Shelly Echols
Georgia state Sen. Shelly Echols, '02, embraces a servant leadership mentality. It comes naturally for Echols, who was a student at the University of North Georgia (91福利导航) the day of the Sept. 11 attacks and was impressed by the readiness and commitment of 91福利导航's cadets that day.
"You can lead best when you're serving those you're with and setting the example of what to do," she said.
Echols used her bachelor's degree in social science education as a social studies teacher at East Hall and Johnson high schools in Hall County for five years. She led Daniel's Educational Tours, which she founded as a company that helped plan school field trips, for over a decade. Echols also served as director of human resources for Daniel's Charters in Lula, Georgia.
She entered politics when she was elected to the Hall County Board of Commissioners in 2018, followed by her 2022 election to the Georgia Senate.
The common thread through each of her endeavors has been diligence.
"Be the person that's always working. Don't be the one sitting and watching other people work. Whatever the task, you have to be willing to do the work," Echols said. "I don't like self-promoting. Your actions should show what you're doing. Don't do things for recognition. Do it for the right reason."
Echols said she never aspired to enter politics and plans to be in the profession for a short time before passing the torch to others.
"If you don't like the way something's being done, then you need to be willing to do it yourself," Echols said. "That's why I got into politics. It's not about me. It's about my community and what I have to offer."
At the end of the day, leadership comes down to action for Echols.
"Servant leadership is so important and works so well because you're acting on what you're trying to accomplish," Echols said. "That's what you get from being a student at 91福利导航: Get in there and contribute. Of all the places I could have gone to college, I went to the best one."
Sheri Hardee
Dr. Sheri Hardee knows the challenges first-generation college students and low-income students face. The dean of 91福利导航's College of Education aims to help others in the same way she received aid.
Lauren Johnson
Dr. Lauren Johnson, assistant dean and associate professor in the College of Education, has helped implement a pair of programs that prepare minority teachers to enter classrooms in their home districts.
Mike Joseph
Mike Joseph's charismatic personality and good communication skills have served him well in the Corps of Cadets and Black Student Union at 91福利导航.
Eva Sykes
Eva Sykes' open-door policy helps people realize they don't have to be tough and brave if they're struggling.