Morgan HayesJulianna McGahee, an student in the , has been selected as 黑料正能量鈥檚 representative for the 2025 Academic Recognition Day.
This annual honor celebrates outstanding academic achievement among students at Georgia鈥檚 public colleges and universities. Each institution selects one undergraduate student who demonstrates exceptional academic performance, strong character and leadership. Honorees were recognized by the and received a formal letter of commendation from , chancellor of the University System of Georgia.
鈥淪he is driven not just to succeed in school but to use her education to serve others and improve her community.鈥�’
William Hatcher, PhD, chair of the Department of Social Sciences
Although she began her college experience as an major, McGahee quickly realized her interests and talents lay elsewhere. After a brief time studying , she came across AU’s program and immediately knew it was the right fit.
鈥淚 read the description and thought, ‘This is everything I love,’鈥� McGahee said. 鈥淲riting, journalism and nonprofit work are all things I always dreamed of doing but never saw as real career options before.鈥�
Since changing her major, McGahee has found success in many areas. She writes for the student newspaper, , and her contributions go beyond typical classroom assignments as she serves as the department鈥檚 lead student social media specialist.
鈥淪he always prepares so well for everything she does,鈥� said , PhD, chair and associate professor of Communication. 鈥淪he is thoughtful, reliable and consistently goes above and beyond.鈥�
McGahee is also completing her bachelor鈥檚 degree while enrolled in the university鈥檚 accelerated program. This challenging path allows her to take graduate-level courses as an undergraduate, something only a few students qualify for.
鈥淛ulianna is the perfect choice for this honor,鈥� said , PhD, chair of the . 鈥淪he is driven not just to succeed in school but to use her education to serve others and improve her community.鈥�’
Outside the classroom, Julianna is involved in Campus Outreach, where she has grown personally and spiritually.
鈥淐ommunication helped me find my voice,鈥� she said. 鈥淐ampus Outreach helped me find my people.鈥�
McGahee鈥檚 recognition reflects her passion, leadership and commitment to learning.
鈥淚 am thrilled for Julianna to receive this prestigious honor,” said , PhD, program director of AU’s MPA program and professor in the Department of Social Sciences. “She is a model student who is driven by her curiosity and a passion for learning.”