ATLANTA and ATHENS, GA– For the fifth consecutive year, the University of Georgia Athletic Association and United Bankshares are recognizing former athletes who’ve pivoted from the field of play to become leaders in the world of business. Former sprinter Colby Gardner (‘08) is this year's Arch Award recipient, joining a host of former UGA athletes selected in the past.
“Throughout their college careers, our student athletes consistently strive for excellence on and off the field. With the Arch Award, we are able to celebrate former athletes’ continued success in their chosen career fields as well,” said Monty Watson, Regional President, United Bankshares. “For four years, University of Georgia student athletes learn critical leadership and life skills that they carry with them for the rest of their lives. These awards recognize those who have been able to seamlessly transition from sports to business leaders and achieve the same level of success in their careers as they had in their respective sports.
The 2025 Arch Award recipient was recognized on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium during the October 18 game against Ole Miss.
A Georgia native, Colby Gardner earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science and Consumer Economics from the University of Georgia in 2008. He was a dedicated student athlete, competing as a sprinter for the school's Track & Field program for all four years. Gardner joined Norfolk Southern, a prominent rail transportation company in Atlanta, after graduation. He began his career as a Management Trainee, gradually rising through the ranks to his current role as a General Manager of Operations. In 2024, Gardner was named one of twelve rail executives under 40, making the “Young Leaders in Rail” list by the International Railway Journal, for his valuable contributions to the global rail sector. Gardner has worked to give back to his hometown of Washington County, self-funding a scholarship program for students from his hometown. To date, his scholarship has provided financial support to five college-bound students.
“Congratulations to Colby Gardner for earning this prestigious honor,” J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics, Josh Brooks said. “Our current and former Bulldogs continue to succeed both on and off the field, and Colby is a great example of those achievements. I want to thank United Bankshares for their partnership in recognizing the best of the best among our student-athletes.”
To learn more about previous winners of the Arch Award Presented by United Bankshares and their success on and off the field, please visit here.
About United Bankshares
United Bankshares is a premier community bank and a subsidiary of United Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: UBSI). United has consolidated assets of approximately $33 billion with over 240 offices located throughout Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, as well as Washington D.C. The Bank is dedicated to growing the relationships it has built since 1839 and offering a competitive suite of banking and lending products, treasury management, wealth management, mortgage services, personal and business credit cards, and more. Learn more about United Bankshares.