Zach Thrift, M.Ed.

College Academic Coach

Zach currently works at the University of Georgia as an academic advisor at the Terry College of Business. He earned a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from Georgia Southern University in May 2022.  Zach has worked in higher education for over a decade and has served in numerous roles at different colleges.  He has a passion for serving students and helping them see their full potential in and out of the classroom while also equipping them with the skills they need to be successful in a college setting, which includes learning to advocate for themselves and their needs.

From his role as a student recruiter to a college admissions counselor, Zach knows the ins and outs of what it takes to be a successful college student. Before working at UGA, he was one of the first academic success coaches hired at the University of North Georgia. In this role, he assisted students with developing time management skills, implementing proper study habits and test-taking skills, and also creating SMART goals.  He is equipped to work with and serve students from all backgrounds, including those with executive functioning needs.  

When not working with students, Zach enjoys spending time with his family on their small farm. He has cows, chickens, and a horse to look after.  Visiting the chickens every day to collect eggs is one of the best parts of living on a farm. He also enjoys watching sports (Go Dawgs and Braves!) and movies (Marvel and Christopher Nolan movies) when he has the time.  A great day for him would start by having a strong cup of coffee while sitting outside reading a good book.