The University of Georgia School of Law has hired its inaugural first-start coordinator to help students who are the first in their families to attend college.

Amanda J. Shaw, a UGA law graduate herself, will step into this position later this summer. She is currently the law school's associate director for global practice preparation, overseeing the Dean Rusk International Law Center's global externships programs and Global Governance Summer School.

Shaw will serve as the designated point of contact for the first start group through all stages of their law school experience, supporting them from their recruitment to post-graduation, the law school announced. She will be tasked with developing programming tailored for these students.

“As a first-generation college graduate myself, this position is deeply meaningful to me,” Shaw said in the law school's news release. “I remember how overwhelmed I felt in law school, constantly striving to bridge a gap I couldn't quite identify. It is hard to get answers when you don't even know the questions you should be asking. This is why having a dedicated point person for first-generation students is so important, and I am committed to assisting our students be successful as they pursue their legal education.”

The law school announced in February the creation of the First-Start Scholars Program, funded by a $3 million lead gift from 1982 alumna Kathelen V. Amos and the Daniel P. Amos Family Foundation. Dan Amos is chairman and chief executive officer of Aflac Inc. The company was founded in 1955 in downtown Columbus as American Family Life Insurance Co. of Columbus by John Amos and his brothers, Paul and Bill Amos.

Kathelen Amos—married to Dan Amos—is a trustee at Emory University, where she earned a B.A. in political science before going on to UGA law school. According to the Emory website, she joined Aflac in 1985 as a staff attorney in the company's newly formed legal department. She was named deputy counsel in 1989. In 1990, she became responsible for the company's media relations. Eventually, she was tasked to form the corporate communications department, which was responsible for the company's public relations, sponsorships, donations and national advertising. She was the company's first female executive vice president. Under her leadership, Aflac developed its award-winning duck advertising campaign.

The law school said the total amount of funds given to support these students in recent years is now up to $5 million.

“With roughly 10 to 15 percent of each entering class representing the first person in his or her family to attend college, having a support system in place for this cohort eases the anxieties some may have as they embark on their legal education,” Dean Peter B. “Bo” Rutledge said. “Not only will these students be attending one of the nation's top law schools, but they will have a community of peers and mentors who truly have their backs as they prepare to become legal leaders in their communities.”

Two current law students and first-generation college graduates—Tyler Mathis and Sharod McClendon—have already formed the UGA law school First-Generation Student Association. 

The student group will complement the First-Start Scholars Program by offering a unifying force around relevant academic, emotional, financial and social issues, the law school said.