The Georgia Forestry Foundation is proud to award students from the University of Georgia (UGA) and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) with scholarships to help them further their academics efforts and continue their pursuit of knowledge within the forestry sector.
This year’s scholarship recipients represent a diverse range of disciplines, from forestry to agricultural communications, each playing a vital role in shaping the future of Georgia’s natural resource economy. Supporting these students reflects the Foundation’s mission to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders for Georgia’s $42 billion forestry-driven economy. By investing in their education, career development, and connection to our industry, we are helping ensure that Georgia’s 22 million acres of privately-owned working forests remain productive, resilient, and protected for decades to come—sustaining jobs, communities, and the environment for generations.
“Investing in students is our long-term strategy to cultivate effective forestry leaders who will champion working forestry from the forests to the board room,” said Matt Hestad, Senior Vice President of the Georgia Forestry Foundation. “We are proud to support both forestry and agricultural communications majors, knowing that leadership in our industry takes many forms. By providing these students with the tools, networks, and real-world exposure they need, we are preparing them to make decisions that will shape the health of our forests, the strength of our rural economies, and the vitality of our communities for generations to come.”
Congratulations to the 2025 Scholarship Winners
Kayla Stone
Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources
University of Georgia
Monroe, Georgia
“I am a senior forestry student at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. Receiving the scholarship has been a tremendous help, as it has alleviated some of the financial pressure that comes with being a college student. With this support, I’ve been able to dedicate more time to my classes, which has enriched my academic experience. I’m also the president of the Forestry Club. This scholarship has allowed me to focus more on club activities and leadership responsibilities rather than needing to take on additional work. This opportunity has been invaluable, and I am so grateful for the positive impact it has had on my time at Warnell.”Â
Dani Corbin
Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources
University of Georgia
Savannah, Georgia
“I am incredibly grateful for this scholarship I received this semester, which has significantly eased the financial stress of paying my tuition at the University of Georgia. Thanks to your support, I have been able to focus more fully on my studies and engage in extracurricular activities, including joining the Forestry Club and Fly Fishing Club. My major is forestry and I plan to pursue a career in prescribed fire or extension work. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in my journey, and I sincerely thank you for your investment in students like me.”
Mia McGurlÂ
Agricultural Communications
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Zebulon, Georgia
“What excites me most about Ag Comm is that it is ever-changing. Each day will present different challenges, yet I can still effectively and efficiently inform the public on the agricultural industry. Technology continues to advance every day, and in the ag world that is a HUGE deal because farmers can now produce more with less inputs. I am passionate about being able to help people and advocate for an industry that has given me so much. As an agricultural communications major I can use my skills to help educate younger generations about this vital industry because they are the future.”
Bryson Massey // Thomson
Natural Resource Management (B.S.)
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Zebulon, Georgia
“Primarily, I enjoy the long-lasting effects of natural resources management. As a forester, one has the power to permanently alter the landscape around them and improve the surrounding world for the better. I want to be a part of this positive impact, hence why I became a forestry major. I want to be able to make the world the best version of itself that I can imagine. I want to leave a positive legacy for posterity to enjoy. One of the harsh truths of forestry is that very few foresters will see the full outcomes of their work in their lifetime, given the time frame of tree growth. Still, I want to know that I am leaving something that future generations can enjoy and continue to manage well into the future. For this reason and more, I am eager to begin a career in forestry.”
Emily Rodman
Natural Resource Management (B.S.)
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Fort Mill, South Carolina
“I went into forestry because I love trees and nature. I like being able to go out into the woods and learn about the conditions and history of what has happened there based on different plant communities, as well as other factors. I think that new research and technology can help refine management plans for timber production and forest management. I also think that improving tree genetics through selective breeding at tree nurseries is something really unique and interesting.”
Hadley Saxon
Agricultural Communication (B.S.)
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Zebulon, Georgia
“I chose to go into an ag communications major because of my passion for agriculture. I grew up in a rural farming community and saw firsthand the gap between the agricultural industry and consumers. I want to help bridge the gap between the producers and consumers. I hope to continue to be a voice for the agricultural industry through my career in ag communications.”
We are extremely proud and grateful for each of the 2025 scholarship recipients and look forward to  seeing them grow into the future of forestry.
To learn more about GFF’s scholarship program contact glo@gfagrow.org.
