Fall commencement speakers announced

Odom earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from UNG. During his time at UNG, he was selected as an orientation leader, rush chairman for Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Homecoming king, and Mr. UNG. In his current role, he partners with internal and external stakeholders to design and implement the content strategy for two of Chick-fil-A's cornerstone events: NEXT and Regional Planning Meetings. Odom has worked in multiple roles in roughly seven years with the company. He previously worked in technology sales at SAS for almost three years.

"It is an honor to be given an opportunity to give back to an organization that has given so much to me. North Georgia is where I met my wife, developed meaningful friendships and exercised the leadership gifts God has given me," Odom said. "It is a university that prepares its students for life beyond the campus, and I hope to encourage this graduating class that they have been prepared to take on their next adventure."

Vella earned a bachelor's degree in liberal arts and arts management from the University of Iowa. In his current role, Vella is responsible for overseeing all operations that make up the Fox Theatre, as well as programming for the facility. The Fox Theatre averages 175 performances and hosts over 600,000 guests annually. He has worked professionally in the facility management field since 1986, managing theatres, arenas, amphitheaters, and exhibition facilities. His experience spans a wide range of events including NCAA tournaments, MLB, NHL, ballet, corporate events, concerts, Broadway, and presidential visits.

Lanford earned a Ph.D. in urban education policy from the University of Southern California, a master's degree in higher education from the University of Hong Kong, a master's degree in music literature from the University of Georgia, and a bachelor's degree in music from Colgate University. His research uses qualitative methods to investigate globalization, institutional innovation and organizational culture in higher education. His first book, "Creating a Culture of Mindful Innovation in Higher Education," was co-written with Bill Tierney and published by SUNY Press in 2022. Additionally, Lanford has published more than 50 journal articles and book chapters and serves on the editorial boards of Higher Education, Innovative Higher Education, and the Journal of Global Higher Education.

"The opportunity to serve as a commencement speaker is an exciting invitation to reflect on the types of resources and experiences that might enrich our students' lives after they graduate from UNG," Lanford said. "I hope I can offer words of advice and encouragement that will make a positive impact on our deserving and talented graduates."