The Business and Administration (BA) organization was established in summer 2023, launching a deliberate and collaborative strategic planning process designed to define its identity and align closely with Auburn University’s institutional mission, values, and the Auburn Creed. Through a series of semesterly leadership meetings and the work of a dedicated Strategic Planning Committee, BA engaged leaders and units across the division to shape a shared vision, mission, values, and strategic direction. By mid-2024, this foundational framework was established, introducing BA’s Strategic Anchors—Integrity, Innovation, and Engagement—and reinforcing a commitment to stewardship, continuous improvement, and service to the Auburn community.
Building on this foundation, the planning process evolved through 2025 with the development of unit-level goals, objectives, outcomes, and key performance indicators, supported by ongoing stakeholder input and refinement. Structured in two phases, the effort emphasized both organizational development and actionable implementation, culminating in a formal launch beginning in fall 2025 and continuing with a division-wide celebration and rollout in spring 2026. The timing of BA’s formation alongside Auburn’s broader strategic planning process enabled intentional alignment and integration with institutional priorities.
As a division, Business and Administration plays a critical role in advancing Auburn University’s mission by providing operational excellence across financial, physical, technological, and human resource functions. From facilities and infrastructure to budgeting, safety, procurement, and auxiliary services, BA ensures the university operates efficiently and effectively. This strategic plan serves as a roadmap to communicate that impact, guide decision-making, and strengthen alignment across all functional areas.
Grounded in Auburn’s enduring values and shaped by broad input, the BA Strategic Plan establishes a clear and measurable path forward. It reflects a commitment to accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement, while positioning the division to support Auburn’s long-term success. Guided by its North Star tagline—“Empowering Excellence, Evolving Together”—the plan underscores BA’s role as a cohesive, forward-looking partner in advancing the university’s mission
- Anchored in Auburn’s mission, values and The Auburn Creed
- Guided by integrity, innovation and engagement
- Built through a collaborative, values-driven approach
- Developed in phases, from building organizational capacity to setting objectives, outcomes and KPIs to communication and launch
- Emphasizes stewardship, continuous improvement and respect
- Ensures BA priorities stay aligned with Auburn’s long-term aspirations
The timing of Auburn University’s strategic planning process provided a strong foundation for the development of the Business and Administration Strategic Plan. As the division was established in 2023—concurrent with the launch of the university’s planning efforts—Business and Administration was able to align its work intentionally with the institutional timeline, ensuring close connection to Auburn’s broader strategic direction.
While Auburn University benefits from a long-established identity, the formation of its Business and Administration division created a unique opportunity to define a unified organizational identity for Business and Administration from the outset. Early phases of the planning process focused on establishing this foundation through structured engagement, collaboration, and the development of guiding principles to inform the plan.
Message from the Steering Committee Chair
On behalf of the Business and Administration Strategic Plan Steering Committee, it has been our privilege to lead the creation of this plan through a thoughtful, inclusive process to develop the 2035 Strategic Plan: Empowering Excellence, Evolving Together. This plan reflects the collective input, perspectives, and priorities of the many administrative units across the division and represents our shared commitment to Auburn University’s future.
Our strategic plan marks an important starting point—building on our accomplishments while positioning us to address emerging challenges and continue enhancing Auburn’s mission. Aligned with Auburn’s broader strategic direction, this plan provides a clear framework for guiding our decisions, actions, and culture as we manage the university’s financial, human, physical, and technological resources.
Thank you for your continued partnership and shared responsibility for bringing this plan to life—not only at its launch, but through its implementation and throughout its full duration.
Abbygail (Abby) Langham, Ph.D.Chair, Business and Administration Strategic Plan Steering Committee
Executive Director, Administrative Effectiveness
Business and Administration Vision, Mission, and Values
To be recognized as a leader in higher education administrative services with an unwavering commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, innovative thinking, and resource stewardship.
To support Auburn University’s mission of instruction, research, and extension by providing expert guidance, innovation, excellent service, and strategic management of Auburn's financial, human, technological, and physical resources.
Integrity (honesty and truthfulness)
- Stewardship
- Accountability
Innovation (a spirit that is not afraid)
- Empowerment
- Continuous Improvement
Engagement (human touch)
- Interaction
- Respect
