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Michael Crook
Michael Crook

Graduated: 2003 - BS Consumer Economics

Graduated: 2004 - MA (NYU) Economics

Name of Business / Place of Employment: UBS

Current Job Title / Occupation: Managing Director

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

After graduation I moved to New York and worked for Lehman Brothers and Barclays. I'm currently at UBS, where I run the Investment Strategy team for the Wealth Management division.

My Story:

My favorite memory is a study abroad trip FACS organized to Xalapa, Mexico. We were able to visit quite a few businesses, meet local politicians, and really integrate into their culture for a few weeks. Best of all we created some wonderful friendships and even learned a little Spanish along the way
Lauren Coheley
Lauren Coheley

Graduated: 2012 - BSFCS Dietetics

Graduated: 2019 - PhD Foods and Nutrition

Name of Business / Place of Employment: University of Georgia

Current Job Title / Occupation: Research Assistant

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

I am currently completing my PhD under the guidance of Dr. Richard Lewis. We are conducting a randomized controlled trial investigating the influence of egg consumption on bone, body composition, and cognition. I also serve as the President of the Northeast Georgia Dietetics Association. I received the 2018, Emerging Dietetics Leader award from the Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and an Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award from the University of Georgia's Graduate School.

My Story:

I transferred to the University of Georgia my sophomore year. I was extremely nervous but excited about new opportunities. When I first walked into the halls of Dawson, I knew this place was different. Everyone was smiling and welcoming. I didn't know at the time that I would be walking into my "home away from home." As an undergraduate student I learned from the best and brightest professors and met life-long friends. When I graduated in 2012 I had big dreams of becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD). After obtaining my RD and working in the clinical setting I found myself searching for more. Having served as the President of the FACS Alumni Association, I had the opportunity to reconnect with several of my undergraduate professors. I spoke with one of my professors, Dr. Lewis, about the potential of obtaining a higher degree in nutrition. Fast-forward several years and here I am writing this in my office in Dr. Lewis' Bone and Body Composition Lab in Dawson Hall. At the end of the day, I attribute all my academic success and my career to the College of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia. Who would have thought that girl with dreams of being a Dietitian would now have dreams of obtaining her PhD from the same institution. I am truly blessed!
Blake Williams
Blake Williams

Graduated: 2008 - BSFCS Financial Planning

Graduated: 2013 - MBA - University of North Georgia MBA

Name of Business / Place of Employment: SignatureFD

Current Job Title / Occupation: Financial Advisor / Co-Founder of SignatureEXEC

My Story:

I like to tell people that my time at FACS was truly transformational. I began taking FACS classes in 2006 when the financial planning major at UGA was in its infancy. As a part of the UGA community, especially in a close knit FACS major, I was able to develop lifelong friendships with students, faculty and staff. Flash forward to 2018, and the financial planning program is one of the fastest growing majors at the University of Georgia! The financial planning program at the University of Georgia has given me an incredible career and it’s why I give my time, energy, and money back to the University that has given me so much.
Emma Laing
Emma Laing

Graduated: 2000 - M.S. Foods and Nutrition

Graduated: 2003 - Ph.D. Foods and Nutrition

Name of Business / Place of Employment: The University of Georgia

Current Job Title / Occupation: Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Dietetics program

My Story:

My exciting career in FACS has involved research, teaching, and mentoring students. In my various positions within the college since I arrived here in 1997 as a graduate student, I have ultimately found a position that combines my nutrition science expertise with my keen interest in teaching and advising students as director of our dietetics program. As my mentor throughout graduate school and beyond, I learned invaluable lessons from Dr. Rick Lewis how to be an accessible and caring mentor to others. In my faculty role, I have been given numerous opportunities to demonstrate leadership and communication skills that highlight to others why FACS is the best college at UGA. For example, I serve as director of communications for the department of foods and nutrition, and am the face behind the 'FDN Kudos Corner' that showcases the outstanding accomplishments of our faculty, staff, and students. I am also the faculty advisor of our Student Dietetic Association, which is a tremendous privilege for me to interact outside of class with the future leaders of our nutrition profession. I am committed to the success and growth of our college, and in particular our dietetics program, because it prepares students who care about the health and wellbeing of others to succeed. My students know that I care about their success during the semester and beyond, and I love being a part of their journey. Go Dawgs!
Jennifer Morgan
Jennifer Morgan

Graduated: 2015 - BSFCS Fashion Merchandising

Graduated: 2019 - MS Historical and Cultural Aspects of Dress

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

I am presently a graduate student in FACS - Textiles, Merchandising, and Interiors.

