Auburn College of Education alumna and ENGAGE Council member credits Auburn experience for career in student support

When Amy Baker was a student in Auburn University’s College of Education in the 1990s, she had what you might call a perfect view of Auburn Athletics—one that she says led to her calling.

“While at Auburn, I served as a student athletic trainer supporting the football team and both the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams,” she said. “These hands-on experiences gave me a front-row seat to the world of collegiate athletics and deepened my passion for supporting athletes behind the scenes.” 

Throughout her career and to this day, Baker continues to live out what she says is her passion—providing support to students just like she experienced at Auburn.

“After graduating from Auburn (in 1998) with a degree in Exercise Science/Health Promotions, I began a career that has blended my passions for sport, education, and leadership,” she said, noting that she went on to earn a master’s degree in Sport and Fitness Management from Troy University and completed her doctorate in Educational Administration with a specialization in Sport Administration from the University of Louisville.

“Over the years, I have served in a variety of leadership roles across higher education, federal program management, and STEM outreach. I have had the opportunity to develop and oversee student-centered initiatives, manage multi-site contract teams, and create programming that supports mentoring, professional development, and career readiness. Each of these experiences have allowed me to lead diverse teams, build cross-sector partnerships, and create impact at both the institutional and national levels.”

Engaging alumni

Most recently and in recognition of her career accomplishments, Baker was named as a member of the Auburn University College of Education’s new ENGAGE (Education, Network, Grow, Advocate, Give, Empower) Council, which is comprised of 15 College of Education alumni and friends and is focused on alumni engagement.

“What excites me most about the College of Education’s new ENGAGE Council is the opportunity to foster deeper connections between alumni, students, faculty, and community partners in meaningful and impactful ways,” Baker said. “Being part of this initiative allows me to give back to a place that has given so much to me, while also helping to shape the future of the college through collaboration, advocacy, and intentional outreach.”

Baker, a native of Elba, Alabama, said she began her collegiate journey as a student-athlete at Enterprise State Community College, where she developed discipline, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for teamwork. In the fall of 1995, she transferred to Auburn University, “which was a decision that felt like coming home,” she said.

“My years at Auburn were truly life changing. I thrived academically and personally, fully embracing the Auburn spirit and all it represents—community, integrity, and excellence. I formed lasting friendships and was mentored by incredible individuals who poured into me both professionally and personally. Auburn not only gave me a strong educational foundation, but it also helped me discover my calling and instilled in me a lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and the transformative power of sport.”

Coaching to success

Baker’s past experience includes her serving as an associate professor at Belmont University, a STEM education administrator at Fort Rucker and a program manager at Fort Novosel. Recently, she moved back to the Auburn area, where she continues her work in supporting students. 

“Currently, I continue to lead with a focus on education, leadership development, and program innovation,” she said. “I serve as an academic coach, where I have the privilege of working directly with students to help them overcome obstacles, build confidence, and achieve their academic and personal goals. This role has been especially rewarding, as I have seen measurable success in student retention, performance, and growth—outcomes that reflect the power of mentorship and individualized support.”

Baker said she loves being back at Auburn and greatly enjoys attending sporting events where it all began for her.

“Some of my fondest memories from Auburn revolve around the daily rhythm of early morning practices, late afternoon and evening practices and training sessions, sprinting across campus to make it to class on time, and late-night study sessions fueled by vending machine snacks and sheer determination,” she said. “I will never forget being on the sidelines as a student athletic trainer during football games trying to look professional while secretly taming the sheer excitement of those Saturdays! There is nothing quite like the roar of Jordan-Hare Stadium or the collective heartbreak (and joy) that only Auburn fans truly understand.”