AUBURN - Sarah Newton, principal of Fayette Elementary School, has been elected to serve as president pro tempore of the Auburn University Board of Trustees for the 2009 -10 academic year. Newton, an Auburn trustee since 2004, was unanimously chosen by other members of the Board.

Newton has worked as a teacher and administrator in elementary education since receiving a bachelor of science degree in that field from Auburn in 1974. She replaces Paul Spina of Pelham, whose term on the Board expires in September. The president pro tempore leads Auburn's governing body in the absence of Governor Bob Riley, who is an ex-officio member and president of the Board as stated in the Alabama State Constitution.

Newton and her husband, Bill, who is also an Auburn graduate, are the parents of three sons.

Contact: Deedie Dowdle, (334) 844-9999 (dowdldk@auburn.edu), or
Neali Vann, (334) 844-9999 (vanncor@auburn.edu)