A Q&A with the CVM’s new director of development

Aaron Brazelton joined the College of Veterinary Medicine as its director of development on Aug. 1, 2026, after serving in the same position for Auburn University’s College of Liberal Arts.

In his new role, Brazelton will lead fundraising efforts for the College of Veterinary Medicine, partnering with alumni, donors, faculty and college leadership to strengthen support for patient and client care, research, facilities, faculty excellence, scholarships and other initiatives that align with the college’s mission and vision.

Before coming to Auburn in November 2024, he served as director of Admissions and Advancement for the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering. He had previously served as assistant director of Admissions for San Domenico School in the San Francisco Bay Area.

After earning his bachelor’s degree at the University of Alabama, Brazelton completed a comprehensive certificate in School Leadership & Management through Harvard University and a Master of Education in Enrollment Management and Policy at the University of Southern California.

What were some of the facets of the College of Vet Med that appealed to you and intrigued you?

There were several things that immediately appealed to me about the College of Veterinary Medicine. First and foremost was the mission and the impact of the College. Veterinary medicine touches so many areas — from the health and well-being of animals to agriculture, public health, research and the communities we serve. There is an incredible story to tell here.

I was also excited by the philanthropic momentum of the College. CVM has an extraordinarily loyal community of alumni, donor, clients and friends who care deeply about this College. I saw an opportunity to build upon that loyalty, strengthen relationships and think even bigger about what philanthropy can make possible.

You already possess familiarity with the Auburn Family, having served with the College of Liberal Arts. What have you enjoyed most about being able to engage with Auburn University alumni?

Without question, it has been the relationships. One of my favorite parts of this work is getting to know Auburn alumni beyond simply where they went to school or what degree they earned. You learn about their families, their careers, the experiences that shaped them and, ultimately, why Auburn continues to matter to them.

I’ve also learned that the Auburn Family is very real. Our alumni have an incredible sense of loyalty to this university and to one another. Being able to build genuine relationships with them — and then help connect their passions back to Auburn in meaningful ways — is one of the most rewarding parts of what I get to do.

Between K-12 and university settings, education has been at the core of your professional journey. What drew you to it, and what prompted you to examine advancement/development?

I’ve always believed deeply in the transformative power of education. Education can change the trajectory of someone’s life (as it has done mine), and I’ve been fortunate to see that firsthand throughout my career in both K-12 and higher education.

Advancement became especially appealing to me because it combines that belief in education with something I genuinely enjoy: connecting people to impact. At its best, development isn’t simply about raising money. It’s about understanding what someone cares about, understanding what an institution is trying to accomplish and finding the place where those two things intersect.

I love being able to show someone, “Here’s what your generosity can make possible.” Whether that’s supporting a student, advancing research, recruiting an exceptional faculty member or creating an opportunity that didn’t exist before, getting to facilitate that connection is incredibly rewarding.

Anything else you’d like CVM employees and alumni to know about you?

I’m a Huntsville native, and Auburn has become home for me. Outside of work, I’m a big believer that relationships matter just as much personally as they do professionally, so I enjoy spending time with friends and family.

I’m also a coffee enthusiast, a foodie and someone who enjoys traveling. I love a good story and good conversation, and I’m always interested in learning about people and the experiences that have shaped them.

Most importantly, I hope CVM employees and alumni know that I’m genuinely excited to be here. I want to get to know this community — not just as constituents of the College, but as people. I’m looking forward to listening, learning and helping write the next chapter of an already remarkable College.

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