When University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) alumna and CAES Alumni Association Board member Shannon Miller joined the UGA Mentor Program last fall, she hoped to support students the way others once supported her. What she didn’t expect was that one of her very first mentees through the new app would become such a meaningful part of her life and work.
That mentee was Audrey Sutton, a driven and highly involved CAES student. At the time they met, Audrey was already balancing a full plate — Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, the pre-vet club, and volunteer work at the UGA Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Shannon immediately noticed her focus, organization, and genuine warmth.
As their conversations continued, Audrey’s dedication only grew. She added roles as an undergraduate research assistant at the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine and as well as became a student mentor within CAES. Shannon watched her thrive and knew she had found someone truly special.
After several months of mentoring, Shannon made a rare offer in the veterinary world: a summer internship at her animal hospital. Audrey had already reached out to every clinic within a 30-mile radius and hadn’t been able to secure a single opportunity — a common challenge in a field where shadowing and internships can be notoriously difficult to obtain. Shannon wanted to change that for her.
The moment Audrey joined the team, she made an impression. Shannon’s staff loved her attention to detail, her kindness with clients, her compassion for animals, and the curiosity she brought to every case. Her intellect and eagerness to learn elevated the entire practice.
What began as a mentorship quickly became something deeper. Shannon describes meeting Audrey through the UGA Mentor Program as “a gift.” At the end of the summer, they hired her as a part-time employee — and now they look forward to every school break when she returns to work alongside them again.
Their story is a powerful reminder of what the UGA Mentor Program makes possible. Students gain access to opportunities they might never find on their own. Alumni get the chance to change someone’s life in a direct, personal way. And sometimes, those connections grow into relationships that last far beyond graduation.
If you’re a student searching for guidance or an alum hoping to make a meaningful impact, Audrey and Shannon’s experience shows just how transformative one match can be. The next great story could start with you, sign up at mentor.uga.edu.