Jay Gogue began his tenure as Auburn University's 18th president on July 16, 2007.

The Waycross, Ga., native is a two-time Auburn graduate in horticulture, receiving a bachelor's degree in 1969 and a master's in 1971. In 1973, he earned a doctorate in horticulture from Michigan State University.

Shortly after returning to his alma mater, Gogue engaged the talent and insight of the Auburn family toward development of a dynamic and forward-looking strategic plan to guide the University for the future. Students, alums, employees, business leaders and other stakeholders contributed to a roadmap that will strengthen Auburn's academic, research and outreach mission, improve operational efficiency and develop human capital. The Auburn Board of Trustees adopted the strategic plan (www.auburn.edu/strategicplan) on June 27, 2008.

Gogue arrived at Auburn with ample experience in the top ranks of academia. He was selected president of New Mexico State University in 2000 and, in 2003, named president of the University of Houston and chancellor of the University of Houston System.

Gogue worked for the National Park Service from 1973 to 1986, rising to the position of chief administrative scientist for several regions of the U.S. Park system. He began his distinguished career in higher education administration in 1986 as associate director of the Office of University Research at Clemson University, where he also served as vice president for research and vice president/vice provost for agriculture and natural resources. Utah State University selected Gogue as provost in 1995.

Gogue met his wife, Susie, in the 8th grade, and they married during their undergraduate years at Auburn. Susie also earned two Auburn degrees. They are the proud parents of three children and have two grandchildren.

He is a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key honor societies, Sigma Chi Fraternity, Sigma Xi scientific research society and the National Society of Scabbard and Blade, the honorary military society for all branches of service. Gogue previously served as an accreditation reviewer for the Pacific Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.