Dear Alumni Family,
It is an honor and distinct privilege to serve as the next UGA Black Alumni Leadership Council president! I am committed to building upon the strong legacy and foundation set by those who served in this role before me, ensuring that their remarkable work serves as a springboard for even greater accomplishments in the future. I look forward to serving in this esteemed position and working alongside a distinguished group of individuals dedicated to advancing our beloved alma mater.
As I reflect on my own UGA journey as a first-generation college student, I am filled with deep gratitude for the transformative impact this institution has had on my own life. UGA not only provided me a world-class education, but also a nurturing environment where I discovered that the possibilities of what I could become and achieve were limitless. I owe this privilege to the remarkable trailblazers who exhibited unwavering courage, achieved remarkable milestones, and fought tirelessly to break down barriers so a UGA education was accessible to all of us. Their determination and resilience paved the way for our success, and it is our duty to honor their legacy by ensuring that future generations have equal opportunities to thrive at UGA.
We bear a shared responsibility to pay homage to the exceptional achievements of our trailblazers Dr. Hamilton Holmes Sr. (BS ’63), Charlayne Hunter-Gault (ABJ ’63), and Mary Frances Early (MMED ’62, EDS ’67) for giving back to the next generation of Black students so that they may flourish and leave their own lasting legacy.
Together, we will continue the legacy of Black excellence and leadership that has become synonymous with UGA’s Black Alumni. I am in awe of the remarkable accomplishments and profound impact that our community of more than 20,000 living Black alumni has made. The transformative journeys, groundbreaking achievements, and positive change you have brought to the world are truly inspiring. As alumni, we hold the power to serve as beacons of inspiration to current students, showcasing the boundless possibilities that await them beyond graduation.
Let us continue to uplift and support the next generation, empowering them to dream big, overcome challenges, and make their own indelible mark on the world. Together, we are a force that can shape the future and inspire greatness.
As I step into the role of president, I am excited to embrace an extraordinary team of council members who share a deep passion for the university and are dedicated to fulfilling our mission of recruiting, retaining, engaging, donating and serving. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to connect with all of you and our students!
Go Dawgs!
Shayla Hill (BBA ’08)
President, Black Alumni Leadership Council
