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There’s nothing more rewarding for Bobby Woodard than watching the Auburn campus come alive.

“We have over 34,000 students, and it's my job to be their chief advocate,” he said.

Woodard embraces his role as Senior Vice President for Student Affairs with dedication and enthusiasm. A quick swipe of his @wareaglewoodard Instagram handle reveals him actively engaging with students across campus, sharing sage wisdom with a slice of humor.

“I get paid never to leave college,” joked Woodard. “But seriously, every day we can have input on how somebody is going to set a trajectory for their life to make it better.”

Woodard, a North Carolina native, is entering his 12th year on the Plains. He’s previously held leadership roles in student affairs and campus life at East Carolina University, University of Georgia and University of Central Florida.

“This is my fourth university in four states,” he said. “After I interviewed here, I called my wife and said, ‘it's just a little different.’ Auburn will give you what you put into it, and it’s a great place.”

Woodard’s office sits right in the heart of campus, inside the Melton Student Center. He says it’s like a window to the world during the first few weeks of fall semester.

“I get rejuvenated every year when I see move-in,” he said. “People are exhausted, parents are a little nervous about leaving their most precious resource with us. The kids are excited. Good people watching.”

Guiding thousands of 18-to-22-year-olds is no small feat. Woodard understands the profound influence he has on each student's journey and is dedicated to providing an exceptional collegiate experience.

“You're 18 years old coming here, and no matter where you came from, you get to decide where you go and what you become,” he said. “That is what's so important.”

To help students discover their path, Woodard and the Office of Student Involvement created The First 56 – eight weeks of special programming, events and initiatives to promote student engagement, healthy decision-making and academic achievement.

Organized by the University Program Council, The First 56 starts at move-in and runs through the beginning of October. The program involves more than 500 student organizations and nearly 400 events — all designed to help students find their niche.

“Research will tell you the first 56 days is when you begin to feel part of a campus or any town that you go to,” Woodard said. “If students have a good social network, they’re likely to perform better in the classroom. We want them to come to campus, see others like them and find their people.”

If there’s one thing Woodard enjoys just as much as serving the Auburn student body, it’s a visit to the restaurant chain Waffle House.

“It's easy, it's quick and again I like to people watch,” he said.

Fueled by Woodard's passion for all things scattered, smothered and covered, Waffles with Woodard was born in 2014. In just six short years, this event has become a beloved tradition as part of The First 56 with Waffle House food trucks dishing out their mouthwatering waffles and bacon.

“You would think that we were giving out free tuition,” Woodard laughed.

This year Waffles with Woodard will be held on Aug. 20, starting at 8:30 a.m. on the Haley Concourse.

Woodard will be there the entire time — serving up waffles with a side of Auburn spirit.

“It's one of the best days,” he said. “I get to go out there for about four hours, see the students and talk to them. We want to know who you are, and hopefully you'll find somebody in line and strike up a conversation.”

In addition to Waffles with Woodard, other signature events scheduled as part of The First 56 include a Block Party, Concert with Joshua Bassett, Casino Night, Convocation and an Involvement Fair.

A pinnacle event specifically designed for first-year students is Pizza & Popsicles with the President. This year, it’ll be held in the Melton Student Center Ballroom on Aug. 27, from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. There, first-year students can enjoy free pizza, popsicles, putt putt and t-shirts.

“You get to meet President Roberts and First Lady Tracy Roberts, and they're very welcoming,” Woodard said.

Students can see all the happenings on The First 56 Calendar of Events or follow @auinvolve on Instagram for updates. Visit AUInvolve for a complete list of student organizations and activities to discover their path on the Plains and beyond.

“At Auburn, we don't just create graduates,” Woodard said. “We create people that are going to make a difference in this world. I love my job. I love what we do.”