Hamilton Holmes and Charlayne Hunter-Gault’s footsteps on the University of Georgia campus opened the door for many like Audrey King. Her path has been defined by doors that opened for her and doors she had to open herself.
King spoke about the importance of walking through those doors during the annual Holmes-Hunter Lecture, held on Feb. 23 in the Chapel.
“The story of Holmes and Hunter shows us what true legacy looks like,” King said.
King now serves as the senior vice president of corporate responsibility for Georgia Power and president and CEO of The Georgia Power Foundation, but she began her career at the company as a customer service representative.
“Success isn’t just about walking through every door that opens. It’s about knowing which doors to walk through and when,” King said.
While serving in that position, her manager encouraged her to pursue a college degree. She began taking classes at a community college, one class at a time, as a single mother working full time. It took her eight years, but she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Troy University at age 40. She credits that manager with encouraging her to walk through that door.
“That’s what it means to invest in someone. Walking through that door had a lasting impact on my life,” King said. “My manager knew what I needed so I could be prepared for future doors. That investment didn’t just have an impact on me — it rippled out.”
King also shared a story about trying out for her school chorus three times without making it. On her fourth and final attempt, she decided to try something new and sing a different way. That time, she received an invitation to join the chorus.
“Here’s what that taught me, and it’s a lesson I’ve carried into my adulthood, as well as into my career — when a door doesn’t open, don’t assume it’s locked forever,” King said. “Maybe you just need to try opening it differently. Maybe you need to pull instead of push.”
To conclude her remarks, King left the audience with the acronym OPEN, representing four callings she believe everyone shares:
- Observe those who paved the way
- Persist, no matter what happens
- Educate yourself and others
- Nurture people and hold the door open for those along the way
“It is important that we give thanks and recognize those who helped to light our path. Now it’s time to shine for someone else,” King said.
Named in honor of Holmes and Hunter-Gault, the first African American students to attend the University of Georgia, the lecture is sponsored by the Office of the President. It has been held annually since 1985 and is designated as a Signature Lecture.
“This annual lecture serves as an important opportunity for the university community to honor two of the University of Georgia’s most iconic individuals,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “It is an important part of our commitment to cultivate a vibrant exchange of ideas at our university.”