Three-time Auburn College of Education alumnus steps into district leadership role

For Pete Forster, education has always been rooted in relationships – with students, teachers, administrators and the Auburn University faculty members who helped prepare him for a life of service in schools.

A three-time alumnus of Auburn University’s College of Education, Forster was recently promoted to assistant superintendent of business and operations for the Auburn City School District, where he will continue a 27-year career with Auburn City Schools. His new role follows 23 years in school administration, including 20 years as a principal. In his new role, Forster will oversee the district’s business and operational functions, helping guide long-range planning, facilities, finance and the future growth of the school system. 

“My time at Auburn University was an amazing way to grow and learn how to be a teacher,” Forster said. “I am so thankful for the time and attention my instructors poured into my education and training.”

Forster, who earned his doctorate in 2020, said the College of Education gave him more than coursework; it gave him practical preparation and the confidence to step into classrooms ready to serve students. He credits Auburn faculty with creating an environment where he felt supported, challenged and prepared for the realities of teaching.

“I always felt that the College of Education cared about my success,” he said. “I felt like my instructors were knowledgeable and determined to ensure that I was prepared for my time in the classroom.”

Those experiences helped shape a career that has spanned classroom teaching, school leadership and now district-level administration. Looking back, Forster said the College of Education helped him “find [his] place in education,” giving him the skills and knowledge to thrive as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and now, system-level administrator.

Forster previously served as principal of Wrights Mill Road Elementary School, which serves students in grades three to five in Auburn.

As he begins this next chapter, Forster said he is eager to continue serving Auburn City Schools students and educators in a broader capacity.

“I am looking forward to supporting our students and teachers in a different capacity,” he said. “I am going to miss the day-to-day interactions with students, so I am hoping to make an impact across our system and throughout our community.”

Forster said Auburn’s emphasis on real-world experience and practice helped prepare him for the many roles he would hold throughout his career. 

“I feel as if the College of Education provided real-world experiences and plenty of practice to ensure I had enough time to be fully prepared to teach,” he said.

His advice to current students reflects the same relationship-centered approach that has guided his own career. Forster encourages future educators to build meaningful connections during each field placement, lab experience and school-based opportunity.

“Relationships matter,” he said. “Connect with teachers and administrators at each of your lab experiences. You never know who you will be interviewing or working with in the future, so make connections everywhere you go.”

From Auburn classrooms to Auburn City Schools leadership, Forster’s journey reflects the lasting impact of preparation, mentorship and service. As he steps into his new role, he carries with him the lessons learned through decades of educational leadership and the foundation built at Auburn University’s College of Education.