Snowfall at the Business Learning Community on January 31.

Growth doesn’t stop when the game ends—it simply takes on new meaning. At a recent Terry Edge Network event, Matt Stinchcomb (BBA ’98) shared lessons from a career spanning athletics, executive leadership, and broadcasting. Now a partner at Sterling Seacrest Pritchard and a sports commentator for ESPN, he reflected on how intentionality, balance, and community shape both professional success and a meaningful life beyond the scoreboard. Hosted in the Stelling Study, the conversation underscored how purpose-driven leadership and a commitment to giving back can inspire growth at every stage.

The 2026 Bulldog 100 celebrates the fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by University of Georgia alumni, showcasing the strength and breadth of UGA’s entrepreneurial community. This year, 59 of the 100 honorees are Terry College alumni, underscoring Terry’s continued leadership in driving innovation and economic growth. Collectively, Bulldog 100 companies increased revenues by 121% from 2022–2024, reflecting remarkable momentum across industries. Rankings are based solely on each company’s three-year compounded annual growth rate, with financials verified by Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors, a partner of the Bulldog 100 program since its launch in 2009. This year also marks the 10th consecutive year that a business led by a Terry College alum has claimed the No. 1 spot. Leading the 2026 list is KBH Industrial, which secured the top ranking for the second year in a row. The Smyrna-based company provides construction and procurement services to the power, industrial, and oil/gas markets. Tarun Ganeriwal (MBA ’09), KBH’s president, co-founder and CEO, oversees business development, strategic partnerships, sales, estimating, project management and staffing efforts. This is KBH Industrial’s third appearance on the Bulldog 100 list.

Jon Bridges

Michael Lage

The Terry College is thrilled to congratulate Jon Bridges (BBA '85) on a successful and lengthy career at Chick-fil-A. Bridges is retiring as chief marketing officer after serving the company for more than 30 years. He is being succeeded by Michael Lage (BBA '05), who joined Chick-fil-A 14 years ago, most recently serving as vice president of field operations. Lage was a Leonard Leadership Scholar in the Institute for Leadership Advancement and shared, "The No. 1 realization about great leadership is that it’s not about you. It’s about others. It’s about leading with a core set of values that creates tremendous value for the people around you.” The College is proud of both Bridges and Lage's achievements and wish them continued success. 

Molly Jacoby (BBA '21) has been named the Director of Recruiting for the University of Oklahoma football program. Jacoby served as a recruiting analyst for the Bulldogs throughout her undergraduate career before graduating in 2021. Jacoby then spent four seasons at the University of North Carolina and in 2025, joined the Florida State football program as the Director of Recruiting Operations. Jacoby will lead and execute all year-round recruiting efforts in alignment with the mission, values, and competitive excellence of Oklahoma Football. This role oversees every facet of the recruiting operations from official and unofficial visits, gameday programming, and junior days to budget management, and NCAA-compliant processes-while serving as a primary point of contact for prospective student-athletes and their families. 

With more than three decades of leadership in human resources and corporate affairs, Karen Bennett (BBA ’85, MBA ’11) exemplifies the power of a Terry education in action. A two-time graduate of the Terry College of Business, Bennett currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer of Cox Enterprises, where she leads people solutions, corporate communications, corporate social responsibility, and brand marketing and creative services for the enterprise. Throughout her distinguished career, including prior leadership roles with Cox Communications, Cox Media Group, YP, and Turner Broadcasting, she has focused on maximizing talent potential, strengthening organizational culture, and aligning people strategies with business growth. In April 2023, Terry College recognized her extraordinary professional accomplishments and service as a Distinguished Alumni honoree. Bennett’s commitment to Terry extends far beyond her own academic journey. In 2021, she established the Karen Bennett Study Abroad Fund to expand global learning opportunities for Terry students.

