Finding Greatness: Donovan Poole

Author: Sheron Smith
Posted: Monday, September 15, 2025 12:00 AM
Categories: Finding Greatness | Pressroom | School of Education and Behavioral Sciences | Students

Cochran, GA

Donovan Poole, a senior psychology major, is a peer mentor, student assistant for MGA’s Center for Career & Leadership Development, and an RA for Anderson Hall on the Cochran Campus. His goals include becoming a sports psychologist.

Full Name: Donovan Sean Poole.

Age: 20.

Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.

Residence: Richmond Hill, Ga.

High School: “I had the privilege to go to three great high schools - Raleigh Magnet High School for my freshman year, Vernon Malone College Career Academy for my sophomore and junior years, and Richmond Hill High School as a senior. During my time in high school, I participated in a gaming club, robotics club, science group, ultimate frisbee team, collision repair program, and a youth advocacy group.”  

Family: Sonja Poole, mother, and Denzal Poole, brother.

Employment: “I am a full-time student, but I work in a few positions on campus, including as a peer mentor, student assistant for the Center for Career & Leadership Development, and RA for Anderson Hall.”

Degree Objective: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with plans to pursue a master’s in clinical psychology.

Class Rank: Senior.

Primary Campus: Cochran.

Activities: “In my time being at MGA I have been able to interact with many different organizations, clubs, and activities, including intramurals, Campus Activities Board, SGA, BROS, pre-law club, housing and residence life events, and more. I also volunteer with Heavenly Peace in Macon.”

Career Goals: “Eventually, I want to have my own therapy practice. I’m specifically interested in becoming a sports psychologist. I've always wanted to help others going through tough times. One of my earliest memories is being in elementary school and noticing someone who looked sad and going up to them and asking what's wrong. Over time I learned there is a profession – psychology – that deals with things like that. I realized that that’s what I want to do.”  

He chose Middle Georgia State University because … “Something about seeing the MGA website and all the smiling faces and the beautiful purple and grey logos felt welcoming. I remember reading about the school and seeing what it offered and being very impressed. Upon visiting the school, I saw that it was a place where I could connect with people and create community. Many great people helped my transition from high school to college feel natural. There is so much potential for MGA, and I’m honored to be part of it.”

The greatest thing he discovered about Middle Georgia State was … “How engaged the school is with students. Once I stepped out of my comfort zone, I realized there are so many ways to participate in campus life. The university strives to do more every year and hit shows. Working in Housing & Residence Life has especially helped me to see that.”

His greatest academic experience as an MGA student has been … “I struggled some in my freshman year and it left me in a very dark place mentally. I felt as if college wasn’t for me and that I had wasted my time. Thanks to the resources provided by MGA and friends and family, I not only was able to overcome these feelings, but I ended that semester with four As and a B. This gave me a boost in my confidence that I was able to carry over into my next two years. It taught me resilience and organization and time management skills that I use to this day.”  

To him, greatness means … “Being completely dedicated to a goal. To achieve greatness, you put in the work even when nobody is watching. It’s staying up late to finish a project or being consistent in practicing whatever you treasure. Striving for greatness is something you accomplish regardless of validation.

In five years … “My goal is to have finished my graduate degree in clinical psychology and start working in the field with a sports organization. I hope to build a rapport with athletics and create connections. I can see myself owning my first home and working a dream job in my dream city.