Shelby Davis
Shelby Davis, a graduating senior majoring in Wildlife Ecology and Management, from Phenix City, Alabama, has been chosen to lead the Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) class of 2026 at Auburn’s spring commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 3.
Growing up just 45 minutes from campus, Auburn always felt like home to Davis. Her early interest in science, paired with a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and the outdoors, led her to pursue a degree in Wildlife and Ecology Management, one of the unique programs that aligned with her career goals, while giving her the flexibility to also pursue a minor in Spanish.
As her career aspirations evolved over time, her passion for working with animals and being outdoors remained constant.
“Even as a child, I had an appreciation for our natural world,” Davis said. “Whether we were camping, out on a walk or simply playing in the yard, my parents and grandparents instilled in me an appreciation for wild animals and wild places.”
During her time at Auburn, Davis has been deeply involved both inside and outside the classroom. She has been an active member of The Wildlife Society at Auburn University since August 2022, serving as vice president for the fall semester of 2024 and as the president since January 2025. She assisted in initiating a mark recapture study of snakes at the Mary Olive Thomas Demonstration Forest and has continued leading the project, training its volunteers and collecting data. She has also served as a CFWE student ambassador for two years, leading tours and supporting prospective students.
In addition, Davis was awarded a yearlong undergraduate research fellowship to study public identification and interaction with the alligator snapping turtle. Her findings have been published in the Auburn University Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship. Davis was also selected for the 2025 Forest, Environment and Wildlife (FEWL) Leadership Academy, inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and is also a member of the Auburn University Honors College.
“My time with CFWE has completely changed my career trajectory and goals, while also allowing me to become a more confident person,” Davis recalls. “I have obtained a wealth of hands-on experience and gained incredible connections with my peers and professors. I was able to learn valuable professional and personal skills including public speaking. I am more confident, well written and organized than I ever would have been without the guidance of the CFWE and the university.”
Upon her graduation in May, Davis will pursue a Master of Science in Wildlife, Aquatic and Wildlands Science and Management at Texas Tech University beginning in fall 2026. Davis has also been awarded the Pendelton Endowed Scholarship in Range and Wildlife Management from the university.
Auburn will begin its graduation weekend at Neville Arena at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 1. For more details, including updates on any potential weather-related changes, please visit the commencement website. Information will also be shared on the university’s social media platforms.
