Dwayne Brown, Auburn 1990 graduate, worked his way up from volunteering to becoming assistant vice president of alumni affairs.
After starting to volunteer with alumni affairs about three years ago, Brown put his people skills to good use to claim his new position.
"I got to know the team very well as I worked at the hospitality tents before each home football game and several other alumni events," said Brown. "When the assistant vice president position became available, I knew that was where I wanted to continue my career."
The process of choosing the new AVP was long and comprehensive, he said.
"The process started with the application, then a search committee was formed to narrow down the applicants," Brown said. "The process ended with several interviews."
Brown and his wife, Regina, both graduated from Auburn and returned in 2007. Brown graduated with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering.
Brown started off his career after graduating from Auburn's Navy RO TC program.
"I served as an officer for eight years before becoming a service manager for Cintas uniform company," Brown said.
Brown later continued perfecting his leadership skills with more managerial positions at Target stores in Panama City Beach, Fla., and Tiger Town.
Brown said the leadership experiences he has had over the past 20 years, in which he has led over 250 people at a time, has prepared him to be the new AVP.
"As part of being a leader, I have had extensive experience in strategic planning, motivating, training and developing personnel and team building," Brown said.
"I have also trained customer service representatives, drafted communication and marketing plans, trained interns, recruited students, and coordinated events."
Along with leading large groups, Brown has also gained experience and expertise in financial management and organization skills.
Brown understands his duty to Debbie Shaw, vice president of alumni affairs and the alumni board of directors.
"I feel like it is my responsibility to provide (them) with the best processes to ensure our association operates efficiently," Brown said.
Brown hopes to bring lots of eagerness and willingness to help out all Auburn alum while being AVP.
"(I want) to take care of our alumni in every way possible and to get to know them personally," Brown said.
"I also want to establish a team of dedicated professionals in our office that will be enthusiastic and devoted to providing our alumni with the best alumni association in the country."
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