March 21, 2018
Editor's Note: On March 29, 2018, Dr. Steven Leath will be installed as the 19th president of Auburn University. Be a part of Auburn history and witness Dr. Leath as he shares an inspiring, innovative and transformative vision for Auburn's future. What follows is one in a series of 12 stories that highlight members of the Auburn family who embody these ideals. As you will see, Auburn is on the move. To learn more about the installation of President Leath, please visit www.auburn.edu/auburninspires
I always knew I was coming to Auburn. My mom went to school at Auburn. She was one of my heroes. She was a teacher and a lifelong learner. Inspired by my mother's example, I earned my master's degree and PhD at Auburn University.
Today, my mission as a senior administrator at Auburn Athletics is clear. It's about service.
Affecting the lives of young men and women is what drives me. I want to be a servant leader. I want to be part of something bigger than myself. I want to make a difference.
When I think about inspiring leaders, I am reminded of a quote from my mentor, "If you struggle and have not succeeded, then someone will succeed after you. And if you have succeeded and have not struggled, then someone struggled before you".
I am humbled by the many leaders at Auburn University who bring an everyday commitment to benefit others and I am highly motivated to support President Leath's commitment to invest in our students and provide them with opportunities that test their skills in an educational environment so they are ready to perform upon graduation. Given the rapid pace of change in the workplace, the most successful graduates are those with the ability to continue learning and to harness the work ethic, responsibility, character and interpersonal skills necessary to work in diverse settings.
Auburn values all forms of scholarly activity. Whether creative endeavors, such as artistic works and performances, academic publications or inventions, we promote scholarly activity because it prompts intellectual advancement and expands learning.
Auburn is more than a place to go to school, work or engage in research and scholarship. It is a spirit that's not afraid. It is a place that inspires hard work, honesty, respect and mutual helpfulness.
Under President Leath's leadership, Auburn University is on the move.