Savannah Lockman

Alumni Office, Human Development and Family Science

Lockman credits the college for playing a significant role in shaping her career

Major/year graduated

BSFCS, Human Development and Family Science, 2018

Current occupation/location

Director of Annual Giving at Kennesaw State University, Marietta

What do you love about your current role?

I love my role as Director of Annual Giving because it allows me to connect with so many incredible faculty, staff, alumni, and parents who are passionate about supporting our students. It's a privilege to help turn their generosity into meaningful opportunities that make a real difference in students’ lives.

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

The College of Family and Consumer Sciences has played a significant role in shaping my career. Through its interdisciplinary focus, I’ve gained the skills to work with diverse individuals and communities, approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset, and better understand the systems that influence people’s everyday lives. That foundation continues to guide me in my work, especially as I collaborate across campus and with external partners to create meaningful opportunities for students.

What does being a FACS grad mean to you?

Being a FACS grad means honoring a legacy that runs deep in my family and personal journey. My mom is a FACS alum, and many of the most influential women in my life, especially through 4-H and FCCLA, were also FACS graduates. Their impact on me was profound, shaping my values, leadership style, and commitment to service. Choosing FACS felt like coming home, and it gave me the foundation to grow into who I am today, both personally and professionally.

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

Dr. Melissa Kozak and Dr. Jennifer George were the most influential faculty members during my time in FACS. They completely shifted the way I viewed professors, showing me that faculty weren’t meant to be feared, but could be relatable, supportive, and deeply invested in their students. They valued my voice, encouraged me to pursue graduate education, and made me feel seen. I looked up to them and thought, “I want to be like them when I grow up.” More than anything, they were the first examples I had of strong, female leadership, leadership that wasn’t defined by a title, but by presence, authenticity, and purpose.