engaged on an ongoing basis,” he said.Visit the Auburn Alumni Association website to learn more!Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

You’d be hard pressed to find a more passionate professor on Auburn University’s campus than Wendi Weimar.  A biomechanist by trade, Weimar has been the Director of Auburn’s Sport Biomechanics Laboratory for more than 25 years.  The lab consults with professional and college athletes, Olympians, national teams, military members, veterinarians and the community. Weimar primarily focuses on the function of the lower extremity — everything from footwear choice and shoe tying to walking and running. She empowers her students to analyze movements of the body to help individuals put on an armor of protection, while also improving their performance.“First of all, we do motion and gait movement analysis to help people be better movers,” Weimer said. “In our research, we do studies that help people perform better, and hopefully by performing better, we put them in a better position to avoid injuries.”  Weimar’s journey to the Plains is as fascinating as her gait dynamics research. The Vermont native got her undergraduate degree from Castleton State College.“I had a double major, double minor,” said Weimar. “I was secondary education, physics and chemistry, and then I had a minor in math and a minor in theater. I went into theater because I thought that would help me be a better teacher.”After graduating with her master’s in Adapted Physical Education from the University of Virginia, Weimar started teaching at New York’s Colonie High School. When it came time to consider getting her doctorate, it was Weimar’s parents who urged her to visit the loveliest village on the Plains.“It was 1996, and we drove up College Street and saw all the beautiful brick buildings: quaint, quaint, quaint. It reminded me of a New England town,” recalled Weimar.  “Then, when I met the professors in the School of Kinesiology, it was like putting on a jacket that just fits the length of the sleeves.”While working to obtain her doctorate from Auburn, the native New Englander learned to embrace the Auburn spirit that is not afraid.“The Auburn family permeates outside of campus,” said Weimar. “When I went home on my first Christmas break, I had on an Auburn shirt, and somebody yelled ‘War Eagle’ at me. I dropped back ready for a fight.” “I was like, ‘You feeling froggy, Kermit? Just jump. Let's go.’ I wasn't up on the lingo then, but I am now. I've been all over the country, all over the world, and if I'm wearing Auburn gear, I hear it. It’s great.”In addition to being a professor, Weimar is a renowned author and scientist. She is the co-author of a widely used textbook, Kinesiology: Scientific Basis of Human Motion. Her study on flip flops, footwear choice and shoe tying led to an interview on Good Morning America where an estimated 600 million people engaged in her research.Using her infamous phrases like ‘slice o’ pie’ and ‘wicked cool,’ Weimar’s classes are a favorite among Auburn students.“I like to create an environment where students feel comfortable and have access to opportunity,” Weimar said. “One of the biggest things I learned being a theater minor is that the play doesn't happen on the stage. If you’re on the stage, it’s your job to create the environment in the reach of the audience and it's their job to come and get it.  You must bring it to them and make them excited to engage.”Photo courtesy of Jared Long ‘19, College of Education, Auburn UniversityCheck out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

Dale Jackson’s love for Auburn University spans decades.As a youngster, the LaGrange, Georgia native would spend afternoon’s tossing around the pigskin on Auburn’s campus before jetting to Jordan-Hare Stadium to watch the Tigers battle on the gridiron.It’s a memory Jackson cherishes.  “I wanted to be in the action,” recalled Jackson. “I was crazy. I wore an orange wig, screamed my head off. I was an insane fan.” But when his son Colin, now 16, was born and diagnosed with autism, Dale wasn’t sure going to Auburn football games was something he’d be able to pass down to the next generation.  That is, until the father of five and owner of Jackson (HVAC) Services came up with an idea of providing those with special needs a cool spot to call home before kickoff. Driven by Jackson and his family’s passion to provide a helpful resource for those with special needs, SNASY was introduced in 2023 in partnership with Jackson Services and Carrier, official partners of Auburn Athletics. SNASY is an acronym that stands for Special Needs Assistance Stations For You. SNASY provides comfortable and inclusive climate-controlled tailgates and tents with privacy areas at all Auburn home football games.Along with a helping hand from Auburn College of Nursing, East Alabama Health, a handful of sponsors, and Auburn Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl, SNASY’s concept has caught on.  This year, the organization is giving countless families a chance to experience gameday like they never thought possible. But the mission is bigger than just a game.“It’s not about a football game,” said Jackson. “It’s about bringing forth knowledge, exposure, understanding, and access back to families. We’re using this platform to really change lives.”It’s a great example of the Auburn Creed in action.    Take a listen as Jackson tells Everything Auburn’s co-hosts Carter Gustin and Dalton Odom the touching story of how his son inspired the start of SNASY, plus learn about SNASY’s mission to take the concept across the SEC and beyond.If you’d like to sign up for a SNASY gameday experience or volunteer for the organization, please visit https://snasy.vip/.Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

