GEDI's Markie Southerland retires after 35 years of service

Markie Southerland, of the Government and Economic Development Institute, or GEDI, will retire on Tuesday, June 30, after a total of 35 years of service.

Southerland started working at Auburn in 1982 as an administrative assistant in the dean’s office of the School of Arts and Sciences. Over the years, Southerland worked in administrative capacities for various departments including the College of Education Learning Resource Center, the School of Pharmacy and Aerospace Engineering.

After a few years working in the private sector, Southerland returned to Auburn in 1993 and started working for University Outreach as an administrative assistant in the Economic Development Institute, now known as GEDI, supporting the executive director. Southerland worked for Executive Director Emeritus Joe Sumners for most of her years in Outreach.

“Markie was my executive assistant for about 18 years," Sumners said. "She did a wonderful job handling her multiple responsibilities and made my job so much easier. She was a tremendous asset to the institute. I am so thankful for her help to me over many years and wish her much happiness in her retirement."

Southerland is known for her organizational skills, attention to detail, proficiency and dedication to Auburn. She was a Spirit of Excellence award recipient in 2007. She is looking forward to spending retirement with her husband Bobby at their home on beautiful Lake Harding and enjoying visits with her daughter, Erica, an Auburn alumna, her son in law and her three beautiful granddaughters.