Began at Auburn: August 2015 (previously worked at Auburn from September 2008 -- March 2012)

Education: Earned a Bachelor of Science in sustainable plant systems with a specialization in turfgrass science from Ohio State University in 2013.

Job Responsibilities: Assists in the direction and maintenance of the competition athletic fields and practice fields as well as overseeing the crew's student assistants. 

Past Experience: Willard came to Auburn after serving as the Athletic Grounds Manager at the University of South Alabama in Mobile for two years. There, he directed the daily operation of the athletic turf management program and grounds for the Jaguars. Willard began his career in turfgrass at Auburn as a student employee before being hired fulltime in 2008 to manage the Auburn football practice fields. He held that role for almost four full football seasons before moving to Ohio to finish his degree. While a student at Ohio State, Willard held a seasonal internship at Huntington Park, home of the Columbus Clippers (AAA-Indians). In addition, he was a grounds specialist within the Ohio State Department of Athletics. Throughout his career, Willard has volunteered at many events, including the Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament as well as multiple NCAA Division I Baseball Regional and Super Regional tournaments.

Personal: Willard is married to Kendra Willard of Fertile, Minn., and has two daughters, Madelyn and Elsie. He is a member of STMA and is a certified pesticide applicator in the state of Alabama.