Brady was recently recognized on a statewide level for her achievement and service to her community when SC Biz named her to their Top 100 Women for 2026. 听

When looking for a college, Brady looked no further than her hometown, choosing Anderson for its feeling of community and the personal attention that has long been a hallmark of the University鈥檚 Pillar of鈥�Great Academics.听

Brady recalls, “It wasn’t so big that you were just a number. Everybody knows you when you walk around that campus. It鈥檚 just a good feeling.”听

Brady鈥檚 time at Anderson was filled with more than just rigorous coursework; it was a season in her life filled with opportunities to grow, thanks to a variety of activities on campus. She sang in the college choir, traveling as far as New Orleans and performing in the conservatory of Biltmore House at Christmas. She served as the commuter chairperson for the Student Government Association and worked phonathons for the Student Alumni Association. Also, she met her husband, Terry Brady, there; though they didn’t date until after they both graduated from Clemson, their shared history began in the halls of Anderson.听

After earning her master鈥檚 in special education, Brady embarked on a 28-year career in public education. She spent 11 years in Anderson School District 5, primarily at Lakeside Middle School, before moving to Lexington School District 1 in 2001.听

Teaching special education, particularly at the middle school level and later in an alternative school setting, required a unique blend of patience and empathy. For Brady, the reward wasn’t found in standardized test scores, but in the “lightbulb moments” when a struggling student finally grasped a difficult concept.听

“You don鈥檛 go into teaching expecting gratitude right away,” Brady explains. “You go in for the right reasons鈥攖o help others. Sometimes it takes years to see the impact.”听

That impact is often profound. Years later, students have reached out to her via social media to thank her for “pushing them through the difficult stuff.” One former student, who had been expelled and sent to her alternative program, recently messaged her after being promoted to a sales director role. He credited Brady with helping him get back on the right path.听

After 28 years in the classroom, Brady was ready for a change. However, with two sons in college, retirement would look different for her. “My husband told me, ‘You can retire from teaching, but you cannot quit working,'” she recalls. “I didn’t want to stop anyway.”听

Her transition into banking happened almost by chance at a party celebrating a friend鈥檚 daughter who was signing to play golf at a college in another state. Brady鈥檚 husband mentioned to an acquaintance in the banking industry that she was looking for a new challenge鈥攊t turns out they were looking for a teller.听听

Brady took the leap into banking, starting at the entry level. Within six months, she was promoted to customer service representative. A year-and-a-half later, she was named branch manager. After six years at her first bank, she moved to First Reliance Bank, where she continues to lead with the same heart she brought into her classroom.

Whether she was dealing with student-parent relationships or now her clients and banking team, Brady says, “It鈥檚 all about building trust.”听

In an era where banking is increasingly digital and automated, Brady leans into the human element. She understands that when clients walk into her branch, they aren’t just looking for a transaction; they are looking for reassurance. Whether it鈥檚 helping a client navigate a financial hardship or simply being a direct point of contact in a world of automated phone menus, Brady prioritizes the person over the process.听

“People like the reassurance of talking to a person,” she says. “They鈥檒l share what鈥檚 going on in their lives, and if they鈥檙e having difficulties, we do whatever we can to help so that life鈥檚 hardships don鈥檛 impact them financially.”听

For Brady, the鈥疓reat Purpose鈥�she discovered at 91福利社 has come full circle. From guiding a middle schooler toward a better future to helping a neighbor secure their financial legacy, her career remains a testament to the idea that when you put relationships first, success鈥攁nd honors like the Top 100 Women鈥攚ill naturally follow.听

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For Powell, the move marks both a professional milestone and a continuation of a lifelong passion for the arts.听

Growing up in Anderson, music came first for Powell. He started playing drums at age 7, played in church as a teenager and later learned bass guitar. Then visual arts entered the picture through work on his high school yearbook. That’s where hands-on graphic design sparked Powell鈥檚 imagination. When he arrived for college at Anderson, he was surrounded by faculty mentors committed to great academics who helped broaden his artistic horizons.听

Powell recalls long nights in campus studios and the guidance of professors who encouraged him to explore multiple artistic disciplines. What began as a graphic design major eventually became a degree in art education, opening the door to a career dedicated not only to creating art but also to helping others discover its power.听

