Graduation student speaker: Mark Higginbotham, Jr., educational leadership

Mark Higginbotham began his college career as an engineering major, but after over two years studying biochemistry, physics and engineering, he came to a realization: He felt most fulfilled when he was helping his classmates work through complex concepts to understand the course material. Maybe he was meant to be an educator.

After earning his undergraduate degree, Higginbotham took a year off from classes to serve as a paraprofessional. It was during this time that he fell in love with teaching.

He entered Georgia College & State University’s Master of Arts in Teaching program and began to pursue his specialist degree in Educational Leadership in 2024.

Higginbotham is now the assistant principal of Mattie Wells Elementary School in Jones County.

The primary message he wants to send to graduating seniors is, “Prove them wrong.”

“Entering into a career in education is fraught with challenges and naysayers,” Higginbotham said. “I want my fellow graduates to know that they have the ability to show everyone that education is a worthwhile and rewarding endeavor.”