Anna, 2020 agricultural engineering graduate, is a Preconstruction Manager at Juneau Construction Company. Read Anna’s profile from her time as a student.
What is one of your favorite memories of your time at UGA, and why?
One of my favorite memories from UGA is game days in Athens. There was something special about spending the day with friends, walking through campus, and being surrounded by so much school pride. Looking back, it wasn’t just the football—it was the sense of community that made those weekends so memorable and created friendships that have lasted well beyond graduation.
What made you decide to pursue engineering as a career?
I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving and understanding how things work, so engineering felt like a natural fit. As I learned more about the industry, I realized engineering combines technical thinking with creativity and collaboration. Today, working in preconstruction, I still get to solve complex problems every day while helping turn ideas into projects that make a lasting impact.
What do you think made UGA Engineering special?
UGA Engineering was special because of its collaborative environment. Since the program was still relatively young, there was a close-knit culture between students and faculty. Professors genuinely cared about helping students succeed, and the smaller class sizes made it easy to build relationships and ask questions. It felt like everyone was invested in helping each other grow.
How did the College of Engineering shape you as an engineer and as a person?
The College of Engineering taught me much more than technical concepts. It challenged me to think critically, communicate effectively, and work through complex problems as part of a team. Those experiences built the confidence and adaptability that I rely on every day in my career, while also teaching me the importance of collaboration and continuous learning.
Tell us about your career path after graduation.
After graduating from UGA, I joined Juneau Construction in Atlanta. I started as a Project Engineer and have had the opportunity to grow into a Preconstruction Manager, leading budgeting, estimating, and design coordination for large multifamily and student housing developments. Every project is different, which has made the work both challenging and incredibly rewarding!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
In five years, I hope to continue growing as a leader within the construction industry while taking on larger, more complex projects and mentoring younger professionals. Looking ten years ahead, I’d love to be in an executive leadership role helping shape strategic direction while continuing to invest in developing the next generation of engineers.
As a former scholarship recipient, tell us how private giving impacted your time at UGA, and how it has impacted your longer-term success.
Receiving a scholarship allowed me to focus more on my education and opportunities outside the classroom rather than worrying about the financial burden of college. It gave me the flexibility to fully invest in my academic experience, and that foundation has had a lasting impact on my career. I’m incredibly grateful for the generosity of donors who believed in students like me.
How has seeing the impact of philanthropy on higher education and students impacted your view of giving back?
Experiencing the impact of donor support firsthand has shown me how meaningful even one gift can be. It reinforces the importance of investing in future generations of students and creating opportunities they might not otherwise have. As my career progresses, I hope to pay that generosity forward by supporting students and helping provide the same opportunities that were available to me.
What do you miss most about UGA?
I miss the energy of campus and the sense of community that came with being a student. Whether it was walking across North Campus, studying with friends, or cheering on the Dawgs on Saturdays, there was always a feeling that you were part of something bigger than yourself. Athens will always feel like home in that way.
