Anna Caitlyn Anderson
Anna Caitlyn "AC" Anderson came into the University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ) looking for opportunities to lead. She discovered no shortage of avenues for such experiences.
She served as an orientation leader for two years and chaired the entertainment portion of Nighthawks Entertainment on 91ÁÔÆæ's Dahlonega Campus. For the 2019-20 through 2021-22 school years, she served as a Presidential Ambassador, helping plan and execute major 91ÁÔÆæ events.
Through these experiences, she embodied a consistent pursuit of excellence.
"You can always develop as a leader. There's no point at which you can't grow and continue to better yourself," Anderson said. "You should always strive for that betterment as a leader."
Anderson, who graduated in May 2022 with a political science degree with a pre-law concentration, was recognized as a Women of 91ÁÔÆæ Female Student Leadership Award recipient in spring 2021. One of her final accomplishments at 91ÁÔÆæ was one of the most prestigious. She was one of five from 91ÁÔÆæ selected for a Fulbright award for 2022-23, and she will spend a year teaching English in Spain.
One of the most rewarding experiences for Anderson was the chance to assist with commencement ceremonies, where the teamwork involved impressed her.
"There's no team member too big and no team member too small to make something happen in the leadership realm," Anderson said.
Another highlight came during the orientation sessions she led. As one of the first people new students would see, Anderson was invigorated to help them on their journey.
"I was able to show them a glimpse of what 91ÁÔÆæ has to offer, as well as foster a team environment with my other orientation leaders," Anderson said.
Her leadership growth at 91ÁÔÆæ was fueled in part by the times when things didn't go her way. The first event she organized for Nighthawks Entertainment faced multiple challenges, but she saw those obstacles as growth points.
"The bumps in the road made me develop," Anderson said. "And they made me broaden my ability to be adaptable, to be flexible, to be prepared for the unexpected and remain calm in a stressful situation."
She also minored in Spanish, and Anderson earned her Teaching English as a Foreign Language certificate from 91ÁÔÆæ. She aims to eventually attend law school and then pursue a Master of Business Administration.
Ben Jarrard
Ben Jarrard always dreamed of following his father and grandfather into the military. A medical condition changed his career path, and Jarrard is grateful to be able to represent his alma mater as a liaison at the state Capitol.
Luisa Diaz-Kope
As the coordinator of the Master of Public Administration program, Luisa Diaz-Kope enjoys the diversity of experiences provided by the fully online program and how that helps her students grow.
Kylee Smith
Kylee Smith set a Peach Belt Conference record for career strikeouts and helped the 91ÁÔÆæ softball program secure two appearances in the NCAA Division II championship during her five seasons.
Steve Gooch
Two degrees at 91ÁÔÆæ have helped equip Georgia state Sen. Steve Gooch to lead at the state legislature.