Auburn University has long stood as a pillar of tradition, excellence, and community. Known affectionately as the “Auburn Family,” the university is not just a place—it’s a way of life, a bond shared by students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters across the world. This bond is built on mutual respect, love for Auburn, and a shared mission to elevate the experience of every individual who becomes part of this remarkable institution. Today, the Auburn Family is proud to extend a warm welcome to an exceptional new leader who embodies these values: Jamilah Ali-Shaffer, the newly appointed Senior Associate Athletics Director of Student-Athlete Support and Administration.
Jamilah Ali-Shaffer’s arrival at Auburn marks not just a new chapter in her personal and professional journey, but also an exciting evolution in how Auburn supports its student-athletes. In this vital role, Ali-Shaffer will lead a comprehensive effort to enhance the academic, personal, and professional development of student-athletes across all sports. Her presence signals Auburn’s ongoing commitment to the holistic success of its student-athletes, ensuring they are not only champions on the field but also in the classroom and in life beyond collegiate sports.
Ali-Shaffer brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and a demonstrated passion for student development. Her career has been marked by strategic innovation and a deeply rooted commitment to educational equity, mentorship, and empowerment. Prior to joining Auburn, she served in key leadership roles that spanned academic services, compliance, and student-athlete development. Her multifaceted background positions her perfectly to take Auburn’s student-athlete support services to even greater heights.
One of the most exciting aspects of Ali-Shaffer’s appointment is her clear alignment with the Auburn Creed, which emphasizes hard work, honesty, mutual helpfulness, and a sound mind and body. These values are not just philosophical for her—they are lived experiences that have guided her career. She has consistently championed initiatives that address the holistic well-being of student-athletes, including mental health support, leadership training, career planning, and academic excellence. Her vision is expansive yet grounded in practical strategies that ensure every student-athlete is empowered to thrive during their time at Auburn and beyond.
Ali-Shaffer’s approach is not simply about managing programs—it’s about building a culture. At the heart of her mission is creating an environment where student-athletes feel heard, valued, and equipped with the tools they need to succeed. She understands the unique pressures and responsibilities that come with being a collegiate athlete and is dedicated to providing the infrastructure and guidance necessary to navigate those challenges successfully.
The Plains—a term that resonates deeply with Auburn students and alumni—now becomes home to a leader who understands the power of place and the responsibility of stewardship. For Ali-Shaffer, Auburn is more than a new job; it’s a community she’s excited to pour into. Her early interactions with staff, students, and faculty have already begun to reflect her collaborative spirit, strategic thinking, and passion for service.
Her leadership comes at a time when college athletics is undergoing rapid transformation. With ongoing discussions around NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), transfer portal dynamics, and evolving NCAA policies, the need for strong, principled, and forward-thinking leaders has never been more crucial. Ali-Shaffer is stepping into this environment with a clear understanding of the stakes—and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s best for student-athletes.
Moreover, her background includes significant experience working with diverse student populations and advocating for inclusive programming. She is an advocate for equity and access, which aligns powerfully with Auburn’s goals of fostering an inclusive environment where all student-athletes—regardless of background—have opportunities to succeed and lead. Through workshops, mentorship initiatives, and policy development, Ali-Shaffer aims to cultivate leaders who reflect the diverse and dynamic world beyond campus.
In many ways, her leadership style mirrors the Auburn way: intentional, community-driven, and results-oriented. She is not just here to uphold standards—she’s here to raise them. Her priorities include expanding mental health resources, enhancing academic advising, improving transition programs for incoming and graduating student-athletes, and establishing stronger ties with alumni for mentorship and networking opportunities. These aren’t just ideas—they are actionable goals that will have long-term impacts on Auburn’s student-athlete experience.
Auburn Athletics Director John Cohen, in announcing her hire, spoke highly of her qualifications and her character, stating that she is a transformational leader with a servant’s heart. This sentiment has been echoed across the Auburn Athletics department, where anticipation for her leadership is high. Coaches, academic advisors, and student-athletes alike have expressed enthusiasm about the direction Auburn is heading under her stewardship.
But perhaps the most compelling testament to Ali-Shaffer’s potential at Auburn is her own voice. In her first address to the Auburn community, she spoke about her belief in the power of education, the importance of listening, and the responsibility leaders have to be accessible and accountable. Her words reflected humility, purpose, and an unmistakable love for student development. “I’m honored to join the Auburn Family,” she said. “This is a place where excellence is expected and supported, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to help our student-athletes succeed on every level.”
Ali-Shaffer’s vision includes not only immediate improvements but also a long-term strategic plan that positions Auburn as a national leader in student-athlete support. Her plans involve cross-department collaboration, innovative use of technology for academic and career planning, and the implementation of student feedback mechanisms to continually refine services. Her ability to see both the big picture and the finer details will be key to navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics.
The Auburn Family’s motto—“Together, we will!”—resonates more than ever as we welcome Jamilah Ali-Shaffer. Her arrival is not just a moment of administrative transition; it is a bold investment in the future of every student-athlete who wears the orange and blue. Her leadership is a promise that Auburn will continue to be a place where student-athletes are not only seen and celebrated for their athletic talents but also deeply supported in their personal, academic, and professional journeys.
In welcoming Jamilah Ali-Shaffer, we also renew our commitment to what makes Auburn special: our people. The strength of the Auburn Family has always come from our collective investment in one another. With Ali-Shaffer now among us, that strength only grows. Her presence, her leadership, and her passion will undoubtedly help shape a new era of excellence at Auburn—one where every student-athlete can confidently say, “This is home.”
So let’s come together, Auburn Family. Let’s open our arms, our hearts, and our unwavering support as we welcome Jamilah Ali-Shaffer to The Plains. The future of Auburn Athletics, and more importantly, the lives of countless student-athletes, just got a little brighter.
