Connie Land

Alumni Office, Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors

Land's non-traditional path taught her the value of persistence, work ethic

Major/year graduated

Furnishings and Interiors, 1999

Current occupation/location

VP of Sales and Marketing for Ulster Carpets, Atlanta

What do you love about your current role?

The ability to shape and help others grow.

How did your time at FACS help prepare you for your life or career?:

 During my time in FACS, I pursued opportunities I never imagined. I became the FACS student senator, was selected for LeaderShape, joined Delta Zeta, and received an entrepreneurial scholarship from a FACS alum. Getting into UGA was a major milestone for me—I wasn’t accepted right out of high school and returned as a non-traditional, older student. While in school, I worked three jobs, attended full time, and still managed to stay engaged and succeed. I felt a real sense of accomplishment simply by putting myself out there and giving it my all.

Who was your favorite or most memorable faculty member and why?

My favorite faculty member was Linda Tepfenhart. I have a short—and slightly embarrassing—story about our first conversation, which happened before I was even admitted to the Furnishings and Interiors program. She quickly became both a mentor and a friend, and we stayed in touch even after I graduated. She has since passed, but she was a meaningful and influential part of my FACS experience.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were a student?

I’ve learned not to stress over the small stuff and to trust that everyone’s path is their own. My journey wasn’t linear—in fact, for a long time, it felt disconnected and unpredictable. But with time and perspective, I can now see the common thread running through each career turn. I’m truly grateful for every experience that brought me to where I am today.