Photo by Ricky Stilley.
Amy Lavender, senior communications specialist for University Communications and Marketing, has returned to the University of West Georgia after nine years in journalism. As a member of the UWG communications team, she promotes the university, its colleges, its organizations, its faculty and, of course, its students, showing the community just how much UWG has to offer.
A 2005 graduate of UWG's English Department, Amy's career began at The Brunswick News on the Georgia coast. While there, she published her first essay in a peer-reviewed journal: RPW. However, she couldn't stay away from Carrollton for long and soon she returned to join the staff of the Times-Georgian, where she was on the initial team that created West Georgia Living magazine. One of her recent cover designs for the publication won an Associated Press award in the magazine category, which competes with other top magazines in the state, such as Atlanta Magazine and Savannah Magazine.
"Working in the newsroom was such a joy," she recalled. "It was almost like being back in the classroom because there were so many things to learn about – from how state mandates affect local governments to the balancing act of creating a budget for a county-wide school system. But the best part was meeting people, listening to them, and telling their stories."
Now, Amy will be sharing the story of UWG with the community.
"I'm so excited to be back on campus with so many excellent people. UWG has always had a special place in my heart. It has such a wonderful dynamic, and I can't wait to do my part to show that to the world."
Amy resides in Carrollton with her husband, Greg Buice. They are expecting their first child in June.
