Celebrating students, faculty and the generous donors who support them

The Celebrating Excellence Recognition Program is being presented in a virtual format in 2020 to protect the health and safety of all. 

"In this interactive program, we celebrate our generous donors and the amazing achievements of our students, faculty and staff, focusing on the consistent themes of shared hope and commitment that underscore all we do," FACS Dean Linda Kirk Fox said.

In the digital program, you will see red YouTube icons on many of the pages. If you click on these icons, you’ll link to video messages recorded specifically for each award recipient (please see our instructional video for a quick tutorial).

In addition to the digital program, all donors, scholarship and award winners will receive a hardcover edition of the pictorial history book "100 Years Enriching Lives: Family and Consumer Sciences at UGA."

"While these past few months have been challenging to say the least, your commitment to our FACS family has been unwavering," Dean Fox said in her welcome message to donors and honorees. "Please know how grateful we are for your continued support and commitment to our success."

Keynote Speaker

• DeRetta Rhodes

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  DeRetta Rhodes

  In the corner of DeRetta Rhodes’ office, just a long fly ball beyond the right field wall at Atlanta’s Truist Park, is a tiny piece of wall art featuring her favorite saying.

  “They told me I couldn’t,” it reads. “That’s why I did.”

  “I love that,” Rhodes said. “It reminds me of so many experiences I’ve had.”

  Rhodes, a 1992 FACS grad who also received a doctorate in adult education from UGA, was named Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources for the Atlanta Braves in January 2019.

  In this role, Rhodes and her team manage a front office staff of nearly 600 employees that includes the Braves’ minor league teams and The Battery development surrounding SunTrust Park.

  Rhodes’ path to this latest high-profile position has challenged her, discouraged her and at times left her feeling depleted – but it never beat her.

  Perseverance and hard-won victories have been consistent themes in Rhodes’ life.

  The daughter of educators, Rhodes was an honors student and accomplished debater who later became the first African-American to speak at her high school’s graduation ceremony.

  Once at UGA, Rhodes quickly found her niche within FACS.

  “It actually felt like home,” she said, “and that was what made the difference for me.”

  Later, Rhodes would complete an MBA from Clark Atlanta University before acquiring her doctorate, rising along the way to executive roles with Turner Broadcasting Systems, First Data and YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta.

  “At every stop along the way in her career, DeRetta has optimized the organizations for whom she has worked,” said Ed Munster, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta. “She is a true strategic thought leader.”

  Rhodes’ doctoral dissertation from 2010, “Courage under fire: How black women have learned to survive in corporate America” explored issues that resonate deeply with her and reflect much of own experience.

  “What has always given me strength is my family,” she said. “And the other piece that’s always given me solace is education, because I knew that was the one thing no one could ever take away from me.”

  Rhodes is now sought-after speaker who has served and continues to serve on the boards of several Atlanta organizations, including the 21st Century Leaders and Human Resource Leadership Forum.

  In 2018, she was an invited speaker at the TEDxUGA event and is the recipient of the FACS Distinguished Alumni Award for 2020.

  “Her ability to communicate and inspire people to strive to be their best selves makes her a great leader,” said FACS Alumni Association board member Victoria Dorsey. “Both in the workplace and in her community.”

  DeRetta Cole Rhodes

  Senior Vice-President

  Head of Human Resources, Atlanta Braves

  Ph.D., UGA College of Education, 2010

  MBA, Clark Atlanta University, 1996

  BSFCS, UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, 1992