Emily Ward named spring 2026 agriculture graduation marshal

When Emily Ward walks across the stage Saturday as the Auburn University College of Agriculture’s graduation marshal, she will do so as a student whose Auburn experience was rooted in a passion for advancing agriculture through science and technology.

The graduation marshal is an honor given to one graduating student in each college, recognizing their academic excellence, leadership and involvement.

For Ward, Ward, a biological and agricultural technology management major, agriculture has always felt personal.

“I chose my major in the College of Agriculture because of my roots in rural agriculture,” she said. “I was a student that did well in science and math and wanted to combine these subjects to enhance farming practices.”

At Auburn, Ward found opportunities to do exactly that.

She worked as an undergraduate student worker in the Precision Agriculture program in the Department of Biosystems Engineering, supporting applied research focused on agricultural machinery performance and emerging precision agriculture technologies. Her work included collecting and analyzing field and laboratory data related to fertilizer spreaders, sprayers, harvesters and unmanned aerial systems while assisting with equipment calibration and field trials at the E.V. Smith Research Center.

Ward also gained experience through internships with the Alabama Rural Water Association and Auburn University Water Resources Center, where she contributed to communications initiatives, water quality testing, event coordination and outreach projects.

Beyond academics and research, Ward immersed herself in campus leadership opportunities. She served as public relations chair for the College of Agriculture Student Council, as an Ag Ambassador, a Peer Mentor and an Orientation Leader.

“The piece of advice I cannot stress enough is to get involved,” Ward said. “My involvement in the College of Agriculture shaped my entire Auburn experience. It brought me opportunities and friendships. It refined me and gave me the chance to leave my own legacy.”

Ward’s dedication earned her numerous honors, including Auburn University Student Employee of the Year for Excellence in Leadership, the Biological and Agricultural Technology Management Outstanding Student award and multiple semesters on the dean’s list.

While her resume reflects a long list of accomplishments, some of Ward’s favorite Auburn memories came outside the classroom.

“During my time here, my favorite Auburn memory has been rushing the field at the Texas A&M game,” she said. “When rumors started swirling that we were rushing the field, I thought surely not. It was absolutely exhilarating.”

As graduation marshal, Ward said she is honored to represent the College of Agriculture and the experiences that shaped her during her time on the Plains. Following graduation, Ward plans to continue her education at Auburn by pursuing a Master of Science in biosystems engineering with a focus on precision agriculture.