Recognizing the lasting legacy of Doug Ivester, preparing for 2026’s economy, and exploring the hospitality industry with Terry alumni. |
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A Terry College of Business degree opens many doors for graduates, and some of those doors just happen to lead to a kitchen. In the latest Terry magazine, we took a peek behind the scenes of the restaurant business. Whether crunching numbers, creating menus, balancing books or building flavors, these alums play crucial roles in keeping a key industry functioning — and the rest of us fed.
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Nancy Furr (BBA ’93) became CFO of Starr Restaurants in December 2024. The group operates 40 acclaimed restaurants worldwide, earning Michelin stars and other honors. |
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Scott Deviney (AB ’95), CEO of Chicken Salad Chick, has expanded the brand from 32 restaurants in six states in 2015 to 309 locations in 22 states today, with plans to reach 30 states by the end of 2026.
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Matt Needle (BBA ’15) turned early culinary curiosity into a multifaceted career and now serves as culinary director at Atlanta’s El Rey. |
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Since 2010, Chris Elliott (BBA ’77) has led FSC Franchise Co., overseeing three national brands — Beef O’ Brady’s, The Brass Tap, and Newk’s — with 280 locations and $500 million in annual sales. |
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Joe Nedza (BBA ’16) went from gourmet waffles to smash burgers, opening Baddie’s Burger House with a focused menu of burgers, fries, and banana pudding. |
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With his Savannah-area taco spot, The Taco Stache, and Italian-themed The Sauce, Pranav Patel (BBA ’08) aims to make diners happy and give back to his local area. |
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Chris Lloyd (BBA ’80) pivoted from a brokerage career to thrive in the Athens restaurant business with two local favorites — The Hilltop Grille and Marker 7 Coastal Grill. |
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As a UGA student in the Leonard Leadership Scholars Program, Michael Lage was inspired by peers who shared his passion for making a difference in business and beyond. |
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Visiting the Classic City? Support Terry alumni-owned businesses offering coffee, beer, brunch, barbecue, and more. |
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UGA’s Georgia Economic Outlook report projects a 1.5% growth rate in 2026. This slower pace, combined with national economic headwinds, will keep recession risk elevated next year. [Gallery]
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UGA President Jere Morehead presented Doug Ivester (BBA ’69) with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at the University of Georgia Fall Commencement. The honor recognizes Ivester’s commitment to Georgia’s future and his support of UGA. |
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John Campbell, the Herbert E. Miller Chair in Financial Accounting and head of Terry’s Department of Finance, is among 13 new members of the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council (FASAC). |
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John W. “Jack” Rooker, chairman and former CEO of Rooker & Associates, a successful Atlanta-based real estate development firm he founded, passed away Dec. 13 in Atlanta at age 87. |
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Allison Ausband, Delta Air Lines’ chief people officer, has spent four decades ensuring the airline’s 100,000 employees have the resources and support they need to thrive. |
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In July, Erin Towery, the KPMG-Atlanta Partners’ and Employees’ Professor in Terry’s J.M. Tull School of Accounting, completed a one-year post as Senior Economist with the White House Council of Economic Advisers. |
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The UGA Center for Teaching and Learning recognized Braiden Coleman in the Tull School of Accounting, Neil Bendle and Jennifer Osbon in the Department of Marketing, and Darren Hayunga in the Real Estate Program for their contributions to innovative teaching. |
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Georgia’s economic growth will likely mirror the nation’s slower pace in 2026. But Interim Dean Santanu Chatterjee told USA Today, during UGA’s Georgia Economic Outlook, that Georgia is better positioned for recovery. “Georgia’s economy is resilient and well diversified with a workforce with wide-ranging skill sets, a business-friendly policy environment, and a world-class higher education network with top universities and trade schools,” Chatterjee said. “This gives us much hope for the future.”
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Insurance rates have risen over the past five years, but Georgia remains the 50th least profitable state for insurers, said Rob Hoyt, Risk Management and Insurance professor, at a legislative hearing. While consumer rates seem high, low profits can drive insurers away, reducing competition. Profits fell 8.7% in Georgia versus 7.8% national gains, Hoyt told the Capitol Beat News Service. “Less availability can lead to higher prices,” he said.
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