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Kevin White
Kevin White

Graduated: 2016 - B.S. Consumer Sciences

Graduated: 2019 - M.S. Housing

Name of Business / Place of Employment: Peraton

Current Job Title / Occupation: Program Support Specialist

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

Dear Alma Mater,

I am writing to share with you my recent professional achievement. As a co-author, I have contributed to a paper published in the Journal of Survey Statistics and Methodology titled "Constructing State and National Estimates of Vaccination Rates from Immunization Information Systems". This paper is a significant milestone in my career as it demonstrates my expertise and commitment to advancing research in the field of public health.

The paper focuses on developing a methodology for constructing accurate estimates of vaccination rates using data from immunization information systems. This is an important topic in public health research as vaccination rates are critical indicators of population health and can inform public policy decisions. Our study presents a novel approach to generating state and national estimates of vaccination rates, which can be useful for policymakers, researchers, and public health practitioners.

I am proud to have contributed to this paper and to have worked alongside esteemed colleagues in the field. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the strong foundation and education I received at our esteemed institution. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills I acquired during my time at the institution, which have enabled me to pursue meaningful research in the field of public health.

Thank you for your continued support of my academic and professional endeavors.

Sincerely,

My Story:

Domestic study tour with FACS
Joann Cebulski
Joann Cebulski

Graduated: 1989 - Bshe Fashion Merchandising

Name of Business / Place of Employment: Be Kind Books LLC

Current Job Title / Occupation: Write, Actor. Entrepreneur

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

I am reaching out, because Diane Murray was asking for accomplishments in Grady School of Business. I was not involved in that, but we are friends. My latest accomplishment is publishing the children's book. I hope that you will share.

My Story:

Studying in Italy in College and the receptivity of the, then, Home Ec school.
Courtney Jemison
Courtney Jemison

Graduated: 2015 - B.S.F.C.S. Fashion Merchandising

Graduated: 2015 - B.B.A. Management

Graduated: 2019 - M.A. Luxury & Fashion Management

Name of Business / Place of Employment: Stitch Fix

Current Job Title / Occupation: Associate Buyer

My Story:

When I stepped foot on UGA's campus, I fully intended to go to Terry, major in Management, and find a job at one of the Big 4. That was until I found Fashion Merchandising under the list of minors. From there, I reached out to my advisor who connected me with one of the lecturers in the TXMI Department (Mrs. Blalock!). After asking a ton of questions and sitting at the edge of my seat with every answer, I was convinced to add Fashion Merchandising as a minor. It wasn't until the end of my third year I decided to add Fashion Merchandising as a second major and commit to an additional year at UGA. It was one of the best decisions I'd ever made.
Since graduating, I've had the pleasure of working for companies such as Macy's, Nordstrom, Burlington Stores, and now Stitch Fix. My experience has ranged from retail management and operations to visual merchandising and buying. I even continued my education at the Savannah College of Art & Design, where I earned my M.A. in Luxury & Fashion Management. In 2019, I launched my podcast, BLK N FSHN, where I had the joy of interviewing and discussing the past, present, and future of fashion with a variety of guests within the fashion industry.
As proud as I am of these accomplishments, I also think it's important to note that everything doesn't happen overnight, and being both resourceful and adaptable can get you far. Prior to joining Macy's after graduation, I'd been rejected from their internship program (twice!). I wasn't a straight-A student, nor could I afford the study abroad program I was accepted to, but I refused to allow those moments in time to define my trajectory and continued pushing forward. All in all, I've found a career in an industry I'm very passionate about and have to thank FACS for giving me the foundation I needed.
Matthew Wheeler
Matthew Wheeler

Name of Business / Place of Employment: WMF Strategic Planning d/b/a GoodLife Retirement

Current Job Title / Occupation: Retirement Distribution Specialist/Financial Planner & Tax Preparer

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

I recently received a certification as a Certified Financial Planning Coach utilizing the Holistic Approach. The course reinforced many aspects that a were initially taught to me during the Family Financial Planning undergraduate program at UGA. Another item which I consider to truly be an accomplishment is to still be in business throughout COVID-19. The pandemic has been extremely rough on everyone and everything. I am extremely thankful that I learned true financial planning at UGA. Without the multitude of challenging courses required to attain the Family Financial Planning Degree, along with the required IRS VITA and Internship Programs, I seriously question whether or not I would have made it to this point. Each and every skill is useful and is required to sustain and maintain not only in the financial industry, but also amidst our current environment.
Sylvia Poulos
Sylvia Poulos

