Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 10, 2026

Bill Ham Jr.

William Forrester Ham Jr. is an American politician who served as the mayor of Auburn, Alabama from 1998 to 2018.

Last revised
Jul 10, 2026
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Bill Ham Jr.
Mayor of Auburn, Alabama
In office
1998–2018
Preceded byJan Dempsey
Succeeded byRon Anders Jr.
Auburn city council — Ward 4, Place 2a
In office
1986–1998
Personal details
Born (1953-09-26) 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 1977.3456

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 1998.897 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.1011

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

  1. When he was first elected, the seat was titled District 4, Post 2 before being changed to Ward 4, Place 2 in 1990.
References

References

  1. "U.S., Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1" (Document). United States. 1993.
  2. "Auburn Mayor Bill Ham will not seek re-election after 20 years in office". WTVM. 2018-05-28. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
  3. "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.
  4. Dawson, Anne. "Meet Your Mayor". The Auburn Plainsman. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  5. Shirbach, Brice. "Auburn wasn't supposed to be this awesome". Pinkbike. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
  6. "Auburn University SGA commends outgoing Mayor Bill Ham for service". Open Line Auburn Alabama. 5 October 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  7. "SPECIAL REPORT: Auburn Mayor Bill Ham". wtvm. 2018-09-14. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  8. "Resolution no. 86-72" (Document). Auburn, Alabama: City of Auburn. 9 July 1986.
  9. "The Foundation | The Park". Retrieved 2024-04-25.
  10. "Auburn celebrates growth of research park, honors former mayor". Office of Communications and Marketing. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  11. Armstrong, Jessica (2014-07-21). "Auburn Research Park: High Tech Seeks High Yield". Business Alabama Magazine. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  12. "Forrester-Buckner Vows Spoken". The Opelika-Auburn News. June 19, 1979. Retrieved 7 May 2025.