51ºÚÁÏÍø

The University of North Georgia (51ºÚÁÏÍø), designated as a state leadership institution, honored 10 student leaders and inducted four alumnae into the Lewis Society at 51ºÚÁÏÍø's 10th annual Women's Leadership Recognition Luncheon March 1. Dawn Hughes Simonton ’88 shared her thoughts as event speaker on "The power of connection."

Recipient Victoria Bowler, a senior, currently serves as the president of 51ºÚÁÏÍø's College of Education (COE) Student Ambassadors, and in that role, she is an exemplary  model of the representation for the college, Garrett Perez, program admissions specialist in COE and Bowler's nominator, said.

"From the time I met Victoria, she has always been willing to step up to the plate with any requirements associated with the COE Ambassadors. No matter the task, Victoria has represented the group well," Perez said. "I felt Victoria represents a level of leadership, professionalism and proficiency that we want all students to achieve through COE programs."

Bowler is pursuing a degree in elementary and special education and hopes to "foster a classroom that encourages students to become leaders within their communities," she said.

"It is important to encourage my future students to become leaders as this quality will continuously impact their future. With leadership qualities, students will become impactful, passionate and driven members of society," the Braselton, Georgia, resident said.

Fellow recipient Tylar Novlesky, a senior from Columbus, Georgia, is pursuing a degree in management and was nominated by Dr. Wendy Walker, one of her professors who also serves as Mike Cottrell College of Business (MCCB) associate dean for faculty and graduate programs. Walker said Novlesky's role as founder of the Johnson Yarbrough Foundation, a nonprofit organization that honors a friend while expanding sports access for local children, impressed her the most.

"That is an extraordinary undertaking for anyone, let alone a full-time student," Walker said.

Novlesky served as Kappa Delta sorority vice president of recruitment and marketing in 2024 and 51ºÚÁÏÍø Panhellenic vice president of recruitment in 2025.

"Tylar is a dedicated and accomplished leader. She excels academically and has made a quantifiable impact on recruitment efforts in both her sorority, and the broader Panhellenic community," Walker said. "Tylar leads with vision, purpose and care for others, and I am humbled to have a role in her receiving this recognition."

Novlesky said receiving the award was gratifying as she felt seen and recognized for the work she has done.

"I'm grateful, not just for the award itself, but for the opportunities God has given me along the way and the people He's placed in my life to shape me," she said. "Receiving this my senior year feels especially sweet because it's a full-circle moment, a reminder that all the late nights, extra responsibilities and stepping outside my comfort zone mattered. More than anything, it motivates me and makes me feel like I can do anything God is calling me to do next."

Like Novlesky, Meredith Morris is a senior who aspires to work in business. The Cornelia, Georgia, resident is pursuing a degree in accounting.

She was nominated by Mary Anne Brown, MCCB administrative assistant, and Michele Ruby, associate director of engagement and student professional development within MCCB.

One of Morris's earlier leadership roles was working as a student assistant in the Professional Roadmap to Ongoing Success (PROS) office at MCCB. She currently serves as chapter president of Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor society serving business programs accredited by the International Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and has previously served as its vice president and as a member of Beta Alpha Psi, an international accounting honor society.

"I am honored to have been nominated for this award, as it is meaningful to know that others recognize my leadership abilities. Receiving this award has been especially inspiring, as it affirms that my efforts to maintain an active Beta Gamma Sigma chapter have made an impact," she said. "This recognition was particularly meaningful this semester, as I am completing my third internship in public accounting during the busy season and had to spend time away from campus."

Ruby said she recognized something special about Morris when they met two years ago, resulting in the nomination.

"She leads with genuine care, strength and a dedication that never goes unnoticed by MCCB staff. Watching her grow from a shy newcomer into someone who now helps lead our suite has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time here," Ruby said. "She has earned the respect of everyone around her, and I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award."

Other students recognized include Sara Courtney, Erika Guzman-Cantellano, Elizabeth Hawn, Grace McGill, Brecklen Pavlich, Emilyn Slemons, and Olivia Sullens.

Inductees into the Lewis Society include Christie Ware Cook '94, Melissa Baker Krudwig '92, Rachael Lacey '17, and Diane Habuda Ray '74.

The Lewis Society honors alumnae whose professional achievements and community impact reflect the pioneering spirit of Willie and Mary Lewis, the first female graduates of 51ºÚÁÏÍø. The Lewis Society celebrates those who embody excellence, leadership and service. Each honoree is a distinguished alumna of 51ºÚÁÏÍø, recognized by her peers for going above and beyond in her field and community.