03/30/2026
We are so proud of you Clara!!
Because of scholarships and the generosity of the Auburn Family, Clara Ragan’s college journey became something far greater than she ever imagined.
She came to Auburn with enough credits to graduate with a political science degree in just two years and head straight to law school.
But she chose to stay all four years- and that decision changed everything.
Clara added a philosophy major and fully embraced campus life, serving as an Auburn University Housing resident advisor, working with Auburn University Student Affairs' Auburn Cares and Student Conduct, and joining the Auburn SGA’s Lobby Board.
Along the way, one major experience shifted her path.
While shadowing a district judge in North Alabama, she saw how drug courts help individuals break cycles of addiction and discovered an unexpected passion for public health.
That passion led her to the White House, where she interned with the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
After spending a summer in Washington, D.C., Clara added a minor in Public and One Health (Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine) and earned an Auburn University Honors College Undergraduate Research Fellowship supporting student caregivers.
She also worked to expand health and wellness centers across West Alabama through a Auburn University Rural Health Initiative fellowship.
When that fellowship ended, support from 2025 Tiger Giving Day donors made it possible for her work to continue.
After graduation, Clara will pursue a Master of Public Health at Emory University, and she hopes to eventually return to rural communities in Alabama to improve health care access.
Read more about Clara’s journey and how Auburn students are turning opportunity into impact: https://aub.ie/kXsIPL