DeRetta Rhodes named 2026 UGA Footsteps Award recipient
DeRetta Rhodes (BSFCS ’92, PhD ’10) was selected as the 2026 Footsteps Award recipient, in honor of her impact on the community. The award is named to recognize the three students who helped to integrate the university in the 1960s: Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Hamilton Holmes and Mary Frances Early, and honors alumni who follow in the footsteps of these trailblazers. Rhodes was chosen by a committee of University of Georgia faculty, staff and students.
Rhodes serves as executive vice president and chief people, culture and strategy officer for the Atlanta Braves, where she leads human resources, culture and engagement strategy efforts across the organization. A nationally recognized leader in organizational development, she has built a career focused on strengthening workplace culture, advancing leadership development and driving meaningful community impact.
A two-time UGA graduate, Rhodes has remained closely connected to her alma mater and is dedicated to mentoring students and supporting initiatives that prepare future leaders for success. Her work reflects a deep commitment to empowering individuals, fostering welcoming environments and creating pathways for both personal and professional growth.
Her leadership has been widely recognized. Rhodes is a recipient of the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award and has been named one of the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “100 Women of Influence” multiple times. She has also earned national recognition as a top HR leader and has been honored among leading women in sports and business.
Rhodes also serves on several high-impact boards and civic organizations, including the executive board of the Atlanta Braves Foundation, where she helps guide philanthropic efforts across Braves Country. Her service to UGA includes her current role on the UGA Alumni Association Board of Directors and her past presidency of the Family and Consumer Sciences Alumni Board.
Most recently, Rhodes deepened her impact on the university by endowing a scholarship for a FACS student, ensuring future generations will benefit from expanded educational opportunities.
“The University of Georgia is fortunate to have alumni like Dr. Rhodes, whose leadership and dedication to people-centered work is transforming organizations and communities alike,” said Jill Walton, vice president for development and alumni relations. “Her commitment to uplifting others and cultivating strong workplace cultures exemplifies the spirit of the Footsteps Award.”
Last year, Dr. Michael V. Smith (BSA ’79) was honored with the Footsteps Award, following retired Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Benham in 2024, Richard Dunn and Xernona Thomas in 2023, and Eugenia Harvey in 2022.
Rhodes was honored during the annual 1961 Club Celebration on June 5 in Atlanta—an event recognizing donors committed to undergraduate student success through the 1961 Club, whose members support the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund with gifts of $19.61, $196.10, or $1,961.
