Assistant professor Dr. Efren Velazquez has been named a Georgia FirstGen Under 40 honoree as part of the Class of 2023
Article By: Agnes Hina
Dr. Efren Velazquez, a University of North Georgia (UNG) assistant professor of psychological science, has been named an honoree for Georgia FirstGen Under 40's Class of 2023.
He was one of 10 honorees at the Georgia First Generation Foundation's first Benefit Gala held on April 14. Velazquez was selected based on his experiences, stories and impact.
"I was truly honored, because never in my wildest dream did I ever think I'd be chosen," Velazquez said.
At 34 years old, Velazquez has earned the 2021 Diversity Champion Award and the Ann Matthews Full-time Faculty Award in his time at UNG. He has received Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (CURCA) travel grants with his students, and he recently earned tenure at UNG.
Velazquez aspires to be a full professor within the next five years and hopes to continue mentoring his students. His plans include a research project with his students that serves the local Latinx community and focuses on how culture influences health behaviors.
Inspired by his family, friends and colleagues Dr. Bryan Dawson and Dr. Ralph Hale, Velazquez said he's most proud of seeing all the students he has mentored join the workforce or enroll in graduate school.
"I'm really proud to see my students accomplishing their dreams through my mentorship. It's a reminder to try to stay humble because I know there is still work to be done," the Queretaro, Mexico, native said.
