< PreviousVisit us at www.diversifiedmb.com • (334) 246-2537 You can feel Safe with us! OUR TEAM IS COMMITTED TO TACKLING THE RIGHT MORTGAGE PRODUCT FOR YOUR NEEDS. Jeff Chastain Cell: 334-524-8640 jchastain@diversi edmb.com Loan O cer #1248498 Luna Choi Cell: 334-707-3911 lchoi@diversi edmb.com Loan O cer #1790235 Kent Hayley Cell: 334-444-9691 khayley@diversi edmb.com Loan O cer #1777868 Molly Perry Cell: 217-622-7546 mperry@diversi edmb.com Loan O cer #1929169 Trey Salatto Cell: 334-319-2223 tsalatto@diversi edmb.com Loan O cer #2160591 Josh Yerta Cell: 251-402-6975 jyerta@diversi edmb.com Loan O cer #715038 Elizabeth Milner Cell: 334-559-9521 emilner@diversi edmb.com Loan O cer #1699844 Bobby Huddleston Cell: 334-391-7106 bhuddleston@diversi edmb.com Loan O cer #505471AUBURN UNIVERSITY 41 Auburn University is a comprehen- sive land-, sea- and space-grant institu- tion with a renowned history of pioneer- ing research, life-changing outreach and innovative instruction. Auburn students, graduates and faculty transform the fruits of the university’s research and scholarship into products and services that meet society’s most pressing needs. More than 30,000 students are enrolled on the picturesque, 1,841-acre campus known as “The Loveliest Village on the Plains.” Throughout the years, the institution has had four official names: East Alabama Male College (1856-72), Agricultural and Mechanical College (1872-99), Alabama Polytech- nic Institute (1899-1960) and Auburn University (1960-present). Students can choose from more than 150 majors in 12 colleges and schools at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels. Auburn has awarded some 300,000 degrees in agriculture, architecture, business, education, engi- neering, forestry, human sciences, liber- al arts, nursing, pharmacy, sciences and mathematics, and veterinary medicine. The university provides real-world learning laboratories where students can gain experience and leadership princi- ples, better preparing them to compete in the marketplace and make mean- ingful contributions to society. When freshmen arrive on campus, they find an array of community service opportu- nities. Auburn students are involved in more than 500 clubs and organizations that enrich their educational experienc- es outside the classroom as they serve others on campus and in the community. In addition to societal impact, Au- burn makes a $5.6 billion yearly eco- nomic impact in the state of Alabama and is designated as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. Auburn is led by President Christo- pher B. Roberts, who began his ap- pointment as Auburn University’s 21st president in May 2022. Roberts began his tenure at Auburn as an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and became the depart- ment chair in 2003. Roberts served as the dean of Auburn’s Samuel Ginn Col- lege of Engineering from 2012 to 2022. Generations of alumni have been propelled to success by their Auburn ed- ucation. The list of accomplished alumni includes the CEO of Apple, the founders of Habitat for Humanity and Wikipe- dia, an Oscar-winning actress, many sports legends and six astronauts. The worldwide network of Auburn alumni is 300,000-strong. The Auburn Alumni Association has more than 45,000 members and contributes to a significant number of scholarships, professorships and faculty awards each year. In addi- tion, there are more than 100 Auburn Clubs throughout the country dedicated to raising and supporting scholarship funds for incoming freshmen. Tigers Who Yell “War Eagle!” Aubie the Tiger is the university’s mascot, and all Auburn athletic teams are nicknamed the Tigers. “War Eagle” is the battle cry. For more than 100 years, eagles have been associated with Auburn’s football program, and, since 2000, an eagle has flown above the crowds before home football games. To the Auburn Family, it’s very simple: They are the Tigers who yell “War Eagle!” Auburn retired its famed golden eagle Nova, War Eagle VII, in November 2019 and named golden eagle Aurea as War Eagle VIII. Aurea, a six-year-old female, is Auburn’s eighth official War Eagle to carry on the storied tradition of golden eagles at Auburn Tiger football games. The Southeastern Raptor Center, a division of Auburn’s College of Veter- inary Medicine, also flies a bald eagle, Indy, at home games. Indy made her debut Auburn pre-game flight during the 2021 football season. The center’s mission is to rehabilitate and release injured and orphaned raptors and to ed- ucate the