Meet Misti Potter, a 1998 Athens State graduate and newly appointed Executive Director of the Singing River Trail (SRT), a non-profit organization with a mission to develop a 200+ mile greenway system that strengthens regional bonds, and creates new health and wellness, educational, economic, tourism, and entrepreneurial opportunities for the people and communities of North Alabama.
“I have another opportunity to utilize the skills and lessons earned at Athens State,” comments Potter.
Prior to her role with the SRT, Potter invested 24 years of her career in the Boys & Girls Club Movement where she most recently served as CEO for the Boys & Girls Club Movement in Austin, TX. Potter’s business savvy combined with her passion for social service makes the SRT a wonderful next step in her career.
“With my degree in Behavioral Science, I have held positions that rely on working with people, networking, and relationship development as critical building blocks to a successful and collaborative environment.”
Potter explains the SRT pursues high impact relationships with partners, investors, community stakeholders, law makers, and more to further the movement of their mission. The Singing River Trail’s ambitious goal will be realized through the hard work and dedication of Potter, her team, board of directors, and many other individuals. She credits Athens State for the foundational interpersonal skills that she uses each day in working with teams, public speaking, goal setting, and leadership development.
My time at Athens State was an enriching experience that supported my career aspirations and achievements, says Potter.
While Potter was at Athens State, she worked more than forty hours each week, took four courses per semester, and graduated in two years. She remembers her college years as a tough season of life balanced by the calm expertise and dedication of her professors. Potter attended the University when it was named Athens State College and graduated in the second class to receive a degree from Athens State University.
“The role of Athens State in my academic past fostered the establishment of a clear and strategic career path after graduation,” shares Potter. “The structured classes and atmosphere required the development of a professional and personal growth skill set that has served me well over the past couple of decades.”
Potter looks ahead with confidence that her experience and lessons from Athens State will be stewarded in the coming months and years to advance the SRT, which also runs through her alma mater’s home in Athens, AL.
About the Behavioral Science Program:
The Behavioral Science degree program at Athens State University is committed to guiding students to become psychologically and sociologically literate citizens of the 21st century by providing a broad and balanced understanding of psychology and sociology as a social and natural science. Students pursuing a behavioral science degree gain knowledge, skills, and values consistent with the science and application of psychological and sociological principles. Learn more HERE.