Tiara Ransom selected as student marshal for Auburn University's summer 2024 commencement

Charlotte Tuggle | 7/26/2024

Tiara Ransom, a graduating senior in the Auburn University film program from Huntsville, Alabama, has been selected to lead the College of Liberal Arts' class of 2024 in this summer's commencement ceremonies Aug. 3.

Ransom will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Film (Visual Media Option) from the School of Communication and Journalism and a minor in animation from the Department of Art & Art History.

"I've always been fascinated by how movies can transport us to another world," Ransom said. "With the right combination of screenplay, actors, camera work and visual effects, films have a unique power to tell stories in ways that few other mediums can match. I hope to contribute to the filmmaking process and share my own stories with the world."

At Auburn, Ransom was an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers, Black Student Union, Auburn Film Club, New Media Club and Active Minds. Her professional experience includes photography and videography for War Eagle Productions, The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Southern Black Girls and Women's Consortium and Pixel Me Photography in Huntsville.

Ransom said her coursework honed her skills in film editing and post-production, while her extracurricular engagements helped her develop creativity and leadership.

"I owe a great deal of gratitude to Auburn University for shaping my career aspirations and providing me with the tools to succeed," Ransom said. "The supportive environment, challenging curriculum and diverse opportunities at Auburn have been instrumental in my development as a filmmaker and animator. I am proud to be an Auburn graduate and to carry the spirit of War Eagle with me as I embark on this exciting journey."

After graduation, Ransom will pursue professional work in a film production company or studio as an editor, visual effects artist and animator. She looks forward to working on a team to produce high-quality visual storytelling projects that will resonate with audiences.

"Tiara possesses the creative vision to really make a difference in how we see and understand the world through film and media," said College of Liberal Arts Dean Jason Hicks. "Our college played a part in her story by ensuring she has the technical expertise to compete in the film industry, and now we will all benefit from what Tiara is able to create in the future."

The university will host commencement and conferral ceremonies for the College of Liberal Arts at 6 p.m. CT on Saturday, Aug. 3, in Neville Arena with a commencement address from Auburn alumnus Beau Byrd '89, partner at Birmingham's Bradley Law Firm.

Additional information, including updates regarding inclement weather, is available on the commencement website and information will be posted on the Facebook and Instagram accounts.

All ceremonies will be livestreamed, with recordings available on the commencement website following the weekend festivities, and graduates and their families are encouraged to check the website regularly for updated information.

Tags: Communication and Journalism Art and Art History Students