Bill Ham Jr.
Bill Ham Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Auburn, Alabama | |
| In office 1998–2018 | |
| Preceded by | Jan Dempsey |
| Succeeded by | Ron Anders Jr. |
| Auburn city council — Ward 4, Place 2[a] | |
| In office 1986–1998 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 26, 1953 |
| Spouse |
Carol Susan (m. 1979) |
William Forrester Ham Jr. (born September 26, 1953)[1] is an American politician who served as the mayor of Auburn, Alabama from 1998 to 2018.[2]
Early life and education
Bill Ham attended Auburn University in 1972, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in recreational management in 1977.[3][4][5][6]
Political career
In 1986, Ham first got into the public sphere in Auburn after the mayor at the time, Jan Dempsey, suggested that he make a run for city council, and he did.[7] That year he defeated J. Quillin for Auburn's District 4 council seat where he served until 1998.[8][9][7] In 1994, he was voted in as Mayor Pro Tempore by the city council.[7]
Ham ran for mayor in 1998, holding office until 2018.[2] One of his major accomplishments as mayor was helping create the Auburn Research Park which is home to The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and other businesses, providing a space for collaboration between Auburn University and the city.[10][11]
Personal life
Ham married Carol Ham on June 9,1979.[12] She taught with Auburn City Schools for over 30 years.[3] Ham's father Bill Ham Sr. also graduated from Auburn University and served on the Auburn City Council.[4]
Note
- ^ When he was first elected, the seat was titled District 4, Post 2 before being changed to Ward 4, Place 2 in 1990.
References
- ^ "U.S., Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1" (Document). United States. 1993.
- ^ a b "Auburn Mayor Bill Ham will not seek re-election after 20 years in office". WTVM. 2018-05-28. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ^ a b "Auburn University names Bill and Carol Ham Amphitheatre in honor of former mayor and his wife". Alabama News Center. 13 November 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
- ^ a b Dawson, Anne. "Meet Your Mayor". The Auburn Plainsman. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
- ^ Shirbach, Brice. "Auburn wasn't supposed to be this awesome". Pinkbike. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
- ^ "Auburn University SGA commends outgoing Mayor Bill Ham for service". Open Line Auburn Alabama. 5 October 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
- ^ a b c "SPECIAL REPORT: Auburn Mayor Bill Ham". wtvm. 2018-09-14. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
- ^ "Resolution no. 86-72" (Document). Auburn, Alabama: City of Auburn. 9 July 1986.
- ^ "The Foundation | The Park". Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ^ "Auburn celebrates growth of research park, honors former mayor". Office of Communications and Marketing. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
- ^ Armstrong, Jessica (2014-07-21). "Auburn Research Park: High Tech Seeks High Yield". Business Alabama Magazine. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
- ^ "Forrester-Buckner Vows Spoken". The Opelika-Auburn News. June 19, 1979. Retrieved 7 May 2025.