Lillian Avis
Lillian Avis is a junior at Auburn University majoring in Wildlife Ecology and Management and is originally from Columbus, Georgia. She first discovered her passion for conservation through volunteering at Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center, where she became inspired by environmental education and stewardship of natural resources. This experience sparked an interest in mentoring and fostering curiosity in others as they learn about conservation. On campus, Lillian is actively involved as a Certified Student Leader in LEAD Auburn and a CFWE Student Ambassador, and she previously served as an Auburn Orientation Counselor. She also participated in the AUTeach Program, where she gained hands-on experience teaching science to middle school students. Lillian is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the FEWL Academy, and her goal is to become a conservation and environmental educator who inspires others to care for and protect the natural world.
James Butler
James Butler is a junior majoring in Wildlife Enterprise Management with a business minor. He is from Smiths Station, Alabama, and enjoys hunting, playing music, and spending time outdoors. As a CFWE Ambassador, James is passionate about helping others learn about the college and the opportunities it offers. He plans to pursue an MBA to prepare for a variety of business ventures within the wildlife enterprise field. James is excited to grow his leadership skills and build meaningful relationships across the state through the FEWL Academy.
Ketch Daniel
Ketch Daniel is a junior studying in the Parks and Recreation Management program. He is from Helena, Alabama, and enjoys history, music, movies, and the outdoors. Previously, Ketch worked in the turfgrass industry, but is now interested in applying his turf knowledge to the parks and recreation industry. He is currently interested in working in park maintenance and one day becoming a city parks superintendent. Previously, Ketch worked for several country clubs, including Oak Hill Country Club who will host the 2027 U.S. Amateur Championship in golf, and is currently working for Auburn’s Sports Surface Field Laboratory. Through the FEWL Academy, he hopes to develop communication and organizational skills, build strong connections, and grow as a leader.
Will Ellis
Will Ellis is a senior at Auburn University majoring in Environmental Conservation and Management. He is from Birmingham, Alabama, and he enjoys hunting, fishing, listening to music, cooking, and spending time outdoors. Will’s love for the outdoors started as a child when he and his older brother would go fishing at his grandparents’ house and going on hunting trips with his father. Will has a background working at Camp Winnataska as a full-time summer staff member, where he learned about leadership, working well with others, communication skills, and basic maintenance skills. Through the FEWL Academy, Will hopes to not only learn new and valuable leadership skills, but also to network and make new friends over this next year.
Grayden Ketchum
Grayden is a junior at Auburn University studying Forestry with an Environmental Law minor. He grew up in Alabama around the forestry industry, which gave him an early appreciation for our natural resources and the people who manage them. Seeing how forests support local communities and the state’s economy sparked his interest in responsible stewardship and long-term planning. Because of this aspiration, he plans on working in the forestry industry. Grayden is also a member of the Alabama Forestry Association, where he keeps up to date on current events in the forestry world and affiliated legislation.
Matt Long
Matthew Long is a junior from Alabaster, Alabama, studying Geospatial Information Science with a minor in Environmental Law. Growing up with a strong appreciation for the outdoors, especially spending time fishing, sparked his interest in the environment and how it can be managed through data and policy. His academic focus blends geospatial technology with environmental and legal perspectives, allowing him to explore how spatial analysis can inform responsible decision-making. After graduation, Matthew hopes to apply his studies as a GIS analyst or pursue law school with the goal of building a career in energy law. He joined the FEWL Academy to grow his leadership skills and connect with other students in his college who share similar academic and professional interests.
Eli Mason
Eli Mason is a senior studying Wildlife Ecology and Management. A proud native of Scottsboro, Alabama, and a lifelong outdoorsman, Eli enjoys hunting and fishing throughout North Alabama and the United States, experiences that have deepened his appreciation for conservation and land stewardship. Through encouragement and direction of his advisors at the CFWE, he has gained hands-on experience with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, first serving as an intern and continuously since then as a seasonal employee at the James D. Martin Wildlife Management Area in Jackson County. This work helped him develop a strong foundation in wildlife management and conservation practices. As a participant in the FEWL Academy, Eli hopes to strengthen his leadership skills, expand his professional network, and gain a broader understanding of natural resource issues across Alabama. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career as a biologist with the state or another government agency, where he hopes to contribute to the management, research, and improvement of wildlife resources.
Hardy McMillan
Hardy is a junior majoring in Wildlife Enterprise Management with a minor in Business at Auburn University. Hardy enjoys spending his free time outdoors, hiking, hunting, and working on the land. He is from Marion, Alabama, and developed his interest in wildlife and land management through hands-on experience working on a large, privately managed hunting property during summers and academic breaks, where he assisted with habitat management, land maintenance, and wildlife operations. Hardy is actively involved at Auburn through leadership and service opportunities, including participation in organizations such as Pi Kappa Phi and Ducks Unlimited, where he takes part in service, fundraising, and conservation related activities. Through the FEWL Academy, Hardy hopes to continue building leadership, communication, and professional skills while making connections within the wildlife and natural resources field.
Vienne O'Connor
Vienne O’Connor is a junior majoring in Wildlife Ecology and Management. She is from Birmingham, Alabama. In her free time, she enjoys reading, swimming, and spending time with her friends and family. She also loves traveling and plans to travel the world while studying wildlife in her career. In addition to the FEWL Academy, Vienne is a CFWE Student Ambassador, volunteer at the Auburn Raptor Center, and member of The Wildlife Society. Her love for wildlife first started when she was young while looking for bugs and worms with her neighbors. It intensified when her mom would take her to animal education programs at their local library. Vienne enjoys working with kids and hopes to inspire them in her future career, as she was once inspired by others. Through FEWL she hopes to learn how to best use teamwork, communication, and leadership skills to make a real-world impact and better the environment.
Jonah Sanders
Jonah Sanders is a junior studying forestry. He is from Daphne, Alabama, and enjoys spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing, and hiking. His interest in forestry started at a young age and he has always had a passion for learning about forests and how they grow under different management practices. Through the FEWL Academy, Jonah hopes to develop his leadership and communication skills. Jonah is also eager to learn how to lead effectively wherever his forestry career takes him. Since Jonah does not come from a forestry background, he is looking forward to the connections the FEWL Academy will provide. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in forestry consulting or land management.
Bella Suiter
Bella Suiter is a sophomore double majoring in Environmental Conservation and Management as well as Geospatial Information Science with a minor in coastal management. Through this double major, she is able to combine her interests in conservation and different computer programming techniques. Bella is from Jackson, Tennessee and enjoys being outdoors, playing pickleball, and spending time with her friends and family. In addition to the FEWL Academy, Bella is also involved in the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment Student Ambassadors, the Auburn Pickleball Club, the Auburn Navigators, and the Society of Natural Resources. She hopes to grow her leadership and communication skills through the FEWL Academy and apply them to her future career.
Abby Tipton
Abby Tipton is a junior majoring in Wildlife Sciences with a Pre-Veterinary concentration. She is from Mobile, Alabama. Abby enjoys traveling, volunteering at her local shelter, and spending time with friends and family. After graduation, she hopes to enroll in the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine to become a wildlife or small animal veterinarian. As a member of the FEWL Academy, Abby is committed to developing strong leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while gaining hands-on experience. She hopes to apply these leadership skills in both her academic and future veterinary career, ultimately becoming a compassionate and effective leader within the veterinary and wildlife conservation fields.
