Auburn Family Welcomes Jamilah Ali-Shaffer as New Senior Associate AD of Student-Athlete Support and Administration

Auburn, AL – April 29, 2025

The Auburn Tigers continue to reinforce their commitment to student-athlete success both on and off the field with the hiring of Jamilah Ali-Shaffer as the university’s new Senior Associate Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Support and Administration. This pivotal appointment marks a significant stride forward in Auburn’s holistic vision for developing student-athletes, and the Auburn Family is already extending a warm welcome to one of the most accomplished and respected professionals in college athletics.

Ali-Shaffer joins the Auburn athletic department with over two decades of experience in athletic administration, academic services, and student-athlete development. Her career is distinguished by a deep passion for education, a relentless commitment to equity and inclusion, and a track record of empowering student-athletes to reach their full potential.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jamilah to The Plains,” said Auburn Athletics Director John Cohen. “She brings with her a profound understanding of what it takes to support student-athletes in all aspects of their journey. Her leadership will be instrumental in enhancing the resources, guidance, and culture we provide for every Tiger.”

A graduate of the University of Michigan, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology, Ali-Shaffer’s collegiate roots lie in institutions known for academic and athletic excellence. She later completed her master’s degree in higher education administration at the University of Georgia, where she also began her career in student-athlete support services.

Over the years, Ali-Shaffer has built a national reputation as a visionary leader in collegiate athletics. Her tenure includes impactful roles at Georgia, Ohio State, and most recently, Arizona State, where she served as Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development. At ASU, she spearheaded initiatives that increased graduation rates, launched mental health programs, expanded career development workshops, and advocated for NIL education long before it became an NCAA priority.

Ali-Shaffer’s leadership style blends academic rigor, personal mentorship, and a community-first mindset. She’s known for her hands-on approach, whether mentoring a freshman football player adjusting to college life or collaborating with faculty to establish new academic pathways.

“My mission has always been to meet student-athletes where they are and walk with them toward where they want to be,” Ali-Shaffer said in a statement. “Auburn has a proud tradition of athletic excellence, but what impresses me most is the culture of family, accountability, and holistic growth. I’m honored to join this incredible team.”

Ali-Shaffer’s arrival comes at a key moment for Auburn athletics. The college sports landscape is changing rapidly—with NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), transfer portal dynamics, and evolving NCAA rules demanding more from athletic departments in terms of student-athlete advocacy, education, and well-being.

Auburn has made it clear that it intends to be on the leading edge of these changes. The hiring of Ali-Shaffer aligns with recent investments in facilities, mental health services, career development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

As Senior Associate AD of Student-Athlete Support and Administration, Ali-Shaffer will oversee a portfolio that includes:

Academic Services and tutoring resources
Life Skills Development
Mental Health and Wellness
NIL Education and Financial Literacy
Career Planning and Internships
Leadership Training and Community Outreach
Diversity and Inclusion Programs

“What makes Jamilah so effective is that she sees student-athlete support as a dynamic, 360-degree commitment,” said Dr. Candace Keller, Auburn’s Associate Provost for Academic Support. “She doesn’t just want to help athletes pass classes or stay eligible—she wants to help them graduate with purpose, ready to lead in any field.”

Auburn has long emphasized the balance of athletic competition and academic achievement. Under Ali-Shaffer’s direction, the university plans to build on its existing infrastructure by integrating student development programming across all sports and creating individualized support models for every athlete.

She is also expected to play a key role in Auburn’s evolving approach to NIL. With the increasing professionalization of college athletics, more athletes are seeking guidance not only in brand management but also in understanding contracts, taxes, business formation, and public image. Ali-Shaffer brings with her experience in developing NIL-focused curriculum and partnering with legal and financial experts to ensure athletes are well-prepared.

“The NIL era has changed the game,” Ali-Shaffer said. “But it also presents an amazing opportunity. I want Auburn athletes to lead the nation—not just in deals—but in how they manage them, how they use their platforms, and how they think long-term.”

Across the country, colleagues and former student-athletes have praised Auburn’s decision.

“Jamilah was the heart of our program,” said former Ohio State linebacker Malik Harrison, now with the Atlanta Falcons. “She challenged us, held us accountable, and reminded us that being a student-athlete is a privilege. She never let us forget the ‘student’ part of that equation.”

“I worked alongside Jamilah for six years, and I can say she’s one of the best in the business,” added ASU Athletic Director Ray Anderson. “Auburn just got stronger. She’s thoughtful, strategic, and always puts the athlete first.”

Ali-Shaffer’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has also been a hallmark of her work. She helped launch ASU’s Inclusive Excellence program, developed mentorship pipelines for underrepresented student-athletes, and created training modules on cultural competence for coaches and staff.

At Auburn, she is expected to continue advancing DEI in athletics—an effort that aligns with broader university goals and community expectations.

“Equity is not just a box to check,” Ali-Shaffer said. “It’s about listening, adapting, and providing every student-athlete with the tools they need to thrive. That means being inclusive, being aware, and being bold.”

Though her résumé is extensive, what often stands out most about Jamilah Ali-Shaffer is her personal connection with student-athletes.

Whether it’s showing up to a volleyball match, counseling a homesick freshman, or celebrating a walk-on’s graduation, Ali-Shaffer’s leadership is rooted in genuine relationships. She believes in showing up consistently, asking the hard questions, and keeping an open-door policy.

“Athletes know when you care,” she said. “That’s the foundation. Trust. I build from there.”

It’s that philosophy—one of trust, development, and empowerment—that Auburn believes will elevate its student-athlete experience for years to come.

Ali-Shaffer is already meeting with coaches, athletes, faculty, and administrators to assess needs and begin crafting a five-year vision for student-athlete support. Her focus over the next year will be on:

Reevaluating academic support structures to identify new efficiencies and opportunities.
Expanding life-skills programming, including community engagement, mentorship, and alumni networking.
Enhancing mental health resources, especially for first-year and transfer student-athletes.
Creating sport-specific support models, recognizing the different demands across sports.
Building out Auburn’s NIL educational infrastructure with workshops, partnerships, and peer mentoring.

She will also be deeply involved in hiring additional support staff and retooling the university’s student-athlete handbook to better reflect the demands of modern college athletics.

As news of her hiring circulated on social media, the Auburn Family quickly rallied with support, excitement, and enthusiasm.

#WarEagle and #WelcomeJamilah trended regionally on X (formerly Twitter), while athletes across various sports voiced appreciation for Auburn’s investment in their development beyond the scoreboard.

“Having someone like Jamilah in our corner is huge,” tweeted Auburn women’s basketball star Alana Thomas. “We work hard in the classroom too, and this shows Auburn sees us fully.”

“This is how you build a winning culture,” posted Tigers wide receiver KJ Bryant. “Support off the field = results on it. Let’s go!”

The addition of Jamilah Ali-Shaffer to the Auburn Athletics leadership team represents more than just a personnel move—it’s a bold statement about the university’s values. In a time when college sports are in flux, Auburn is signaling its intent to be not just competitive, but compassionate, comprehensive, and courageous in how it supports its student-athletes.

Ali-Shaffer is ready for the challenge. And The Plains are ready for her.