Jay Lavender

Kelly Simmons

Lavender, a Statham, Ga., native restocks the fridge at the hotel’s quick market.
Photographer Abbey Benefield

A career aptitude test in high school told Jay Lavender he was best suited for a job in hospitality.

So, the Statham resident got a part-time job at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, first in housekeeping and later in concierge services.

That experience led him to enroll in the UGA Hospitality and Food Industry Management program when he entered the university as a freshman in fall 2023. Now in his second year, Lavender says he enjoys the interaction with guests he meets through the concierge desk.

“It’s more face-to-face,” he says. “I enjoy getting to know people even if for a short time.”

Having a full-service hotel and conference center on campus is a huge advantage for students in the UGA hospitality program, Lavender says.

“You learn the stuff in a classroom and then you have to walk into the hotel and do it,” he says. “It really reinforces the lessons we’re learning. I’m learning faster by having the hands-on experience.”

In addition, Lavender says he’s learned a great deal by working alongside full-time Georgia Center employees. From his perch at the concierge desk he can see Carrie Lynn, a full-time assistant front desk manager, who was in charge of housekeeping when Lavender worked there in high school.

“Watching her be a leader is really inspiring for me,” Lavender says. “The way she deals with conflicts with students is a good example. She treats guests and co-workers with respect.”

I never thought of a profession in hospitality. The Georgia Center solidified my passion for it.