public about their role and im- portance and to research raptor-related issues. All birds used in the educational programs, including pregame flights, are non-releasable due to injury or human imprinting. AUBURN UNIVERSITY: MAKING A SOCIETAL IMPACT AUBURNTIGERS.COM Samford Hall, Auburn UniversityAspire to Give Bright Investments Grove Solutions Charlotte Gaston Interiors Community Financial Services Fountainview Mansion Karen Turner/Tracie West Realtors State Farm-Lauren Bland Magnolia James Boutique Pythoge, LLC Railroad Investment Group Stroll Moore’s Mill Magazine Stroll The Waters Magazine Stroll Wynlakes Magazine Three Sixty Real Estate WPB Corporate and Business Partners 2022-2023 For more information about WPB membership, scan the QR code. Celebrating W OMEN’S P HILANTHROPY B OARD Education, Inspiration and Philanthropy Years of 2002-2003 2022-2023 Women’s Philanthropy Board 334-844-9156/334-844-3524 wpb@auburn.edu Join WPB during the 2022-2023 year as it celebrates its 20th year of sponsoring inspirational educational programs, meaningful mentoring initiatives and collective philanthropic impact. The year-long commemoration will feature outstanding speakers and memorable special events. To find out about upcoming programs and to purchase tickets, please visit aub.ie/wpb20th or scan QR code to access ticket link. The Flagship Division of the Cary Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy and Nonprofit StudiesUNIVERSITY PRESIDENT 43 Christopher B. Roberts began his appointment as Auburn University’s 21st president in May 2022. President Roberts leads the univer- sity’s four divisions, including Auburn’s main campus with its more than 31,000 students and 5,500 faculty and staff, as well as Auburn University at Montgom- ery, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, a joint enterprise with Alabama A&M University. Rob- erts is an accomplished scholar who understands that research and teaching excellence, together with service and public engagement, are at the very heart of the state’s R1 land-, sea- and space-grant institution. The R1 desig- nation in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education rec- ognizes Auburn as a top-level research institution. As the university’s CEO, Roberts marshals the institution’s $1.54 billion annual budget and vast resourc- es, while spearheading the university’s strategic vision and advancing Auburn’s ever-growing research enterprise and economic development. Prior to his presidency, Roberts served as the dean of Auburn’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering from 2012 to 2022. The college has more than 6,000 students and about 400 faculty and staff members. Roberts was a factor in the success of the university’s Because This is Auburn — A Campaign for Auburn University, which raised $1.2 billion. Under Roberts’ leadership, more than $357 million in donations to the college were made during and since the campaign. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engi- neering from the Universi- ty of Missouri and master’s and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Notre Dame. He began his career at Auburn in 1994 as an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and became department chair in 2003. He also served as the George E. and Dorothy Stafford Uthlaut Profes- sor of Chemical Engineering. He has a strong record of scholarly and academic achievement in nanotechnology and synthetic fuels. Roberts has published close to 150 peer-reviewed journal arti- cles and book chapters in leading chem- ical engineering, chemistry, materials and related journals and has given over 300 conference presentations, invited seminars and lectures. He has received 45 research grants and contracts from government agencies and corporations, such as the National Science Founda- tion, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Defense, the USDA- Agriculture and Food Research Initia- tive and Boeing. He has been honored with numerous awards for his accomplishments and contributions to the field of engineering. Some of those recognitions include the University of Notre Dame’s Graduate School Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2015; the University of Missouri’s Chemical Engineering Academy of Dis- tinguished Alumni in 2014; the National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers President’s Award for Fostering Minority Engagement in 2012; and the SEC Academic Consortium Faculty Achievement Award in 2012. He and his wife, Tracy, have