Black History Month: Stacey Newman

Follow along in February as we celebrate Black History Month by featuring successful alums of the Auburn gymnastics program!
 
Our next alum is Stacey Newman. A member of Auburn gymnastics from 1995-98, Newman was a major contributor to the program both on the mat and in the classroom. The SEC Academic Honor Roll honoree now is a successful producer in the television industry.  
 
Q: Why did you choose to come to Auburn?
A: "My awesome gymnastics coach Sue Laing and her husband Mike both are Auburn Alumni and encouraged me to check out the university. From the minute I arrived on campus for my recruiting trip Auburn felt like home. It was so different from growing up in a big city, Miami, and I couldn't get enough of the southern food.
 
Q: How would you describe your Auburn experience?
A: "A whirlwind that went at lightning speed. Lots of classes, lots of studying, lots of practice, lots of traveling, lots of football games, lots of sporting events, lots of highs, lots of lows, lots of lifetime achievements, LOTS of memories."
 
Q: Why is Black History Month important to you?
A: "Black History Month is the pinnacle of honoring and reflecting on all the ancestors and trailblazers that came before me to make my path a little easier and my opportunities even greater. And to let the world know their value to our country and to inspire the generations that will come long after I'm gone."
 
Q: Who were some influential people who impacted your life both as a student-athlete and after?
A: "As a student-athlete my coaches, my advisors, and my best friend (Auburn gymnast) Erin Bryant, and other athletes on campus gave me the extra push that I needed. My parents who kept the ship afloat, even at times when it felt like I was sinking.
 
"I've had the privilege to cross paths with some highly influential people, and some of them have really inspired me to go after my dream of being in TV. Oprah Winfrey, Carole Simpson, and the late-great Gwen Ifill."
 
Q: What did you earn your degree in and what are you up to now?
"I have a B.A. in Mass Communication. I am a TV Producer at Warner Bros. Discovery and Cofounder of a nonprofit for youth in at-risk communities, Fine Feather Foundation Inc."

Q: What are some of the challenges you face in your industry and how do you overcome them?
"Being an African-American woman I am often the only person in rooms who look like me. But that is a motivator to always put my best forward and speak up in representation for those who are often overlooked and don't have a voice. Diversity in storytelling is a must and to do that I have to be in the room. The sacrifices my parents and brother made as immigrants from Jamaica allow me to see the challenges that I face are worth overcoming each day.I stand on the shoulders of many giants!"
 
Q: What is one big life lesson you took away from your time with Auburn gymnastics?
"Discipline. Getting back up and overcoming. I suffered some major injuries that could have stopped my career, but tenacity and guts allowed me to take risks that I am still using to this day. There's always a leap of faith to take. JUMP! "
 
Q: What were some of your favorite memories as a collegiate gymnast?
"Achieving my dream to score a 39.00 all around, the buffet at the old football dining hall, and the social network of all the athletes on campus. I loved that group of wild, extremely talented pillars!!"
 
Q: What advice would you give to current and future members of the program?
"It really does go as fast as people try to warn you. Take the advice! Once it's over, it's over. More time cannot be purchased. Stay present, take advantage of every opportunity now, and try all your secret dreams at least once."
 
Q: How did Auburn prepare you to be successful away from the Plains?
"It shaped me. Everything that I've built on started with a foundation from Auburn. Being disciplined, self-motivated, and engaging with people. And to not be afraid of anything."