Honors College Staff
Honors Directorate
CHRISTOPHER A. LEPCZYK
Interim Director
Dr. Lepczyk is an ecologist whose background focuses on questions related to conserving nature and biodiversity. Originally from the Great Lakes region, he received his BS in Biology and Geology from Hope College, his MS in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and his PhD in both Fisheries and Wildlife, and Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior from Michigan State University. Prior to joining Auburn University, he was a professor at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in Honolulu. As Interim Director, Dr. Lepczyk will be continuing to build the college’s programs and enhance its strengths.
SUZANNE HUNTER
Assistant Director of Academic Affairs | Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Chair
As assistant director academic affairs, Ms. Hunter plans to bring new initiatives to the advising unit based on students’ changing needs. Mrs. Hunter currently also advises on course selection, requirements for selected area of concentration, and post-college plans with students with last names that begin with Mp-No. Originally from Eufaula, Alabama, Ms. Hunter holds a B.A. from Auburn University in Political Science, a M.Ed. from Clemson in Counselor Education: Student Affairs and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Adult Education.
WHITNEY COMER
Assistant Director of Student Affairs | Honors College Sophomore Retention Committee Chair | Assessment Committee Chair
As assistant director for student affairs, Dr. Comer plans to expand opportunities for students to create a unique Honors College community experience through dynamic programming events. She received her Master of Arts in Student Development from Appalachian State University, and her Bachelors of Science in Mass Communications from East Tennessee State University. Dr.. Comer is also a CliftonStrengths ® Certified Coach, and recently received her Educational Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. Originally from Tennessee, she previously worked at Clemson University and Coastal Carolina University in Student Affairs before joining the Auburn Honors College. In her free time, Dr. Comer enjoys traveling and running.
Academic Advisors:
CARRINGTON CLEVENGER
Academic Advisor I | Honors Serves Advisor
As an academic advisor for the Honors College, Ms. Clevenger advises students with the last names Dp-Ke. She is responsible for advising students on course selection, requirements for selected areas of concentration, and post-college plans. Ms. Clevenger is originally from Remlap, Alabama, and received her B.A. in Communication (with a minor in Psychology) and her M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Auburn University. During her time as a graduate student, she worked as a graduate teaching assistant in the Exploratory Advising Center, which led her to pursue a career in higher education.
KATIE MARTIN
Academic Advisor I
Ms. Martin serves as an academic advisor in the Honors College and assists students with course selection, program requirements, and post-college plans. She holds a Master of Technical and Professional Communication (MTPC) from Auburn University and finds great joy in supporting students on their academic journey. When first pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in English (Professional and Public Writing) at Auburn, Ms. Martin began tutoring at Study Partners, igniting her passion for student success. Since her introduction to Academic Support, Ms. Martin has worked in various capacities within student success at Auburn, recently serving as a graduate teaching assistant for the Department of English. She now advises students in the Honors College and finds her work joyful and fulfilling.
YVETTE STONE
Academic Advisor III | Honors Academic Coaches Advisor
As an academic advisor for the Honors College, Mrs. Stone advises students with the last names Rp-Z. She is responsible for advising students on course selection, requirements for selected areas of concentration, and post-college plans. Mrs. Stone is originally from Gulf Shores, Alabama and received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in History from Auburn University. During her time as a graduate student, she worked as a graduate teaching assistant in the Department of History and as a tutor for Student-Athlete Support Services, both of which led her into a career in higher education. After graduating with her master’s, Mrs. Stone worked as an academic advisor and first year experience instructor at the University of South Alabama for several years before returning to Auburn.
SAVANNAH BAKER
Academic Advisor II | Honors Congress Advisor
As an academic advisor for the Honors College, Mrs. Baker advises students with the last names A-Do. She is responsible for advising students on course selection, requirements for selected areas of concentration, and post-college plans. Mrs. Baker is originally from Lake Butler, Florida, and received her B.S. in Agricultural Education and Communication and her M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration, both from the University of Florida. During her time as a graduate student, she worked as a graduate assistant in UF Off Campus Life, interned at Baylor University as an assistant residence hall director, and volunteered as an academic advisor in the department of sport management. It was each of these experiences that led her to pursue a career in academic advising.
Administrative Staff:
COURTNEY ARNOLD
Business and Administrative Services Coordinator
As the coordinator of Business and Administrative Services for the Honors College, Courtney provides support to consolidate financial and business operations within the college. Courtney has been an employee with Auburn University since 2012. During her time here at Auburn, she has been nominated for Auburn’s Women of Distinction, Supervisor of the Year and received the Harbert College of Business’s Outstanding Professional award. She has worked in the Office of Professional and Career Development within the Harbert College of Business, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and now the Honors College. She is currently working to complete her B.S in Horticulture, Business and Counseling. During her free time, Courtney enjoys fishing and kayaking with her husband, playing with her Pitt-lab Penn, cooking, gardening and going on adventures with friends and family.
