< Previous50 UNIVERSITY NEWS AUBURNTIGERS.COM Great things are happening at a state- of-the-art recording studio tucked away in a hidden corner of Goodwin Hall on the south side of Auburn University’s campus. Beautiful music is being made at the Don and Alexandra Clayton “Lucky Man” Studio, a world-class facility in the De- partment of Music that opened in Octo- ber. Whether it’s professional music art- ists from across the country or budding singers and performers from the universi- ty, Lucky Man Studio (LMS) has become a haven of creation in its first year. Named for a song by 1975 music ed- ucation graduate Don Clayton, the one- of-a-kind studio features cutting-edge equipment and resources for Auburn students and regional music stars alike. The studio hosts academic classes, giving students unique hands-on experienc- es with industry-standard equipment, coupled with expert instruction in a re- al-world environment. In short, it has made a meaningful im- pact since its dedication. “The Department of Music has made remarkable use of Lucky Man Studio to enrich student learning and professional engagement,” said Doug Rosener, de- partment director. “It has also served as a creative hub where students, faculty and professional artists have recorded numerous projects which have been re- leased and are available on all streaming platforms. “Some truly incredible music has been recorded in our space during the short time we’ve been open, and we are very excited to see that grow in the future.” Rosener said the studio — featuring a full complement of drums, keyboards and synthesizers, guitars, state-of-the- art computer software, microphones and hardware, as well as a Dolby Atmos recording system — has become a top- notch tool for recruiting students to Au- burn’s music program. “LMS sets us apart by offering an ex- perience that simply isn’t available at most institutions,” Rosener said. “The professional atmosphere of the studio sends a clear message to recruits and their families: we are serious about pre- paring students for real-world careers in music and audio production. “It’s not just a facility — it’s a statement about the kind of future we’re helping our students build.” Rosener believes the studio is the per- fect environment for students looking to develop their talents and gain invaluable experience. “Through these courses, students learn professional studio techniques, op- erate cutting-edge equipment and even record their own music at the highest possible level,” he said. “The studio not only enhances their technical skills but also inspires creativity and confidence — making LMS a cornerstone of experiential learning in the department.” Trammell Starks, the studio’s direc- tor, agrees about the studio’s power as a teaching tool and developmental space for students. “Building a top-tier professional facili- ty naturally creates a top-tier educational experience,” said Starks, a renowned re- cording artist who has toured with Pea- bo Bryson and worked with the London Symphony. “Our students are immersed in real-world, hands-on learning by work- ing with actual professional clients. “By the time they graduate, they’ll be prepared to walk into any studio and rep- resent themselves — and, by extension, Auburn and LMS — as professionals of the highest caliber.” The studio has hosted several dis- tinguished recording artists and music professionals, including Karla Harris, an Atlanta-based jazz vocalist, and interna- tionally renowned jazz trumpet virtuoso Darren English. LMS continues to evolve as upgrades and additions are complet- ed, including an ATC Dolby Atmos speak- er system and world-class microphones from Neumann, Heiserman, Soyuz, Scho- eps, Chandler and others. “From the start, our mission has been to compete with top Nashville studios, and I’m confident we’re well on our way to achieving that goal,” Starks said. “Our pri- mary objective is to establish LMS as a pre- mier destination studio in the Southeast — on par with the best facilities anywhere. “We’re fully equipped to serve pro- fessional musicians across all genres, as well as the booming film industry based just up the road in Atlanta. In doing so, we aim to become the leading professional and educational recording facility in the Southeast, and, by extension, the SEC.” UNIVERSITY NEWS BY: NEAL REID AUBURN’S WORLD-CLASS RECORDING STUDIO MAKING IMPACT IN FIRST YEAR Auburn students have the unique opportunity to record, learn and study at the state-of-the-art Lucky Man Studio. Atlanta-based jazz vocalist Karla Harris has recorded at Auburn’s Lucky Man Studio. 52 MEET THE COACHES AUBURNTIGERS.COM To Auburn assistant coach Chad Lunsford, they’re not just special teams, they’re special forces, a tribute to the U.S. military’s top troops. “Our mission when we hit that field is we’ve got to take care of that goal on that one play,” Lunsford said. “It’s very important that we’re disciplined. We’ve got to be tough, not only physically but mentally, and I know we have to attack.” Tasked with leading units that fre- quently can be the difference between winning and losing, especially in close games, Lunsford returned to the Plains in January for his second Auburn stint after three seasons at Florida Atlantic, “We’re going to have the ability to change the field position for everybody and we can make game-changing plays,” he said. “What I really love about it is it direct- ly affects offense and defense. It’s a total part of the team game. I like to say one shot, one kill. We’ve got one play, and we’ve got to go kill it.” Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze hired Lunsford in January while further strengthening the Tigers’ roster. “I kept trying to say yes before he even offered it,” Lunsford said of their discussion. “It was a dream really.” “Welcome back Chad Lunsford, who we’re excited about running our special teams,” Freeze said in July at SEC Media Days. “He did a really nice job all spring of getting us installed into the stuff that he’s going to do. “I love our team speed better than in the past, and that makes special teams a lot better when you have faster guys on the team. From top to bottom, I think we’re a little faster and a little longer and have some more depth that will help on those teams.” Noting that All-SEC running back Jarquez Hunter consistently con- tributed to Auburn’s kickoff coverage and return teams, Lunsford appreciates Freeze’s special teams philosophy. “He’s all in having the best players on special teams,” Lunsford said. “Obvious- ly, you’ve got to be strategic.” Freeze and Lunsford competed against each other in the 2019 Cure Bowl, when Freeze’s Liberty Flames beat Lunsford’s Georgia Southern Eagles. “I really love his values,” Lunsford said. “I really love the things he brings to the table day in and day out in a program. It feels like an awesome fit.” A Sun Belt Conference head coach for four seasons, Lunsford led Georgia Southern to bowl victories in 2018 and 2020. “We had some successful seasons,” Lunsford said. “I will never regret my time at Georgia Southern. Those were some of the best times of my life. A part of Auburn’s 2010 national championship team, Lunsford served as the Tigers’ director of scouting and director of player personnel from 2009-13. “My time at Auburn was really awe- some,” he said. “Love the community, loved the program, loved the university. The best place I’ve ever been for what felt like a family atmosphere and a family feel. Very excited to be back.” SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR CHAD LUNSFORD BY: JEFF SHEARER54 2025 STADIUM MAP 2025 STADIUM MAP AUBURNTIGERS.COMThe Medical School making a difference in our community EVERY DAY ©2025 Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. All rights reserved. Please go to www.vcom.edu/outcomes for a copy of our outcomes report. At the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Auburn, Alabama our mission is to train future physicians who are community-focused and ready to make a difference. That starts right here at home. Over the last 20 years, VCOM students and alumni have made great improvements to healthcare in southern Appalachia, but there is still work to be done. We’re inviting you to join us in this mission and make a difference for our community. 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