AU shines with professor, alumnae on standout list of young professionals

An Augusta University music professor and two alumnae are making the AU community proud. Isaac Brinberg, DMA, and double Jags Taylor Hanks and Ashley Rice are among the standouts featured in Augusta Magazine’s 2025 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch. The annual list highlights young people thriving in their respective careers and making a difference in the Augusta community. 

The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce launched the Top 10 in 10 program in 2009, in partnership with Augusta Magazine. Since then, more than 100 local professionals in the 25- to 35-year-old age bracket have been recognized. 

Beyond the baton

Brinberg moved to Augusta in 2023 to take on his current role as assistant professor in the Music Department of the Katherine Reese Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and director of the Wind Ensemble. He recently provided much of the musical entertainment for special events at Augusta University, including conducting a special concert to celebrate the Investiture of AU President Russell T. Keen with faculty members Wycliffe Gordon and Courtney Kalbacker, as well as ceremonial music at various spring commencements.

It’s those unique professional experiences – plus leading the athletics Pep Band, engaging in research and visiting school band programs across the CRSA – that attracted him to AU.

“I really enjoy getting to wear many hats and have a position that allows me to creatively explore many different aspects of the profession,” said Brinberg, who has found the university to be incredibly supportive of his ideas as it pertains to launching new programs and opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.

He has initiated projects including the Augusta University Concert Band Festival, which provided performance and education enrichment to 25 middle and high school concert bands, and helped bring the GMEA District 10 Honor Band event to campus. He points to solid institutional support for making those large-scale events possible, but AU’s students remain Brinberg’s top priority. 

“Getting to know their stories and professional and personal goals has deeply impacted my teaching practice and guided my vision for creating the best possible experiences for them,” said Brinberg, who is a newlywed after getting married earlier this summer.

Though he and his new wife, Jen, moved here just two years ago, they’ve wasted no time getting involved in the community, which has been key to helping Augusta quickly feel like home. Brinberg is co-membership chair of the Young Professionals of Augusta, membership chair of the Rotary Club of Columbia County and a Freemason with Webb Lodge No. 166 and the Scottish Rite, Valley of Augusta.

“I am so grateful to be selected for Top 10 in 10. I have enjoyed learning about each recipient’s achievements and goals for the future of Augusta,” Brinberg said. “It is also an honor to join the incredible list of past Top 10 in 10 recipients and see all they have done for the greater Augusta area.”

Master communicators

Hanks graduated from AU with a bachelor’s degree in communication and worked in media and video production before returning for the new Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies program. She said studying for her master’s degree challenged her in the best ways, ultimately shaped her as a marketer and prepared her for her current role as marketing manager for the Augusta Entertainment Complex. 

“I am elated to be receiving this recognition alongside these young professional leaders in the Augusta community, and I look forward to seeing our impact as we shape our careers,” said Hanks.

Although not originally from Augusta, Hanks transferred to AU to be close to her parents, who settled here while she was in college after the family spent much of her childhood abroad. She chose AU because of the communications department.

While on campus, Hanks was involved in Greek life as a member of Alpha Delta Pi and the Panhellenic Council. She has maintained those connections over the last decade, staying involved with the local alumni chapter and continuing to volunteer in the community.  

For Rice, who owns AWR Agency, being recognized in the community that raised her and helped shape the person she is today is thrilling. Her business is built on faith, service and community – values she says guide her work. 

Rice graduated from AU with a degree in communications and then returned to campus to pursue her Master in Public Administration. She credits her studies at AU with preparing her to communicate with clarity and lead with integrity. 

Like so many young professionals, Rice has a lot to juggle as a new business owner, wife and mother – juggling skills she sharpened at AU as a busy undergrad involved in Zeta Tau Alpha and a graduate student working her way through school in the Admissions Office. 

“My time at AU really laid the groundwork for what was to come in both my personal and professional development,” said Rice. “AU challenged me academically but also allowed me to grow as a servant leader with a heart for community engagement.”

Impact amplified

One thing most of the 10 in 10 lists have in common is the presence of Augusta University graduates, a stat not lost on the Alumni Engagement team. It is an affirmation of the university’s mission and strong, vibrant alumni network in Augusta and beyond.

“Student success is our top priority at Augusta University, and we’re proud of every AU graduate,” said Allison Toney, PhD, director of Alumni Engagement in Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement. “It’s especially meaningful to see our alumni named among the Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch. We thank the Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce and Augusta Magazine for honoring two more exceptional Jaguars in 2025. Our consistent Top 10 recognition since 2009 reflects the excellence we strive to instill in every graduate.”