Auburn College of Education student reflects on time as Student Council President

 

When Mallory Woodall arrived at Auburn as a freshman, she didn’t know a single soul on campus. As a senior, Woodall has become one of the leading student voices in Auburn’s College of Education.

“Throughout my time at Auburn, I learned that it mattered more what you did with your position than how many things were listed on your resume,” she said.

Woodall has spent the past year as president of the College of Education (COE) Student Council, a liaison between COE students, Auburn’s Student Government Association (SGA) and the Dean’s office.

“Being president of the Student Council has given me the opportunity to be a voice for my peers and communicate real-time concerns to both the dean and other leadership on campus, including SGA,” Woodall said.

With the college’s recent move to a new building, the council has focused on helping the student body adjust to the change and feel at home in the new space. The group helped secure a microwave for student use and food trucks behind the building to provide dining options in this area of campus.

“Mallory has truly taken the initiative to lead the Student Council,” said Ivy Sharp, the staff advisor to the group. “Her leadership has made our new building a better place for College of Education students.”

Woodall’s passion for helping others extends beyond her extracurricular activities to her academics. Majoring in Exercise Science, she plans to graduate in May and will pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Elon University.

“I love visualizing and measuring progress, as well as helping others reach their goals and become their best selves,” Woodall said. “Physical therapy will allow me to work hands-on with patients to improve their quality of life, which, in turn, will give me a greater sense of purpose.”

After obtaining her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, Woodall hopes to open her own pediatric care clinic and work alongside other clinicians to serve the community. She credits her professors in the College of Education’s School of Kinesiology for preparing her to walk this path.

“The School of Kinesiology has enabled me to make meaningful connections with my professors, who have given me the confidence and the tools with which to achieve my goals,” Woodall said. “Over the last three and a half years, I have grown academically through the support of my professors, spiritually through the community, and personally by embodying the amazing qualities of the friendships I have formed.”

As she reflects on her time at Auburn, Woodall has two important pieces of advice for Auburn students: don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and remember the small moments.

“One of the many important lessons that I have learned during my time at Auburn is to put yourself out there and take risks, regardless of your fears or worries,” she said. “Auburn offers endless opportunities to get involved and give back to the university and the community, and each time you try something new, you expand your horizons and grow.”

And although she didn’t know a single soul when she first arrived on the Plains as a freshman, she has now found a forever home in Auburn’s College of Education.

“The Auburn Family is more than a saying; it’s reflected in the way people connect, support one another and take pride in being part of something bigger than themselves,” Woodall said. “Auburn challenged me academically while providing an atmosphere that makes growth feel achievable. It’s a community that motivates you to be your best while reminding you that you’re never alone.”