by Shay Carr
The University of West Georgia Richards College of Business continued the Presidential Leadership Series with guest speaker, Aaron McWhorter, on Tuesday, January 24, 2014. Aaron, a UWG alumni and successful entrepreneur, was invited to speak to multiple classes and to offer advice to potential entrepreneurs.
Aaron graduated from UWG in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and in 1987 with a master’s degree in education. In 1985, he began North Georgia Turf, a turfgrass company that has grown to become “the industry leader in the Southeast in providing high quality products and superior service,” according to the company website. North Georgia Turf now owns 2000 acres with farm several locations in Georgia including Whitesburg, Franklin, Clarkesville, Calhoun and Fort Valley.
Aaron first spoke to the class “Democracy in America,” taught by Dr. Robert Schaefer, chair and professor of political science. “It’s very important to have students involved in politics,” Aaron says. “It’s a good learning experience and you can influence the decisions that are made.”He also stressed to the students the need to be patient when trying to start a business and reminded them that he did not start his now successful company until the age of 40.
The class valued Aaron’s advice and personal account of entrepreneurship and owning a business. “It’s always good to hear about someone else’s opinion on the subject matter,” says John Oven, a senior in the class. “We all have opinions, but not his experience.”
Aaron was also scheduled to attend more classes, meet with professors regarding research and tour UWG’s campus, however a portion of his visit was postponed due to weather.
