Alumni named to state boards

Gov. Brian Kemp has appointed a wife and husband who are University of North Georgia (UNG) alumni to two state boards.

Dr. Jennifer Sheffield-Wade, the special education lead administrator at Lumpkin County Middle School, was named to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GPSC). She has worked in the Lumpkin County school system since 2001. The commission establishes guidelines and oversees the preparation, certification, professional conduct, and recruitment support of certified personnel employed in Georgia schools. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood education in 2001 and her master's degree in early childhood education in 2004 from UNG.

"Since being in elementary school, I've always admired and thought of education as being the most profound and impactful profession in society," Sheffield-Wade said. "Having an opportunity to be on the Georgia Professional Standards Commission is an ultimate honor for me."

Will Wade, senior vice president of commercial banking, real estate and commercial lending for Southern Bank & Trust, has been appointed to the Georgia Student Finance Commission. A lifelong resident of Dawson County, he has spent his entire 21-year career as a community banker. He has served on the Dawson County school board for 15 years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in finance and accounting in 2001.

"This is the perfect marriage of my interests and experience," Wade said. "I hope to ensure the HOPE and REACH scholarships continue to aid students at UNG and across the state."