Q&A with College of Human Sciences 2026 Summer Graduation Marshal Jordan Hobbs

What does the honor of serving as the Graduation Marshal for the College of Human Sciences mean to you?

“Being selected as the Graduation Marshal for the College of Human Sciences means a lot to me. It's an accomplishment that I didn't even know I wanted until I received it. Over the past three years at Auburn, I've grown so much as both a student and a person. This honor reflects all of the hard work, dedication and experiences I've had throughout my time here. To me, it's a true representation of what it means to be an Auburn student, and I'm incredibly grateful to represent my college on such a special day.”

What made you decide on this degree?

“I've always been interested in fashion, especially the construction of clothing. My grandmother taught me how to sew when I was 10 years old, and I continued sewing throughout my life. Eventually, I started my own business, J. Alise Designs, where I create custom dresses. When it came time to choose a major, I wasn't sure if I wanted fashion to be my career or just a hobby. After a lot of thought, I decided to take a chance and major in Apparel Design and Production Management, and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. The program has allowed me to develop my skills, build meaningful relationships and create opportunities that have shaped my career.”

What did you find most appealing about the Apparel Design and Production Management program in the Department of Consumer and Design Sciences?

“When I first toured Auburn, one of the places we visited was Spidle Hall. Walking into the sewing lab completely changed my perspective. Before college, I had only sewn at home — whether it was in my living room, bedroom, or kitchen. Seeing a professional sewing lab filled with industrial equipment was exciting, but what stood out even more was watching the professors interact with their students. It was clear they genuinely cared about helping students grow, and that sense of community really drew me to the program. Looking back now, those relationships with my professors have been one of the most valuable parts of my Auburn experience.”

What are your plans following graduation?

“After graduation, I will be returning to Carter's as an Assistant Designer. I'm excited to begin my career with a company that has already invested in my growth through two internships, and I'm looking forward to continuing to develop my skills while contributing to the design team.”

Favorite things about Auburn

--What is your favorite spot on campus?

“My favorite place on campus is definitely the sewing lab. It may sound cliché since I'm an apparel design student, but it's where I've spent countless hours working on projects, learning new techniques and growing as a designer. I especially love being there when it's quiet because it's such a peaceful place to focus, be creative and bring my ideas to life.”

--Favorite eatery in Auburn?

"One of my favorite places to eat in Auburn is Byron's Smokehouse, especially for breakfast."

--What is your favorite Auburn memory?

“It's hard to choose just one memory because so many of my favorite moments involve football weekends and spending time with friends. But one memory that really stands out happened during my freshman year. I almost didn't submit any garments for the Fashion Event because I assumed it was something upperclassmen usually did. I talked to Dr. Teel, and she encouraged me to submit my work. My garments were accepted into the show, and I ended up receiving the Rookie of the Year award. That experience gave me so much confidence as a young designer and reminded me that sometimes the biggest opportunities come from simply believing in yourself and taking a chance.”