By Jordan Beach
Meredith Clark ‘15 holds a variety of interests and talents, and her liberal arts degree from Reinhardt University enabled her to explore those avenues throughout her education.
Clark grew up in what she calls a “musical pastor’s family” that developed her love for music and ministry, which made Reinhardt’s sacred music degree the perfect mix of her interests. She finds her knowledge of sacred music especially useful as she serves the music ministry at Mt. Bethel UMC, singing and playing guitar.
“This has become especially meaningful to my husband and me as he, also a Reinhardt school of music graduate, plays drums. In this way we practice ministry together,” said Clark.
Her time at Reinhardt developed more than her musical abilities, as she also learned what more she was capable of achieving.
“A liberal arts degree provides a well-rounded education,” said Clark. “At Reinhardt, I was able to hone not only my musical talent and ability, but also to grow in self-confidence. Reinhardt helped me discover that I have many talents and abilities.”
Outside of music, Clark always took interest in discovering the unknown and the science it takes to make those discoveries. Since graduating, she worked with the Center for Disease Control as an administrative assistant to the Organic Analytical Toxicology Branch within the Division of Laboratory Sciences. She was drawn to the job after her high school Sunday School teacher, a deputy director for the CDC, along with several other staff members who attended her church, told her stories from the workplace.
“Working for the CDC was a great experience for me. I feel that I grew a lot there as a professional and as a person.”
Clark now works for Jones Lang Lasalle as the associate project manager with the Chick-fil-A New Restaurant Development Team for the northeastern United States. She works in the Atlanta office, building new locations throughout the northeast, and occasionally travels to visit new sites and to meet with contractors, Chick-fil-A and JLL team members.
As each new location brings a unique set of challenges, Clark finds her position exciting, and allows her to continue to learn a wide variety of knowledge.
“Every project is different and has its own challenges. With each location there are new layout designs, permitting requirements and different vendors to work with. I work with many different people in the construction field and have already learned more about construction than I ever expected to learn.”
Clark hopes to continue her professional growth at JLL and will go where God leads her. She is grateful for the professors that guided her during her time at Reinhardt and starting as a young professional.
“My professors taught me so much during my time there. I am very thankful for the professors who helped me succeed both while at Reinhardt and into my career.”
