Image: Laura Meadows (EdD 2013) was among 12 graduates honored by the University of Georgia Graduate School with the 2015 Alumni of Distinction Award for achieving exceptional success in their professional careers and in service to their community. The awards were presented in October. Recipients have been recognized in their professional fields at the regional, national and international levels as evidenced by publications and awards received, serving as mentors and roles models in their profession, and contributing to their local and global communities. Their achievements exemplify the UGA mission, “to teach, to serve, and to inquire into the nature of things.” Meadows is the director of UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, which provides technical assistance, applied research, technology solutions, and training and development services to governments in Georgia and internationally. Prior to her work with UGA, Meadows was appointed as the first executive director of the OneGeorgia Authority. She also served as the commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, assistant secretary of state, and state director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development program. The Graduate School Alumni of Distinction Award was established in 2012 by UGA’s Graduate Education Advancement Board and the first recipients were named in 2013. All UGA graduate alumni are eligible to be considered for the annual award. Type of News/Audience: Alumni
