Efren Velazquez

For Dr. Efren Velazquez, a University of North Georgia (UNG) assistant professor of psychological science, leadership is about being an example.

"Leadership is not only someone who guides people, but also someone willing to assist individuals in accomplishing their goals," Velazquez said. "A lot of people interpret leadership as being someone that's the face of a company, but I think a solid leader is there to give a helping hand to someone, a group or a population to help them achieve their goals."

Leadership roles for Velazquez include the Gainesville Psychology Club adviser, adviser for the Latinx fraternity Lambda Theta Phi, and McNair Scholars adviser. He was a 2021 recipient of the Anne Matthew Purdy outstanding UNG full-time faculty award and was awarded the 2021 Diversity Champion Award. 

Despite his accomplishments, Velazquez stays humble.

"You have to remember about your roots, and as long as you remember where you came from and you always have that sense of humility, you will be a very solid leader," he said. 

Velazquez said he hopes to influence students and pass along knowledge so they can learn from his experiences.

"I remember seeing so many Latino students walking on campus in Gainesville, and I thought you know what, I can be someone here that can serve as not only a role model, but that can help and assist the students," the Mexico native said. "I try to pass on that knowledge."

Velazquez was two years old when his family left their homeland and immigrated to the U.S., living in Idaho. A first-generation college student, Velazquez learned on his own how to navigate the college system.

"I try to be relatable to students and show them they can do things and do them well. Is it easy? No. But as long as you put in the effort, you can get to any place. You can achieve your goals," Velazquez said. "I tell my students just because I have a Ph.D. doesn't mean I've changed. Yes, I've matured, but I'm still the same guy who went to college, likes to eat street tacos, talk in Spanish and just be me. Students have found that I am being as genuine as possible, and I think that’s resonated with them.”

Velazquez said he leaves his office door open as an invitation to students, hoping to dispel the notion that professors are to be feared. 

"I want to give them the opportunity to talk to me so they can see I'm a human being too," Velazquez said. "I'm very open, very welcoming. I let them see that I'm a human being, I have feelings, I'm going to make mistakes as well, but I'm willing to learn, just like them."