Athens Local Grows Professional Roots with Online Graduate Degree
Athens Local Grows Professional Roots with Online Graduate Degree
Meet Abby Bryant
Abby Bryant was born and raised a Dawgs fan in Athens, Georgia. Before pursuing an
online graduate degree at the University of Georgia, Bryant earned her BBA in Marketing at Georgia College State University.
Once Bryant graduated from GCSU, she applied her education to her role as a Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator for First American Bank & Trust. After six years with First American, Bryant returned to her roots to work for UGA. In 2016, she became the Assistant director of Donor Relations and Stewardship at the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Why UGA Online?
Bryant attributes her role in donor relations as inspiration for pursuing her online Master of Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development. Studying online allowed her to, “continue living my life and doing all the things I love, all while engaging in my studies.”
Aside from growing up in Athens, Bryant said she chose UGA because, “Red and black is in my blood.”
Programs for personal and professional growth
Bryant especially appreciates how the M.Ed. in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development allowed her to meet people from many different backgrounds from across the country. In a professional sense, Bryant’s experience expanded her knowledge and her network. She also has increased her confidence and her abilities in this brief two year program.
Bryant hopes to continue strengthening her career by applying her education and experience. She says, “our work is bigger than ourselves as our purpose is to better the lives of others.” Bryant describes her gratitude for the program by explaining how it has allowed her to grow in her position with the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine.
Bryant advises those considering an online program to know that is is not only a great way to challenge yourself, but to give yourself the chance to break out of your comfort zone, meet classmates, and build relationships with professors. She said, “a little effort goes a long way, and you may find yourself with a new group of lifelong friends (some of whom you may have only met online!).”
Written by: