Zach Thrift

Zach currently works at the University of Georgia as an academic advisor in the Terry College of Business. Zach has worked in higher education for over fourteen years and has served in numerous roles and worked at five different colleges.  He has a passion for serving students and helping them see their full potential in and out of the classroom while also equipping them with the skills they need to be successful in a college setting and learning to advocate for themselves and their needs.

When not working with students, Zach enjoys spending time with his family on their small farm. He also enjoys watching sports and movies when he has the time.  A great day for him would start by having a strong cup of coffee while sitting outside reading a good book.

• Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Georgia Southern University, candidate 2028
• Master's in Higher Education Administration, Georgia Southern University, 2022
• Bachelor of Science, Christian Ministries, Emmanuel University, 2012

• Leadership Dawgs Program Graduate, 2024
• Certificate in Academic Advising, 2024
• Mentoring Advising Professionals Program Completion, 2023
• Transfer Student Certificate of Appreciation, 2024
• QPR Certificate, 2023
• Terry Staff Career Advancement Fellow, 2024
• Support Dawgs Certificate, 2025

• Academic Success Coach, University of North Georgia, 2019-2022
• Retention Coordinator, Athens Technical College, 2017-2019
• Admissions Counselor, Athens Technical College, 2016-2017
• Student Recruiter, Gwinnett Technical College, 2013-2016