Colby Smith (AB ’25, BS ’25), Mike and Kalen Webb Scholarship
Every University of Georgia student remembers the moment they first stepped onto campus. Colby Smith ’25, a senior from Suwanee, Georgia, double majoring in statistics and economics, and the recipient of a Georgia Commitment Scholarship, is no different.
“UGA stood out to me because of its focus on developing the whole student — academically, socially and professionally,” said Colby. However, like many college students, Smith soon realized that the cost of this experience could be overwhelming.
As a freshman, Colby took on a part-time job to cover unexpected expenses. Everything changed, however, when he was awarded a Georgia Commitment Scholarship midway through his first year. Freed from financial stress, Colby was able to focus more on his academics, professional growth and building meaningful relationships with his peers.
With the scholarship’s support, Colby transitioned to a federal work-study position in a biology lab. He later joined the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities, where he expanded his academic and professional horizons. “That experience really set me apart in job interviews,” said Colby. “Employers saw the research as something unique and valuable.”
Outside of his research, Colby completed two internships that further enriched his academic and professional journey. As a sophomore, he worked as an insurance product analyst intern for CSAA Insurance Group. During his junior year, he served as a forecasting intern for UPS in Atlanta, a role he has continued into his senior year, and he recently received and accepted an offer from Capital One to work as a business analyst.
Beyond financial freedom and experiential learning opportunities, the need-based scholarship boosted Colby’s confidence in the corporate world. “As a recipient of a Georgia Commitment Scholarship, I had the opportunity to attend networking events, professional development sessions and even an etiquette dinner,” said Smith. “Coming from a working-class background, these experiences helped me learn how to communicate effectively in professional settings, skills I may not have gained otherwise.”
Looking ahead, Colby is grateful for the opportunities the scholarship provided and encourages future recipients to step outside of their comfort zone. “Take on leadership roles and challenge yourself,” he advised. “It is how you grow as a person, and that is what UGA is really about — shaping the whole student.”
Colby’s time at UGA has given him lifelong friendships and invaluable professional experience. “Without the scholarship, I would not have had the opportunities to grow and experience everything UGA has to offer,” he said. “It truly made me the person I am today.”