Graduated: 1996 - B.S. Animal Science

Graduated: 2000 - M.S. Foods and Nutrition

Graduated: 2005 - Ph.D. Foods and Nutrition

Name of Business / Place of Employment: Rhythm Pharmaceuticals

Current Job Title / Occupation: Senior Manager of Field Medical Affairs

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

I'm a senior manager of field medical affairs for Rhythm Pharmaceuticals

My Story:

After applying to the foods and nutrition graduate program, I decided to walk through Dawson Hall on a Friday afternoon while waiting for my sister (then a freshman and also a FACS alumna). Dr. Flatt changed the trajectory of my career when he walked up to me with his cow tie and asked if he could help me. He was "better than ever" as he tested my fitness walking up the stairs to his Boyd office where we discovered our academic connections and discussed my interests. Soon enough I was in an environment that couldn't have been a better match as I got the opportunity to merge my animal science and foods and nutrition interests together. My focus on obesity continues to be a career focus. More importantly, I developed more critical thinking and communication skills and learned how to be a good mentor. While I can't truly express my gratitude towards those who shaped my life, I strive to continue the legacy. Academics weren't the only benefit of my time in FACS. I have fond memories of a research mate sharing stories of her bicycling adventures while I was simultaneously amazing and questioning her sanity. Years later I'd love to tell her that I wish she had been able to convince me to join her as I started racing this year and think of her each time I have a new achievement.
Charlotte Lucas
Charlotte Lucas

Graduated: 2015 - B.S. Furnishings & Interiors

Name of Business / Place of Employment: Charlotte Lucas Interior Design / House of Harris

Current Job Title / Occupation: Owner/Principal Designer at Charlotte Lucas Interior Design / Co-Owner at House of Harris

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

A fun recent venture that I've begun is a whimsical fabric and wallpaper line called House of Harris. I co-own the company with my older sister and fellow interior designer, Liz Carroll. The patterns in the various collections are inspired by our southern roots (many named after the streets we've lived on throughout our lives) and our travels. House of Harris has been been a wonderful creative outlet for my sister and me, has livened up the walls and furniture of many of my interior design projects, and has been featured in a number of major publications including Vogue and Southern Living. Just saying that still feels surreal!

My Story:

After graduating from the FCAS school in 2015, I worked for various designers in both DC and Charlotte, NC. After gaining hands on experience in the industry and confidence in my skill, I started my own firm in 2012. Fast forward a few years of hard work and dedication, I got notice that I had been nominated for UGA's Bulldog 100 Award in 2017. At that point, simply being nominated was the most special moment in my career. Little did I know I would rank #4 amongst the 100 talented bulldogs there and be the first alum of the FCAS school to be in the top ten! This award meant so much to me because UGA is where it all began. I knew at a young age I wanted to be an interior designer, so to be able to attend UGA and have the opportunity to dive right into my passion in the FCAS school was a dream. This accomplishment made me realize how important it is to connect your talent with your education. While Interior Design can be perceived by some as a fun hobby for decorating, creating a profession takes endless work and commitment. I have been back to the Bulldog 100 now for four years running and this honor remains a huge motivator for me to keep going and growing. (Also - any excuse to get back to Athens!)
Courtney May
Courtney May

Graduated: 2004 - BSFCS Child and Family Development

Graduated: 2013 - M.Ed Early Childhood Special Education

Name of Business / Place of Employment: The Suzuki School

Current Job Title / Occupation: Director, Ponce City Market and Shared Services

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

I have had the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Association for Young Children (the NAEYC Affiliate for Georgia) for 10 years, including a two-year term as President in 2016-2017. I was the grateful recipient of the Presidential Citation at GAEYC twice for my work as a volunteer on the board. I also received the Professional Service Award during my time at Georgia State in the Department of Educational Psychology - an award that I am proud of because I was nominated by the Department Chair and an esteemed mentor, Dr. Peggy Gallagher. I am currently serving as a board member on the Georgia Child Care Association, along with other owners and operators in the field, focusing on advocacy and partnership with the state agency Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. I am also chairing a committee aimed at connecting early care and education providers to partner with our local public schools in an effort to prepare our learners for Kindergarten and beyond. I am proud of this work, but confident that without the strong foundation that I received from the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, I would not have had these experiences and opportunities.

