Jonathan Mangrum
Georgia College & State University
Jonathan Mangrum is a first-year student at Georgia College. Since arriving on campus, he has been heavily involved in the American Democracy Project, a multi-campus initiative that focuses on public education's role in preparing the next generation of informed and engaged citizens. As part of this, Jonathan helped plan and facilitate several events that promote political and social awareness, most notably a citywide forum held on the Milledgeville and Baldwin County unification referendum. In addition to this work, Jonathan serves as the vice president of the Georgia College Model United Nations, as a student justice for the Georgia College Student Government Association Judicial Board, and as an executive council officer for Eta Sigma Alpha, the honors society of the Georgia College Honors Program. Jonathan has truly shown his commitment to enriching the liberal arts experience of his fellow classmates. Though Jonathan is only in his first year at Georgia College, he has made tremendous strides towards educating and engaging his peers at Georgia College in the democratic process. He has extraordinary potential as a leader and as a proponent of civic education and responsibility, and he will no doubt serve society for many years to come.
Personal Statement
I began college determined to grow deeply invested in the Georgia College (GC) student body and in the community within my new city of Milledgeville, Georgia. I joined a nonpartisan civic engagement organization called American Democracy Project (ADP), which aims to increase political involvement and social consciousness on campus and in the community. Through ADP I helped plan and host a local city-county government unification forum. The forum gave students and local residents an opportunity to participate and become informed in time for November voting. In preparation for the event, I analyzed, presented, and led a discussion on a portion of the unification charter during an ADP meeting. I am now working in ADP alongside other student organizations to collaborate on a large event, Tunnel of Oppression, described by the principal organizer as "an interactive theatre experience where spectators are submerged into the oppression of marginalized groups," to promote social awareness and strengthen unity among GC students. After I graduate, I would like to work for the US Department of State and pursue a graduate degree in diplomatic relations. I want to continue to improve lives while immersing myself in the vastness of human diversity.