two children and enjoy cheering on Auburn’s national championship-winning Division 1 athletics programs. DR. CHRISTOPHER B. ROBERTS, PRESIDENT AUBURNTIGERS.COMYellaWood® brand pressure treated products are treated with preservatives (the “Preservatives”) and preservative methods, and technologies of unrelated third parties. For details regarding the Preservatives, methods, and technologies used by Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated, see www.yellawood.com/preservative or write us at P.O. Box 610, Abbeville, AL 36310. Ask dealer for warranty details. For warranty or for important handling and other information concerning our products including the appropriate Safety Data Sheet (SDS), please visit us at www.yellawood.com/warranties or write us at P.O. Box 610, Abbeville, AL 36310. YellaWood® and the yellow tag are federally registered trademarks of Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated. All other marks are trademarks of their respective owners and are used with their permission. YellaWood ® brand pressure treated pine stands unrivaled in providing the best available protection against rot, fungal decay and termite attack. Enjoy the uncompromising beauty of a backyard made with high quality natural wood products from YellaWood ® brand pressure treaded pine. Visit yellawood.com for more information. THE BEST IS ALWAYS IN DEMAND.BOARD OF TRUSTEES 45 AUBURNTIGERS.COM GOV. KAY IVEY President (Ex-officio) BOB DUMAS (Auburn) Banking Executive President Pro Tempore Third District - Lee WAYNE T. SMITH (Nashville, Tenn.) Healthcare Executive At Large B.T. ROBERTS (Mobile) Commercial Real Estate Executive First District ZEKE SMITH (Birmingham) Utility Executive At Large CLARK SAHLIE (Montgomery) Business Executive Second District JAMES H. SANFORD (Prattville) Agriculture Executive Fourth District ELIZABETH HUNTLEY (Clanton) Attorney Sixth District JAMES W. RANE (Abbeville) Business Executive Third District CAROLINE MCDONALD ADERHOLT (Haleyville) Nonprofit Executive Seventh District MICHAEL A. DEMAIORIBUS (Huntsville) Retired Technology Executive Eighth District TIMOTHY VINES (Birmingham) Healthcare Insurance Executive At Large JAMES PRATT (Birmingham) Attorney Ninth District RAYMOND J. HARBERT (Birmingham) Investment Management Executive At Large QUENTIN P. RIGGINS (Birmingham) Utility Executive Vice President Pro Tempore At Large SHERRI M. WILLIAMS Deputy Board Secretary JON G. WAGGONER Board SecretaryATHLETICS DIRECTOR 47 John Cohen, who has more than two decades as a coach and administrator in the Southeastern Conference, was named the 16th Director of Athletics at Auburn University on Oct. 31, 2022. Cohen spent the previous 14 years at Mississippi State in various capacities, most recently as the athletic director the past six years. “John has a wealth of experience in college athletics, particularly in the Southeastern Conference and his resume and references are impecca- ble,” Roberts said. “His leadership and success as a head coach and an athletic director speak for themselves. John will embrace Auburn and be a tremendous leader for our athletics program as we move forward.” Cohen’s career in college athletics began as a baseball player at Mississip- pi State before entering the coaching ranks for 25 years that included being a two-time SEC Coach of the Year at State. Named director of athletics at MSU on November 4, 2016, Cohen led the Bulldog program to record-breaking success athletically, academically and in facilities enhancement during his tenure. “I’m extremely grateful to President Roberts for the opportunity to be the next director of athletics at Auburn University,” Cohen said. “Auburn is an incredibly special place as is demon- strated by the hall of fame coaches and athletes that have been a part of its storied history. I understand the traditions and values at Auburn and look forward to continuing those traditions. I’m humbled and honored to be joining the Auburn family.” Cohen’s first directive as athletic director was to elevate Rich McGlynn to deputy athletics director where the two will work together to further elevated the Auburn Athletics Department. Athletically, Cohen oversaw arguably the greatest era in Bulldog athletics history, highlighted by a 2021 College World Series Championship for the school’s first team national title in any sport. A total of five Bulldog programs turned in a program-best season with Cohen at the helm of the department, including softball (2022), baseball (2021), volleyball (2021), soccer (2018) and women’s basketball (2017, 2018). A nationally respected leader within intercollegiate athletics, Cohen serves on the prestigious 10-member NCAA Division I Baseball Committee as part of a four-year term that began on September 1, 2019. Cohen is one of 16 individuals have played and coached in the College World Series and one of just two among that elite group, who have played, coached and later served as director of athletics for a participating school. He is one of three active SEC athletics director to hire an eventual national championship winning head coach in any sport. Cohen, who spent more than two decades coaching college baseball, was named MSU’s head baseball coach in July of 2008. Nine years later, Cohen’s official role in administration began when he assumed the role of associate athletic director in addition to head baseball coach. Success shouldn’t come as a surprise as it was never far removed from him during his 12-year run as a head coach in the SEC. His teams were successful both on the field and in the classroom. At MSU, he led the Bulldogs to a Col- lege World Series finals appearance, an SEC regular season championship and a SEC Tournament championship. In the classroom upon his arrival in 2009, 133 players were selected to the SEC Academic Honor Roll, including three straight SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year winners from 2013-15. As a baseball player at MSU, Cohen was a key player on the Bulldogs’ 1989 SEC championship team and 1990 College World Series team. He graduat- ed from MSU with a degree in English in 1990 and received a master’s degree in sports management from the University of Missouri in 1994. Following a six-year stint with Mis- souri as a graduate assistant and assis- tant coach, Cohen was the head coach at Northwestern State University from 1998-2001. Cohen spent two seasons as an assistant baseball coach at the University of Florida before becoming the head coach at the University of Kentucky in 2004, a position he held for five seasons before returning to his alma mater. Cohen guided the Wildcats to the program’s first SEC championship in 2006 with a remarkable worst-to-first finish in his third season. While winning 284 games as a head coach at MSU, Cohen demonstrat- ed a keen ability to develop players and coaches. During his tenure, 138 MSU baseball players were selected in the Major League Baseball Draft. His influence can be seen throughout the SEC as four of his former assistants are now or have been head coaches — Brad Bohannon (Alabama), Gary Henderson (Kentucky/Mississippi State), Nick Min- gione (Kentucky) and Butch Thompson (Auburn). Cohen is the only coach in SEC history to win an SEC championship, SEC tournament championship, and advance to the College World Series both as a player and head coach. He and Ron Polk are the only two baseball coaches in SEC history to lead multiple schools to SEC titles. His 2013 Bulldog club advanced to the CWS champi- onship series for the first time in MSU history. Cohen also had the privilege of being a part of a College World Series as a player, head coach and three times as an athletic director (2018, ’19, ’21). JOHN COHEN, ATHLETICS DIRECTOR AUBURNTIGERS.COMJason Isbell • Legally Blonde • Damien Sneed • MOMIX: Alice Jay Leno • Complexions Contemporary Ballet • Fiddler on the Roof Tab Benoit • Jessica Vosk • Smokey Robinson • and many moreUNIVERSITY NEWS 49 The history and heritage of Auburn University’s Black Greek-letter student organizations will live on forever in the heart of campus, thanks to a new iconic plaza that was unveiled in late September. Through the National Pan-Hellenic Council Legacy Plaza, a monument cel- ebrating the history, legacy and cultural impact of Black Greek organizations, thousands of Auburn students who are now alumni and thousands more who will become future Tigers will be repre- sented via the one-of-a-kind collection of markers. Prominently situated alongside one of the university’s main corridors, the Legacy Plaza’s nine markers represent each of the historically African Amer- ican Greek letter organizations, also known as the “Divine Nine.” The plaza’s granite pillars are inscribed with each organization’s Greek letters and crest, along with chapter names for the eight that have been established at Auburn. A 10th marker provides information on the plaza’s purpose and significance and recognizes project donors. In addition to serving as an event and gathering space for students and alumni