As we begin another fantastic school year, we want to highlight a Troy University alumnus who is making an impact across the Chattahoochee Valley region. With so many hardworking, passionate, and amazing Troy University alumni making a difference in our region, it was extremely difficult to highlight just one influencer. Our educators and administrators are doing some of the greatest and most difficult work in our region, impacting and investing in the lives of our next generation of leaders. Thank you and congratulations to all educators and administrators on a job well done.
Troy University alumnus Dr. Jake Golden is known as a prolific motivational speaker, preacher, author, teacher, school administrator, business owner, singer, actor and a man loved by his community. He is also known as a man who has sought after God’s own heart.
Dr. Golden is the son of Jake III and LaVerne Golden of Columbus, Ga. He has one sister, Dr. Stephanie Yvonne Golden of Atlanta, and a beautiful daughter, Caylah.
Dr. Golden is the founder of Sigma 7, a nonprofit, philanthropic organization that focuses on creating improvements to the vitality of the world through youth development by providing spiritual, educational, charitable, scientific, and literary programs. He is also an active member of the Alpha Phi Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated (Columbus, Ga), The Urban League Young Professionals, a Hope Harbour Board Member, and a Prince Hall Affiliated Mason with the Pride of Lumpkin #50 Lodge.
In addition to receiving his master’s degree in educational leadership from TROY, Dr. Golden also earned a doctoral degree in education from Nova Southeastern University in 2008. He also is an alumnus of Kendrick High School and Valdosta State University.
Dr. Golden has more than 20 years of public education experience and currently serves as the Principal of Phenix City Elementary School. He was also an adjunct professor at the University of Phoenix-Columbus campus and Argosy University Online Graduate Program. Dr. Golden has more than 15 years of a coaching experience in the areas of life coaching, football, wrestling, and business.
Even with ample years of experience, Dr. Golden still feels and acts like a young man. Full of energy and laughter, he is consistently putting smiles on the faces of all his students and teachers. Long gone are the days where students would avoid their principal like the plague. At any opportunity, students are running to Dr. Golden to give him a hug and tell him about their latest adventure. Like his smile, his laughter is contagious. His belief fuels his work ethic, and his work ethic impacts those around him. He is the true definition of servant leader. It is people like Dr. Jake Golden that make us proud to be Troy Trojans!
