Alumni Association Recognizes Inaugural 30 Under 30 Class

by Julie Lineback

The University of West Georgia Alumni Association honored its inaugural 30 Under 30 class with a tailgate and recognition ceremony on September 21. Despite the rainy weather, around 75 people gathered for the celebration, which was held prior to the Wolves vs. the Midwestern State Mustangs football game.

The young professionals were chosen from 53 candidates. The nomination process for the 2013 list was completed on March 15, 2013.

“The biggest thing that stands out about this group is the contributions they have already made to their career industries or in services to humanity in such a short amount of time since graduating,” says Kevin Hemphill ‘07, coordinator of alumni services. “For it all to culminate in a wonderful celebration such as this was certainly exciting.”

UWG President Kyle Marrero and Young Alumni Council President Wes Kirkbride ’07 addressed the attendees who each received a plaque and two complimentary tickets to the game donated by the Athletics department.

The 30 Under 30 are:

• Jose Avila-Kelly, Atlanta
  Studio Operator, CNN
  BA Mass Communications
  BBA Management
  Class of 2005
• Craig Coogler, Atlanta
  Business Development/Sales Representative, DJJ Technologies
  BA Psychology
  Class of 2007
• Emma Dobbs, Atlanta
  Owner and Photographer, Emma Elaine Photography
  BFA Art
  Class of 2009
• Rich Eells, II, Atlanta
  Senior Analyst, Information Technology, Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, LLC
  BBA in MIS
  Class of 2010
• LaToya Goulbourne, Atlanta
  Administrative Assistant, Potter Behavioral Medicine
  BA Psychology
  Class of 2011
• Matthew Holton, Atlanta
  Finance Executive, Accenture
  BBA Finance
  Class of 2006
• Robert Millican, Atlanta
  Branch Manager, Access America Transport
  BBA MIS
  Class of 2006
• Wes Kirkbride, Atlanta
  Academic Advisor for the Computational Media Program, Georgia Institute of Technology
  BA Psychology
  Masters of Education in Progress
  Class of 2007
• Casey Nichols, Atlanta
  Photojournalist, WSB-TV
  BA Mass Communications
  Class of 2006
• Amberly Coley Odom, Atlanta
  Owner and Creative Designer, Wrenwood Designs
  Marketing Director, Funeral Call
  BBA Management
  Class of 2009
• Colleen Farley, Carrollton, Ga.
  Assistant Principal, Bowdon Elementary School, Carroll County Schools
  BA History
  MED Educational Leadership
  Class of 2006
• Carla Maner Duncan, Carrollton, Ga.
  Owner, The Nest
  BBA Marketing
  Class of 2009
• Nichole Dyer Fannin, Carrollton, Ga.
  Associate Director of Development, University of West Georgia
  BA Political Science
  MPA Public Administration
  Class of 2005
• Christina Figueroa, Harker Heights, Texas
  Associate Veterinarian, Killeen Veterinary Clinic
  BS Biology
  DVM
  Class of 2005
• Melinda Bellemare Hofius, Carrollton, Ga.
  Coordinator of Orientation, University of West Georgia
  BA Mass Communications
  Class of 2007
• Matias Marabotto, Carrollton, Ga.
  Instructional Designer and LMS Administrator, University of West Georgia
  BBA MIS
  Class of 2009
• Jessica Reynolds-Wiggins, Carrollton, Ga.
  Communications and Training Coordinator, Office of Downtown Development, Georgia Department of Community Affairs
  BFA Art
  Class of 2007
• Josh Stewart, Carrollton, Ga.
  Assistant Director of Facilities and Event Management, University of West Georgia
  BSR Parks and Recreation Management
  Class of 2006
• Lacey Smith Wilson, Chickamauga, Ga.
  Public Relations Coordinator, Blood Assurance
  BA Mass Communications
  Class of 2006
• Lauren Daigle Camp, Dallas, Ga.
  Teacher, Hiram Elementary, Paulding County Schools
  BSED Early Childhood Education
  Class of 2006
• Kyler Gamble Hembree, Dallas, Ga.
  Art teacher, South Paulding Middle School
  BFA Art
  Class of 2011
• Jacob Hawkins, Decatur, Ga.
  Media Relations Manager, Georgia Power Company
  BA Mass Communications
  Class of 2006
• Beth Walsh, Douglasville, Ga.
  Account Executive, Atlanta Dream
  BS Sport Management
  Class of 2011
• Chris LaMance, Moody, Ala.
  Associate Engineer, Honda
  BBA Management
  Class of 2010
• Blair Hooper Elrod, Rockmart, Ga.
  Corporate Account Executive, Six Flags Atlanta Properties
  BS Sports Management
  Class of 2011
• Jenni Caruso, Roswell, Ga.
  Clinician, Northside Psychological Services
  BA Psychology
  MED Guidance Counseling
  Class of 2007
• Chris Sink, Sharpsburg, Ga.
  Associate Director of Bands, Northgate High School, Coweta County Schools
  BM Music Education
  Class of 2008
• David Collings, Villa Rica, Ga.
  Owner and Lead Instructor, 5-Tools Sports Training Center
  BBA Business Marketing
  MBA Business Administration
  Class of 2009
• Kyle Newton, Villa Rica, Ga.
  Deputy Director of Governmental Affairs, Georgia Department of Education
  BS Political Science
  Class of 2011
• Brittany Jorge, Woodstock, Ga.
  Community Director, March of Dimes
  BA History
  Class of 2010