who are members of the Divine Nine, the Legacy Plaza is a testament to the university’s charge to create a more inclusive environment and the student body’s desire to ensure their peers are equally represented. “When I started my presidency in May, I said that I would place consider- able emphasis on fostering an inclusive learning and work environment where all students, faculty and staff are able to un- dertake their research and educational pursuits while feeling welcomed, valued, respected and engaged,” President Christopher B. Roberts said. “The NPHC legacy plaza will be an enduring example that Auburn supports a diverse campus environment.” Coinciding with the 50th charter anniversary of the first Black Greek-letter organization at Auburn, the unveiling was the culmination of more than four years of planning and discussions among students who advocated for a permanent space and physical representation on campus of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, or NPHC, organizations. As con- versations continued, more support was garnered, resulting in a formal initiation of the project in December 2018 by the Stu- dent Government Association, or SGA. “The Legacy Plaza is a tangible re- minder of the respect our students have for each other and of the priority they place on ensuring everyone feels like they belong here,” Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Bobby R. Woodard said. “Those are distinctly Auburn values that are instilled in our students, and they are among the many things that make this university such a special place.” Auburn students also led the plaza’s fundraising efforts. In a show of solidarity with the NPHC, the Interfraternity Coun- cil, the Panhellenic Council and SGA made significant contributions to the construction of the Legacy Plaza. Thanks to widespread support across campus and beyond, the Legacy Plaza is one of the university’s most successful Tiger Giving Day projects, with 639 individual donors donating to the plaza in one day. “The culture and significance of our chapters are engrained into the DNA at Auburn. It is beautiful to see the support we have gotten from all over campus,” NPHC President Dontavious Hill said. “We now officially have a place that represents our organizations and lets ev- eryone know that we are here and doing great work at Auburn.” Approved by the Auburn Board of Trustees in July 2020, the NPHC Legacy Plaza was a project called for by Auburn students and supported by various mem- bers of the Auburn Family. “As a member of the Board of Trustees, I am so pleased to see this continued movement toward progress, acknowledging the National Pan-Hel- lenic Council’s contributions to Auburn through the years and honoring African American culture at Auburn,” said Trustee Tim Vines, a financial support- er of the plaza. “With this permanent recognition of those whose footprints in time have set the path before us, we demonstrate our devotion to continu- ing the long-term, deliberative work toward advancing and promoting opportunity and equity. As I look to the future and all that this dedication represents, I see a bright horizon of hope advancing our great university forward and furthering the potential that, together, united in purpose, we all can achieve.” Auburn’s SGA Student Senate unanimously passed legislation in 2018 in support of the NPHC’s campaign to create a legacy plaza at Auburn after initial and continuing efforts from past SGA presidents Dane Block and Ada Ruth Huntley. “This plaza is so much more than a group of plaques or plots that show- case nine Auburn Greek chapters,” said Madison Riggins, 2019 Auburn NPHC president and financial benefactor to the project. “This plaza serves to carry out the Auburn Creed. This plaza serves to restore, retain and recruit the Auburn Family that is sometimes over- looked or forgotten. This plaza will be a gathering place for all as we continue to educate and build. UNIVERSITY NEWS BY NEAL REID AUBURNTIGERS.COM Auburn unveils National Pan-Hellenic Council Legacy Plaza at special ceremony Auburn University leaders gathered on Friday, Sept. 30, to unveil the new National Pan-Hellenic Council Legacy Plaza. From left to right, current Auburn NPHC President Dontavious “DT” Hill, 2019 NPHC President Madison Riggins, Auburn University President Christopher B. Roberts, Auburn Trustee Tim Vines and Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Bobby Woodard spoke at the celebration. Photo by Auburn University Photographic ServicesNext >