ICON is an acronym for Interests, Careers, Opportunities, and Networking. The mission of the ICON program is to identify and recognize outstanding alumni who are established or emerging leaders in their field. Importantly, we will then connect these alumni ICONs with our current students for mentorship and career advancement. In expanding the ICON network over time, we will likewise strengthen our community and industry connections, providing students with personal and aspirational mentors for job placement and career resiliency.
The ICON program underscores the transformative power of mentorship and community. By creating opportunities for current students to engage directly with successful alumni, we are opening doors for career advancement and bridging the gap between academic preparation and professional success. This initiative allows our students to see themselves in the paths of their predecessors and to gain insights and inspiration that will guide their own journeys. By strengthening connections between our alumni, students, and industry partners, we are not only enhancing individual success but also reinforcing the role of Athens State University as a catalyst for positive change in our community and beyond.
Fall 2024 ICON Award Winners
Carson Phillips ’22
Ms. Phillips graduated from Athens State University in 2022 with a BA in Art, with a minor in Education, and was awarded the Edwin and Elizabeth Skelton Scholarship during her time at the University. She is now employed as a Visual Art Teacher at Giles County High School.
Dr. Eric Smith ’97
Dr. Smith graduated from Athens State University in 1997 with a BSEd in Secondary Education, followed by a master’s degree from Mississippi State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida. Dr. Smith is Professor of English and former Director of the Humanities Center at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and currently serves on the Athens State University Board of Visitors for Arts & Sciences. He has received numerous awards including a Hackney Literary Award and the F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Association Literary Award for Fiction. In 2024, he was also awarded the Eugene Current-Garcia Award for Distinguished Literary Scholarship by the Association of College English Teachers of Alabama.
Misty Yates ’16
Ms. Yates graduated from Athens State University in 2019 with a B.S. in Psychology, with a minor in Human Development. She holds an MA in Clinical Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Post-Master’s certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Grand Canyon University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). She owns Grand Oaks Counseling in Decatur, AL, and is a practicing therapist with a full caseload. In addition to her formal education, she is also trained in EMDR therapy and has a certification in religious trauma.
Aaron Rathz ’16
Mr. Rathz graduated from Athens State University in 2016 with a BS in Computer Science and was awarded the Richard Stutzke Foundation Scholarship during his time at the university. He has an extensive professional background in engineering and software development. His career includes roles such as: CAD Technician at DRS Technical Services, Software Engineer at Dynetics, Engineering Support Specialist at GaN (Geeks and Nerds) Corporation, Software Engineer at SAIC, and Computer Systems Architect at Northrop Grumman. He currently works as a Software Developer for Radiance Technologies.