The College of Engineering launched the Impact Awards in 2018 to coincide with its celebration of 150 years of engineering education at the University of Georgia. The awards recognize deserving alumni and friends for their exceptional impact on and service to the college and their respective industries and communities.
The college is pleased to announce the 2025 Impact Award recipients.
Alumni Impact Award
Carl Riden, B.S. Agricultural Engineering ’69
The Alumni Impact Award recognizes a College of Engineering alum whose impact has been shown in their professional career, service to their field and their community and their alma mater.
Carl Riden was born and raised on a small cotton farm in Bostwick, Georgia. He graduated from Morgan County High School and earned a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Georgia in 1969. After graduating from UGA, he joined the Army as a lieutenant, where he oversaw an asphalt plant and paving operations. During his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart for a minor wound, as well as a Bronze Star for Valor and a Bronze Star for Service.
After his military service, Carl became a home builder in the Atlanta area. In 1996, he was named Builder of the Year by the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. In 2000, Builder Magazine honored him with the Business Management Award, followed by naming him America’s Best Builder in 2001 for the size category of 25–100 homes per year. In 2004, the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association presented him with the Lewis Center Award, the organization’s highest honor, for his service to the industry.
Carl retired in 2014 after a 40-year career as a home builder. He now resides on Lake Lanier with his wife of 48 years and continues to enjoy spending time on the family farm.
Young Alumni Impact Award
Shelby Bice, B.S. Agricultural Engineering, emphasis in Electrical and Electronics Engineering ’15
The Young Alumni Impact Award recognizes a UGA Engineering alum who graduated in the previous 10 years whose impact has been shown in their professional career, service to the field and their community and their alma mater.
Shelby Bice graduated with honors from the University of Georgia in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering with an emphasis in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Shelby since has gained over a decade of experience at one of the nation’s leading energy providers, Georgia Power. During her time at Georgia Power, she has led teams across the Distribution, Transmission, Customer Service, and Sales organizations and is currently serving as the Chief of Staff to the President & CEO, acting as strategic advisor to the executive leadership team and driving positive change for over 6,700 employees and 2.8 million customers across the state. Last October, Shelby served as Georgia Power’s Storm Center Director during the most damaging storm in Georgia Power history, Hurricane Helene. Through this effort, she led a team of over 20,000 resources to restore power, and hope, to over 1.6 million customers across Georgia. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Shelby has made lasting impacts in communities across the state through her leadership involvement in a variety of organizations focused on aiding underserved communities and empowering the next generation of women in STEM. Shelby is a dedicated wife and mother who works each and every day to be a positive role model for those around her and we couldn’t be prouder to honor her this evening.
Friend of the College Impact Award
Nancy & Les Juneau
The Friend of the College Impact Award recognizes a friend of UGA Engineering whose impact has been shown in their organization’s mission or individuals’ professional career, service to their field and community and to UGA Engineering.
Nancy Juneau, a 1982 alumna of the University of Georgia, has remained a dedicated supporter of the university throughout her career. She and her husband, Les, founded Juneau Construction Company in 1997, building best-in-class people and projects across the Southeast. Their commitment to student success is reflected in the Juneau Construction Company Professorship in Civil Engineering—UGA’s first professorship dedicated specifically to civil engineering.
Nancy serves on the UGA Foundation Board of Trustees and the UGA Real Estate Foundation Board, contributing her leadership to the university’s continued growth. Under their leadership, Juneau Construction has partnered with the College of Engineering since its inception, supporting students through guest lectures, career fairs, and student resource groups. Nancy and Les’s support and generosity have made a lasting impact on the university and its community.
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Impact Award honorees will be recognized at the College of Engineering’s 2025 Celebration of Excellence Award Ceremony on April 10th.
