Her Story, Our Community: UWG Spotlights Women Driving Change Across Campus Share this page
At the University of West Georgia, Women’s History Month is an opportunity to honor the women who shape our community every day. Their leadership, creativity, resilience and care strengthen our institution in ways both visible and quietly profound. From classrooms and research labs to administrative offices, student organizations and athletic courts and fields, women at UWG continue to expand what’s possible for themselves and the community they support.
This year’s feature highlights the voices of female students, faculty and staff whose stories reflect the diverse experiences that make our university vibrant.
Taylor Bryant
Associate professor and faculty advisor for bluestone
What lessons from your career do you hope future generations of women carry forward? There is always work to be done that will outlive us. While speaking out and asking hard questions can feel heavy, those moments matter because they reduce the burden for the women who come after us. Progress is not just personal achievement; it is generational responsibility.
What is the most rewarding part of your role at UWG? Preparing students for careers in communications and public relations is especially rewarding in a field where women lead so much of the work. Watching students move from fearing creative freedom to owning their professional voice and hearing from them once they’re in the field reinforces the impact of that preparation. Helping young women enter the industry confident and ready is deeply fulfilling.
Who is a woman you admire, and how has she influenced who you are today? My 82‑year‑old grandmother, Sally Jenkins, raised four daughters and built a family of women rooted in service, kindness and impact. With only a ninth‑grade education, she showed me that influence isn’t defined by titles or educational level but by how faithfully you show up for others. Her life shaped my understanding of people‑first leadership through her commitment to community.
Elizabeth Nelson
Major: Nursing
Campus involvement: Social Media Ambassador Team (@uwg_wonderfulone)
Who is a woman you admire, and how has she influenced who you are today? My mom’s strength, sacrifice and compassion shaped me as a woman, mother and future nurse. As an immigrant, she built a life from nothing and later carried me through one of my hardest seasons, showing me the meaning of unconditional love. The example she’s set is the foundation of the compassion I hope to bring to nursing.
How do you hope to contribute to the legacy of women in your field of study or community? I hope to contribute to the legacy of Hispanic women in nursing by helping open doors that have long felt closed. Growing up, I rarely saw nurses who shared my culture or language. By sharing my journey as a first‑generation student, I want young Hispanic women to know their presence, voices and stories belong in healthcare.
What experience as a student has shaped you the most? Returning to school as a mother pursuing a second degree pushed me to trust my ability to grow beyond my comfort zone. A defining moment was earning a 103 on a microbiology exam after many moments of self‑doubt. That experience reminded me of my resilience and showed me I’m capable of far more than I often believe.
Tell us about your plans after graduation. I plan to continue my nursing career by providing hands‑on, patient‑centered care. My goal isn’t tied to a specific specialty; it’s rooted in making a meaningful impact through compassion, connection and advocacy. With my background, I’m especially committed to reducing language and cultural barriers so every patient feels understood, respected and empowered in their care.
Nicole Nichols
Head cheerleading coach and part-time faculty in the College of Education’s Department of Special Education
What lessons from your career do you hope future generations of women carry forward? That we are capable of great things, to always surround yourself with people doing bigger things than you and that will challenge you.
What is the most rewarding part of your role at UWG? Getting to build relationships with athletes that are genuine and long lasting.
Who is a woman you admire, and how has she influenced who you are today? Genuinely my athletes and coaches on my staff. They make me better in all aspects of life from being a better coach, mom and a woman of faith.
Sydne Tolbert
Major/minor: Health and Community Wellness (Occupational Therapy)
Campus involvement: Women’s Basketball Team
Who is a woman you admire, and how has she influenced who you are today? My mom, Tiffany Tolbert, and my sister, SaToya Tolbert, are two women who have inspired me. They’ve given me a great perspective of how to be a proud black woman and to always have faith and confidence in all my endeavors.
How do you hope your presence as a student athlete inspires future women in sports? I hope it inspires people to keep pushing and to never become complacent. Celebrate your wins as a woman, but know there is always another step you can take.
What are you most proud of as a college athlete? The thing I’m most proud of as a student athlete is to be able to showcase my talents on a D1 level. It’s always been a dream of mine and to be able to do it with the people I love is a blessing.
Tell us about your plans after graduation. I hope to become an occupational therapist and one day open up a clinic that’s affordable for children of color and their parents.
photography by Lauren O'Bryan