Alumni propel Ernst & Young to new heights

At first glance, Regenia Sanders and Glenn Mitchell might not seem much alike.

She’s from Grove Hill, Alabama, and studied engineering in college. He’s from Douglasville, Georgia, and studied business administration and accounting.

But spend a few minutes with them, and their common ground becomes clear, especially the considerable pride they have for Auburn University, the values Auburn instilled in them and a commitment to mentorship.

They probably didn’t cross paths as students. Mitchell graduated in 1993 from the Harbert College of Business, and Sanders earned degrees from the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering in 1995 and 1999.

They’ve been colleagues at Ernst & Young (EY) in Atlanta since 2017, when Sanders joined the firm. Mitchell has been with EY since he was recruited before graduating.

With Mitchell recently stepping down as managing partner to assume a new role at EY, one of the “Big Four” accounting firms in the world, Sanders was named managing partner.

Mitchell, having recently returned to full-time client service with a focus on growing the business, calls Sanders a great partner and friend who will flourish in the position. Plus, it makes him “proud to have another AU alum in this role.”

Different journeys, shared success

After starting with EY in Atlanta shortly after graduation, Mitchell grew up on the audit staff and was promoted to audit partner in 2006. He was transferred to Memphis, Tennessee, in 2012, to serve as managing partner. In 2015, Mitchell was promoted to EY Atlanta managing partner.

Sanders found a different way to EY. After completing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, she stayed for a master’s degree in materials engineering. She thought she was destined for a doctorate and a university teaching job, but it no longer felt right.

Instead, Sanders sought a career that would allow her to leverage the problem-solving skills from engineering but in a business environment. She found that in management consulting at Accenture in Atlanta.

Sanders’ 15-year career there started her journey as a supply chain professional and ended with a transition to consulting in private equity at SSA & Company in New York City. She was in that role for five years before joining EY.

No matter where she was working or what role she had, Sanders operated under a lesson her parents impressed upon her from an early age: “We all have the responsibility to be an example and help others along the way.”

This principle was reinforced for Sanders in a youth organization, operating under the motto “Lifting as we climb.”

“I am where I am today because others took time to connect, coach and mentor me,” she admitted. “One of my personal truths is that ‘the true mark of a leader is how well he or she develops those around them.’ To me, that’s the responsibility of a leader.”

Throughout their respective careers, Mitchell and Sanders have found time to volunteer and support various organizations. For Auburn, Sanders is one of six new directors to the Auburn University Foundation Board, and Mitchell is an active member of the School of Accountancy Advisory Council.

For both, giving back isn’t just a habit — it’s a guiding principle in their work.

Lifting as they climb

Such action aligns with EY’s culture to build a better working world, including supporting the growth and development of their colleagues.

“That was a big factor for me joining the firm,” Sanders said. “I was also attracted to the like-minded individuals, as well as the spirit of collaboration and entrepreneurship.”

Mitchell and Sanders are committed to supporting fellow Auburn alumni, recognizing the impact Auburn had on their own success and the strong character it continues to instill in graduates.

Sanders’ involvement in the Student Government Association, the Auburn chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Cater Society honed her leadership, teamwork and communication skills, which have been essential to her career successes.

Mitchell’s involvement included the Beta Alpha Psi, Order of Omega and Kappa Sigma. The “proud and enthusiastic” business graduate is adamant his campus experience and education prepared him for future success.

“From the first time I stepped foot on campus, I loved the culture,” he said. “I felt the power of the Auburn Family, and it was clear that Auburn was a place where people work hard, have fun and genuinely care for one another and the university.

“I so appreciate everything that Auburn has done for me, personally and professionally.”

Believing in the Auburn spirit, Mitchell and Sanders are committed to supporting and recruiting fellow alumni for EY.

As Sanders put it, “We know the kind of talent that Auburn produces — Glenn and I are evidence of that — and we’ve had great success with Auburn students joining the firm.” 

From business and engineering? Definitely. The other colleges? Absolutely.

“We want students that have the values that Auburn instills — hard work, dedication, fearlessness,” added Sanders. “We find that the problem-solving skills, analytics and relevant ‘real world’ experiences embedded in the Auburn curriculum make its students ideal for what EY is looking for.”

If Mitchell has his way, EY will keep bringing in as many Auburn graduates as possible. He is particularly proud of EY-Auburn connections, with impressive numbers to back it up:

• 172 Auburn alumni are on the EY team, including 35 partners.
• Between full-time hires and interns, EY added 52 Auburn students to the team in 2024.
• Since 2006, EY partners and employees have contributed nearly $2.5 million to Auburn.

“Auburn has a terrific reputation, and it prepared me well to pursue a rewarding career at Ernst & Young,” said Mitchell. “It’s no wonder that Auburn graduates do well in our profession and in our firm.”