Ryan Wilson selected as COSAM summer graduation marshal

Ryan Wilson came to Auburn knowing two things: He wanted his life’s work to help people, and he was passionate about learning.

“I always liked serving others, and I knew that my career would have something to do with that,” Wilson said. “I just wasn’t sure what path that would take.”

Wilson will represent the College of Sciences and Mathematics as its summer 2026 graduation marshal, an honor recognizing his academic achievement, leadership and service.

“Ryan’s Auburn experience shows that preparation for medicine happens in more places than a classroom or laboratory,” said Maggie Han, COSAM’s associate dean for academic affairs. “He has cared for patients, supported fellow students and built lasting relationships through service. Those experiences, along with his academic accomplishments, make him an excellent choice to represent COSAM as our graduation marshal.”

Across those roles, Wilson found the connection between science and service that ultimately led him toward medicine.

He conducted molecular biology research in Rodney Tollerson’s laboratory in the Department of Biological Sciences and served as a learning assistant in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. A genetics course also changed the way he approached his education, shifting his focus from earning a grade to making the most of his time at Auburn.

“I only have four years as an undergraduate,” he said. “I really wanted to use that time to gain as much experience and knowledge as I could.”

That mindset extended well beyond the classroom.

Wilson joined IMPACT, one of Auburn’s largest student volunteer organizations, during his freshman year. He eventually became vice president of major service events, helping lead Rooted, the MLK Day of Service and The Big Event. Through those initiatives, hundreds of Auburn students assisted local residents with home and yard projects.

The service often led to relationships that lasted well beyond the work itself. During one home assessment, what was meant to be a brief conversation with the homeowner stretched to nearly two hours.

“I was able to gain so many relationships with all of these residents that I still have to this day,” he said.

Wilson also mentored students through the WINGS program and Alpha Epsilon Delta, volunteered with the Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama and worked as a patient care technician at Huntsville Hospital.

As graduation approaches, Wilson said being selected as marshal feels less like recognition of one student than a reflection of the people who invested in him.

“There are so many students within COSAM that I look up to,” he said. “People have served me so well within COSAM, all my professors and other students. I’m just super thankful.”

After graduation, Wilson will return to Huntsville to work as a medical assistant while applying to medical school. He hopes to begin medical school in fall 2027 and build a career around the goal that first brought him to Auburn — serving others.