Phillips appointed Auburn Engineering’s communications and marketing director

Austin Phillips has been named director of communications and marketing for the Auburn University Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, according to an announcement by Christopher B. Roberts, dean of engineering. 

Phillips, who previously served as assistant director of communications and marketing for the college, began his appointment on Oct. 21. He is responsible for planning and implementing the college’s strategic communications and marketing goals, overseeing the general operation of print, digital and media relations activities and serving as secretary of the Auburn Alumni Engineering Council. 

“Having worked closely with Austin over the past five years, I am confident in his ability to lead our communications and marketing team and develop innovative approaches to tell the Auburn Engineering story,” Roberts said. “Austin is a natural fit to implement the college’s vision for the future and play a leading role in our upward trajectory.” 

Phillips was hired by Auburn University in 2011, serving as an adjunct journalism instructor and advisor of The Auburn Plainsman. He joined Auburn Engineering as a communications and marketing specialist in 2015 before being promoted to assistant director in 2018. 

Phillips began his career in journalism with Boone Newspapers Inc., where he launched three community newspapers along with corresponding websites and social media accounts and five magazines in the Alabama cities of Alabaster, Pelham and Madison. 

He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Auburn University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. 

“I am thrilled to serve the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering and Auburn University in this capacity,” Phillips said. “I am confident that we have one of the best communications and marketing teams in the nation, and I look forward to promoting the achievements of our students, faculty and alumni across the globe.” 

Phillips succeeds Jim Killian, who retired from Auburn University in August after a 45-year tenure with Auburn University, including nearly 40 years with the College of Engineering. 

“Jim built our communications and marketing operation from the ground up and was an integral part of the Auburn Engineering leadership team for nearly four decades,” Roberts said. “It was always going to be tough to replace someone of his caliber and experience, but Jim assembled a talented team and provided excellent mentorship, which has ensured a smooth transition. We are thankful for all of Jim’s contributions to Auburn Engineering and are excited to have Austin take the torch from here.”