Feature: Jason Edwards connects academics and athletics
The University of Georgia has become a powerhouse in academics and athletics, and perhaps few embody that more than Jason Edwards (B.S.Ed. ’15, M.S. ’18, Ed.D. ’25).
In the summer of 2020, a task force in the Mary Frances Early College of Education’s Department of Kinesiology began looking at ways to expand diversity efforts through the department’s curriculum and service and outreach opportunities. Out of those conversations, Edwards developed the UGA-Clarke County School District Sports Mentoring Program at Hilsman Middle School, where UGA students tutor and mentor younger students and then work on developing their athletic skills.
“I’ve heard from the teachers and leaders that programs like what we’re doing are exactly ways that we can help counteract some of the challenges and hopefully offset them,” said Edwards, associate director of alumni relations in the College.