Honors College Welcomes Two New Advisors

There’s something invigorating about Auburn during the fall semester. The entire campus is brought back to life from the hazy days of summer. There are new events to attend, new organizations to join and new opportunities at every corner. It seems like Auburn is brimming with every newness possible and this statement holds true for the Honors College as well.

This semester the Honors College has a few new faces walking the halls of Cater. Not only do we have a new director, but two new advisors have also joined the Honors staff.

The Honors College would like to welcome Taylor Davis and Amy Flynn to our award-winning advising team. Taylor and Amy look forward to advising our students as they work towards their Honors designation. Recently, we sat down with both advisors to ask them a few questions about their life, the Honors College and some simple things that are important to them.

Meet Taylor Davis

Taylor Davis is originally from Walnut Creek, California, and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Auburn. Taylor is also an Honors College graduate, so she knows first-hand what it takes to be an Honors student.

Why did you choose your degree?

I picked psychology because I have always been interested in the way humans interact and communicate, and I believe that it is important for everyone to understand the basics of how and why we accomplish both things. 

What brought you to the Honors College?

I chose the Honors College first as an undergraduate student here at Auburn and loved it so much that I wanted to work here! As an incoming student, I was intrigued by the different opportunities that Honors offered, especially the study and travel experiences. I love helping students navigate their way through college in any way that I can as their advisor, and I especially love watching my students grow throughout their time at Auburn, as well as seeing what they accomplish after graduating.

Do you have any hobbies?

My hobbies include traveling, reading and anything by a body of water! I grew up swimming, snorkeling, surfing and stand-up paddle boarding, and I love everything that comes with being by the ocean or lake. 

What are some small things that make your day better?

Proximity to a body of water, sunny days, dad jokes and sweet treats.

Movies, TV or Books – or all three?

I would have to go with books — I read all genres and love learning about new places and people (real or fictional) from books.

You’d be surprised to know that I can …

Surf! I’m by no means very good, but it’s something that my uncle taught me to do when I was little, and I have always enjoyed it.

What do you hope to accomplish here at the Honors College?

By working at the Honors College, I hope to help make at least one student’s journey through college a little easier and less stressful by supporting them through all of their years here. Especially those coming from far away who don’t know anyone at Auburn (like I didn’t when I was a new student here). 

What makes you most excited about working at the Honors College?

I am most excited to work at the Honors College because it means I get to stay in Auburn! I fell in love with the Loveliest Village on the Plains and everyone here while I was a student, and now I feel so lucky that I get to stay.

What advice would you give to an Honors College student?

Remember that while education is important, and it is the reason you are here, you should absolutely explore everything else Auburn has to offer. Join random clubs, try out for teams, apply for positions and put yourself out there; college is such a great time to explore who you are and meet new people, so don’t waste the opportunity.

Do you have a favorite Auburn memory? 

My favorite Auburn memory is probably traveling to every away football game during my senior year (I guess that’s lots of memories). My friends and I had the best time cheering on the Tigers from all over the country, especially against my home team Cal Berkeley! 

Meet Amy Flynn

Amy Flynn is originally from Birmingham, Alabama. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in school counseling, both from Auburn.

Why did you choose those degrees?

I have always been passionate about helping others through mentorship, teaching and counseling. I believed having a foundation in psychology and human development would allow me to pursue a career where I could help others. During my time at Auburn, I was thankful to have experiences that allowed me to grow in the area of supporting students through Study Partners, peer instructing and Young Women Leadership Program. Because of these experiences, my interests and strengths and encouragement from my mentors and advisors, I chose to pursue a degree in school counseling.

What brought you to the Honors College?

I am so thankful for the career path that has not only led me back to Auburn, but to the Honors College specifically. I have always had an interest in advising and helping others reach their personal, academic and career goals. When provided the opportunity to support Honors students, the response was an immediate yes. 

Do you have any hobbies?

Not so much hobbies… but other than hanging out with my one-year-old little girl, I love to travel, try out coffee shops, visit farmers markets, walk my golden retriever (Forrest) and listen to music.

What are the small things that make your day better?

Coffee, chocolate, candles, conversation.

Movies, TV, or Books – or all three?

I am a sucker for reality television 😊

You’d be surprised to know that I can …  

Say the alphabet backward — fast, slow, singing, you name it!

What are you most excited about working at the Honors College?

I am most excited to work with the students and build those connections with students at this crucial, exciting stage of life. My career has predominantly been in the K-12 school setting. While I greatly enjoyed and cherished my time as a school counselor, you don’t always get to see how students grow and achieve their longer-term goals. As an academic advisor in the college setting, you see students living out their dreams every day and get to be a small part of students’ big lives! What could be more rewarding?

What advice would you give to an Honors College student?

In the wise words of Cadillac Williams… “Love Auburn and Auburn will love you back.” Have pride in saying “War Eagle.” Take advantage of the opportunities that you have through your university. Take a class outside of your major courses, study abroad if provided the opportunity, have conversations with people who think differently than you. The study days are long, but the years are short. Soak in this time, work hard and enjoy it.

Do you have a favorite Auburn memory? 

Wow… so many! I would be remiss if I didn’t share Camp War Eagle as a wonderful memory. My now-husband and I were in the same Camp War Eagle group and have our first picture together on the steps of Cater Hall, and we later got engaged at Cater Hall. To now get to work in this historic building is surreal, and it is a great reminder of how magical a place Auburn can be.

You can learn more about Taylor and Amy through our staff bio page on our website.