Staff Alumni Spotlights Alumni by State Alumni Groups Tiger Troops Spirit Alumni Benefits Around Auburn Auburn Traditions

ALUM Spotlight Kay Ivey '67

AU education major Kay Ivey '67 has served as Alabama's state treasurer since 2002 and was re-elected last year after garnering the largest vote in a contested statewide race. A Camden native, Ivey was the first female vice president of the student body at AU and the first female trumpet player in the university's marching band. Ivey began her career as a high school teacher and formerly served as director of government affairs and communications for the Alabama Commission on Higher Education.

Q. What is a typical day as State Treasurer?

A. My typical day involves administering the office of the state treasurer with focus, priority, and standards of best practices. Even so, no one day is the same as any other. Some days I am traveling across Alabama promoting college savings, unclaimed property, and financial literacy. Other days I am in the Capitol or Statehouse meeting with legislators, leaders of business, industry or education, and/or meeting with staff, presiding over board meetings, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Treasury. 

Q. What are the most rewarding aspects of your position? What are the most challenging aspects? 

A. I truly enjoy the work there is to do in the treasurer's office, and the opportunity to answer a call to public service. We have made great strides with bringing efficiencies and cost savings to the way we do business.  As treasurer, I enjoy empowering Alabamians with information about their tax dollars. The people’s treasury is the people’s business.

The biggest challenge of my job is restoring the trust of our citizens in state government. I am very proud of the achievements we have accomplished in the treasurer's office by focusing on cost savings, efficiencies, and competitive processes to ensure our dollars get the biggest bang for their buck. It is my hope that by providing prompt, accurate, and courteous service to our citizens in the treasurer's office, we can change perceptions of state government one person at a time. 

Q. What is your favorite Auburn memory?

A. The greatest memory I have of Auburn is the experience that if you are focused and determined, regardless of your financial situation or any other factor, you can succeed and be an Auburn man or woman in the highest spirit of the Auburn Creed.

Q. What does the Auburn spirit mean to you?

A. The Auburn Creed is very much a part of me. For me, the Auburn spirit inspires the highest expectations that a student chooses to reach, guarantees nothing, but is very supportive of the effort a student might make. The Auburn spirit is also the epitome of friendship one with another. 

Q. Any advice for current Auburn students?

A. Yes. We have to pay our civic rent just as we have to pay our house rent. Be informed. Be involved.