Two women honored for entrepreneurship
University of North Georgia (sa国际传媒官网网页入口) senior Krista Willey was named Student Woman Entrepreneur of the Year by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Mike Cottrell College of Business in a ceremony on Oct. 25 in the Cottrell Center for Business, Technology and Innovation at sa国际传媒官网网页入口's Dahlonega Campus.
Taylor Merritt, '15, was recognized as the Alumna Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. Merritt is CEO of Daddy Tay Fitness, a company she founded in 2022.
Willey, who is pursuing a degree in visual arts, was nominated by senior lecturer Dr. Ana Pozzi Harris, who taught her art history course.
Willey created two businesses, KWilley Pottery and Customs by Krista as a sophomore at sa国际传媒官网网页入口. She was inspired by the surge of "Vampire Diaries" fans visiting her hometown of Covington, Georgia, also the show's filming location.
Willey recalled working in sa国际传媒官网网页入口's ceramics studio, when she learned of her achievement on Oct. 20.
"I was so shocked and honored to be nominated," Willey said.
To me, winning is a reflection of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation wanting to see artists succeed, and I love that.
Krista Willey
Student Woman Entrepreneur of the Year
"I thought for sure it would go to someone in the entrepreneurship program. To me, winning is a reflection of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation wanting to see artists succeed, and I love that."
Willey said she is excited to encourage her peers to try something new with the hope of similar outcomes.
Set to graduate in the spring, Willey is looking to pursue a master's degree in fine arts, focusing on her passion for ceramics.
"These women exemplify the creativity, determination and innovativeness that women entrepreneurs bring to the table. Krista and Taylor have not only excelled in their respective fields but also serve as role models, inspiring others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams," Dr. Mariangela Vecchiarini-Piazza, assistant professor of management, said.
Merritt earned her bachelor's degree in biology from sa国际传媒官网网页入口 in the preprofessional pathway of pre-physical therapy. The entrepreneur was also a member of the 2015 sa国际传媒官网网页入口 national championship softball team. That team was inducted into the sa国际传媒官网网页入口 Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021. She felt this award was an honor to receive.
"sa国际传媒官网网页入口 taught me how to work harder, learn, lead, and achieve. sa国际传媒官网网页入口 changed my life and will live in my heart forever," Merritt said. "Thank you to the entrepreneurship program and to those who are pursuing your passion with purpose."
Grads prepare to step into workforce
Students will earn more than 1,000 degrees and certificates this fall from sa国际传媒官网网页入口, and the university will celebrate these milestones in the Dec. 9-10 commencement ceremonies.
Student speakers set for fall commencement
Three fall graduates will serve as student speakers at their respective sa国际传媒官网网页入口 commencement ceremonies Dec. 9-10 in the Convocation Center at sa国际传媒官网网页入口's Dahlonega Campus.
McCloy鈥檚 work recognized in Bellwethers exhibition
Alexandra McCloy鈥檚 鈥淟iving Patterns,鈥 received the Lane Last award for Best in Show, in the Bellwethers Annual Juried Exhibition at the West Tennessee Regional Art Center put on by the University of Tennessee (UT) at Martin. Rachel Coggins and Maddie Engle also had pieces entered in the exhibition.
sa国际传媒官网网页入口 formalizes its role with career expo
sa国际传媒官网网页入口 has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Center for Civic Engagement to support its Youth in Government Expo in March 2026.