Because of Auburn University, the city is connected to a wide array of globally recognized figures:
* **Tim Cook:** CEO of Apple Inc. (Auburn University alumnus). * **Bo Jackson:** Heisman Trophy winner and legendary two-sport professional athlete (Auburn University alumnus). * **Charles Barkley:** NBA Hall of Famer and sports analyst (Auburn University alumnus). * **Cam Newton:** Heisman Trophy winner and NFL MVP (Auburn University alumnus). * **Octavia Spencer:** Academy Award-winning actress (Auburn University alumna). * **Jimmy Buffett:** Iconic musician and songwriter (attended Auburn University). * **Harper Lee:** Pulitzer Prize-winning author of *To Kill a Mockingbird* (attended Auburn University).