His path was not a straight one. After graduation, art education positions were hard to find. Powell spent time as a behavior specialist in Kershaw County, worked as a contractor in Atlanta and began teaching in Anderson School District Five as a learning disabilities math teacher. Eventually, he found his way back to the visual art classroom, where he would spend the next two decades building programs and mentoring students.听

In his 21 years at Anderson School District Five, Powell became a driving force behind arts education in the district and beyond. He helped develop Southwood Academy of the Arts while teaching students in visual art and yearbook/journalism, served for 14 years as the district’s visual and performing arts coordinator, and launched and directed the Anderson Five Arts Consortium, a summer artistically gifted and talented program.听

During his years with Southwood Academy of the Arts, the school earned Palmetto’s Finest recognition and ranked among the state’s top-performing middle schools academically. Powell represented the district as Teacher of the Year while assuming leadership roles outside of his home district. He has served as president of the South Carolina Art Education Association and chaired Palmetto State Arts Education, helping cultivate professional development opportunities for educators across the state.听

After earning a second master’s degree in educational leadership and supervision in 2024, Powell began looking for ways to grow professionally. His new position at the Fine Arts Center means serving in more of a pure administrative role while remaining rooted in arts education.听

Powell looks forward to bringing his years of experience to the Fine Arts Center, a renowned magnet school serving more than 480 students from across Greenville County. The school offers intensive pre-professional training in disciplines ranging from architecture and creative writing to dance, digital filmmaking, music, theatre and visual arts, preparing them for success in higher education and potential scholarship opportunities.听

As assistant director, his responsibilities range from supporting teachers and overseeing student transportation to coordinating school safety and helping guide instructional goals. It is a significant shift for someone who spent years teaching, but one he welcomes as a chance to keep learning.听

Powell believes the arts are an essential aspect of a well-rounded education and a fulfilling life. He sees arts education as a way to help students build creativity, problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills while developing a broader understanding of the world around them. Those skills support student engagement, academic success, and preparation for life beyond school.听听

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Today, Hanks, an Anderson graduate and Belton-Honea Path High School business teacher, and computer science instructor has been recognized as Teacher of the Year, an honor made even more meaningful because it came from the people who know her work best: her fellow educators. 听

“Honored is an understatement,” Hanks said of her recognition. “There are so many wonderful teachers on this campus. Just to be nominated is beyond me, but to be voted by my peers is just an honor that can’t be explained.”听听

What makes her story particularly compelling is that teaching was never part of the original plan.听

Hanks grew up in a home where business was a family affair. Her mother worked as a chief financial officer and her father owned a business. Dinner table conversations revolved around budgets, management and entrepreneurship, and Hanks expected to follow a similar path. She earned a business degree from 91福利社 in 2005 and even turned down a job with a financial firm during her senior year. 听

Then life took an unexpected turn.听

After graduation, Hanks accepted a position at 91福利社. What she thought would be a temporary stop became a transformative experience. Working alongside mentors such as Dr. Carol Karnes and Dr. Danny Mynatt, she saw education from a different perspective. Their commitment to students showed her that teaching was about far more than academics.听听

A defining moment came when students began visiting her office, sharing their feelings of uncertainty about their futures.听

“They were in a panic because what they thought they wanted to do in life wasn’t necessarily what they wanted anymore,” Hanks recalled. Watching that anxiety unfold convinced her that students needed guidance much earlier in their educational journey.听听

Then came a series of emails from a former principal at Belton-Honea Path, the school she had graduated from in 2001. The message was simple: there was a teaching opportunity, and they believed she would be a perfect fit. Hanks could not stop thinking about the students she wanted to help.听

She took the leap and never looked back.听

Today, Hanks teaches business and computer science classes with a philosophy shaped by her own unconventional journey. Rather than focusing solely on grades or finished products, she encourages students to explore what genuinely excites them.听

“When students work on things they love, that’s where the true ownership takes place,” she said. Whether they are designing websites, building apps, or creating programs, she believes learning happens best when students have a personal connection to their work.听听

Her commitment to students is rooted in community as much as education. Returning to teach at the school where she once sat as a student carries special meaning. BHP serves both Belton and Honea Path, and many of the educators in the district are graduates themselves. Hanks now works alongside friends she has known nearly her entire life.听

“It’s a special place working in the community in which you grew up,” she said.

