March 31, 2017
by Julie Anne Jacobs
Retiring after 27 years of service to Auburn University, Dr. Gary Waters, Senior Associate Athletics Director of Academic Services will continue to live out the ideals written in the Auburn Creed, just not from his office in the Auburn Athletics Complex.
After working in the College of Business from 1980 to 1987 and then again from 1997 to 2011, Waters is now ending his career with the Auburn Athletics Department.
"If I were describing my time at Auburn University, it basically comes down to living the Auburn Creed," Waters said.
Through commitment and dedication, he has worked to ensure Auburn's student-athletes succeed academically and athletically.
"It's been exciting to see our student-athletes take advantage of their educational opportunities and be fully prepared for the day when their athletic career comes to an end," Waters says.
Though classes and students come and go, Waters has always had one mission in mind.
"Seeing student-athletes in a position to leave Auburn with a diploma in hand and a championship ring on their finger," Waters said. "That has been my ultimate goal."
The process for diplomas, like championship rings, begins with students taking their first steps on Auburn's campus, an opportunity Waters says he will miss being a part of.
"One of the things that is near and dear to my heart is getting to meet with prospective students and their families," Waters states.
Cultivating relationships with prospective and current student athletes has always been a part of Waters' legacy.
"I felt like if I could call a student-athlete by first name, then the chance of that student-athlete walking in the door and wanting to talk to me about their academic plan or their career plans was pretty good," Waters states.
Auburn softball's junior catcher, Carlee Wallace remembers Waters telling her to "give herself more credit."
"He said, 'You are an Auburn woman. You are smart. Believe that.'" Wallace said. "That really touched me."
Since Waters has been in his position, Auburn has seen tremendous academic success, with improvement in academic progress rates (APR) over the last six years.
"That is why the kids are here, to get a degree," Auburn Faculty Athletic Representative Mary Boudreaux said. "That has been his focus and he has done a fantastic job."
Waters hasn't just impacted the student-athletes, but everyone he comes in contact with, exemplifying what it means to be an Auburn man.
"He is a guy that could have written the Auburn Creed," Director of Athletics Jay Jacobs said.
"Coaches put in a lot of hours, but when I get in here early in the morning, his car is here and when I leave at night, his car is still here," Auburn head softball coach Clint Myers said. "The number of hours he puts in and the number of lives he touches is huge."
In addition to traveling with his wife, Jackie, Waters is planning to read and catch up with his family during his newfound free time.
"We have plans to take some trips throughout the country and internationally as well," Waters said. "More than anything else, though, just spend time with my family."
Waters will still be around Auburn, though, as he will teach one course per semester in the College of Business.
Describing his time as a "blessing," Waters highlights the "tremendous respect" he has and the honor it has been for him to work with his colleagues as well as the student athletes.
"It gave me the opportunity to combine my love for Auburn academics with Auburn athletics," Waters said.
"I have grown to admire a lot of people on this campus that not only read the Auburn Creed, but live the Auburn Creed," Waters said. "My goal was to read it and also live it. I don't know if I was successful, but that was my goal."
Based on the lives he touched, the results he produced, and the difference he made throughout his time with Auburn Athletics, it is safe to say Waters can be described as doing just that.