My Story:

I have been in FACS for the last 5+ years, first as a very non-traditional undergrad student and then as a graduate student. I always felt like I was part of a big family. My classmates, some of which were half my age always treated me as an equal and respected that I had a busy life outside of class. They even accommodated my (occasional) inability to attend meetings face-to-face by video-chatting with me. As a graduate assistant, sometimes teaching the same students I was in undergrad with, I always felt respected. I have even had some tell me, verbally and written, how much they appreciate me. I think we have some of the best students!
Amanda Farzad
Amanda Farzad

Graduated: 2017 - BSFCS Nutritional Sciences

Name of Business / Place of Employment: Emory University

Current Job Title / Occupation: Student

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

I am currently half way through earning my Bachelor’s in Nursing and I couldn’t be more excited to start the next chapter of my life as a nurse!

My Story:

My favorite memory was talking with Dr. Landers-Potts on Election Day after class. I had been wearing a Clinton shirt and so it sparked conversation. It was just so wonderful having an intelligent political conversation with a woman that I really look up to!
Amy Taylor
Amy Taylor

Graduated: 1989 - BSHE Consumer Economics and Home Management

My Story:

I am so blessed to be living my dreams and our college of Family and Consumer Sciences has made it all possible. I met Dr. Jane Rhoden in 1988 and she saw something...next came Dr. Sweaney and the rest is history! I’ve had four jobs that require a degree in Home Economics! It’s been life changing and I walk and talk it every day!
Alicia Dickens
Alicia Dickens

Graduated: 2008 - BSFCS Dietetics

Name of Business / Place of Employment: The Dairy Alliance

Current Job Title / Occupation: Manager of School Health and Wellness

My Story:

Life is all about making connections. I was able to make connections with various groups of researchers, professors and industry members through the FACS congressional aide and undergraduate research programs. I was grateful that FACS offered these opportunities to me because not only did I gain confidence in myself and worldly knowledge, but I was able to find my dream job through these experiences and connections that I had made. FACS professors are invested in the success of their students, and a situation like mine is where it shows.
Jessica Tripp
Jessica Tripp

Graduated: 2004 - BSFCS Consumer Economics, Family Financial Management Emphasis

Name of Business / Place of Employment: Matrix Residential a Pollack Shores Company

Current Job Title / Occupation: Quality Assurance Manager

My Story:

FACS created some of my most fond memories at UGA that helped mold me into the individual I am today. I served as a UGA FACS ambassador my senior year and tremendously enjoyed the opportunity to interact with fellow students, alumni, and faculty. I currently serve on the UGA FACS Alumni Association Board of Directors because I am committed to share my FACS story and would love for current students to be a part of this wonderful college! The biggest influences of my career were the Housing/Financial Management courses and connecting with Dr. Anne Sweaney. She always had time for her students and made a large university like UGA feel like a small community. Today, I am thankful for her friendship and mentorship years after graduation. FACS is a special place at UGA and I am thankful I found it! Go Dawgs!
Ashley Rentz
Ashley Rentz

My Story:

My most memorable experience while working at IHDD, was at Central State Hospital. I had gone with many co-workers from IHDD to look through and photograph documents, articles and other items in the library there. They knew we were coming but had neglected to turn the air conditioning on. It was a long hot day in August, but the personal stories and artifacts were so incredibly meaningful. I will never forget that day.
Amy McGuire
Amy McGuire

Graduated: 2016 - BSFCS Consumer Economics

My Story:

