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Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
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ATLANTA — Michael Owens’ (B.S. ’15) academic journey was shaped by his experiences as a Marine Corps paralegal stationed in Japan and Virginia. Working closely with military attorneys in the Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) initially sparked his interest in pursuing a legal career. Upon completing his service, Owens began his studies at Perimeter College.
“I had plans to go to law school, and Georgia State University was the perfect stepping stone,” he said.
His ambition and the allure of a more comprehensive curriculum soon led him to transfer to Georgia State University’s Atlanta Campus. However, his aspirations took an unexpected turn. After attending several courtroom sessions, Owens discovered that the day-to-day reality of legal practice didn’t align with his expectations. This realization led him to pivot toward a broader focus on a four-year program in criminal justice.
During his time at Georgia State, Owens immersed himself in campus life. He joined the Criminal Justice Student Association and became a fellow for the Jason Carter for Governor campaign as part of the internship requirements for his public policy minor. His involvement with the university’s Student Veterans Association kept him connected to his military roots.
Owens began his career with an internship at the Fulton County Sheriff's Office during his senior year, which resulted in a job offer as a cadet sheriff after his graduation. To broaden his professional experience, Owens later transitioned into the private sector as a fraud investigator at SunTrust Bank.
Owens now serves as a representative payee program investigator for the Georgia Advocacy Office where he is responsible for reviewing and monitoring representative payees for the Social Security Administration. In this role, he monitors people and organizations that manage Social Security or Supplemental Security Income, ensuring the integrity of a system designed to protect individuals with disabilities who cannot manage their own funds. Owens and his team secured the top ranking in the country for their representative payee program in fiscal year 2023.
Reflecting on his time as a student, Owens fondly remembers the impact of professors in the Criminal Justice and Criminology Department, like Michael Shapiro, the clinical associate professor who then led the internship program, and Angela Overton, a clinical assistant professor.
“The classes and resources I was exposed to, including career fairs, played a crucial role in shaping my professional trajectory,” he said.
Owens’ connection to Georgia State didn’t end with graduation and eventually led him to join the AYS Alumni Council. His commitment to giving back is also evident through his continuous support of the Andrew J. Young Foundation.
“Being part of the council is really rewarding,” Owens said. “It’s an opportunity to connect with other alumni and contribute my time and resources to help the school that has given me so much grow and thrive.”
Are you an alum of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies? To connect with alumni like Michael Owens, learn more about how you can get involved with the AYS Alumni Council and stay updated on AYS news and opportunities, click here.
- Story by AYSPS Graduate Student Assistant Ayomidotun Olugbenle (M.A. in Communication)