Auburn Family, Help Us Welcome Jamilah Ali-Shaffer to The Plains: A New Era of Student-Athlete Support Begins
The Auburn Tigers have long stood as a symbol of excellence, tradition, and relentless pursuit of greatness—not only in competition but in the holistic development of student-athletes. Today, the Auburn Family takes a proud step forward by welcoming Jamilah Ali-Shaffer as the university’s new Senior Associate Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Support and Administration. With decades of experience and a sterling track record in higher education and athletic administration, Ali-Shaffer brings a powerful blend of passion, purpose, and vision to The Plains.
Her arrival marks a new chapter in Auburn’s storied athletic legacy, one centered around enhancing the student-athlete experience in every aspect—from academic achievement and leadership development to mental health, wellness, and life after sports.
Jamilah Ali-Shaffer isn’t just another administrator. She’s a leader deeply invested in the growth and success of student-athletes beyond the field. Over her distinguished career, she has made a name for herself as a transformative figure in athletic departments across the country. Her expertise spans academic support services, student-athlete development, equity and inclusion, and mental health advocacy.
Before arriving at Auburn, Ali-Shaffer held senior roles at Power Five institutions, including stints at the University of Maryland, the University of California, Berkeley, and, most recently, as the Senior Associate AD at Rutgers. At each stop, she oversaw comprehensive support programs designed to elevate the student-athlete experience, improve graduation rates, and foster environments where young men and women could thrive personally, academically, and athletically.
Her commitment to diversity and inclusion has also left a lasting impact, earning her recognition as one of the most forward-thinking leaders in collegiate athletics today.
A hallmark of Ali-Shaffer’s career has been her unwavering belief that student-athletes are more than just competitors—they are students, leaders, ambassadors, and future professionals. Her leadership style emphasizes listening to their voices, responding to their needs, and providing the tools and resources necessary to succeed in every walk of life.
At Auburn, she will oversee a wide range of initiatives focused on student-athlete support and administration. These include:
- Academic Counseling & Support Services
- Career Development and Life Skills Programming
- Mental Health and Wellness Initiatives
- Community Engagement and Service Projects
- Leadership and Personal Growth Opportunities
“Jamilah’s hiring represents our commitment to our student-athletes’ total well-being,” said Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen. “We sought a leader who understands that the experience of being a Tiger goes far beyond game day. Jamilah brings the insight, empathy, and energy we need to take our support systems to the next level.”
The addition of Ali-Shaffer strengthens Auburn’s holistic student-athlete success model—an integrated approach to athlete development that prioritizes education, empowerment, and preparation for life after college sports.
Ali-Shaffer has already made clear that her mission is to meet each student-athlete where they are, understand their individual goals, and provide customized support to help them thrive. That philosophy aligns seamlessly with Auburn’s values and its long-standing emphasis on character, integrity, and academic excellence.
At her previous institutions, her leadership helped increase graduation success rates and post-college career placement metrics. Under her direction, schools implemented innovative mentorship programs, mental wellness support hubs, and leadership academies that became national models.
Auburn’s investment in her vision signals a clear message: supporting student-athletes off the field is as vital as preparing them for success on it.
What makes Ali-Shaffer’s approach resonate with so many is her personal connection to the journey of student-athletes. As a former athlete herself, she knows firsthand the challenges of balancing rigorous academic demands with the pressures of high-level competition. That perspective fuels her empathy and drives her to create systems that nurture every dimension of a student-athlete’s identity.
She is also a respected voice nationally in conversations about mental health in sports, having spoken at multiple NCAA leadership summits and served on advisory boards promoting wellness and inclusion.
Her ability to blend policy with personal care sets her apart as an advocate—not just an administrator. She doesn’t just build programs; she builds relationships, fosters trust, and cultivates environments of belonging.
The Auburn Creed famously declares a belief in “honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men.” That same creed speaks of education, hard work, and the human touch—all of which echo throughout Ali-Shaffer’s body of work.
At Auburn, she will play a pivotal role in aligning the student-athlete support infrastructure with these timeless values. Her office will be at the intersection of academics, administration, and athlete engagement—a central hub where resources, mentorship, and innovation converge.
Already, key members of the Auburn Family—from coaches and administrators to alumni and current athletes—have expressed enthusiasm about the energy and perspective she brings.
“She gets it,” said an Auburn football staffer. “She understands what these kids are going through, and she cares. That’s a game-changer for us.”
Ali-Shaffer steps into her role at a critical time. The landscape of college athletics is shifting rapidly with the expansion of NIL opportunities, growing mental health awareness, and increasing demands on student-athletes to navigate complex systems on and off campus. These realities make her presence at Auburn more important than ever.
One of her first priorities will be conducting a comprehensive review of Auburn’s existing student-athlete support programs and identifying opportunities to enhance integration, accessibility, and innovation.
From strengthening partnerships with academic departments to expanding mental health services and career resources, Ali-Shaffer is expected to lead Auburn into a new era of excellence that prepares student-athletes for every chapter of life.
“She will be instrumental in ensuring that our young men and women leave Auburn not just with championship rings, but with diplomas, confidence, direction, and purpose,” Cohen said.
In her first message to the Auburn community, Ali-Shaffer expressed excitement, gratitude, and a clear sense of mission.
“I am honored to join the Auburn Family and to serve a community so deeply rooted in tradition, pride, and integrity,” she said. “My goal is simple: to walk alongside our student-athletes as they grow, achieve, and discover their purpose—whether that’s in the classroom, on the field, or in the world beyond.”
She continued: “Every student-athlete’s journey matters, and I want to ensure they feel seen, supported, and empowered every step of the way. Together, we can build something truly special.”
While her impact will be deeply felt across Auburn’s campus, Ali-Shaffer’s appointment also has national implications. As one of the few Black women holding a senior associate AD position at a Power Five institution, her leadership sends a powerful message about inclusion, representation, and progress in college sports administration.
She’s already inspiring the next generation of women, especially women of color, who aspire to leadership roles in athletic departments across the country.
But for all her national influence, Ali-Shaffer has always been about relationships. She’s known for her open-door policy, her willingness to mentor, and her hands-on involvement in the lives of student-athletes.
It’s that local heart—the commitment to the people around her—that makes her a perfect fit for a community as close-knit and values-driven as Auburn.
As the new academic year approaches, Ali-Shaffer will begin implementing a series of new initiatives, including:
- An Auburn Student-Athlete Leadership Council Revamp
- Expanded Career Readiness and NIL Education Workshops
- Mental Health First Aid Training for Coaches and Staff
- A New “Beyond The Game” Speaker Series Featuring Alumni and Industry Leaders
- Enhanced Community Service Engagement in the Auburn-Opelika Area
Each of these programs is designed with one goal in mind: helping student-athletes reach their full potential on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
In the days ahead, the Auburn Family is encouraged to welcome Ali-Shaffer to The Plains—whether it’s a wave at a game, a message of support, or simply showing up for the programs she helps lead.
Her office will soon become a center of excellence, collaboration, and innovation—but it will also be a place where every student-athlete knows they belong.
As Auburn continues to pursue greatness in every arena, the presence of a thoughtful, visionary, and people-first leader like Jamilah Ali-Shaffer ensures that the heart of the program remains strong.
Welcome to Auburn, Jamilah. We’re glad you’re here.
