Auburn selects KSU’s Morris to lead advancement operation Published: January 21, 2021 Increase Font Size Article body Auburn University is implementing an improved structure to strengthen its effectiveness in alumni engagement, philanthropy, communications and marketing. John Morris, who served the Kansas State University Foundation as senior vice president for development since 2016, begins March 8 leading the new organization as Auburn’s first senior vice president for advancement. He will direct approximately 200 professionals in the combined Auburn Offices of Alumni Affairs, Development and Communications and Marketing. The merged entity creates an integrated, efficient team that promotes a shared, strategically focused vision of Auburn, according to President Jay Gogue.