The End of an Era: Bruce Pearl Retires from Auburn

Auburn University, located in Auburn, Alabama, is a major public, land-grant research university with a distinguished history dating to its founding in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College[4]. It became the South’s first land-grant college in 1872, reflecting its early commitment to accessible, practical education, and has evolved into a comprehensive institution with over 150 undergraduate majors across 12 colleges[4][5]. Today, Auburn enrolls more than 35,000 students, including a record-breaking freshman class in 2025 characterized by high academic achievement—average high school GPA of 4.11 and ACT score of 28.8—and a diverse student body representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia[3][6]. ## Academic Profile and Research Auburn is recognized for academic excellence, ranking No. 49 among the nation’s top public universities[1]. It is especially strong in supply chain management (No. 15 among public universities), accounting (No. 18 among public universities), and first-year student experiences (No. 7 among public universities)[1]. The university’s graduate programs in business, engineering, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine are also highly ranked[2]. Auburn’s research portfolio is robust, with priorities in cyber and homeland security, smart solutions, health sciences, and resilient community-building, positioning it as a leader in addressing real-world challenges[5]. ## Student Success and Outcomes Auburn’s commitment to student success is evident in its 94% first-year retention rate and 82% six-year graduation rate, both historic highs that reflect the effectiveness of its support programs[1][3][6]. Within six months of graduation, 84% of 2024 graduates report positive first-destination outcomes, underscoring Auburn’s focus on career readiness and high-impact learning[3]. The university maintains strong ties with industry, offering students access to internships and co-