My Story:

From a young age, I have always known that I wanted to work with children and families. Although teaching was never my niche, nearly all of my jobs in high school and college centered around programs for young children and families. I started my college career at a small liberal arts school in Georgia, but they no longer offered the Family Studies major I was seeking. In my search for a program that would give me the knowledge and skills needed for a non-teaching career working with children and families, I found the College of Family and Consumer Sciences and immediately transferred to the University of Georgia so that I could major in Child and Family Development. During my time at Dawson Hall, I worked in the Child and Family Development Office with then Department Head, Dr. David Wright. I developed close relationships with the professors and staff, some that I still have to this day. Dr. Anita Payne-Smith was the first to teach me about the National Association for the Education of Young Children as the gold standard for young children, and that it was more professional to refer to children as "children", rather than "kids". Dr. Wright taught us about the four-horseman of relationships - information that I still use to this day when I'm navigating relationships and conflict. Dr. Lisa Belliston, a Graduate Assistant at the time, became a boss and mentor at my first professional job at Quality Care for Children, a non-profit in Atlanta. In fact, Dr. Anita Payne-Smith, a professor in Child and Family Development, helped me make the connections that led to my first job after graduating at Quality Care for Children. There, I was an Early Care and Education Specialist, traveling to local early care and education settings to help them achieve quality-related goals like NAEYC accreditation. I had the opportunity to learn from amazing mentors about Developmentally Appropriate Practice and what quality looks like in a setting serving children birth to five. I became a state approved trainer through Bright from the Start - the state agency overseeing child care learning centers in the state of Georgia. After several years at Quality Care for Children, I was offered a job at another Atlanta Non-Profit, The Frazer Center, working in an inclusive preschool program as the Director. There, I fell in love with working with children of all developmental levels and those with disabilities, and found that I have a strong passion for inclusion. Inclusion is the practice that children with disabilities are educated alongside their typically developing peers. During my time there, I moved into larger roles such as the Director of Programs, overseeing both the adult-day program for adults with disabilities as well as the child development program, and even served as Interim Executive Director. During my time there, I also earned a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Georgia State University (and had two children!) In 2014, I was recruited to open a new, Montessori Preschool in Midtown, Atlanta. In my role at the Suzuki School, I am both Director of the Ponce City Market location as well as Director of Shared Services, overseeing some functions that cross over all three of our Atlanta campuses such as communications and our Developmental Specialist. During my time at the Suzuki School, I also earned an Early Childhood Montessori Credential through the American Montessori Society at our very on Montessori Teacher Education Institute. My time in Dawson Hall all prepared me so well for my work at Quality Care for Children, The Frazer Center, and beyond - giving me the gift of a broad view of human development at all ages, birth through the elder years. The professors had the right mixture of high expectations, rigor, and commitment to their students. My advice to current students is to lean in and learn all you can - you'll never have access to a better chance to learn it the right way from the start!
Melody Harris
Melody Harris

Graduated: 2010 - BSFCS Child and Family Development - Child Life Emphasis

Name of Business / Place of Employment: Studer Family Children's Hospital | Ascension Sacred Heart

Current Job Title / Occupation: Certified Child Life Specialist

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

I was recently elected President-Elect of the Florida Association of Child Life Professions. Through this organization, I will serve 3 years on the executive board as President-Elect, President, and Past-President, working to provide and expand educational resources and opportunities for Child Life Specialists and students in the state of Florida and beyond.

My Story:

When I arrived at UGA, I knew I wanted to work specifically with children in the healthcare setting. I assumed that meant nursing, but through some academic challenges and advice from good friends, I discovered FACS, and more specifically, Child and Family Development - Child Life emphasis. Child Life was exactly what I had been looking for, and I didn't know that it existed until I started researching the CFD major within FACS! The joint program with what is now knows as Augusta University and the Children's Hospital of Georgia prepared me for an incredible career in a field that I am more passionate about than ever. As a Certified Child Life Specialist, I have had the opportunity to help children learn coping skills and overcome some of the scariest experiences of their lives in the hospital setting. I have directed camps, helped to create an app to teach children about radiologic procedures and co-authored a research article on the benefit of healthcare camps for pediatric patients. I not only get to walk through difficult moments with children and their families on a daily basis, but I also get to play and watch just how smart and resilient kids can be!
Ashton Quattlebaum
Ashton Quattlebaum

Graduated: 2019 - BSFCS Human Development and Family Science

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

I currently work in County Administration as the Deputy County Clerk. I get to record and research history from the beginning of our county in 1790 to current documents from 2019. I also have the pleasure of working with and being mentored by my county officials and getting to know them on a personal level.