The countdown to the 2024 Auburn Football season kick-off is on, and the buzz around Jordan-Hare Stadium has never been louder.As the nation's 11th-largest on-campus stadium with a capacity of 88,000+, Jordan-Hare has been the home of Auburn Football since 1939.  The stadium has seen its share of changes over the past 85 years, but now, thanks to some trendy upgrades, Auburn fans will have the chance to experience gameday like never before. From extra hype stadium lighting and pyrotechnics to stadium tours and VIP experiences, more than a dozen enhancements will elevate the gameday experience in and around Jordan-Hare.“Our 22 minutes down to kick-off I think is the best in the country,” said Matt Amos, Auburn Athletics’ Director of Fan Experience.  “All the way from eagle flight, to when the band comes out, it’s just hard to beat what we have here at Auburn.”Listen to our Season 2, Episode 1 “Everything Gameday” Podcast for all the details!Auburn Football VIP Experiences go on sale each Monday at 9 a.m. CT of home game week and can be purchased at https://auburnvip.com/ or through the official Auburn Tigers app.  For a complete list of gameday upgrades, visit Jordan-Hare Stadium 2024 Gameday Enhancements.In addition to football, Auburn fans can purchase exclusive experiences and behind-the-scenes access for a variety of athletic events including soccer, volleyball, basketball, and more throughout the year.Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

Each summer, Auburn Youth Programs (AYP) - a division of University Outreach - inspires young people to take to flight, master their acting skills on stage and everything in between.  From art classes to aviation, and musical theatre to veterinary medicine, AYP delivers more than 100 summer educational programs for more than 4,000 middle and high school students each summer on the campus of Auburn University.  And it's fully immersive, too!  Campers stay in university dorms, eat at food halls and ride Tiger Transit, just like college students! Logan McKissick, AYP Program Developer, stops by Samford Hall to talk about AYP's ongoing mission to provide high-quality experiences to young adults from all over the nation in academic, athletics and extracurricular disciplines.If you're interested in seeing a list of AYP summer camps, learning more about attending a summer camp, or applying to be a summer camp counselor or assistant, please visit https://linktr.ee/auburnyouthprograms!Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

In this episode, we’re chatting about a nearly 30-year-old summer tradition on Auburn’s campus – that of Camp War Eagle – which is part of the First Year Experience Office at Auburn University. They’re a dedicated group who provide orientation, transition and retention programs for incoming freshmen.More than 70 Camp War Eagle Counselors – who are current Auburn students – are on hand to guide tours and greet incoming freshmen. They cover everything like Financial Aid, the AU Medical Clinic, Campus Safety, Housing, and Dining, as well as the Auburn App, Recreation, Sports, Greek Life, Tiger Transit, and much more.  Auburn topped 55,000 first-year student applications for Fall 2024 — an all-time high. The applicant pool included over 12,000 Alabama residents, with representation from every county in the state and all states in the nation. Nearly 6,200 admitted first year students are on campus this summer to attend one of Camp War Eagle’s twelve, two-day orientation sessions. We made a stop by the Melton Student Center to catch up with Camp War Eagle Director Mark Armstrong and some of Auburn's talented  incoming freshmen students. Welcome to The Plains Class of 2028! Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

As part of Auburn University's Veterans Resource Center (VRC), retired U.S. Navy Capt. Paul “Puck” Esposito and retired U.S. Marine Corps Major Jeff Dyal continue to fulfill their commitment to service each and every day on the Auburn campus. The VRC and its staff serve a very important mission.  Led by Esposito, a 30-year veteran and aviator, the VRC provides valuable resources, advocacy and outreach to Auburn’s student veterans. Having spent 25 years in service to our country, Dyal is VRC's Campus & Community Events Coordinator. He is instrumental in guiding veteran students and their families through programs and services designed to help them succeed in their educational and career endeavors.On this special Memorial Day edition of the "Everything Auburn" Podcast, we sit down with Esposito and Dyal to talk about their military journeys and learn what Memorial Day means to them as the VRC  prepares to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.  The VRC will host a special Memorial Day ceremony on Friday, May 24, at 11:30 a.m. CT on Cater Lawn. This year’s ceremony will mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. The ceremony will feature a series of honors and activities designed to remember and celebrate the brave servicemen and servicewomen who sacrificed their lives for our nation. Highlights of the event will include:Presentation of Colors by the Auburn Naval ROTCNational Anthem performed by an Auburn student veteranInvocation delivered by Chaplain (CPT) Gary Riddle of the Alabama Army National GuardGuest Speech by Brigadier General Jeffrey L. Newton, U.S. Army (Retired)Wreath Laying Ceremony to honor fallen servicemembers, with a special tribute to the local Gold Star family of Billy StelpflugPlaying of Taps by Jerry BrownIn addition to these commemorations, 2,501 flags will be placed on Cater Lawn to represent each American servicemember who died on D-Day.  Auburn University President Christopher B. Roberts and First Lady Tracy Roberts are also scheduled to attend, underscoring the university’s commitment to honoring those who have served.The ceremony is open to the public, and all community members are encouraged to attend to pay their respects and learn more about the significant role Auburn University and its veterans have played in our nation’s military history.Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

