Dr. Robert Carlisle, a former two-time national champion student-athlete with more than a decade of higher education and sports administration experience, was named Auburn Athletics' associate athletics director for student-athlete development in June 2024. 
 
Carlisle, who comes to the Plains from Appalachian State University, will lead AuburnYOU, Auburn Athletics' comprehensive life skills program.
 
Carlisle, who logged previous SEC experience as a scholastic supervisor at Texas A&M, will oversee AuburnYOU's strategic vision and programming to enhance student-athlete experiences, personal growth, professional development and overall well-being.
 
A native of Detroit, Carlisle earned his bachelor's degree from Grand Valley State University in Michigan where he contributed to two Division II football national championships from 2006-09. 

Carlisle earned his master's in sports administration and leadership from Augustana University in 2014 and his doctorate of philosophy in recreation, park & tourism sciences with a focus on youth development from Texas A&M in 2023.

At Appalachian State, Carlisle oversaw the Mountaineers RISE program that aimed to develop, nurture, support and prepare student-athletes to be world-class leaders, including professional, career and leadership development, and community engagement.