Auburn ISE welcomes new academic advisor

Auburn University’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering has welcomed Eric Avant as a new academic advisor. 

Avant joined the department in May after serving as a program manager and academic support assistant at Columbus State University, where he supported students in STEM programs and advised minority and disabled students. He also managed the financial and reporting responsibilities for a $5 million National Science Foundation grant supporting the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation across five partner institutions. 

Before transitioning to higher education, Avant served over 20 years in the U.S. Army in leadership and employee relations roles. His experience included advising senior military leadership on equal opportunity initiatives, leading training and resiliency programs, and developing solutions to improve organizational culture and employee morale. 

“I learned during my roles in the Army that I enjoy working with folks to help them solve problems,” Avant said. “I really developed a passion for that.” 

His position at Auburn brings together his experience in leadership, student support, and problem-solving. 

“At Columbus State, I worked with college students,” Avant said. “This role at Auburn really combined everything that I enjoyed about those roles.” 

As an academic advisor, Avant works with ISE students to navigate their academic programs and make decisions about their education and career paths. 

“I love working at Auburn and I love academic advising,” he said. “Since I have been doing this job, I have had the opportunity to help the students solve some problems and it has been really exciting.” 

Avant said he has enjoyed joining the ISE department and has felt welcomed by faculty and staff. 

“It’s really easy to get along with everyone,” he said. “I have felt very welcome since the day that I interviewed for this position.” 

Looking ahead, Avant hopes to continue his own education while contributing to the department’s student programs. He is particularly interested in helping develop opportunities such as study abroad programs. 

“I’m excited about being here and looking forward to finding ways that I can contribute to the department and its students,” Avant said.