Since 2009, Dean Gregg Newschwander has watched Auburn’s College of Nursing rise steadily to a nationally ranked program.  With consistent enrollment growth, expert faculty, outreach and research efforts, as well as expanded facility offerings, Auburn Nursing continues to be at the forefront of helping equip the next workforce to address our world's changing healthcare needs.  With a focus on values‐based healthcare and evidence-based practices, Auburn offers both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.  Dean Newschwander says the nursing field remains a rewarding career path for those who are motivated to serve others.Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

Are you getting enough shut-eye?  Enough sleep is important, but good sleep quality is also essential for keeping your mind and body healthy.  For tips, we turn to sleep studies guru Dr. Mona El-Sheikh, a  Leonard Peterson & Co. Inc. Professor in Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences.  Dr. El-Sheikh is a world-renowned sleep expert with over 30 years of research under her pillow... er... belt.  Her top area of research? Child and adolescent functioning in family and health disparities associated with poverty and race/ethnicity.  Before you hit the sack tonight, this one is a must-listen!Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

It's a problem that touches EVERY single community in the nation.  As the director of Auburn's center for opioid research, education and outreach (known as COACH),  Dr. Karen Marlowe and her colleagues have seen a significant rise in drug abuse and addiction across the state of Alabama in recent years.  COACH is based out of Auburn’s Harrison College of Pharmacy and the program has a very important mission. Focusing on detection, prevention and treatment, COACH is leading the way in innovative solutions, knowledge and education to combat substance abuse disorders.Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

At Auburn University's Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, students are gaining real-world experience in hotel management, restaurant management, event management, and culinary science that sets them apart in the competitive global marketplace. Horst Schulze, cofounder and former President of the Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, joins us to talk about how Auburn is developing tomorrow’s leaders for the global hospitality industry through The Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management in the College of Human Sciences.  Schulze calls it "the best hospitality program in America."Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

In this segment of "Everything Auburn," we’re featuring a look at our nationally ranked gymnastics team, which is having yet another stellar season. Joining us is gymnastics standout Junior Sophia Groth to talk about her journey to Auburn and balancing success as a student-athlete.  For Sophia, the sky is the limit. Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

In this segment, we’re going to examine a new study by two researchers in Auburn’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment who examined the global impact of free-ranging house cats on biodiversity – essentially assessing all of the species that these cats eat and what that means globally. We have with us Auburn professor Chris Lepczyk, who along with Jean Fantle-Lepczyk, conducted this study that drew from more than 150 years of data and has garnered quite a bit of national attention.Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

Dribble-dribble, shoot-shoot: In this episode, we take a look at the Adaptive Athletics program at Auburn. Our special guest is Robb Taylor, the head coach of Auburn’s Wheelchair Basketball team who is here to speak with us about the growth of Auburn Adapted Athletics - a collaboration between Auburn's Office of Accessibility and School of Kinesiology.  Plus, Coach Taylor talks Paris Olympics, and gives us the scoop on Auburn Wheelchair Basketball's big  tournament coming up February 1-2 at Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum!Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

In this episode of 'Everything Auburn," we’re going to delve into the great work of the Lowder Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship. We have with us Joshua Sahib, managing director of the center in the Harbert College of Business, who will detail for us the ways in which this initiative is combining outreach programming and academic studies to address the needs of family businesses and more!Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

In this episode of the "Everything Auburn" podcast, we focus on the Auburn student fan experience. We have Michael Floyd, the former vice president of The Auburn Jungle, here to detail just how involved our student fans are at sporting events, including that loud and proud student section in Neville Arena known as "The Jungle!"Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

With 40 high-end gaming computers, 35 Xbox, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation consoles, throwback arcade stations, plus a competitive Esports stage, the new game room inside Auburn University's Harold D. Melton Student Center has become quite a hit on campus!  In this episode, James MacElroy, president of Auburn Esports, joins us to talk through the many gaming offerings now available to AU students in the new state-of-the-art game room that launched earlier this year.Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

