Shea Hinckley, a finance major from Dallas who has led initiatives that enhance student learning and career readiness, is the 2026 fall graduation marshal for the Harbert College of Business. She will lead her fellow business graduates into the Auburn University commencement ceremony at Neville Arena on December 12 carrying the college’s banner.
A ceremonial honor, graduation marshals are selected for their outstanding leadership, citizenship, character and promise of professional ability.
“Guided by the Auburn Creed's call to believe in education, hard work, and the human touch, Shea has consistently used her leadership to serve others, elevate those around her and strengthen the Auburn Family — an impact she hopes to continue long after graduation,” said Mandy Harrelson, program champion in the Department of Finance.
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Hinckley, who is graduating in three-and-a-half years with a near-perfect GPA, expressed gratitude for the honor and her time at Auburn.
“This place and its people have challenged me, supported me and pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of, shaping me into a better person along the way,” she said. “I’ve seen the Auburn Creed lived out in the people around me — in the way they show up for others, handle difficult situations, and invest in something bigger than themselves.”
As president of the Harbert Business Council, Hinckley led the creation of Industry Insights, a series of information and networking events featuring Auburn alumni who return to campus and provide students with insider tips on career paths in industries such as medical sales, consulting and tech sales.
According to Hinckley, the Insights series attracts major employers like Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly and Company, McKinsey, EY, Microsoft, Oracle and others and is a complement to Harbert’s career fairs.
“My main goal was to create an event that really impacts students and their job opportunities,” said Hinckley. “Harbert students have made connections and learned how to break into those industries.”
Hinckley also established the Harbert Presidents’ Board, which brings together leaders from each of the 27 business student organizations to identify shared priorities and present unified feedback directly to college executive leadership.
“Student feedback is essential to our goal of providing an exceptional student experience,” said Harbert Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Keven Yost. “Representing a broad range of student organizations, the Harbert Presidents' Board provides a valuable forum for the dean and me to hear directly from student leaders, better understand their needs and ensure their voices help shape the future of the college. I am very appreciative that Shea brought this to fruition.”
In another leadership role, Hinckley served in executive positions with the Auburn Finance Society student group, helping strengthen alumni engagement and expanding professional development opportunities to help students secure internships and full-time positions at top firms.
“This place and its people have challenged me, supported me and pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of, shaping me into a better person along the way. I’ve seen the Auburn Creed lived out in the people around me — in the way they show up for others, handle difficult situations, and invest in something bigger than themselves.”
— Shea Hinckley, Harbert graduation marshal
Beyond her formal responsibilities, she voluntarily mentored fellow students by speaking at multiple campus events on interview preparation, networking strategies, cold emailing, internship success and professional etiquette.
“She helped countless students navigate the recruiting process with confidence,” said Harrelson, who serves as faculty advisor for the Auburn Finance Society.
After she graduates, Hinckley will be moving to Chicago to begin work in March as an analyst with the corporate capital markets and net lease team at JLL, a leading global commercial real estate services and investment management company. She previously completed a summer internship with the firm in 2026.
“Looking back, I would choose Auburn…every single time because I love it, love the people, and [love] how my professors have come alongside me,” she said. “But also love the [way] Harbert allowed me to step into leadership roles. This has been one the most important things in my time here.”
