Office space: Susan Nunnelly

Susan Nunnelly a.k.a. "The Nun"

Few figures embody the spirit of Auburn University quite like Susan Nunnelly, affectionately known as “The Nun.” Arriving on the Plains as a freshman from Hueytown, Alabama, in 1966, Nunnelly immersed herself in campus life, playing alto saxophone in the Auburn University Marching Band and Pep Band and earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. As a student, she was laying the groundwork for a legacy that would span decades and touch nearly every corner of the university. 

In the early 1970s, as Title IX began to reshape the landscape of collegiate athletics, she became Auburn’s second women’s basketball coach, guiding the team to a 43-20 record over three seasons. Under her direction, Auburn’s women’s basketball program took its first steps toward prominence, and she coached the first Auburn women’s basketball game played at Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum in 1974.

After stepping down from coaching to focus on teaching and campus recreation, Nunnelly’s influence only grew. She became the director of Recreation and Wellness in 1984. Perhaps most famously, when she retired from coaching in 1976, she became the voice of Auburn women’s basketball as the public address announcer, a role she continues to fill.

“There were no competitive sports for girls in the state of Alabama when I was coming up,” she said.

Beyond the arena, she has served as the SEC women’s basketball tournament announcer, was the first SEC women’s basketball officials coordinator and served as a member of the NCAA women’s basketball rules committee, helping shape the game at the highest levels.

Nunnelly’s legacy is defined not just by her titles but by her unwavering commitment to Auburn’s students and community.

“I really love teaching,” she said. “I always make sure I take time with the students. I want them to understand the importance of self-discipline and that ‘doing the right thing’ makes a difference.”

She has been a driving force behind Camp War Eagle, leading “Fun with the Nun” for incoming freshmen and their families, and continues to teach a sports officiating class in the School of Kinesiology — even after her official retirement from Auburn University in 2008. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Jack Meagher Award, the Pamela Sheffield Award and the designation as an SEC Trailblazer for her role in advancing women’s athletics. Through every role, The Nun has exemplified the Auburn Creed, serving, inspiring and leading with heart.