Name: W. Steven Haugabook, Jr.

Family:  Wife, Sally (UGA M.Ed 1998); son, William (UGA MAcc 2023); daughter, Anne McKenzie (UGA B.S.Ed. December 2024)

Hometown: Montezuma, Georgia

Current Town: Athens, Georgia

What Years at UGA:  1992-1997

School/Degree: Franklin College of Arts and Sciences; BA

Profession:  LAD Truck Lines Inc., Vice President

Accolades: Husband, dad, and follower of Christ

What life lessons did you learn while at UGA? 

Too many to count. I grew up in the small rural town of Montezuma, GA and then made my way to Athens. It may have taken me a while, but I was able to learn how to balance responsibility, time, and fun. Also, navigating around the cyclists on Lumpkin Avenue was a challenge at first and I definitely learned not to take Your Cab after 2:30 am.

What professor did you most admire? 

Sadly, I don’t remember her name but she was my professor for an introductory of literature class. Her patience and guidance led me to understand all the works of the early authors where in high school I only read the cliff notes.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?  

Coming from a divorced home, I recognized the importance of having a strong marriage along with being an involved father. Sally and I have raised two kids who understand the value of faith, family, friendship, and work. Seeing them mature into the adults that they have become is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?  

 I believe that Ronald Reagan was the United States most successful president. He used strength in leading the country but also with humor. He was able to utilize both attributes in compromise for the better good. I feel like I can relate to him through these two qualities while always having an optimistic view.

Who are your heroes in real life? 

My mom suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and I have witnessed and admired the caregivers who nurse, protect, and care for her. Not only is their profession heroic but I am grateful that her caregivers provide great compassion, strength, patience, and love. I am fortunate to have these heroes in our lives and will forever be grateful.

Quote to live by: 

The road to success is always under construction. Arnold Palmer

What is your idea of perfect happiness? 

Sitting on the dock with a cold one watching the sunset over Lake Oconee while listening to the sounds of family and friends’ laughter and animated disputes while they are playing cornhole or Can Jam in the backyard.

What is your most marked characteristic? 

My loud mouth hands down.  I have been told my voice is recognizable whether I am in Sanford Stadium or on The Georgia Club golf course. They all know when I arrive.

What do you most value in your friends? 

I appreciate how my good friends are always supportive and non-judgmental in who I am. I also value friendships where we can poke fun with one another but also be there during the lows.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? 

I am pretty satisfied with what I offer, but I guess good eyesight would be nice and not graying so young.  I have been known to jump on stage a time or two during a wedding reception. It may be better for all if I could carry a tune to Mustang Sally!!

Who are your favorite writers? 

I enjoy reading nonfiction books by Jon Meacham and Bill O’Reilly.  However, the J.K. Rowling book series, Harry Potter, holds a special place in my heart. Sally, the kids, and I shared the joy of these books together as a family. We waited with anticipation for the arrival of each new novel. Actually, they are the only books I read multiple times.

Fave social media and who to follow ?  

I’m not really a social media guy but I do have X. I follow the news and sports. I prefer newspapers and my favorite magazine, BULLDAWG ILLUSTRATED.