The Honors College is proud to welcome, Dr. Laura Whatley to the team as our Scholarship and Research Coordinator and well as the Fellowship Advisor for the National Prestigious Scholars Program– let’s get to know Laura!

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

Degree (s): B.A., Art History, Arizona State University; M.A., Art History, University of Toronto; Ph.D., Art History and Medieval Studies, University of Illinois

Why did you choose those degrees?

Arizona State University is a massive and overwhelming institution, and so I registered for an Art History class because it was familiar; I had taken AP Art History in high school and enjoyed learning about history and culture through art and architecture. I initially thought that I wanted to study Criminal Justice and perhaps go to Law School, but I quickly was hooked on the arts and never looked back. The Art History faculty at Arizona State changed the way that I viewed the world, and they certainly set me on my path to graduate education in the field.

What brought you to the Honors College?

After relocating to Auburn from Montgomery in July 2021, I was looking for a student-facing position at Auburn University and this position certainly fit the bill. I always have enjoyed working with college students on professional development. It is so rewarding to help students identify their scholastic interests and career goals and locate the resources that they need to achieve them. This is just a perfect position for me.  

Do you have any hobbies?

I am most happy in the outdoors. I spend my free time camping, hiking, peak bagging, and backpacking. I have big trail goals: I hope to complete the entire Appalachian Trail one section at a time (I have completed the Georgia section and am working on Tennessee and North Carolina), and I am in the process of summiting all of New Hampshire’s mountains over 4000 feet in elevation, referred to as the NH48 Challenge. In May, I had the life-changing experience of trekking in the foothills of the Himalaya with the Nepal study abroad program through Auburn’s College of Human Sciences, and I am obsessed with the prospect of hiking to the Basecamp of Mount Everest someday. 

What are small things that make your day better?

In no particular order: coffee, my gardens, a walk or a hike, good architecture, my husband, my pets  

Movies, TV, or Books – or all three?

All three! I also listen to a lot of Podcasts.

You’d be surprise to know that I can …

…make a yummy meal with almost nothing in the fridge or pantry.

What do you hope to accomplish here at the Honors College?

I hope to provide students in the Honors College with the tools that they need to go out into the world as prepared, professional, and engaged citizens. I want to be a great resource for our students!

What are you most excited about working at the Honors College?

I am really looking forward to getting to know our students, to working with them as they navigate the application processes for National Prestigious Scholarships or prepare for graduate school or their future careers.

What advice would you give to an Honors College student?

Get involved, be engaged, seek out guidance, remain humble (even if you are doing amazing things).

Do you have a favorite Auburn memory / or Auburn area memory? 

I feel like the best of my life at/in Auburn is still to come. I did get a hug from Aubie last fall—that was pretty cool. 

Best way to contact?

Email always works (ljw0017@auburn.edu) or stop by my office in Cater Hall.