That strong sense of connection has defined much of her life. At 91福利社, Hanks competed on the Women’s Tennis Team, earned numerous academic honors, and participated in a community revitalization project through a HUD grant that helped residents of the Reed Street community in the city of Anderson envision a brighter future. The experience deepened her belief in the power of investing in people and communities. 听

Now, years later, that same investment is visible in her classroom.听

When asked what advice she would give young people considering a career in teaching, Hanks says, “Do it. Do not hesitate. It is truly a privilege for us to wake up every morning and choose to be joyful.” 听

For Hanks, teaching is more than a profession. It’s an opportunity to help students see possibilities they may not yet see in themselves.听

“We are a profession that creates professions,” she said.听听

That belief, combined with her passion for students and her hometown roots, helps explain why her colleagues selected her as Teacher of the Year. The award recognizes excellence in the classroom, but Hanks’ story reveals something deeper: a woman who found her own purpose by helping others discover theirs.听听

The post From Financial Planner to Teacher of the Year: How Ashley Hanks Found Her True Calling appeared first on 91福利社.

An 91福利社 graduate is spreading the word, 鈥淚f you can tap to pay, you can tap to pray.鈥�

Josh Cauthen, a 2007 AU business graduate, grew up in Anderson and decided to stay home and attend 91福利社. Cauthen describes his time at 91福利社 as a time of personal growth and forging lasting relationships.

Through a new leadership development program, Cauthen found his way into the aisles of Home Depot working as a field sales representative for TTI, a major manufacturer of power tools. He started in a sales role and then moved into the corporate office.

After 17 years of climbing the corporate ladder at TTI, Cauthen joined forces with Brian Hobbs, a former TTI colleague, at a company he founded, Versible. Using his years of experience from the ever-expanding power tool and outdoor equipment market, Cauthen is enjoying a new leadership role, marketing a wide variety of wearables鈥攖actical keychains, wristbands, jewelry and other items.

Cauthen credits his passion for his new career at Versible to serving out his Christian faith, but also to his wife Lindley and daughters Ramsey and Everly.

Versible鈥檚 products are stylish and cool, but their real beauty lies within.

He explains that when a user simply places their smartphone close to or over the tag on one of their items, up pops a prompt they can tap to access a daily Bible verse, prayer and other resources to help them strengthen their relationship with God.

Cauthen is quick to point out that Tap To Pray is easy to use and require no apps to download, regardless of the type of smartphone.

鈥淲e look at these products as kind of a fire starter. It鈥檚 not where someone can read the Bible cover to cover, but it could be a spark鈥攖hat starting point to encourage someone to pick up the Bible, get into a small group or build community. We ultimately want to create a daily habit of tapping and receiving a bible verse and prayer, incorporating NFC technology in products that are a part of your 鈥渄aily鈥� routine. Not everyone wears a bracelet, but you could carry a cup or water bottle with a Vinyl sticker, a magnetic wallet on your phone or even a lanyard with your ID that have Tap To Pray,鈥� Cauthen said.

The mission of Versible is simple鈥攈onor God, share Jesus and help others. Versible donates 20 percent of its proceeds from every Tap To Pray product sold, supporting organizations like the Tim Tebow Foundation in their fight to prevent, rescue and restore victims of human trafficking.

Versible also has a close relationship with Vida Plena, an organization that rescues human trafficking victims. Based in the Dominican Republic, Vida Plena helps human trafficking victims who come from Haiti to start new lives, offering daily classes, counseling, healthcare and scholarships. They also offer full-time work at more than double the market rate and help them become legal residents of the Dominican Republic. Through Vida Plena, Versible offers an array of jewelry items handcrafted by more than 60 women who were rescued from human trafficking.

Versible, whose warehouse is located in Anderson, is a local and family-owned B2B and B2C business with thousands of customers coast to coast.

To learn more about Versible, please visit .

