By Margaret Schell

L ike thousands of students across the country, Luke Powell attended freshman orientation this summer with his parents. But Luke isn’t the only person in his family about to start college: Luke’s dad, Britton Powell, also starts classes this fall at Georgia College & State University.

Both Luke and Britton will be first-year students in the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business & Technology. Luke is a traditional freshman, majoring in finance to earn his Bachelor of Science. Britton is a graduate student in GCSU’s award-winning WebMBA program.

Personalized Paths

A 23-year software engineer, Britton has served in managerial roles for the past six years. Although he already has his master’s degree in information systems, he felt something was lacking.

“I've worked in the startup world for the last eight years and realized there are gaps in my knowledge on the business side of things that I need to fill,” said Britton, noting that the networking opportunities featured in the WebMBA program added extra value.

Britton is beginning his WebMBA just as Georgia College celebrates the program’s 25th anniversary this summer.

Meanwhile, Luke is no stranger to Georgia College & State University.

“My friends talk about going to school here,” he said. “So, I came to Georgia College to visit five times and loved it.”

A finance major, Luke plans to pursue a career as an investment banker.

“I want to help individuals, as well as businesses, manage their money,” he said. “I would like to work with high-caliber individuals who will help me grow.”

Luke and Britton, from Hahira, Georgia, are walking a path at GCSU originally carved by another in their family. Britton’s grandmother — Mary Nell Deariso Thompson (’51) — received her degree in home economics from GCSU, then known as Georgia State College for Women. For many years she worked as a bookkeeper for the Sutton Livestock Company and was an active member of the Worth County Historical Society. 

Header Image: Luke Powell (left) and his dad Britton Powell attended Luke's freshman orientation session in June. Photo: Anna Gay Leavitt.