Auburn, Ala. (EETV) – Paul Cobine has been named the newest director of Auburn University's Honors College. Cobine previously worked as a professor and the chairman of the Department of Biological Sciences in Auburn's College of Sciences and Mathematics, and he will begin his new role on Nov. 15, 2026.
Cobine has more than 20 years of higher education experience and joined Auburn University in 2008. He later went on to become chair of the Department of Biological Sciences in 2022. As chair, he has strengthened academic programs, supported faculty development, and expanded student research opportunities.
Cobine earned his bachelor's degree in microbiology and parasitology and his doctorate from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. His connection to Auburn is also personal, as four of his five children attended the university. He believes Auburn provides students with the resources and opportunities needed to achieve their goals.
As director, Cobine plans to expand academic opportunities for Honors College students, strengthen interdisciplinary learning, and create additional opportunities for students to succeed both academically and socially. His goals include encouraging student leadership, expanding undergraduate research opportunities, and building on the Honors College's current programs.
Auburn's Honors College provides an enhanced academic experience and intellectual community for numerous high-achieving students. The college emphasizes academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and involvement beyond the classroom. With more than 2,200 undergraduate students, Cobine hopes to improve the experience for students in the college.
Cobine's teaching emphasizes inspiration, problem-solving, and varied presentation methods to support students with different learning styles. He also believes students should enjoy learning. He hopes to encourage students to take ownership of their education and become lifelong learners.
As he prepares to take on his new position, Cobine hopes to build on the Honors College's foundation and continue creating opportunities that help Auburn Honors College students reach their full potential.
