GEM Program welcomes Class of 2024-25

The Georgia Education Mentorship program Identifies the next generation of Georgia’s leaders

GEM has admitted 22 members into the class of 2024-25. 

• Kassie Arps
• Merritt Bryant
• Katie Cooper
• Tommy Creekmore
• Joe Dubsky
• Raven Glover
• Barrett Hagler
• Kathryn Hallahan
• Tyler Hill
• Bridget Johnson
• Grace Jones
• Maddie Marcinkowski
• Kendall Morgan
• Samantha Paton
• Jared Reese
• Brigitte Rivard
• Matt Ross
• Nicole Rubin
• Kylee Thornton
• Paige Ussery
• Abigail Watkins
• Dylan Welsh

The GEM program is a one-of-a-kind partnership between Georgia College & State University and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce that prepares the next generation of Georgia’s leaders for the public good. The program matches students with senior state leaders for a yearlong partnership that creates mutual benefit between Georgia College and its partners. In addition to frequent meetings and exchanges with their mentors, students enjoy individual consultations, classroom-based learning and statewide site visits.

"GEM is, first and foremost, a program that serves the future of Georgia,” says Dr. Harold Mock, program director. “In collaboration with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, we are committed to providing our state and its communities with the leadership, ingenuity and workforce development we all will need across the coming generation.” Mock was a member of the inaugural class of GEM in 2002. 

“The GEM program is an unparalleled opportunity for juniors and seniors to experience life after Georgia College,” said Nancy Leslie ‘19, investor engagement manager at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. “Students are pushed well beyond their comfort zone, and with support from Georgia College’s Leadership Programs and their mentors, they hone their soft skills, learn from influential Georgians and make lifelong connections.” 

Established in 2002, the GEM program was created from a mutual recognition that students at Georgia College could benefit from working and creating relationships with top state leaders and members of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce could benefit from directly investing in the next generation of leaders. Now in its 22nd year, the program has graduated more than 600 students. 

For more information, please visit gcsu.edu/gem.