Staff

Hope Stockton earned her bachelor's degree in finance and history from Huntingdon College, a master's degree in management from Troy University, and is a PhD Candidate in Adult Education at Auburn University. She initially came to Auburn in 2003 as the Executive Director of the Blue Ridge Conference on Leadership in the College of Business. Prior to her employment with Auburn, Stockton spent 13 years in healthcare management and worked for the United States Army Budget Office in Vicenza, Italy. She brings 23 years of administrative and financial management experience to the office along with extensive experience in planning, developing and administering professional and continuing education programs. As the director, she provides leadership and administrative, financial and academic management for the OPCE.

Patricia Bloser earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Shippensburg University and a master’s degree in adult education from Auburn University (’19). She joined The Office of Professional and Continuing Education in September of 2012 as a program developer. In 2021, Patricia was awarded her current role, in which she serves as the office manager and supports OPCE efforts through processing accounts payable/receivable, managing contracts, overseeing payroll and posting positions for staffing. Patricia has over 20 years of combined experience in program development, management and administration.

Michelle Blount earned her bachelor’s degree in humanities and social sciences from Auburn University at Montgomery. Prior to joining the Office of Professional and Continuing Education as a coordinator for business and administrative services in June 2021, she served in both the for- and non-profit sectors for over 25 years as an office/financial administrator. Michelle and her husband, Ronnie, have two sons and enjoy spending time with them on their family farm.

Phil Chansler earned his PhD in Business Administration at the Auburn University Harbert College of Business. He also holds master's degrees in HR from Auburn University, Engineering Systems Mgt from the University of Southern California, Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology and an MBA from Auburn University at Montgomery. His bachelor's degree is in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado. He is certified by both the US Air Force and the US Navy as Lean/SixSigma Blackbelt practitioner. He has a broad experience in major Dept of Defense systems procurement in Space Launch and Airlift Aircraft programs at multiple levels from space launch operations to US Congressional liaison work. Additionally, Phil served over 25 years at the SACS accredited Air University as Assistant Professor of Operations Management in addition to various staff and leadership positions. He is also a sitting member of the City of Auburn Municipal Planning Commission and has served since 2010.

Lisa Brantly earned both her master’s in communication (’92) and doctorate in adult education from Auburn University (’06). She brings more than 25 years of experience in curriculum development, instruction and teaching at the undergraduate level and designing and implementing training programs in the corporate setting. Lisa began working for Auburn University Outreach in 2002 and joined OPCE as a program developer in 2015 where she manages the various aspects of online course development and instructional design. Lisa lives with her husband and cat on a small lake in Opelika.

Kayla Fichtner earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Auburn University in 2019. She started with OPCE in January of 2024 in her role as a program developer, primarily overseeing community courses, but she also plays a role in OPCE’s military programs. Prior to her position at Auburn University, Kayla owned a small organizing business.

Jim Franklin earned his bachelor’s degree in Education from Auburn University at Montgomery. Prior to his joining the Office of Professional and Continuing Education, Jim worked for the YMCA of Greater Montgomery for 32 years. He served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operation Officer. Jim is responsible for the Auburn Youth Outreach Programs.

Jennifer came to the Office of Professional and Continuing Education in April of 2024, after working for the Autauga County Board of Education for 18 years. She attended Auburn University at Montgomery and is the proud mother of two boys. Hunner is an Auburn University graduate in Building Science, and Taylor is currently a student majoring in Auto Mechanics at Trenholm State Community College.

Emery is a leader in communications, marketing, and educational program development with extensive experience in instructional design, distance education, and project management. For more than 20 years, he led Extension communications offices at Auburn University and South Dakota State University. He has worked in television and radio news and has broad experience in web and digital media development, grant writing, strategic planning, budgeting, branding, publishing, and teaching. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism.

Shavon Williams earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Troy University, Phenix City, Alabama and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from The University of Phoenix, Dallas Texas. Prior to her joining the Office of Professional and Continuing Education in June 2014 as a Program Developer, Shavon was an instructor for Adult Education at Southern Union State Community College. She brings 25 years of combined service in banking, compliance and project management where she has facilitated and served in all aspects/capacities.

Brittney Wimberly joined the Office of Professional & Continuing Education in the Fall of 2023. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Management from Auburn University. Prior to joining OPCE, Brittney worked as a coordinator at an Association Management Company, where she handled event planning, membership, fundraising, communications, and marketing for non-profit organizations.

Daniel (Dong Woo) Yu earned his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ. Prior to his joining the Office of Professional and Continuing Education in November 2015, Daniel was a President/CEO of two Korean Automotive Suppliers, Hanwha Advanced Materials and SCAutotech. He brings the office 30 years of expertise in the areas of automotive industry, new business development and manufacturing operations and management as well as R&D in new technology. He now serves as an Assistant Director for Global Leadership Training Initiatives.