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91福利社 Celebrated more than 800 graduates in two ceremonies on its historic Alumni Lawn鈥攁 commencement for undergraduate students on Friday morning, May 8, and a commencement for graduate students on Saturday morning, May 9.听听

The speaker for the Friday ceremony was President Emeritus of Rhodes College Dr. William E. Troutt. Dr. Troutt became President Emeritus of Rhodes College in 2017 after leading the college as president since 1999. Prior to Rhodes, he served as president of Belmont University for 17 years.听

Characterizing him as a master builder of educational institutions, 91福利社 President, Dr. Evans P. Whitaker, who served with Dr. Troutt at Belmont, said of him, 鈥淢any leaders manage organizations. Dr. Troutt built cultures, planting seeds whose harvest will come for generations.鈥�听

Dr. Troutt urged the 2026 graduates to live their lives guided by a grateful heart.听

鈥淏eginning each day and living each day with a grateful heart will be a game changer鈥攁听game changer for you and everyone you encounter,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou can start every morning simply by giving thanks to God for the day that lies ahead. Focusing on blessings big or small will keep you anchored in God’s goodness. Each day presents countless opportunities to express gratitude and kindness to others.鈥�听

The speaker for the Saturday ceremony was Dr. Hesham Elnakib, Distinguished University Professor of History, Political Science and International Diplomacy at 91福利社. Throughout his career in the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Elnakib has held several senior leadership positions, including serving at the Egyptian Embassy in Washington, D.C. 听

Dr. Elnakib shared with graduates about how, after serving many years as a diplomat working in international relations, diplomacy and global engagement, he found completeness in serving as an ambassador to Jesus Christ. Sharing scripture from the Apostle Paul and the Psalms, Dr. Elnakib urged the 2026 graduates to be on mission to serve others and to choose to live with integrity.听

鈥沦erving others in your work instead of focusing only on yourself… No matter what you do in life, you can live out your mission right where you are. You don鈥檛 have to leave your career to find it. You live it every day by how you treat people, how you lead and the values you choose to stand by, even when it鈥檚not easy,” Dr. Elnakib said. 鈥淵our mission is your compass. Keep your eyes on it, and don鈥檛 let anything pull you away from it.鈥�听

In addition to degrees conferred to Anderson graduates, ceremony highlights included AU Board of Trust Chair Shawn McGee giving the invocation in the Friday ceremony and Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board of Trust Dr. Margaret Wooten in the Saturday ceremony. Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Fritz Moise gave the benediction during the Friday ceremony, and Associate Dean of Education in the Graduate Program Julie Smart gave the benediction in the Saturday ceremony.听听

During the Friday ceremony, D鈥橝ndre Hicks, student body president, presented the Class Gift, a black marble emblem to be installed at the Merritt Administration Building, inscribed with the concluding words of the Alma Mater, “We know we love our alma mater, We know the joy of life she brings, Ah but there鈥檚 one thing that only God can know; what Anderson means to me.鈥�听

Former Anderson President Dr. Lee Royce received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree. Dr. Royce was president from 1995 until 2002, presiding over a period of significant growth in enrollment and the size of the endowment. He was succeeded by President Whitaker, who credited Dr. Royce with turning around the then two-year college during desperate times. 听

Recognizing her sacrificial and outstanding service to Anderson as First Lady alongside her husband, current First Lady Diane Whitaker presented Rhoda Royce with the Annie Dove Denmark Award.听听

In the Saturday ceremony, University Provost Ryan Neal presented posthumous Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership听to Ryan Gaither Karp, who was on track to graduate in May. The degree was presented to his wife Jessica and their three children.听

Ruby Dean and D鈥橝ndre Hicks received the President鈥檚 Award. The Michael Bolles Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Professor Lauren Imhoff of the South Carolina School of the Arts.听听

Students and faculty from the South Carolina School of the Arts at 91福利社 presented musical selections throughout the ceremonies.听听

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The Rotunda was gifted to the University by an anonymous supporter, with other individuals providing their support as well.

After nearly two decades of service to 91福利社, Dr. Talmadge died in 2020. Additionally, he taught at the Billy Graham Center and was a member of Boulevard Baptist Church in Anderson. His wife, Billie, lives in Florida with family.