Thanks to the Consumer Economics and Entrepreneurship Programs at UGA, just two short years after graduating I’m the founder of a technology start-up. Our company is developing brand new technology to serve the marina industry! I credit UGA, the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, and the Entrepreneurship Program with providing me the skills, confidence, and education I needed to make this dream a reality. As non-traditional student, attending day classes with traditional students was such an awesome experience. I’ll never forget Michael Clark - y’all may know that name, I know Debbie Phillips does! He drove from Athens to my home in Hoschton to tutor me for an econ class I was struggling in. Michael was the first of many students that impacted my life and made me believe that I could realize my dreams even if I didn’t do life in the natural order of things. I am forever grateful I stepped outside my comfort zone and went for the best education at a university steeped in history, tradition, and academia. I am so proud to be a Georgia Bulldog!
Joel Kennedy
Joel Kennedy

Graduated: 2001 - B.S. Child and Family Development

Name of Business / Place of Employment: Young Life/Tallahassee, FL

Current Job Title / Occupation: Area Director

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

I have been working with Young Life since graduation, and for the past five years my family and I have had the privilege of living in Tallahassee and serving in the ministry here. I get to work alongside many college students who give their lives away, entering into the adolescent world and loving kids in the midst of an important season of life. It's an incredible challenge and a gift to be part of such an incredible ministry!

My Story:

I changed majors after my sophomore year at UGA, because I felt a FACS degree would better prepare me for my vocation and loving adolescents and families in our world. As I studied alongside people who genuinely cared for me, I formed friendships that set me up for a lifetime of building relationships and sharing real life with people. As I look back on my time at Dawson, I know that it helped form me into the leader that I try to be today. I try to carry that same heart for others everywhere my ministry takes me, and I am thankful and honored to be a graduate of FACS at UGA!
Taylor Burrage
Taylor Burrage

Graduated: 2017 - B.S. Dietetics

Name of Business / Place of Employment: Vista Park Health and Rehab

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

Just finished my Dietetic Internship and got my first job!!

My Story:

FACS prepared me for success by teaching me that there is always someone who can help, and to never be afraid to ask for help.
Geoffrey Bell
Geoffrey Bell

Graduated: 2007 - B.S. Consumer Economics

Name of Business / Place of Employment: AppVault

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

Recently promoted to Director of Marketing from Marketing Manager after 2 years of managing a small team of marketing professionals. Last year I was published by Marketing Sherpa regarding my knowledge and experience with A/B testing for B2B Digital Marketing. Being nominated as a 40 under 40 by the Alumni Association is a humbling recognition and one I hope to win.

My Story:

Graduating from UGA is probably the most memorable and meaningful event that has happened to be in the last 15 years. I was lucky enough to share a special moment with Anne Sweaney while we were conducting the walking ceremony at Sanford Stadium. She's been a shining light and a confidant of mine ever since May of 2007 when we walked together. I've been fortunate to keep in touch with a few professors that taught while I was in classes at FACS. It's been a privilege to serve on the FACS Alumni Board for the last 2 years. The time I've spent speaking and engaging with students about career decisions and job hunting has been very fulfilling and rewarding. I'm truly honored to have been in such close contact with FACS and The University of Georgia.
Emily Yates
Emily Yates

Graduated: 2015 - B.S. Consumer Foods

Name of Business / Place of Employment: VeryVera

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

I've been able to use my education since graduating and entering my career. I started as an intern on The VeryVera Show, a cooking and lifestyle show in Augusta, GA. From there, I moved up as Associate Producer and eventually Creative Director of the show. I currently also serve as Team Leader of our other staff and Masters Catering Coordinator.

My Story:

I changed my major sophomore year and came into FACS from one of the biggest colleges on campus, where I felt like one student in a sea of students. Entering the tight-knit FACS family early in my college experience was like coming home! I felt so connected to my professors, advisor, and other FACS staff. It really seemed that everyone there truly cared about me and my success. I now work for a FACS graduate in Augusta, GA, and we've had the opportunity to come back to Dawson Hall several times to speak about internship and career opportunities with our company. We love the FACS family!
Bubba Watson
Bubba Watson

Graduated: 2008 - BSFCS Housing

Current Job Title / Occupation: Professional Golfer

My Story:

I returned to school seven years after my last tournament with the Bulldogs because I wanted to be able to encourage kids to get an education and pursue their dreams and therefore felt it was important to set an example.