FACS virtual leadership retreat a success with over 90 participants

The retreat allowed for participants to reconnect and foster new relationships through question and answer panels, workshops and breakout discussions.
“It was a really unique opportunity for all of us to create community in a new environment that is very different than what we are used to,” said Cara Simmons, Director of the Student Success and Advising Center who helped plan the event.
Even virtually, the retreat engaged FACS leaders to come together, learn from each other and grow, Simmons added.
The student and alumni panels featured discussions on entrepreneurship, leadership and career development.
“My biggest takeaway of the retreat was all the resources FACS has to offer during this online time,” said Chloe Freeman, president of the Housing Organization for Undergraduate Student Enhancement. “FACS has been a pioneer in this time and has shown that we can adapt to anything.”
Dean Linda Kirk Fox shared how it’s important for college leaders to avoid distractions, be present and to invest in connections.
“The biggest challenge with remote work and learning is that people can start feeling unconnected,” she said. “That’s why we have this great beginning of the academic year planning retreat: to invest time to get connected, to lead with intent, to meet new people and try new things.”
FACS Alumni Association Board President Kenneth Ivory said he was impressed with the enthusiasm of all the participants during the four-hour meeting.
“It’s crucial that we continue to do events like the retreat to engage with students and alumni,” Ivory said. “I think everyone was present in the retreat. I enjoyed seeing the passion, energy, excitement and absolute professionalism of the students that participated.”
Simmons thanked alumni director Alexis Randall, administrative assistant Carol Halstead, SSAC staff members Debra Peavler, Kassie Suggs and Melissa Garber, Marla Ebert from the UGA Career Center and student and lead SSAC intern April Bullard for making this year’s retreat a success.