鈥淔or nearly 20 years, on this campus, Dr. Talmadge influenced, shaped and bettered the lives of countless young minds and the colleagues with whom he served,鈥� said 91福利社 President Evans P. Whitaker, Ph.D. 鈥淚t appropriately epitomizes the life of its namesake: an intelligent, wise, kind, thoughtful, humorous, and steady Christian gentleman who was a giant among AU leaders. All his life, Paul quietly, humbly, and thoroughly made life a little easier and more beautiful for those around him.鈥�

The structure is known as a 鈥渢emple鈥� or 鈥済arden folly.鈥� It鈥檚 not a temple in the religious sense, but rather as a 鈥渢emple of ideas鈥� and a testament to Dr. Talmadge鈥檚 lifelong commitment to teaching and learning.

The name and inscription add to the campus鈥檚 unique identity rooted in its history and values. The rotunda doesn鈥檛 just tell a story; it honors Dr. Talmadge and connects the campus to timeless philosophical ideals, becoming a physical representation of the University鈥檚 commitment to cultivating not just knowledge, but also personal integrity and the classical virtues around which society is built and grows stronger.

鈥淢ay this rotunda, the words inscribed on it, and the man for whom it honors always point and remind our students, our campus family, and the Anderson community of the character, love, and perfection of Jesus,鈥� President Whitaker said.

鈥淭his great man may no longer be with us, but his impact, contributions and even footprint are yet still evident among us,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t is this University鈥檚 hope that this rotunda鈥攎uch like Paul Talmadge did in his life鈥攚ill encourage us and remind us that character is destiny. This holds true in Scripture, in that a person鈥檚 moral qualities profoundly shape their life in the here and now.鈥�

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鈥淭hey never forget how you make them feel. I always want all my students to believe they are the best,鈥� Gray said, adding, 鈥淥nce you鈥檙e in my class, you鈥檙e always one of my kids.鈥�听

Gray, an 91福利社 graduate, takes to heart the importance of being a positive mentor to students who come into her classroom at ACE Academy, a new alternative elementary school in Anderson District 5. Photos of every student she鈥檚 taught grace a door in her room, serving as a reminder of why she鈥檚 there.听

Because of all that, ACE Academy recognized Gray, a graduate of the 91福利社 College of Education, as their Teacher of the Year. She鈥檚 pictured above with Principal Josh Bacchus.听

Gray, who initially received her Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Resources from Anderson, didn鈥檛 initially want to teach. While a student studying human services, she did an internship with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and worked in the Anderson County Solicitor’s Office. She also was the Drug Court Coordinator for Anderson County, a job she held for six years. 听

When she and her husband talked of plans for starting a family, she decided to go back to school and become a certified teacher. A few years into her teaching career, Gray returned to 91福利社, where she earned her master鈥檚 degree in education.听

鈥淲hen I decided to go back to school,鈥� Gray recalls, 鈥淚 was a working adult and was pregnant at the time with my second child. It was so convenient because I was a听teacher at Concord Elementary and went to school (at 91福利社) at night. It was exactly what I needed. You can’t beat the professors and the help and support that you get.鈥�听

Having been named Teacher of the Year at her former school, Concord Elementary, and at Anderson Adult Education, she jokingly says of her latest honor that the third time is a charm.听

鈥�Now I think after being selected by my peers three times, it’s very clear where I’m supposed to be,” Gray said. 鈥淚’m just trying to be an encouragement and a positive role model for all these kids who need me, and I need them just as much as they need me.鈥�听

“I come from a divorced family,” Gray said. “Thank goodness I had a strong steady support system, but so many don’t have that.鈥� Thinking of the children in her classroom today, she reflects, 鈥淏ut for God’s grace, this could have been my life. And so, we’re just here as a team to fully support however we can.鈥�听

91福利社 College of Education Dean Dr. Channon Horn said, 鈥�Lani is a testament to the power of a passionate, dedicated, quality educator who intentionally invests in the lives of her students. Mrs. Gray fulfills the mission of the College of Education at 91福利社 well. We are proud of her accomplishments!鈥�听

