Brittany Sjogren Named 2026 Distinguished Alumna of the Year

Valdosta State University recently honored Brittany Sjogren with the 2026 College of the Arts Alumna of the Year Award. She is pictured with Dr. Nicole Cox, dean of the College of the Arts; Dr. Donald J. Green, president of VSU; and Thomas D. Head, president of the VSU Alumni Association Executive Board.

VALDOSTA – Valdosta State University recently honored Brittany Sjogren with the 2026 College of the Arts Alumna of the Year Award.

“Being named a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient is incredibly humbling and meaningful to me because Valdosta State University played such an important role in shaping my journey,” she said. “When I was a student, I never could have imagined where life would lead or the opportunities that would come from pursuing something I was passionate about.

“This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects values that were instilled in me long before I ever stepped foot on campus. I was raised by parents who dedicated their lives to helping others reach their potential. My father, Jeff Wallace, spent decades coaching and mentoring student-athletes, while my mother, Sabina, devoted her career to education. They taught me the importance of hard work, integrity, perseverance, and showing up every day with purpose. Their example inspired me to pursue excellence in whatever I chose to do.

“I have also been inspired by my brother, Jarryd, whose accomplishments as a Paralympic athlete are a testament to resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in what is possible. Watching him overcome obstacles and achieve success on the world stage has been a constant reminder that our limitations are often far less significant than our mindset.

“Because of my family, I learned early on that success is about more than achievements or recognition. It's about character, consistency, and making a positive impact on the people around you. That mindset has guided me throughout my career and continues to influence every decision I make. Being recognized by Valdosta State is an incredible honor because it represents the intersection of so many influences that have shaped my life, my family, my education, my faith, and the experiences that have helped me grow personally and professionally. It inspires me to continue leading with purpose, staying true to my values, and hopefully encouraging others to pursue their own goals with confidence and determination.”

Sjogren, digital creator, entrepreneur, and founder of the fashion and lifestyle blog Loverly Grey, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication in 2011.

“What Brittany has built with Loverly Grey is such a wonderful example of the power of creativity, entrepreneurship, and authentic storytelling,” said Dr. Nicole Cox, dean of the College of the Arts. “She has taken a creative vision and turned it into a successful business and a recognizable brand. She has connected with and inspired many women as well, along the way. In the College of the Arts, we work every single day to help our students turn their passions into meaningful careers, so it’s especially exciting to celebrate alumni like Brittany who have done exactly that.”

VSU Alumni Relations: How did your time at Valdosta State University shape your personal and professional lives?

Sjogren: My time at Valdosta State shaped me in ways that extend far beyond the classroom. It was a period of tremendous personal growth where I learned independence, developed confidence in my abilities, and began to understand the importance of hard work, resilience, and building meaningful relationships.

Professionally, Valdosta State provided the foundation that helped prepare me for entrepreneurship and leadership. While I couldn't have predicted the exact career path I would take, my experience at VSU taught me how to think critically, communicate effectively, and embrace opportunities even when they felt outside of my comfort zone. Those lessons have been invaluable throughout my career.

Perhaps most importantly, my time at Valdosta State helped me develop the confidence to trust my instincts and pursue goals that others may not have fully understood at the time. Building a business requires perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to take calculated risks, and many of those qualities were strengthened during my years as a student. I will always be grateful for the role VSU played in helping shape both the person and professional I am today.

VSU Alumni Relations: What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since graduating from VSU? 

Sjogren: Of all the accomplishments I've experienced since graduating from Valdosta State, the one I am most proud of is building both a business and a family simultaneously. Each has brought its own unique challenges, rewards, and opportunities for growth, and I consider it an incredible blessing to be able to invest deeply in both.

Building Loverly Grey from the ground up has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. What began as a creative outlet has grown into a thriving business, a talented team, and a platform that allows me to connect with and serve women across the country. Along the way, I have learned invaluable lessons about leadership, resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to your values, even as opportunities and responsibilities evolve.

At the same time, my greatest accomplishment will always be my family. Raising our three children alongside my husband, Chris, has given me a perspective and sense of purpose that extends far beyond any professional achievement. Being able to pursue a career I love while also being present for the moments that matter most at home is something I never take for granted.

What makes me most proud is not any single milestone, but the opportunity to build a life centered around faith, family, meaningful work, and community. Looking back, I am grateful for the lessons, relationships, and experiences that have shaped that journey, and I am continually reminded that success is most meaningful when it is shared with the people you love.

