𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝. 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐫. 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫. Congratulations, @shellypoe , on your retirement after 44 years of excellence in college sports communications. Thank you for serving our program so well since 2012. You have made Auburn better and the….Readmore..

Legend. Trailblazer. Hall of Famer: Celebrating the Retirement of Shelly Poe After 44 Years of Excellence in College Sports Communications

Auburn University, and the world of college athletics, is saying goodbye to a true legend in the industry. After an incredible 44-year career in college sports communications, Shelly Poe, one of the most respected and trailblazing professionals in the field, is retiring. Her departure marks the end of an era—not only for Auburn, where she has served with distinction since 2012, but for collegiate athletics at large.

Shelly Poe’s name has become synonymous with professionalism, excellence, and class. Known for her tireless work ethic, depth of knowledge, and deep passion for college football, Poe has not only shaped how programs communicate with fans and media, but also helped define what it means to serve with integrity behind the scenes.

A Distinguished Career Spanning Four Decades

Shelly Poe began her journey in sports information in 1980 at her alma mater, West Virginia University, where she became the first woman in the nation to serve as the primary sports information director for a major college football program. At the time, the field was overwhelmingly male-dominated, but Poe’s skill, presence, and tenacity made it clear she belonged—not just as a peer, but as a leader.

Her groundbreaking role at West Virginia helped pave the way for countless women in the profession. She didn’t just hold the door open—she helped break it down. Poe spent over 30 years with the Mountaineers, building their media operations into one of the most respected in college sports.

In 2012, Auburn University had the vision and good fortune to bring Shelly Poe to the Plains. Over the last 12 years, she has served as the director of football communications and a senior member of the athletics communications staff. During her tenure, Auburn has seen some of its most memorable football moments—from SEC Championship runs to national title appearances—and through it all, Poe ensured the program was represented with grace, dignity, and clarity.

Hall of Fame Recognition

In 2019, Shelly Poe was honored by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA, now known as CSC) with her induction into the organization’s Hall of Fame—an honor reserved for individuals who have made lasting contributions to the profession. The recognition was a fitting tribute to a career defined by innovation, mentorship, and excellence.

Colleagues from across the nation have consistently described her as a “gold standard” professional—someone who balances the complex responsibilities of media relations with a calm, steady hand. Her commitment to student-athletes, coaches, and staff has always been about more than just crafting narratives—it’s been about authenticity and care.

Elevating Auburn Athletics

At Auburn, Shelly Poe has done more than just manage press conferences or write releases—she has helped shape the national perception of Auburn football and athletics as a whole. Her ability to build relationships with journalists, manage high-pressure situations with composure, and create opportunities for student-athletes to tell their stories has elevated the entire program.

Auburn athletic director John Cohen reflected on Poe’s retirement with deep gratitude:
“Shelly’s impact on this department and this university cannot be overstated. She has been a pillar of professionalism and a mentor to so many. Auburn is better today because of the work Shelly Poe has done.”

Indeed, Poe’s legacy is etched not just in headlines or stats, but in the lives she’s impacted—through her mentorship of younger professionals, her steadfast support of coaches, and the care she’s shown for student-athletes navigating the pressures of big-time college sports.

A Mentor and Role Model

One of Shelly Poe’s most lasting contributions to the field is her role as a mentor. She has guided and inspired generations of sports information professionals, especially women, who have found in her a role model, a fierce advocate, and a generous guide.

Numerous former interns and young professionals who worked with Poe have gone on to lead communications departments at colleges and universities across the country. Her influence will be felt for years to come, as the next wave of sports communicators continues to embody the high standards she set.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

As Shelly Poe enters retirement, the college sports world pauses to reflect on the incredible legacy she leaves behind. While she may no longer be on the sidelines or in the press box, her fingerprints are everywhere—from the evolution of how college programs communicate, to the doors she opened for others, to the very culture of service she exemplified.

There will be more football games, more championship runs, and more stories to tell. But there will never be another Shelly Poe. Her career is not just a benchmark—it’s a beacon.

Auburn and the entire collegiate athletics community say: Thank you, Shelly. Thank you for showing what leadership, grace, and excellence look like. You made Auburn—and the entire world of college athletics—better.

Enjoy your well-earned retirement, Hall of Famer. You’ve earned every moment.