Gray will never forget one experience of being there for one of her students.听

鈥沦he brought me a little piece of paper and wrote down when her basketball game schedule was at the rec center. I walk in and her eyes just are like, 鈥楳iss Gray, what are you doing here?鈥� I said, 鈥榃ell, I’m here for you. You gave me the calendar.鈥欌��听

Looking back on that day, Gray commented, 鈥淚 think just allowing them to let me come to another part of their life out to the school… It meant a lot to me. I know it meant a lot to her, too.鈥�听

Gray鈥檚 oldest daughter Catherine is a junior at Anderson majoring in Nursing. Her in-laws, George and Barbara (Merck) Gray, also attended Anderson. All that said, 91福利社 is a family tradition. They recently celebrated George and Barbara鈥檚 fiftieth wedding anniversary in the Banquet Hall of theStudent Center at听and love coming out to football games in the fall to cheer on the Trojans.听听

鈥淚t鈥檚 really a 360鈥攁 circle that鈥檚 been completed in lots of ways,鈥� she said.听

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In all, 960 supporters provided 1,057 gifts and pledges to put the 2026 A Day total over the million mark.听

鈥�Together, we have shown the true spirit of 91福利社. To our friends, alumni, faculty, staff, and students鈥攖hank you for making A Day a remarkable success. Your generosity and passion have strengthened the bonds that make our university a place we all love,鈥� said Executive Director of Annual Giving Chad Alewine.听

鈥淎 Day at 91福利社 is proof that, when our community comes together with purpose and heart, we can achieve the extraordinary,鈥� said 91福利社 Senior Vice President for Development and Presidential Affairs Wayne Landrith.听

Every A Day gift impacts one of the following areas: academic achievement, athletic endeavors, campus enhancements, ministry opportunities, student scholarships or the senior class gift.听

Pictured are some of the festivities on campus during the 2026 A Day.

One of the most important days of the year at 91福利社, A Day was re-instituted as an annual event in 2017. Since then, supporters have generously provided nearly $4 million, helping transform AU into the largest private university in South Carolina and one of the fastest growing private colleges or universities in the United States.听

Please view this special video.听

To give to 91福利社 or learn more about areas worthy of support, please visit the Office of Development鈥�web page.鈥�听

The post More than $1 Million Raised During A Day appeared first on 91福利社.

GREEN Charter Spartanburg celebrated听Goodwin鈥檚听unwavering dedication to special education and her ability to create an environment where every student feels valued and capable of success.听

“I am truly honored to receive the nomination and subsequent awarding of Teacher of the Year for GREEN Charter Spartanburg,”听said Goodwin. “I have always dreamt of being a teacher and advocating for students with disabilities. Having my peers recognize my heart and passion for exceptional students is an honor.”听

As a special education teacher, Goodwin works with students who need extra guidance and encouragement, including managing the school’s self-contained classroom鈥攁 role that requires extraordinary patience,听skill听and dedication. Her colleagues say she approaches this demanding responsibility with both compassion and professionalism, ensuring each student receives the individualized support they need to thrive.听

“One of the most remarkable aspects of Lauren’s work is her role in teaching and managing our self-contained class,” said听Chastiva听Henderson, a sixth-grade English Language Arts teacher at GREEN Charter. “Lauren approaches this responsibility with compassion and professionalism, ensuring that her students receive the individualized support and structure they need to thrive. Her ability to balance these demanding responsibilities while still supporting other teachers is a true testament to her leadership and heart for education.”听

But Goodwin’s influence extends far beyond her own classroom. She serves as a resource and an advocate throughout the school, building strong relationships with parents, families, general education听teachers听and support staff. Her collaborative approach ensures that students receive consistent support across all aspects of their educational experience.听

“One of her greatest strengths is the strong relationships she builds with everyone involved in a student’s success,” said Jennie Lewis, a fellow special education teacher. “She fosters trusting partnerships with parents and families, maintains open and consistent communication and collaborates effectively with general education teachers and support staff. Students feel safe, valued, and understood in听her听classroom, which allows them to thrive academically and听emotionally.”听

Lewis added that听Goodwin听often works听beyond school hours听to ensure her students听receive the services,听accommodations听and opportunities they deserve, adding that she听regularly spends听several听hours after work collaborating with colleagues, refining instructional plans, and completing thorough, well-organized documentation.听

