Finding Greatness: Rachel Lawrence

Author: Alexandria Brooks
Posted: Monday, January 31, 2022 12:00 AM
Categories: School of Computing | Finding Greatness | Pressroom | Students

Macon, GA

Studying social media as part of her MSIT degree program, Rachel Lawrence hopes to reach her goal of becoming a Director of Marketing and Communications and continue furthering her education in a doctoral program.

Full Name: Rachel Lawrence

Age: 27

Hometown: Columbus, GA

Current City of Residence: Albany, GA

Current Employment: Social Media and Marketing Specialist, Albany State University. 

Activities: “I am passionate about my community, serving as the sustainer liaison for the Junior League of Albany, and a Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful board member. I am active with the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, serving on the Talent, Education and Leadership, and the Small Business Development and Investor Engagement Committees. I was recently selected as a member of the Leadership Albany Class of 2022, the 2021 Albany Woman of the Year – Marketing runner-up, and as a 2020 Albany 40 Under 40 nominee.”

Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication (Public Relations and Integrated Media Double Concentration), Columbus State University.

MGA Graduate Degree Objective: Master of Science in Information Technology, Social Media Concentration.

Career Goals: “This program will be instrumental in helping me reach my goal of becoming a Director of Marketing and Communications, and my end goal of Vice President for University Relations, a role which will allow me to develop effective marketing and communication strategies for many key audiences including potential students and their families, current students, alumni, and faculty and staff.  In addition, the role will enable me to develop strategic partnerships within the community. My next step is to be accepted into a doctoral program to further my education.”

She chose Middle Georgia State University for graduate school because … “It is an affordable, online degree, and it is the only graduate-level degree in the University System of Georgia with a concentration in social media. The program came highly recommended from colleagues that have also attended.”

Her greatest experience so far as a Middle Georgia State graduate student has been … “The skills and information I have learned in the program that will assist me in my profession. The professors are always available to help with coursework and professional development. The advisors and enrollment staff are courteous and respond quickly to assist with any issue that arises. The coursework is consistent, but not so heavy that students cannot manage. The courses in the program have been strategically placed into the curriculum. It is clear that MGA wants its students to succeed.”

To her, “greatness” means … “Being able to take the skillsets and information learned and use it to positively enhance your work environment, as well as your community. It is important to give back while continuing to complete further professional development so you are ‘at the top of your game.’ Additionally, greatness is being able to succeed in something others have not done. I entered undergrad as a first-generation college student, and I will be the first person in my extended family to earn a master’s degree.”