My Story:

From a young age I began keeping and collecting journals. I wrote about my day, my best friends, and of course my crush. As I got older I started writing about my hardships, my questions, and my passion for our nation! I began writing speeches and kept them in a binder that I eventually carried on my 8th grade trip to Washington, D. C. I was bound and determined to proclaim them on Capitol Hill. Because of this love for writing and speaking, I decided to major in Communications upon entering college. However, I soon realized that not only did I want to communicate but I wanted to have something to communicate about and my love for helping and serving people made the College of Family and Consumer Sciences the way to go! This wasn't the easiest decision in the world. I feared I would never have the opportunity to write because I didn't major in journalism, but I went anyway and the opportunity in FACS kept my fear only a thought. Unbeknownst of my passion for writing, one of my professors, Dr. Bermudez, told me about a research opportunity with her in which I would assist her and her graduate student in the creation of an undergraduate textbook. I took the opportunity! This was the greatest writing challenge I've been presented with but certainly the most rewarding! This FACS opportunity allowed my love for the study of people and my passion for writing to join and this became the Hallmark of my UGA experience!
Kiersten Fryer
Kiersten Fryer

Graduated: 2018 - BSFCS Consumer Journalism

Name of Business / Place of Employment: Spark Foundry

Current Job Title / Occupation: Associate Buyer in Local Investment

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

I now work at Spark Foundry, one of the top Marketing and Advertising agencies in the world. My job entails buying media spots for our clients on all your favorite local and national, broadcast and radio stations!

My Story:

I found my way to FACS in the most wonderful of ways. Through talking with a friend, about my troubles in wanting to find a major that encompassed all the things I wanted to accomplish, I found Consumer Journalism. Little did I know, that FACS would play such a substantial role in my life. I had been involved with my favorite organization, Little Red Book, starting as a freshman until my senior year(s) of college. Being Editor-in-Chief of Little Red Book for 3 years, making the connections with my peers and also my professors, made it possible for me to get hired by my job today. My company was so impressed with how I could delegate tasks, manage a team, and also having the ability to navigate unknown territory with grace and perseverance. So I owe all my successes to being a part of this great program, and even greater college! My biggest advice to future students would be to get involved and find what you're passionate about! You never know where your greatest growths and best interview stories will come from. Also, remember you're a FACS student. Our college and degree programs are so important to the daily lives and futures of so many people. Be assured that what you're working so hard for, MATTERS.
Donna Blalock
Donna Blalock

Graduated: 1986 - BSHE Home Economics Ed.

Graduated: 1987 - M.Ed. Home Economics Ed.

Name of Business / Place of Employment: Sunbelt Ag. Expo

Current Job Title / Occupation: Farmer of the Year, consultant

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

I have been retired for 2 years. I currently work for the Sunbelt Agricultural Expo with the Farmer of the Year Program. I’m married to Chip Blalock, UGA -1987. We have 2 children, Bo and Buck. We love coming to UGA football, baseball, and basketball games.

My Story:

Home Economics classes were my favorite from the 8th grade through my senior year. I knew I wanted to teach Home Economics and I was fortunate to teach 30 years in my hometown Moultrie, Ga. Teaching is not easy if you don’t have a passion for the subject matter or for children. UGA gave me the foundation I need to be successful in the classroom.
Matt Tovrog
Matt Tovrog

Graduated: 2002 - Bachelors Consumer Economics

Name of Business / Place of Employment: Bell Oaks Executive Search

Current Job Title / Occupation: Partner

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

I was nominated for the 2019 Man & Woman of the Year campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Atlanta (https://www.mwoy.org/). I have put together a team, The Pirates of the Cure-abbean, that is working to raise $150,000 for LLS! Participation in this campaign is an honor and a personal mission for me and so many who have seen the horrors of cancer first hand. The link to my fundraising page is here: https://pages.mwoy.org/ga/atlanta19/mtovrog

My Story:

The overall UGA experience! I met life long friends at UGA, met my wife at UGA, and love being a Bulldog. My family and I return to Athens regularly since we're season ticket holders for UGA football and we love seeing what's new in Athens. I'm forever grateful for the experiences at UGA and will always be proud to be a Bulldog. Go Dawgs!
Victoria Dorsey
Victoria Dorsey

Graduated: 1985 - BSHE Fashion Merchandising

Name of Business / Place of Employment: Georgia State University

Current Job Title / Occupation: Director of Development - Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

I currently enjoy being a Major Gift Officer for Georgia State University at the Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions. In my first year in the role, our college exceeded both our campaign and yearly fundraising goal by double-digit percentages!

