Amy Baker
Dr. Amy Baker is an accomplished educator and visionary leader with a background in sport administration, STEM education, and strategic program management. She earned her Ph.D. in Education Administration with a specialization in Sport Administration from the University of Louisville and holds additional degrees from Troy State University and Auburn University. Throughout her career, Dr. Baker has led high-impact initiatives at institutions such as Belmont University, the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory, and Goldbelt Frontier where she championed innovation, mentored future leaders, and steered cross-functional teams toward strategic excellence. A lifelong learner and people-first professional, she thrives at the intersection of education, leadership, and service. Outside of work, Dr. Baker enjoys traveling, embracing the outdoors, cheering on the Auburn Tigers, and building meaningful connections wherever she goes.
Duriel Barlow
Dr. Duriel Barlow serves as the principal of East Samford School in Auburn, Alabama and is deeply committed to fostering academic excellence and student growth. He is an active member of the Pi Epsilon Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and a passionate advocate for mentoring youth, particularly through programs like Alpha Academy. With a strong background in educational leadership, Dr. Barlow enjoys creating initiatives that empower students, such as financial literacy workshops and opportunities for academic exploration. In his free time, he supports Auburn University College of Education and enjoys engaging with the community to inspire lifelong learning.
Courtney Bass
Courtney Bass serves as the Assistant Principal at Liberty Park Middle School in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. With a strong foundation in Elementary Education, he is dedicated to creating meaningful connections with students, faculty, and parents to cultivate a supportive and collaborative school environment. An interesting fact about Courtney is that he co-authored a chapter exploring the power of humor in the math classroom.
Suzette Doepke
Suzette, a 1973 graduate of Auburn University’s College of Education, has dedicated her life to nurturing young minds and supporting education. She earned a master’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Richmond and spent 22 years teaching kindergarten in Virginia. After relocating to Auburn in 2008, Suzette continued her passion for education by volunteering in Auburn City Public Schools. Married for nearly 52 years, Suzette takes great pride in their family, which includes two daughters and seven grandchildren, all of whom are thriving in high school and college. Her enduring commitment to education and family highlights her remarkable legacy of care and service.
Jennifer Dugan
For the past 14 years, Jennifer has served as the Director for the Division of Academic Standards, Instruction, and Assessment at the Minnesota Department of Education. She holds an M.Ed. degree in Secondary Education from Auburn University (1997). Before moving to Minnesota, she was a middle school math teacher in Alabama and Tennessee.
Michael Dugan
Since earning a B.S. in Secondary Science Education from Auburn in 1997, Michael has held several varied roles that all revolve around teaching and inspiring others. He was a football coach, taught high school A.P. Physics and Chemistry, entered the corporate training and development world, and became an innovation and creativity consultant. After his book “Saving Innovation” was published, he has focused on innovation coaching and his position as Adjunct Professor of Innovation at the University of Minnesota Law School.
Fun Fact: Michael has written 6 film screenplays but still is waiting for one to hit the big screen.
Mark Marshall
Dr. Mark Marshall is the Superintendent of Los Banos Unified School District. In that capacity, he oversees all aspects of the Los Banos Unified School District (LBUSD), which includes nearly 11,000 students. He has served in this capacity for nearly 8 years. Prior to joining LBUSD, Dr. Marshall served as Superintendent for the Eastside Union School District (EUSD) in Lancaster, California for over five years. Since his arrival in LBUSD, Dr. Marshall has worked diligently to improve the learning opportunities for students. He reorganized the Education Services Department to strengthen the instructional focus and devised an Interim Facilities Plan to accommodate the steady growth in student enrollment that LBUSD has experienced. Consistent with this, Dr. Marshall was instrumental in facilitating the passage of Measure X, a local bond measure designed to improve LBUSD’s school facilities inclusive of helping to fund the construction of new schools.
Cynthia McCarty
Cynthia holds a BA in Foreign Language International Trade from Auburn University, an MBA from Samford University, and a PhD in Economics from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Her career spans roles such as Internal Auditor and Foreign Exchange Trader at AmSouth Bank, Professor and Director of the Center for Economic Education at Jacksonville State University, and Chair of the 3E Financial Literacy Education Nonprofit. Cynthia has also served as Chair of the Alabama STEM Council, Commissioner for Alabama Charter Schools, and a member of various educational advisory councils. She is a retired Board Member of the Alabama State Board of Education and a former US State Department Instructor.
Churmell Mitchell
Churmell Mitchell is a distinguished leader with a diverse portfolio in educational leadership, community development, media production, and personal coaching. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Activity and Health from Auburn University and pursued advanced studies in Pastoral Leadership and Theology at Highlands College. As the Executive Director of the Alabama Head Start Association, he champions early childhood education across Alabama. Churmell also leads Churmell Mitchell Productions, creating content for high-profile clients, and founded "A Father's Voice Matters" to support fathers and promote emotional intelligence. His recognitions include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the President of the United States and the Auburn University 2024 Black Alumni of the Year Award.
Sandy Naramore
Sandy Naramore served as a special education teacher and assistant principal before retiring from the Alabama State Department of Education in order to serve as the Executive Director of Mitchells Place, a comprehensive center for children with autism and other developmental disorders. Following nine years of service, she served as the Executive Director of Magic Moments, the only wish granting organization exclusive to children in the state of Alabama, for eight years. Having recently retired completely, Sandy looks forward to serving Auburn University, traveling, and spending as much time as possible with her five grandchildren. She was the 2018 recipient of the School of Education Outstanding Alumnus Award.
Paul St. Onge
Paul St. Onge is a 2007 graduate of the School of Kinesiology. Since graduating, he has worked at Ft. Novosel, AL as a Department of Defense Scientist and Program Manager in Aircrew Safety, Health, and Human Performance.
Marcia Webb
Dr. Marcia Webb has spent 30 years in the public schools, along with teaching classes at the university level. Dr. Webb earned a B.S. from Auburn University in Elementary Education, her Master's Degree from the University of North Florida in Special Education/Gifted Education, and her Ph.D. from Auburn University in Elementary Education. She earned her certification in Early Childhood from the University of Central Florida and is also a National Board-Certified Teacher. During her career, Dr. Webb was on loan from Auburn City Schools to Auburn University, for three years, where she served as Teacher in Residence in the department of Curriculum and Teaching. Marcia retired from Auburn City Schools as an Enrichment Specialist and presently is an adjunct instructor at Auburn University, supervising interns in the classroom, along with teaching a class when needed.
