Three College alumni named to UGA’s 2024 40 Under 40 Class
Three alumni of the Mary Frances Early College of Education were recently named to the University of Georgia’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025.
The 40 Under 40 program celebrates the personal, professional, and philanthropic achievements of UGA graduates who are under the age of 40.
This year, the College’s honorees are Jemelleh Coes (Ph.D. ’18), Mike MacDonald (B.B.A. ’10, M.S. ’13), and E. Spencer Tolley (B.S.Ed. ’11). Honorees exemplify leadership in their industries and communities and uphold the Pillars of the Arch, which are wisdom, justice, and moderation.
Coes, who earned her doctoral degree in middle grades education from the College, works to shape national and global education through curriculum design, mentorship, and advocacy as the director of teacher leadership programs for Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts.
As an advocate of advancing disability through community partnerships, she led Athens’ first collaborative forum on special education and founded Joy Village School in Athens, Georgia, and B.O.S.S. Mentoring to empower young girls. Additionally, Coes serves as a clinical assistant professor at UGA, offering her expertise and guest lecturing across campus.
“This is a humbling honor,” said Coes. “UGA’s Mary Frances Early College of Education promised to challenge me fiercely and support me fully as I grew into a bolder, brighter leader. They delivered. From studying abroad in Ghana to teaching in classrooms as both student and professor, UGA nurtured my soul and fueled my passion for inclusive education and disability advocacy.”
MacDonald, who earned his master’s degree in kinesiology from the College, is the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Beginning as a student assistant for UGA under former head coach Mark Richt, his coaching career spans nearly two decades.
In 2021, as the defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan, MacDonald helped lead a program turnaround and a Big Ten Championship. He joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2014, rising through the ranks to become linebackers coach and then defensive coordinator, leading the NFL’s top-ranked defense in 2023. Currently, MacDonald is among the youngest head coaches in the NFL.
“I am humbled and grateful for being named to UGA’s 2025 40 Under 40 Class,” said MacDonald. “My time at UGA was foundational for my growth as a football coach and person. I’d like to thank all my classmates and professors who supported this journey that started in Athens. Now, more than ever, is a great time to pay this honor forward to the next generation throughout our communities.”
Tolley earned his bachelor’s degree in sport management from the College and is an attorney at Cook & Tolley, LLP, where he focuses on criminal and civil litigation, personal injury, and family law. Practicing alongside his father, he has represented over 1,000 clients in eight years.
He was selected as chairman of the Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee for his judicial district, a position appointed by the Supreme Court of Georgia. Tolley currently serves as president of the Western Circuit Bar Association and the Athens Academy Alumni Association. In 2024, he was named to Marquis Who’s Who in America for his work.
“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized as one of the 40 Under 40 honorees this year,” said Tolley. “My family has a long history with UGA and to be recognized by this institution is very meaningful. I am very appreciative to the Mary Frances Early College of Education for giving me the tools to build on my foundation and putting me in a position to be recognized in this way.”
The Class of 2025 will be recognized during the 15th annual 40 Under 40 Awards Luncheon on campus in September.