The Ferrell family build community and give back through PLC
Nikki (MS ’24) and Cres Ferrell embody the spirit of community, involvement and philanthropy, making a lasting impact at the University of Georgia.
The couple are active members of the Parents Leadership Council, a group of highly engaged parents eager to be involved on campus and make a direct impact on undergraduate student life. Their journey with the University of Georgia has been especially meaningful. They have three children, two of whom are currently pursuing degrees at UGA — Charlotte ’25, studying marketing, and Lane ’28, studying mechanical engineering.
Nikki had the unique experience of beginning her own academic journey at UGA in the fall of 2021, pursuing a master’s in nutritional sciences at the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, just as her eldest daughter, Charlotte, was beginning her undergraduate studies. Nikki was riding the line of being a student but also being a parent of a student when she was first introduced to the PLC.
“Parents Leadership Council has been a great way for us to plug in and to give back to a community that has given so much to myself, my daughter and now my son,” said Nikki. “It’s been neat to be able to meet other parents from all over the country and hear their stories.”
This was an exciting time for the Ferrell family. They eagerly immersed themselves in all things UGA and were thrilled to dive deep into the UGA experience. Nikki embraced the university both as a student and as a supportive parent for Charlotte. The PLC offered the perfect platform for her to do so.
For Nikki and Cres, the opportunity to support various philanthropic causes through a single platform was an additional motivating factor for their involvement. They were excited to see the funds raised directly benefit UGA students, enriching their experiences.
Now, after being PLC members for three years, Nikki and Cres are grateful for the chance to build meaningful relationships with other parents who share similar emotions and experiences. They also appreciate the exposure to various areas of the university, which has deepened their connection to the UGA community. 
Nikki and Cres have supported many initiatives at UGA through their involvement with PLC. One initiative, the Let All the Big Dawgs Eat Food Scholarship Initiative, holds personal significance for Nikki. This need-based scholarship provides meal plans to students, aiming to alleviate food insecurity at UGA. In FY24, PLC awarded over $33,000 to Let All the Big Dawgs Eat.
“Doing my master’s in nutrition and providing nutritious food for kids has always been close to my heart. I love that we get to do this through PLC,” said Nikki. “PLC has been supporting Let All the Big Dawgs Eat for quite a while, and I love that we’re providing meal plans for several kids who might not otherwise have access to them. It really hit home for me, and it was a full-circle moment to see how it all came together.”
Nikki and Cres prioritize teaching their kids the importance of giving back and serving others. They ensured their kids were actively involved in various nonprofit organizations throughout secondary school. They participated in the National Charity League, a philanthropic organization for mothers and daughters, as well as the Young Men’s Service League, an organization for mothers and their teenage sons to serve their local communities.
In addition to their involvement with PLC, Nikki is a proud member and founding donor of Georgia Women Give, a nationwide group of women committed to philanthropy, community and learning. Georgia Women Give donors can choose to support one or more of Georgia Women Give’s three signature funds — an academic scholarship endowment, a study away endowment, or a campus priorities fund — allowing for targeted and impactful giving.
“We’ve become involved in so many different areas and it’s opened this whole new world for us. We’ve felt welcomed with open arms despite being between this line of being a student and a parent,” said Nikki. “We have just enjoyed the culture and the community so much, and it’s so exciting when we get to go to Athens and spend time with the kids.”
Other parents interested in becoming more engaged with the university can explore the Parents Leadership Council and, like the Ferrells, deepen their connection to UGA.