VSU Alumni Relations: What person, experience, or opportunity at VSU had the greatest impact on your life?

Sjogren: When I reflect on my time at Valdosta State, the opportunity to serve as Panhellenic president and T-shirt chair had some of the greatest impacts on my personal and professional development. At the time, I viewed those roles as opportunities to get involved on campus and contribute to the sorority community. Looking back, they were some of my earliest experiences in leadership and helped shape skills that I continue to rely on today.

Those positions taught me how to take ownership, manage responsibilities, communicate effectively, and work toward a common goal with a diverse group of people. I learned that leadership is not about having all the answers but about serving others, building trust, and helping people work together toward a shared vision.

The experience also gave me confidence in my ability to lead. It challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, make decisions, navigate obstacles, and take responsibility for outcomes. Many of the lessons I learned during that time – whether related to organization, teamwork, problem-solving, or leadership – became foundational skills that later helped me build and grow a business.

Looking back, those opportunities were my first glimpse into what leadership could look like in my life. While I certainly didn't know it at the time, those experiences helped build the confidence and leadership skills that would shape many of the opportunities and responsibilities that followed in my career.

VSU Alumni Relations: What advice would you give today’s VSU students? What do you wish someone had told you when you were in college?

Sjogren: My advice to today's VSU students would be to trust that you don't have to have your entire life figured out before graduation. Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my life and career came from paths I never could have planned.

Work hard, stay curious, and don't be afraid to take risks. The skills and experiences you gain along the way often become more valuable than having a perfectly mapped-out plan. Success rarely happens overnight, and it almost never follows a straight line. Be willing to start before you feel ready and embrace opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone.

I also wish someone had told me that comparison is one of the biggest obstacles to growth. It's easy to look around and think everyone else has it all figured out, but most people are learning as they go. Focus on becoming the best version of yourself rather than measuring your progress against someone else's timeline.

Most importantly, protect your integrity. Your reputation, work ethic, and character will open more doors than any title or accomplishment ever could. Stay true to your values, be intentional with your decisions, and trust yourself enough to pursue the things that excite and challenge you. Those are often the opportunities that lead to the most growth.

VSU Alumni Relations: Where do you currently live and how do you spend your time? Your answer could include where you work and what you do there, community service you enjoy doing, the church you attend and organizations you are a member of, your family, your pets, your hobbies, etc.  

Sjogren: I currently live in Athens, Georgia, with my husband, Chris, our three children, Collins, Hazel, and Rosemary. Athens has been an incredible place to build both our family and our business, and we are grateful to be part of such a strong and supportive community.

As the founder of Loverly Grey, I truly love what I do, and because of that, work is naturally woven into my day-to-day life. Building a business has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I still feel energized by the creativity, strategy, and opportunities that come with leading and growing the brand. I also have the unique privilege of working alongside my husband, Chris, who serves as our president and CFO, making it very much a family endeavor.

Outside of work, my greatest joy is spending time with my family. Whether we're attending our children's school events, gathering with friends, or simply enjoying everyday moments together, family is at the center of everything we do. We love making memories through travel, whether that's spending time at the beach, escaping to the mountains, or exploring somewhere new together. Some of our most treasured moments have come from simply being together, and I believe those shared experiences and memories are some of life's greatest gifts.

I am also incredibly thankful that my parents and brother live nearby, allowing us to spend a great deal of time together. Having multiple generations close by has been such a blessing, and some of my favorite moments are the simple ones, family dinners, celebrating milestones, supporting one another, and watching our children grow up surrounded by people who love them. Those relationships are something I never take for granted.

We are active in our church community and deeply value the relationships we've built through our faith, friendships, and the broader Athens community. We often say that our friends and family are our village, and we are incredibly thankful for the support and encouragement they provide.

Giving back is also important to me. I am passionate about supporting Extra Special People (ESP), a local nonprofit that creates opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families. Their mission is inspiring, and it has been a privilege to support their work and witness the impact they make in our community.

I also believe strongly in living an active lifestyle. Staying active isn't just about physical health for me; it's about creating the energy, discipline, and mental clarity that allow me to show up fully for my family, my work, and my community. Whether it's exercising, spending time outdoors, or being active alongside my children, I believe caring for our bodies positively impacts every other area of our lives.

At this stage of life, I feel incredibly grateful to be doing work I love, raising a family I adore, investing in a community that has given us so much, and creating a life centered around faith, purpose, relationships, and meaningful experiences.