Grant Thomas

What do you do for a living now?

I currently serve as Director of State Relations at the University of Georgia.  In this role, I serve as the university's primary liaison to the Georgia General Assembly, the Office of the Governor, state agencies, and related groups.  I also assist with the development and implementation of the university’s state level agenda and connect faculty and administrators with elected and appointed officials across state government. 

 

Do you think your time at Mount Pisgah helped you to pursue this? If yes, how?

Absolutely.  My time at Mount Pisgah was critical in helping me prepare for college and eventually the workforce.  First, the rigorous college preparatory academic curriculum helped prepare me for success as an undergraduate student at UGA.  Additionally, Mount Pisgah instilled in the importance of treating others with decency, respect, and always approaching issues in an ethical manner.  I also gained many soft skills and interpersonal skills through participating in extracurricular and experiential learning opportunities at Mount Pisgah.   


Did you ever envision doing this while you were at Mount Pisgah?

Not exactly.  I have always had a passion for politics, government, history, and law; including during my time at Mount Pisgah.  However, I did not discover this career path until I completed several internships while I was a student at UGA.  While I did not envision being in my current role as a student at Mount Pisgah, Mount Pisgah did instill in me a passion for history, government, reading, and writing.  These subject areas helped guide me towards my current career path, and I use many of the skills I developed as a student at Mount Pisgah in my job every day.  

 

Where do you live now?

I currently live in Brookhaven, Georgia. 

 

Did you enjoy your time at Mount Pisgah?

Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Mount Pisgah.  I loved the tight knit community of Mount Pisgah, and the smaller class sizes at the school really allowed me to get to know all of my teachers and classmates.  I always felt comfortable asking questions in class and seeking extra help whenever I needed it.  I also think Mount Pisgah's greatest asset is its people.  The teachers truly cared about all of their students, and I formed very close relationships with many of my classmates.  I also have great memories from participating in many different extracurricular activities; including cross country, track, and JV basketball.  

 

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

I had many favorite teachers at Mount Pisgah, but I think my all time favorite was Steve Harrison.  I had Mr. Harrison for Honors English and AP English my sophomore, junior, and senior years of high school.  Over the course of his three classes, we read dozens of books in those three years.  It was his class where I first truly developed a lifelong passion for reading and writing.  He also always made class entertaining with his quick wit, humor, and thick Boston accent.  

 

What was your most memorable moment as a student?

My most memorable moment at Mount Pisgah was competing at the 2009 GHSA State Cross Country Meet at Carrollton High School.  We had a great team that year, and I served as a Co-Captain for the team alongside Sam Reilly.  It was the perfect way to end a great season.  I still have very fond memories of competing with such a great group of teammates and coaches.  

 

Do you still keep in touch with anyone you met at Mount Pisgah?

Yes, I still keep in touch with several close friends from Mount Pisgah.  I see several of them once or twice a year and some I see more often.  One of my favorite things about serving on the Alumni Board for the last several years has been reconnecting with so many alumni, even those who were not in my graduating class.  

 

Describe Mount Pisgah in 3 words?

Faith, tight-knit, rigorous. 

 

What is your lasting impression of Mount Pisgah?

Mount Pisgah is a very special place to me.  The school provided me with a strong foundation that I have carried with me throughout my academic and professional careers.  The rigorous academic curriculum, spiritual formation, and leadership development opportunities at Mount Pisgah prepared me for life after high school.  I still treasure the memories and relationships I formed during my time as a student at Mount Pisgah.