Jeff and Jackie Langhout

Why did each of you choose Auburn Engineering?

Jeff: Both my brothers attended Auburn, so it just seemed natural to follow in their footsteps. I chose engineering because my dad was an engineer, and my mentor was an engineer and both were very encouraging of me entering that field.

Jackie: I went to Samford University right out of high school. Due to my interests, I was encouraged to pursue engineering by teachers, family and mentors. Once I decided to consider engineering I learned that Samford had a dual degree 5-year program with Auburn University. So, after three years at Samford, I transitioned to Auburn for a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering. After my Auburn commencement, I received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Samford. 

How did you meet?

Jeff: We were in several industrial engineering classes together in 1984 & 1985 and played on a coed IE softball team. In the fall of 1985, Jackie asked me to join her in an IE special studies elective class. Dr. Herring was the professor and Jackie and I were paired together to work on an extensive production simulation project. By the end of the quarter, we had become well acquainted and started dating. We both accepted jobs in Huntsville following graduation in 1986. We were married in August 1987. 

Where are you now?

Jeff: Since receiving our engineering degrees Jackie and I have both enjoyed long and fulfilling careers supporting national defense, primarily at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. Our engineering degrees and Auburn experiences were foundational in our professional and personal achievements. Jackie and I also earned master’s degrees in engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. My career as an Army civilian includes engineering and leadership positions in aviation, missile, ground systems, combat systems and intelligence. In 2013, I was appointed to the Senior Executive Service. I currently lead a workforce, headquartered at Redstone Arsenal, of more than 11,000 engineers, scientists and researchers. 

Jackie: My career journey includes many years of experience in engineering and leadership roles with the Department of Defense and industry. I currently serve as a Team Leader for KODA Technologies.  

We are a proud Auburn family and have stayed connected with the university. Our children, Grace and Robert, as well as Robert’s wife, Claire, are all Auburn alumni. In 2022, we established the Jeffrey and Jacquelyn Langhout Endowed Scholarship in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.