Commence to Greatness: UWG Highlights Spring Grads Share this pageShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linkedin

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Daniel Asante

Daniel Asante has always been drawn to spaces where people feel supported, and at UWG, he’s worked to create exactly that. Earning his master’s degree in professional counseling today, Daniel is passionate about advocating for mental health support for African American males, and his commitment has earned him a place in the prestigious National Board for Certified Counselors Minority Fellowship Program, where he’ll join a national cohort of emerging leaders working to serve underserved populations. As a graduate assistant for UWG’s Legacy League program, Daniel builds lasting relationships with students and partners like the Carroll County NAACP, creating programs that foster connection and community. Daniel’s future plans include becoming a licensed professional counselor and eventually opening a practice that serves communities in both the U.S. and his home country of Ghana, where mental health resources are often limited. Congratulations, Daniel! 

Cameron Bligen

When Cameron Bligen first stepped onto the University of West Georgia’s campus, he carried with him a vision bigger than himself: a vision to bring Wall Street to Maple Street. As a finance major in the Richards College of Business, Cameron quickly began serving as President of the Finance Club and launched the Wolves of Wall Street, an event series that brought finance executives from New York and Washington D.C. to share their insights with students. Not only did Cameron organize on-campus events that brought high-level finance professionals to UWG, but he also planned trips that took UWG business students to Wall Street and leadership conferences across the country. Now, as he graduates, Cameron’s journey comes full circle. He’s not just learning about the financial world—he’s joining it. He is headed to New York City to begin his career with Citibank’s Commercial Bank Industrials Group, where he will continue chasing big dreams and opening even bigger doors. Congratulations, Cameron! 

Jewell Burson

Fueled by a love of learning, Jewell Burson has never been one to take the traditional path. After earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from UWG in 2024, she chose to return for a second bachelor’s degree – this time in philosophy – driven by a passion for ethics, critical thinking, and deep inquiry. Through her studies in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Jewell maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA in philosophy and stood out as a top scholar in her field. This spring, she presented her ethics research at the prestigious National Conference on Undergraduate Research. With both degrees in hand and a strong foundation in logic and moral reasoning, Jewell plans to begin law school this fall. She has already been accepted to elite law schools at George Washington University and Washington & Lee – with more decisions to come. Wherever she chooses to go, Jewell is ready to bring her intellectual curiosity and ethical lens to the legal field, shaping a career of impact and integrity. Congratulations, Jewell! 

Seth Carter

Sometimes, following your passion – especially when it challenges expectations – can lead to a purpose-driven life that makes a lasting difference in the lives of others. Seth Carter began his college career studying information systems but soon realized his heart was in teaching – an epiphany inspired by his mother, an educator. Transferring to the College of Education, he found his calling in early childhood education. A classroom observation of a male Pre-K teacher opened Seth’s eyes to the unique and powerful role men can play in young children’s lives. Since then, he has flourished – first as an assistant teacher at UWG’s Early Learning Center, then in his placement at Carrollton City Schools, where his warmth, creativity, and ability to connect with children stood out. Seth’s impact is undeniable, and the ELC is proud to name him Lead Teacher while he pursues a master’s degree in elementary education, after which he hopes to continue teaching in the local community. Keep up the excellent work, Seth! 

Jada Hatcher

Resilience in the face of loss and setbacks can lead not only to personal growth but also to a deeper sense of purpose. Jada Hatcher’s journey to becoming a nurse was deeply shaped by the loss of her mother to cancer, whose strength during her illness continues to inspire her. Despite beginning at UWG during the isolating days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jada found community through sisterhood in Alpha Kappa Alpha while pursuing her degree from the Tanner Health School of Nursing. A setback in a math class tested her confidence, but with her family’s support and her memory of her mother’s resilience, she returned stronger, ultimately earning an “A” in the course she once failed. Her time as a student success coach gave her the chance to uplift others while growing herself. After discovering a calling in Labor and Delivery, Jada now aspires to become a nurse midwife. Through grief, academic challenges, and personal growth, she has remained committed to her dreams. Today, she looks ahead with faith, hoping to begin her career in Women’s Services near her sister in Texas. We’re proud of you, Jada, and we know your mom is, too. Congratulations! 

