Featured Student

Kaleb Wilkes

When Kaleb Wilkes enrolled at South Georgia College following his 2007 graduation from Citizens Christian Academy in Douglas, he did not have plans on being named one of SGC’s Best All Around.

As he puts it, he simply wanted to stay near home during his first two years of college. He knew he would receive an excellent education at SGC and gain valuable work experience at the same time. “Going to South Georgia College turned out to be a great decision,” he says.

When he enrolled in SGC, he quickly became involved in several activities. He’s a Tiger Senator and has been very active in Baptist Campus Ministries (BCM). This year, Kaleb has served as the president of BCM.

Kaleb is concerned about the challenges facing his peers. He believes most of these challenges are, at their core, spiritual in nature. “The uncertainty about the economy and job market, what’s coming in the future – we have these and many other tests on the horizon. We must know where our faith and trust lie,” he says.

Education plays a key role in handling those challenges as they arise. A good education opens doors and provides opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t present themselves. “We’ve got to get the best education we can. College isn’t a time to goof off, and we must accept responsibility, be proactive and be serious about our future today,” he says.

Kaleb is majoring in business administration. Following graduation, he will attend Kennesaw State University, where he plans to obtain an accounting degree. “I’d like to earn my certified public accountant license and come back home to Douglas. I would consider staying in the metro area if the right opportunity comes along. But eventually, I’d like to return home,” he says.

Kaleb has worked as a teller at First National Bank in Douglas for the last two years. His work experience has complemented his education very well. “I’ve seen a side of business that I wouldn’t otherwise see until after graduation. The staff at First National Bank has mentored me, and they’ve taught me more than I would ever learn on my own,” he says.

In his spare time, Kaleb enjoys playing golf and jumping in any pick-up basketball or football that comes around. Interestingly, he’s also very adept with a Rubik’s Cube and can routinely solve the cube in under three minutes. “It may not help me in the future, but it’s kind of fun,” he says of the Rubik’s.

Kaleb is the son of Rev. Marty and Karen Wilkes of Douglas.