WADE BERRY
Marketing and Communications Specialist III
Mr. Berry is the marketing and communications specialist for the Honors College and uses his knowledge of public relations, communications, graphic design, and social media to inform students, parents, alumni and faculty of the current news and events of the Honors College. A native Alabamian, and Auburn graduate (’01), Mr. Berry received his bachelor’s in public relations, and has over 21 years of experience in the marketing and communications field in both the public and private sector. As a third-generation alumnus, Mr. Berry truly understands the meaning of the Auburn Family and is proud to work for his alma mater. When not on campus Mr. Berry can be found renovating his historic Opelika home, entertaining with friends, and enjoying life both locally and abroad.
MARGHERITA LIGORIO
Development Officer
As the Major Gifts Officer at the Honors College, Margherita is actively involved in planning, executing, controlling and evaluating the fundraising and community outreach and awareness for the Honors College. Originally from Italy, Margherita moved to the United States in 2013 and worked in Development and Advancement for NGOs. She received both her B.S. and M.S. in International and Diplomatic Sciences from the University of Trieste, Italy. Margherita has been with Auburn University since January 2020.
MAGGIE ROGERS
Student Programs Coordinator
As the Student Programs Coordinator for the Honors College, Ms. Rogers is responsible for all aspects of programming including Week of Service as well as Induction and Medal Ceremonies. She teaches Honors First Year Exploration and Service Learning courses. Ms. Rogers is originally from the Birmingham area and received her BFA in Community Engagement and Leadership from Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska where she was heavily involved in the office of Student Engagement serving as both Student Body President and Interim Events Coordinator. Upon graduation, Ms. Rogers was employed as the Second Year Experience Coordinator, Head Community Living Coordinator, and CORE 100 Coordinator at her Alma Mater. She comes to Auburn by way of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she gained experience working in Residence Life. Ms. Rogers believes that, “Students come to college to become the people they are meant to be; it is my job to support them in every way possible.”
REBECCA SHIPPEN
Student Recruiting Administrator | Honors Admissions Committee Chair & Ambassadors Advisor
As the Administrator for Student Recruiting, Mrs. Shippen meets with prospective students and families to provide information on admission requirements, degree programs, career options, and extracurricular activities within the Honors College. Mrs. Shippen is originally from Montgomery, Alabama and received her bachelor’s in English from Huntingdon College. Prior to joining Honors, Mrs. Shippen worked in student services and recruiting both at Auburn and at AUM.
LAURA WHATLEY
Scholarship and Research Coordinator
As the Coordinator of Scholarship and Research, Dr. Whatley is focused on providing students with information and individualized guidance on finding scholarships and research opportunities that will help them both define and achieve their academic and professional goals. Additionally, Dr. Whatley coordinates the National Prestigious Scholarship (NPS) Program, which recognizes exceptional Auburn students across campus and provides support as they apply to some of the most competitive nationally sponsored scholarships in America, such as Fulbright, Rhodes, NSF-GRFP, and Truman. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Whatley received a B.A. in Art History from Arizona State University, a M.A. in Art History from the University of Toronto, and a Ph.D. in Art History and Medieval Studies from the University of Illinois. Prior to taking on this exciting role in the Honors College, she was Associate Professor of Art History at Auburn University at Montgomery. In her free time, Dr. Whatley enjoys hiking and long-distance backpacking as well as spending time with her pets.
Graduate Assistants:
JESSICA FRUM
Graduate Assistant | Academic Advising
As a graduate assistant in the Honors College, Ms. Frum strives to create a space for students that is welcoming and encouraging. Having moved a lot in her own life, she knows the importance of making a new place feel like home. This led to a passion for helping people find their own place, voice, and goals and the pursuit of a M.Ed. in School Counseling at Auburn University. Prior to this, Ms. Frum graduated from Louisiana State University with a B.S. in Child & Family Studies. Ms. Frum advises students with the last names Kf-Mc.
CHEYENNE SMITH
Graduate Assistant | Academic Advising
Cheyenne is originally from Ardmore, Oklahoma and received her bachelor’s in Philosophy at Oklahoma State University. She then completed her Masters’ degree at University of Denver in Higher Education with a focus on Diversity in Higher Learning. She is currently a doctoral student studying Higher Education Administration here at Auburn. Before she came to the Honors College, she has worked for a variety of institutions such as Oklahoma State University, University of Denver, Georgetown University, and Auburn University. Once a tiger, always a tiger. She can’t wait to begin to be helping Auburn students again. Ms. Smith advises students with the last names Oo-Ro.
Emeritus Staff:
KATHIE MATTOX
Associate Director Emerita
WILLIAM GWIN
Director Emeritus
Last modified: July 14, 2023