Mariah Hendricks

Mariah Hendricks, graduating today with her bachelor’s degree in special education, found her calling not in a moment of ease, but during a challenge. As a mother of two sons on the autism spectrum, Mariah often had to leave work to support her oldest during difficult school days. One day, she realized rather than constantly stepping away, she could step into the classroom itself. That moment of clarity became a mission. After earning her associate degree in biology, Mariah enrolled at UWG to pursue her bachelor's in special education, driven by a desire to make a difference not only for her children but for every student like them. Today, Mariah serves as a paraprofessional in an autism-centered classroom in Douglas County Schools – the same room she’ll lead later this year as a certified teacher. For Mariah, this is a powerful reminder that the best educators are often those who understand their students most deeply because they’ve walked that road themselves. 

Sage Mickey

Sage Mickey’s journey at the University of West Georgia began with dreams of playing collegiate softball – a goal she pursued with determination until a shoulder injury just weeks before move-in required her to undergo surgery. Though she worked tirelessly through rehabilitation and remained committed to the team, a reinjury less than a year later meant making the heartbreaking decision to step away from the sport she loved. Yet in that difficult moment, Sage found new purpose. She transitioned into a student assistant role with UWG Softball and soon discovered a passion for sports operations that would shape her future. With support from faculty mentors like Trent Ross – who, in a full-circle moment, will receive his doctorate later today – Sage thrived in the sport management program. She built an impressive résumé through roles with the Boston Red Sox, the PGA Tour, and the Atlanta Falcons. While finishing her degree, Sage balanced her education with a full-time role with Visit Panama City Beach, commuting the five hours weekly and maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average. With her degree in hand, she will serve as Special Events Coordinator with Visit Panama City Beach, where she helps create lifelong memories for thousands of families. Congratulations, Sage! 

Trent North

Trent North’s time at the University of West Georgia began in 1986 as a first-generation college student with a passion for public service. Starting as a political science major, he went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UWG – and now, he adds a third degree to his résumé as he graduates today with a doctorate in school improvement. A trailblazer in Georgia’s education system, Trent became the first Black principal in Carrollton City Schools and currently serves as superintendent of the Douglas County School System, where he leads more than 26,000 students and 4,000 employees with vision and compassion. Under his leadership, the district has earned both state and national recognition, including his distinction as Georgia Superintendent of the Year in 2023 and a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year in 2024. Trent remains a champion for UWG through service on university boards and efforts to elevate student success. His story is one of perseverance, leadership, and a deep belief in the transformative power of education. Congratulations, Trent! 

Delight Okere

When Delight Okere arrived in the United States from Nigeria in August 2022, she brought with her a vision to pursue a degree in biology and prepare for a future in medicine. Just three years later, she’s graduating from the Dr. James ‘Earl’ Perry College of Mathematics, Computing, and Sciences with a 4.0 GPA, an Honors distinction, and a résumé that demonstrates her excellence inside and outside the classroom. While at UWG, Delight has conducted research in microbiology, discovering and characterizing a novel microbacterium species capable of degrading plastic. Her findings were presented at the Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference, the State Capitol, and UWG Scholars’ Day, with an upcoming talk at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. Now preparing for medical school and a career as a surgical oncologist, Delight is already taking her next step – beginning a new role at Oasis Medical Center of Georgia. Congratulations, Delight! 

Paul and Tolu Onyekwuluje

When Paul Onyekwuluje enrolled in UWG’s MBA program in early 2023, he brought with him a clear goal – and he wasn’t pursuing it alone. He and his wife, Tolu, had a shared vision: to advance their education, support one another, and build a strong foundation for their growing family. Paul went on to become the first graduate of UWG’s new Strategic Cybersecurity and Information Management program, and in fall 2023, Tolu joined him as a graduate student in Applied Business Analytics. Balancing graduate school and new parenthood is no small feat, but Paul and Tolu remained focused and encouraged one another through every late-night study session. Today, they will cross the stage together, and later this month, they will move to Indiana, where Tolu will begin her career as a financial analyst with Cummins Inc, reminding us that success is often a journey we take together. Congratulations, Paul and Tolu! 

