Earlier this year, the University of Georgia announced the 2023 40 Under 40 honorees. The winners include 9 graduates with SPIA degrees. 40 Under 40 celebrates young alumni leading the pack in their industries and communities. Learn more about our Honoree Clayton Cox, the Vice President of Federal Affairs at McGuireWoods.
What was your favorite SPIA class or favorite SPIA professor?
Southern Politics with Bullock & IA with Brock Tessman
What was your favorite study spot as a student?
Library
What obscure thing are you talented at?
I like to do impersonations.
What is one weird fact or tidbit that you still remember from school?
My advisor having “[email protected]” as his email (which no one else had that format)
What one superpower would you give to everyone in the world? How would the world change?
Empathy. People need to be to understand that folks on the other side aren’t that scary and malicious.
Where’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why?
Scandinavia during the winter; I want to see the northern lights.
If you could have dinner with one famous person, living or dead, who would it be? Why?
US Grant; he would be fun and I want to understand his perseverance.
What is one piece of advice you have for current SPIA students?
There is no linear path and any one who tells you there is one specific way to reach success in IA/Politics is wrong. There are many paths and definitions of success so do not be held back by those who claim to have it all figured out. And enjoy yourself!