For Goodwin, the work is deeply personal and rooted in a fundamental belief about what every child deserves.听

“Every student deserves to have a place where they feel loved,听where they feel听welcomed and where they feel they belong,” Goodwin said. “Every听child should听deserve to feel like they have a future and that the future is possible, no matter their limitations. Being able to support my students and help create a better future that is inclusive and accepting is one of the greatest joys of my life.”听

Through her work, Goodwin reminds the GREEN Charter community daily that success looks different for everyone, and that every student deserves someone in their corner cheering them on. Her patience,听humor听and problem-solving skills have made her an invaluable member of the school family.听

“Your impact reaches far beyond the听classroom听and we are lucky to have you as part of our school family,” the school community shared in recognizing her achievement.听

Lewis summed up what sets Goodwin apart from other educators: “Beyond her technical skill and work ethic, what truly sets her apart is her heart. She approaches her work with empathy, patience, and a deep belief in the potential of every child she serves. Her dedication inspires those around her and makes a lasting impact on the students, families, and colleagues fortunate enough to work with her.”听

As Goodwin continues her work at GREEN Charter School, she carries forward the mission she developed during her time at 91福利社 College of Education鈥攅nsuring that every student, regardless of their challenges, has access to an education that honors their potential and prepares them for a bright future.听

Her recognition as Teacher of the Year stands as a testament to 91福利社鈥檚 pillar of Great Academics, as well as to her professional excellence and to the transformative power of educators who听truly believe听in the limitless potential of every child they serve.听

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鈥�We work with听public and听private colleges and universities throughout the Southeast. My day-to-day could be working on renovations or new buildings for technical colleges or four-year universities in the Carolinas, Tennessee, or Georgia.鈥澨�听

She says that being promoted to a senior associate听is something a designer听attains听in recognition of their commitment to the firm and a desire to continue to strive for design excellence, while helping to mentor younger designers.听

According to School of Interior Design Dean Anne Martin, 鈥淚t鈥檚 rare for a graduate to receive a senior associate position within 10 years of their graduation; however, this remarkable accomplishment does not surprise me as Melissa demonstrated remarkable project management skills and talent as a student of interior design as well as leadership in her role as president of the student chapter of the American Society of Interior Design (ASID).鈥�听

Jakobowski says of her promotion,听鈥淚t happened naturally, from going out on business development opportunities and career fairs, collaborating with others in the design field and mentoring those that are entering the field soon.听I鈥檓听doing what I love and helping to promote the wonderful work听we鈥檙e听doing here at MPS.鈥�听

In 2022, The International Interior Design Association (IIDA)听recognized Jakobowski and her team at McMillan Pazdan Smith for design excellence on a project to enhance a teen space for the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library in Conyers, Georgia.听

Jakobowski feels听she鈥檚听achieved听her听project鈥檚听goal when she听gets positive feedback听from听students using spaces she and her team designed.听She鈥檚听gratified听to hear how听the听students are听engaging with听inviting spaces MPS has designed听and how听they’re听excited to show up for their classes and听labs.听

Jakobowski enjoys returning to 91福利社 periodically to interact with current Interior Design students. She also feels blessed to be able to听work with AU students who enter her firm as interns.听听

鈥淲e’ve had some Anderson interns over the last few years; we鈥檝e currently got one working with us part time, which has been great, and we take any opportunity we can to review student projects,鈥� she said.听

Jakobowski鈥檚 advice to those entering interior design is to be willing to work hard听and also听take every opportunity possible to connect with people in the field.听听

鈥淢ake those connections, ask questions, stay engaged, always be curious and learning. Don’t wait around for someone to bring something up, but really take that initiative, pushing yourself to grow more,鈥� she said, adding that involvement in professional organizations including ASID and IIDA are invaluable sources of opportunities and experiences to help students grow as designers during their college years and in their subsequent careers. Jakobowski was involved in both organizations as a student and was president for the ASID student chapter at 91福利社. She continues to be actively involved in IIDA as professional member.听

The听91福利社 School of Interior Design听

The听91福利社 School of Interior Design听is one of only nine such programs to be offered in a Christian institution of higher learning and has graduates working as professional interior designers across the nation and internationally.听

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