Carlie Pair

Carlie Pair arrived at the University of West Georgia ready to make an impact – and she delivered. Graduating today from the School of Communication, Film, and Media, Carlie served as Assistant Sports Program Director and Executive Producer for the WOLF Sports Network, helping lead one of the largest student media teams in program history and becoming the first sideline reporter for our broadcasts on ESPN+ during UWG’s inaugural Division I year. In case you didn’t know, every ESPN+ broadcast you see during a UWG Athletics event is produced entirely by students! Carlie’s talents extended across campus, from crafting social media content for University Communications and Marketing to sharing her student experience as a Social Media Ambassador. Carlie even took her learning abroad with a trip to Spoleto, Italy, in summer 2024. This fall, she’s heading to Auburn University to pursue her master’s degree in communication and serve as a graduate teaching assistant, carrying her UWG experience with her every step of the way. Congratulations, Carlie! 

Ellie Sepulveda

Ellie Sepulveda’s journey to graduation is marked by drive, service, and a pioneering spirit. A first-generation college student and a POST-certified Georgia police officer, Ellie began her time at UWG in 2022, initially majoring in criminology before shifting to interdisciplinary studies through University College to explore a wider range of interests. Along the way, she earned a minor in Criminology and a certificate in Forensic Science, applying her knowledge in hands-on settings like the ALETE program and a crime scene investigation workshop with real-world investigators. After graduation, she’ll continue her journey right here at UWG, joining the UWG Police Department and pursuing her Master of Public Administration. She’s not only opening doors for herself, but also paving the way for others in her family to dream bigger. Congratulations, Ellie! 

Kayla Spencer

A proud first-generation college student, Kayla Spencer first arrived at UWG unsure of what to expect. However, she quickly found a supportive community that shaped her academic journey. After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, she continued her education and is now celebrating the completion of her master’s degree. In a full-circle moment, Kayla recently joined the university as the new Coordinator of Academic Support in the Center for Academic Success, where she daily channels her passion for student success into helping others find their place and purpose on campus. Inspired by the guidance she received, Kayla is committed to creating a welcoming environment where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. Congratulations, Kayla! 

Julia Vaughn

For Julia Vaughn, earning her master’s degree is about more than crossing the graduation stage – it’s about honoring her purpose. A mother of five, Julia’s journey back to the classroom came after years of raising children and working with students with profound disabilities. Encouraged by a mentor, she stepped into a provisional teaching role that reignited her passion and led her to UWG’s Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education. Along the way, she overcame self-doubt, leaned on her husband and children for support, and found strength through the mentorship of UWG faculty who challenged and inspired her. What makes this graduation especially meaningful is that she’s crossing the stage with her sister, Jennifer Robins, who is earning her Master of Science in Integrative Health and Wellness. Julia will now begin her new role as a special education teacher in Hall County, carrying forward not only her training and passion but the legacy of family, perseverance, and love that helped bring her here. 

Chase Williams

You heard earlier this evening from Chase Williams, graduating today from University College. Chase first chose the University of West Georgia for its strong political science program, law school placement rate, and proximity to his home in Bremen, but it didn’t take long for UWG to become a place where Chase found purpose and a platform to lead. While earning his degree, Chase served as president of the Student Government Association, advocating for his fellow students and helping shape the campus experience. He also completed two internships with the City of Woodstock, gaining hands-on experience in public service, all while running his own business on the side. Chase’s journey reflects what’s possible when a student uses every resource available to create a meaningful future. This fall, Chase will return to UWG to pursue a Master of Public Administration, with his sights set on a career in city planning. Congratulations, Chase!