OneGoal Issue Forum

Tuesday, March 31, 2026
8:30 am – 12:00 pm

Georgia Tech University Alumni House
190 North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

You’re invited to OneGoal’s inaugural Issue Forum! We’re bringing together thought leaders from across the state to elevate key issues around postsecondary access and completion in Georgia. Join us for inspiring speakers, discussions, and networking. Light breakfast and boxed lunch will be provided.

8:30 – 9:00 am  —  Coffee + Conversations (with Continental Breakfast)

9:00 – 9:10 am  —  Welcome

9:10 – 9:30 am  —  Critical Discussion – Needs Based Funding Updates in Georgia: What Practitioners Should Know

9:30 – 10:05 am  —  Panel Discussion – The Degree Debate: Does a Postsecondary Degree Still Matter? 

10:05 – 10:25 am  —  Connecting Over Completion – Guided Discussions 

10:25 – 10:45 am  —  Fireside Chat – The Advice I Wish I Had in High School: A Student Perspective

10:45 – 11:20 am  —  Panel Discussion – Across the Divide: Strengthening Collaboration Between K-12 and Postsecondary Education 

11:20 – 11:30 am  —  Closing + Boxed Lunches

Critical Discussion: Needs Based Funding
Updates in Georgia–What Practitioners Should Know

Korynn Schooley, Vice President – Policy, Achieve Atlanta

Ashley Young, Senior Education Analyst, Georgia Budget and Policy Institute

The Degree Debate:
Does Postsecondary Education Still Matter?

As the value proposition of higher education faces increasing scrutiny, and 2-year and 4-year options are often pitted against each other, your perspective is essential. We are looking to explore how institutions are evolving to ensure degrees remain the premier pathway to social mobility and economic stability for Georgia’s workforce.

Moderator: Dr. Cheryl Watson-Harris, CEO of Achieve Atlanta

Panelist 1: Dr. Victoria Seals, President, Atlanta Technical College

Panelist 2: Dr. Kathryn McClymond, President, Oglethorpe University

Panelist 3: Shamona Harrell, Director of College, Career and Counseling Supports, Fulton County Schools

Panelist 4: Brett Lacy, Managing Director of Workforce Solutions, Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC)

Across the Divide: Strengthening Collaboration
Between K-12 and Postsecondary Education

This panel will explore how K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions can work more intentionally across systems to better align expectations, advising, and supports for students—especially during critical transition points. Join district and postsecondary leaders from across Georgia as we engage in a discussion around how to change this landscape for our students.

Moderator: Dr. Dana Rickman, President, Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education

Panelist 1: Rick Clark, Vice Provost, Enrollment Management, Georgia Tech

Panelist 2: Dr. Ramon Garner, Principal, Benjamin E. Mays High School

Panelist 3: Jacqueline Quiroga, Assistant Vice President – Enrollment Services, Kennesaw State University

Contact Nicole Dupree Plummer at nicole.plummer@onegoalgraduation.org or 404-936-0411.

Special thanks to Georgia Tech for hosting this event!

• Atlanta Public Schools
• City Schools of Decatur
• Fulton County Public Schools
• Newton County Schools
• Clayton County Public Schools
• Henry County School District