What brought you to Auburn?

When I was a child growing up in Auburn, I
would sit on my front porch on Glenn Avenue
and listen to the football games. My sister and I
weren’t allowed to go, but my brothers sold Cokes
in the stadium. By eighth grade, I had decided I
wanted to go to Auburn to become an architect. I
told friends, my father, and anybody who asked
and since I was taught to be a woman of my word,
the seed had been planted. I never considered another university, and thirty-four years later, I am glad I didn’t.

What's your fondest memory at Auburn?

The first time I met my husband, he was visiting Auburn as a football
recruit and he stood me up for lunch after begging for the date. When he returned as an incoming freshman and he tried to ask for a date while I was jogging at the coliseum, I nicely treated him as he had treated me. We actually went out to dinner after he finally caught up with me again. My expectations were high and after 27 years, five children and two grandchildren, we can still
share our story.

What was your biggest challenge at Auburn?

Three Things:

• Trying to be a part of culture during an era that was not as welcoming as it is today. Always feeling as though I didn’t quite fit in.
• Feeling a need to prove myself.
• Little-to-no known support to acclimate one to the environment.

What changes have you seen in recent years at Auburn that
make you proud?

I am pleased to see so many new faces (next generation of leaders) at Auburn in key positions that can usher in change where needed as well as support Auburn’s efforts to embrace diversity via providing various programs and opportunities to grow and retain students of color .

Why should other alumni participate in the MAIN program or be connected to Auburn in some way?

Alumni are the voice of Auburn. What better way to get our voices heard through various alumni- and university-sponsored activities than to be active participants? It also provides an inroad to networking for social, career, business, and other purposes. And, it’s always fun to say, “I remember when……”

What was your path after Auburn?

Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology was somewhat limiting economically. Although I loved psychology I enjoyed the business world as well, therefore, over a period of time, I worked in retail, accounting, human resources, and real estate. It wasn’t until I earned my doctorate in industrial and organizational psychology that I really found my niche and was able to utilize both my academic and work experience.

How has your Auburn education or experience helped you in your career?

I taught statistics as a graduate assistant and my dissertation was on discriminate and convergent validity. I had multiple statistics classes and I used to say, “Not another piece of statistical software and not another stats class.” Little did I know at the time that statistics would become the key differentiator in my career. Today, as an I/O psychologist, over 95 percent of my work is data driven and statistically based. Auburn really prepared me for what I do today as a corporate I/O psychologist heading up our organizational effectiveness department.

What are you doing right now to impact your community and does it impact Auburn in any way?

Established the first TSYS Professorship in collaboration with Auburn University in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering. Students at Auburn get an opportunity to work on various research projects with real data for a Fortune 500 company. It was a great experience for Auburn and TSYS.

In addition, I am the co-founder of ROC School Excellence Leadership Institute, a non-profit organization for youth between the ages of 5-12. For two summers we worked with the College of Engineering offering a hands-on computer science program under our information technology arm. Over 75 students in Auburn and surrounding areas had an opportunity over two six-to-eight-week periods covering two summers to interact and work directly with graduate students under the guidance of Cheryl Seals. The students built Web sites, completed PowerPoint presentations on their business cases as well as worked on a host of math and reading comprehension material. It was very rewarding for the students. Many students today still talk about what a positive experience that was for them and several parents speak highly of the university for taking the time to contribute to the community.

What legacy do you want to leave for your children regarding Auburn?

That you that you don’t have to lose your identity to be a part of the Auburn family. If you want to be successful, Auburn can and does prepare you to achieve that goal. I want them to know that I do believe in Auburn and what the institution has to offer. At the end of the day, they know I am going to say “WAR EAGLE” …and mean it.

What was your proudest moment at Auburn?

My proudest moment was seeing my daughter as an Auburn cheerleader out on the field and later walking across the stage with her as she earned her bachelor’s in public administration and I received my doctorate.

Why is networking and staying in touch with other Auburn alumni and friends important?

It keeps you connected, more inclusive, and you have an opportunity to network and share your successes and lessons learned with others. You get an extension of your family.

Where can interested alumni contact you if they want more information or have questions for you?

Chevans@tsys.com or P.O. Box 1284, Auburn, AL 36831-1284.

Questions?
Contact Tanja Matthews '92 334.844.1113 email