Georgia Trend names Harris 40 under 40 for 2026

Glen Harris has been named one of Georgia Trend magazine's 40 Under 40 honorees. Harris serves as senior dean of students at the University of North Georgia (UNG) and dean of students for UNG's Dahlonega and Blue Ridge campuses.

"It was a huge surprise when they reached out to me. I couldn't say anything publicly until October, whenever the article was released, but it was truly a huge honor for sure," he said. "And I'm extremely grateful."

The 35-year-old Harris was nominated by a former colleague at the University of Georgia (UGA), with a supporting recommendation from Dr. Alyson Paul, UNG vice president of Student Engagement and Success and chief student success officer.

Paul noted that Harris' leadership "ensures consistent, student-centered support across a complex, multicampus institution."

"Glen brings a rare and effective balance of empathy, integrity and accountability to this work. He earns students' trust through authenticity and presence, helping them confront difficult realities while empowering them to build resilience, regain stability and persist toward graduation. For many students, Glen is the steady, compassionate advocate who helps them see a future when circumstances feel overwhelming," Paul said.

Harris serves as an advisor to the Student Government Association (SGA), mentoring emerging student leaders and helping them translate passion into responsible, ethical leadership. He also teaches UNG 1101, the university's first-year introductory course, allowing him to shape students' academic and personal success from the moment they arrive on campus, Paul said.

"Glen serves on numerous university committees, contributing insight and follow‑through to institutional decision-making," Paul said. "His willingness to be present — often well outside traditional business hours — demonstrates his commitment to students as whole people, not just constituents of a role."

At the state level, Harris has served for four years as a co-advisor to the University System of Georgia Student Advisory Council, working closely with the chancellor and system-level leaders while mentoring SGA presidents from institutions across Georgia.

"Glen's career reflects far more than professional success; it reflects a deep, sustained commitment to service, leadership and the well-being of others. He exemplifies the spirit of Georgia Trend's 40 Under 40 honorees through his impact on students, institutions and communities across the state. His work from 9 to 5 — and well beyond — continues to shape lives and strengthen Georgia's future," Paul said.

Harris holds a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of Central Florida and a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. During his stint at UGA, Harris worked in University Housing and Student Care and Outreach. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching sports and serving his community. He is a licensed minister and a mental health first aid instructor.

"I do think, as a leader, it reminds me that, particularly for our young professionals, that we don't have to reach a certain position or be a certain age to realize that you can still do really meaningful things," Harris said. "One of my favorite quotes is a Scripture from 1 Timothy that says, 'Don't let anyone think less of you because you were young. But be an example to all believers in the way that you live, your love, your faith, and your purity.' That's something that I use as a guide for my life personally, and I hope to bring that to the workspace every day."

Harris said he hopes "young people, mid-level professionals, anybody really, they can see that regardless of what stage they're at, they can continue to do good work, continue to serve people, continue to be authentic, continue to be humble. And recognition and opportunities and things will open up and present themselves in a way that blows even what your mind could think of."