Ala. Code § 2-30-40

There shall be an Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station System under the charge of and operated in connection with Auburn University, and under the administration and supervision of a director, who shall be appointed by the president, with the approval of the board of trustees thereof, and shall hold office at their pleasure. The salary of the director shall be fixed by the president, with the approval of the board of trustees, and such part thereof as shall be fixed to be paid by the State of Alabama shall be paid out of any appropriation to the experiment station system as other salaries therefrom are paid.