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Jay Gogue returned to his alma mater on July 16, 2007, as Auburn University’s 18th president and retired as president emeritus on July 1, 2017. He was appointed by the university’s Board of Trustees to serve as interim president effective July 8, 2019, and appointed the university’s 20th president effective Feb. 7, 2020. The Waycross, Ga., native earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Auburn and a doctorate in horticulture from Michigan State University.

During his tenure as president, the academic strength of Auburn’s student population increased, a new research center was established in Huntsville, Ala., a common book program that generates a shared academic experience was instituted, and outreach partnerships with underserved schools in surrounding communities were established. His leadership during a period of sharp reductions in state support for the university budget protected Auburn’s academic quality and prevented elimination of academic programs. During his retirement, Dr. Gogue remained engaged in the realm of academia, advising colleagues at numerous universities and teaching a course on higher education leadership to Auburn students.

Dr. Gogue was selected in 2013 for the Michigan State University Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2012, he was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor, a group of 100 Alabamians “chosen for accomplishment or service greatly benefitting or reflecting great credit on the State.”

Before returning to Auburn, Dr. Gogue served as president of New Mexico State University beginning in 2000 and, in 2003, he was named president of the University of Houston and chancellor of the University of Houston System. He started his higher education administration career in 1986 at Clemson University as vice president for research and vice president/vice provost for agriculture and natural resources. Utah State University selected him as provost in 1995.

Dr. Gogue is a member of the 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. He met his wife, Susie, in the 8th grade, and they married during their undergraduate years at Auburn. Like Dr. Gogue, Mrs. Gogue also earned two Auburn degrees. They are the parents of three children and have one grandchild.