Brittany Caison, currently Executive Vice President of Engineering, Operations, and Technology at Jackson EMC, grew up a UGA fan – as she says, it’s “in her blood.” After getting an associate’s degree at Young Harris College, she came to UGA to study engineering. She recently made a commitment to endow a scholarship because she wants to play an active role in the growth and direction of the college. She believes UGA engineers make the world a better place, and wants her sons to reap the benefits of a world with more UGA engineers in it.
What led you to UGA as an undergrad?
“Our family is made up of UGA alumni; UGA runs in my blood. I grew up cheering on the Dawgs and spending time around campus. After getting my Associate of Science degree while playing tennis for Young Harris College, UGA was an obvious choice. The Dawgs I love, plus the engineering school I was looking for, made for a perfect match.”
“There’s just something about watching UGA football games with your classmates – it’s electric and an unforgettable feeling.”
Tell us about some of your favorite memories of your time at UGA.
“My husband [Michael, pictured above] and I started dating while at UGA, so those memories are at the top of my list! I have great memories of my engineering Capstone project that brought to life everything I had been learning, which solidified that I had chosen the right path for my future. We were also part of the blackout in Sanford Stadium when we beat Auburn and in Jacksonville for the endzone celebration when we beat the Gators. There’s just something about watching UGA football games with your classmates – it’s electric and an unforgettable feeling.”
What would you say are the biggest challenges facing today’s engineers, and how did your time at UGA Engineering prepare you to tackle those challenges?
“The pace of technological advancements in every discipline will bring new challenges to today’s engineers. The good news is UGA Engineering did so much more than teach us how to solve the problems of they day. We were taught how to adapt to a changing environment and respond strategically to anything that comes our way”
“The new college is growing while maintaining the qualities of the college I knew and loved – excellent professors, coursework that develops leaders, and resources to help students be successful.”
What initially inspired you to start giving back to the College of Engineering?
“The growth and direction of the College of Engineering is something I am very proud to be a part of. The new college is growing while maintaining the qualities of the college I knew and loved – excellent professors, coursework that develops leaders, and resources to help students be successful. I wanted to be a part of what I was seeing and contribute to helping the college achieve its goals.”
Why did you decide to direct your gifts to support scholarships?
“I am who I am because others invested in me. The thought of our world missing out on just one great UGA engineer because they didn’t have the financial support to finish their degree was enough for me to engage with the College of Engineering development team. I was able to share how I wanted to give back, and they helped me pick the best option for me.”
“The thought of our world missing out on just one great UGA engineer because they didn’t have the financial support to finish their degree was enough for me to engage with the College of Engineering development team.”
What are your hopes for the recipients of the scholarships you support?
“College can be challenging. I hope to relieve some of their pressures so they can fully absorb all the UGA Engineering experience has to offer. I also hope it inspires them to pay it forward and one day give back to the next generation of engineers.”
50 years from now, what do you hope will be the legacy you left with UGA Engineering?
“UGA engineers make the world a better place. I look forward to my sons reaping the benefits of a world with more UGA engineers.”