My Story:

The College of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia is a wonderful community of great people. I am extremely proud and blessed to be FACS graduate. I have so many great memories as a student, a staff member, and now as a member of the FACS Alumni Association Board of Directors. Sewing and historic costume classes, Dean’s Aide and Phi Upsilon Omicron, Homecoming Tailgate and FACS Week…so many wonderful events in my life center around our wonderful college. Away from Athens, my career has been one success after another, due in a large part to the excellent foundation I received from the caring faculty and staff at FACS. My two-decade-long career in retail took me from Softlines Manager in a discount store to working at the Home Office as an Executive Trainer for a great company called Hills Stores out of Canton, MA. Since leaving the retail arena, my FACS education has influenced my careers in adult education and training, entrepreneurship, and now as a professional in higher education. I encourage every student at FACS to take advantage of every opportunity while at UGA. Lean in now, dream big now and test yourself now, while in the loving, caring community that is UGA FACS. I guarantee you, success will follow! Go Dawgs!
Meghan Dove
Meghan Dove

Graduated: 2007 - BSFCS CHFD

Graduated: 2011 - MS CHFD

Graduated: 2013 - Phd HDFS

Name of Business / Place of Employment: Georgia Southern University

Current Job Title / Occupation: Assistant Professor

My Story:

My grandmother, Mary Sheffer Kicklighter (BSHE ’42), and I (BSFCS ‘07, MS in CHFD 2011, and PhD in HDFS in ‘13) are both FACS alumni! Here is a Photo of her and I, each just before graduation, at the back of House A where she lived and where I took classes. She in 1942 and I in 2013. Although she is no longer with us, I love our shared history at UGA and in FACS!
Judith C. Clark
Judith C. Clark

Graduated: 1963 - B.S. Foods and Nutrition

Name of Business / Place of Employment: School Board of Polk County, FL,

Current Job Title / Occupation: Member of PEA - Retired

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

I am a mother and grandmother. I am currently studying to renew my teaching certification. I enjoy evaluating students projects at the County Youth Fair. I support the children at the Florida Sheriff Youth Ranches and I am also involved in projects with the United Methodist Women and I'm a member of the League of Women Voters.

My Story:

I transferred to the College of Family and Consumer Sciences at the end of my sophomore year at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. FACS contributed to my knowledge and skills that helped me to succeed after graduation as a wife, mother of two children and two step-children. FACS also contributed to my success in teaching for 10 years in our county school system in various classes ranging from preschool, middle and high school. My FACS training also contributed to my skills in care giving and rehabilitation responsibilities of our son. Ah, the many good memories obtained while studying with friends at Dawson Hall. I also have fond memories of teachers and advisers and of fun and valuable experience obtained in student organizations.
Demiko Goodman
Demiko Goodman

Graduated: 2008 - B.S. Consumer Economics & Housing

Name of Business / Place of Employment: Pride Utility Construction

Current Job Title / Occupation: Lead Superintendent of Drilling and Gas Main Installation

Recent Professional Accomplishments:

I am the creator, inventor, and the Utility Patent owner (USPTO # 10,010,116) of Cufflink Collars®. A men’s tailored dress shirt that uses stabilizing technology underneath the collar of the shirt, allowing cufflinks to stay in place in the shirt’s collars. This product is raising the bar in the fashion industry. Masters Degree in Theological Studies from Austin Graduated School of Theology. Holder of Lean Six Sigma Masters Black Belt Certification. I am a proud alumnus and enjoy going back on campus speaking to students. I was recently invited to speak as a panelist at UGA’s 2017 FACS2000 class. Member of 2018 FACS Alumni Association Board of Directors.

My Story:

Dawson Hall brings so many great memories. The second best decision that I ever made at UGA was to attend FACS. The first of course was to ask my wife to marry me, whom I asked while kneeling directly across the street from Dawson Hall. Other great memories included the faculty at FACS. I feel that FACS faculty truly care about the growth and success of their students.There were so many people that were positive influences during my years at FACS, it is hard to name them all. Some of the individuals that guided me through my journey were Dr. Anne Sweaney, Dr. Dianne Moorman, and Mrs. Connie Rash. All were very supportive and gave me a lot of encouragement. This encouragement helped build me a bridge to success. I am currently the Lead Horizontal Directional Drilling and Gas Main Installation Superintendent at Pride Utility Construction, where I supervise over 80 crew members all over the state of Georgia.