Through this fund, and her continued financial support, Bennett helps ensure that students can broaden their perspectives, gain international business experience, and develop the cultural agility essential for today’s workforce. Her investment reflects a deep belief in experiential learning and the transformative impact of a Terry education. A consistent and dedicated supporter of the Terry College for more than 30 years, Bennett’s philanthropy demonstrates enduring gratitude and forward-thinking generosity. By giving back in meaningful ways, she strengthens the college’s ability to prepare future leaders and reinforces the values that have shaped her own remarkable career. Her leadership in business and her steadfast financial support of Terry stand as a powerful example of alumni engagement at its very best.

The Terry College recently hosted its Shareholders' Society meeting, highlighting international business and study abroad experiences, featuring Miguel Martínez (BBA '26), Virginia Vaughan (BBA '25, MS '27), and Ellis Nobes (BBA '26). From internships and consulting projects across Europe, Asia, and Latin America to global academic programs, each student shared how international experiences are shaping their perspectives and preparing them for impactful careers. PhD candidate Joanna Reddick (PhD '28) and senior Sally Bae (BBA '26) also presented on how they are exploring how firms prioritize stakeholder demands and respond to social and crisis-driven challenges, through the Terry Opportunity for Undergraduate Research (T.O.U.R.). T.O.U.R. gives students the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge through collecting and analyzing research data. 

The Shareholders’ Society is a unique way to support the Terry Endowment for Excellence, helping to strengthen a college-wide endowment that is needed to compete effectively with peer and aspirational schools. The generous contributors of this elite group are long-term investors in Terry and hold stock in the future of the college.

Make plans to join us at the March Terry Third Thursday with Lisa Laube (BBA '85), Retired, President of Floor and Decor. For more than 30 years, Laube helped shape the United States retail landscape. Her expertise includes merchandising, brand building, marketing, e-commerce, talent development and strategic planning. Laube spent the last 10 years of her career with Floor & Decor, retiring as president in April 2022. She was responsible for all customer-facing functions, including store operations, e-commerce, merchandising, marketing and associate training. As president, she was involved in all aspects of the company’s strategic plan and worked closely with the CEO and executive team. Prior to Floor & Decor, Laube was president of Party City and held executive roles at Bath & Body Works, Linens ’n Things and Macy's. She serves on the Terry Dean’s Advisory Council for the Terry College of Business and received Terry’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award. 

Join the Terry College and Christa Pitts at the March MBA Lunch & Learn on March 19. Pitts serves as co-CEO and founder of The Lumistella Company, a dynamic enterprise behind the enchanting brand, The Elf on the Shelf. Under her strategic leadership, more than 31 million The Elf on the Shelf brand Scout Elves, Elf Pets®, and Elf Mates® have been adopted in 26 countries across five continents, solidifying a massive global reach.  Considered an expert in branding, Pitts journey began as a QVC Program Host, amassing 2,000 hours of live, unscripted television experience. During this time, she honed her expertise in understanding the mechanics of sales, the intricacies of advertising, and the significance of brand authenticity. A symbol of empowerment for women in business, Christa’s voice resonates with many. Most recently, she was named an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2023 regional winner. 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS, TERRY DAWGS!

On March 26, we’re Calling All Dawgs for the University of Georgia’s Dawg Day of Giving! For 24 hours, we’re rallying Bulldogs around the world to celebrate and strengthen the university we love. We’re challenging you to answer the call, donate to any program at Terry, and show the world that nobody supports their school like the Bulldogs. 

Are you interested in mentoring a current student? Are you looking for a new job? Do you want to connect with classmates and share advice? TerryConnect is the hub for student-alumni networking for the Terry College. Students are encouraged to join and build relationships with Terry Alumni, leading to shared information and advice, hiring opportunities, and long-term networking. Whatever your question, whatever your need: TerryConnect can find a helping hand and keep you connected within the Terry community. Tip: Turn on post notifications so you don't miss any opportunities! 

Stay in the loop and never miss a beat by following Terry Alumni on Instagram. The Terry College is abuzz with alumni accomplishments, student stories, exciting events, and incredible opportunities. Get social with the Terry College to stay connected and informed about all the happenings that shape our community. 

Neil Pruitt presented at the February Terry Third Thursday.

The Full-Time MBA Program has been ranked the top value for the money worldwide by Financial Times, for the third year in a row!

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