In this special holiday edition, we’re going to have a festive time learning all about an amazing holiday offering that’s taking place in the greenspace of the Hey Day Market as well as hear about the brand new Aubie’s Holiday Gift Guide that all Auburn fans will want to shop! Our guests include Marc Osier, managing partner of food halls and restaurants for Ithaka Hospitality Partners, and Kelley Young, a communications editor in Auburn’s Office of Communications and Marketing. Happy Holidays Auburn fans!Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

In this episode of "Everything Auburn," we travel over the pond via Zoom to meet England's greatest Auburn fan.  More than 4,100 miles and an ocean away, lives Paul Mortimer who became an Auburn fan more than a decade ago and sports the orange and blue daily.  Mortimer has gained quite a following on social media. Known on Facebook as "The British Auburn Fan," Mortimer is set to make his first trip to the Plains next week for the 2023 Iron Bowl!  Check out his amazing journey to becoming an Auburn fan. War Eagle! Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

In this episode, we’re going to delve into the research of one of Auburn University's  rockstar professor experts, Dr. Amit Morey, and his work in improving the quality and safety of poultry products. Dr. Morey is an associate professor of poultry science in Auburn’s College of Agriculture, and his research is a great example of how Auburn is at work in advancing solutions through innovation.Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

This Special Edition of the "Everything Auburn" podcast comes to you 387 miles from the Plains in Memphis, Tennessee!  In celebration of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Induction Ceremony Week, we’re honored to be broadcasting from the Sam Phillips Recording Studio as we discuss the legacy of Sam Phillips, the Father of Rock 'n' Roll, and his unique connection to Auburn University.  It all started with a Radio Fundamentals class back in 1943 at what was then Alabama Polytechnic Institute.  In this episode, we have with us two very special guests to talk about it all: Jerry Phillips, the son of Sam Phillips, and Halley Phillips, the granddaughter of one of the most important figures in the history of Rock 'n' Roll on what would be his 100th birthday!Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

Anyone hungry? In this episode, we discuss a popular subject among college students - FOOD!  Our guest this week is Glenn Loughridge and he's a man on a mission. Loughridge serves as Auburn University's Director of Campus Dining and Athletics Concessions. A native of Clearwater, Florida, Loughridge is a 1994 Auburn alumnus and is constantly seeking ways to creatively deliver local, fresh food to the campus community. He is known for his positive, can-do approach and for his delight in collaborating with faculty, students, staff, and food service providers to generate and act on an ever evolving set of possibilities. Glenn constantly takes the initiative to start new conversations and implement new projects that further the goal of providing the most sustainable, nutritious, and enjoyable dining experiences possible. And with food, comes innovation. From FOOD U initiatives to robots to athletics' new, faster concessions check-out system, Glenn has a plate full of radical transformations coming to Auburn dining.Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

With October being CyberSecurity Awareness Month, this week’s segment of the Everything Auburn podcast focuses on the world of cyber and how Auburn is a leader in this space. This week’s podcast features Jay James, CyberSecurity Operations Center Lead for Auburn, who talks about his role at Auburn and provides helpful information when it comes to all things cyber. Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

You can’t miss him. A crown of long red hair and the stomp of his cowboy boots are a tell-tale sign that someone fun is coming down the hall at the Auburn University Recreation and Wellness Center. In this episode, Eric Smith, executive director of Recreation and Wellness, joins us to chat about how he and his team take a holistic approach to health and wellness on campus by integrating recreational activities and health promotion initiatives to support the physical, mental and emotional well-being of Auburn community members.  Their goal: take care of students and empower them to take responsibility for themselves and their communities. With a 240,000-square-foot recreation center in the hub of campus, that translates into easily accessible health and wellness programs such as group fitness, intramural sports, club sports, outdoor adventure experiences, climbing, Olympic/Powerlifting, personal training, mindfulness,  and mental health programs.Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

The future of healthcare is here!  Meet OnMed - a truly unique community opportunity that Auburn University has launched recently involving the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn Outreach and the Auburn colleges of Pharmacy, Nursing and Human Sciences. This involves an innovative OnMed virtual care station that is located in LaFayette, Alabama – one of just four of its kind in the U.S.  We have Rachel Snoddy, Alabama Extension coordinator for Chambers County, here to talk more about this new health care offering that has a lot of potential. Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

In this episode, we’re delving into a unique way in which Auburn University is quickly becoming known as "Food U" through several innovative initiatives, including a rooftop garden. We have Dr. Desmond Layne, professor and head of Auburn’s Department of Horticulture, with us to talk through his role in advancing the "Food U" initiative and several related cool - and transformative - projects underway on campus.Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

In this episode, we delve into a unique Auburn tradition that soars above them all. We’re talking about the eagles and all things relating to the Auburn University Raptor Center.  We have coordinator Andrew Hopkins with us to talk through his role with the eagles and Raptor Center and some of the coolest things to know about when it comes to the famed raptors. Take a listen & War Eagle!Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!