McClain named director of Auburn’s Center for Inspiring Engineering Excellence

Tamara McClain has been named the new director of Auburn University’s Center for Inspiring Engineering Excellence (CI2E), according to a recent announcement from Mario Eden, dean of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. Her appointment is effective May 6. 

“We’re excited to welcome Dr. McClain to the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. Her wealth of experience in student academic support will be a valuable asset in leading our Center for Inspiring Engineering Excellence,” Eden said.

In her role as CI2E director, McClain will oversee a program that plays a vital role in serving the underrepresented population among the Auburn Engineering student body. CI2E serves to recruit, retain and reward students within all engineering disciplines through graduation. Serving more than 200 students annually, CI2E offers academic and professional development opportunities, mentorship and peer learning as well as collaborative study groups, workshops, programs for career readiness and financial awards.

McClain joins the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering from Texas Tech University where, most recently, she served as the assistant managing director for academic support. In this role, she was responsible for the vision and strategic planning for student leadership and academic support for students living on campus; developing and facilitating academic improvement plans; overseeing, managing and implementing the department’s scholarship program; and cultivating partnerships with stakeholders for student leadership and academic programs. Prior to this role, McClain also held the roles of assistant director of university student housing and manager for academic initiatives at Texas Tech University.

"I am thrilled to join the Auburn Family, and assist with empowering engineering students to reach new heights,” said McClain. “It will be an honor to contribute to their journey of self-discovery and professional growth. I am eager to make a positive impact on their futures and help shape tomorrow’s leaders in engineering.” 

She was named to the Phenomenal Women of Texas Tech list in 2023 and 2021, earned the Bob Cooke Distinguished Services Award from the Southwest Association of College and University Housing Officers in 2023 and won the Texas Tech University Distinguished Staff Award in 2021. 

She earned a doctorate of higher education research from Texas Tech University, and holds a bachelor’s of history and English, and a master’s in educational administration, both from Texas A&M University.

McClain succeeds Jessica Taylor, Auburn Engineering’s director of recruiting and scholarships, who also served as CI2E interim director since April 2023.