Administrator and professor Emmett Winn, Ph.D. Photo: Mike Cortez, The Jule Collins Smith Museum
After more than three decades of distinguished leadership, teaching and scholarship, Emmett Winn has announced his upcoming retirement from Auburn University, effective Oct. 1, 2026.
An alumnus of Auburn University, Winn earned his Bachelor of Arts in speech communication and Master of Arts in communication before completing a doctorate in communication at the University of South Florida. He joined the Auburn faculty in the Department of Communication, progressing through the academic ranks to professor of communication. Throughout his academic career, he taught a wide array of foundational and advanced courses in media studies, film history and rhetoric, while actively mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. An active scholar in media history, communication and cinema studies, Dr. Winn has authored several scholarly books and published widely in international, national and regional academic journals.
In addition to his academic appointments, Winn leaves an enduring legacy of executive and administrative leadership at Auburn. He served as associate dean in the College of Liberal Arts from 2007 to 2009 before stepping into senior leadership within the Provost’s Office, including interim associate provost and associate provost from 2009 to 2018, and associate provost for faculty affairs from 2018 to 2023.
Most recently serving as associate vice president within Business and Administration, Winn founded the Office of Administrative Effectiveness in 2023. In this role, he has provided strategic leadership and executive oversight across its diverse operational and cultural units, including Parking Services, Transportation Services, Administrative Assessment, the Office of Sustainability, the Auburn University Ombuds Office, The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, the Auburn University Regional Airport and the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center. Throughout his administrative career, he provided steady stewardship on key university committees and several facilities capital projects.
“Dr. Winn’s institutional knowledge, steady guidance and collaborative leadership have been invaluable to Auburn University,” said Kelli D. Shomaker, senior vice president for Business and Administration and chief financial officer. “In establishing the Office of Administrative Effectiveness, Emmett brought together a broad and complex portfolio of university operations and artistic anchors, enhancing their alignment with Auburn’s strategic goals. His deep commitment to our campus community and the mission of this institution leaves an indelible mark.”
“Auburn has been my academic home and community for decades,” said Winn. “Working alongside our dedicated faculty, staff and students to advance the mission of this university has been an extraordinary honor.”
Winn’s distinguished career reflects a profound commitment to the advancement of Auburn University, bridging academic excellence with operational innovation. His lasting contributions as an educator, scholar and administrator will continue to benefit students, faculty and the broader university community for years to come.
Submitted by: crh0035@auburn.edu
