Abigail Coggin: From Board Chair to Arts Advocate - Episode 40
Welcome to Episode 40 of The Town Square Podcast, where hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey bring you another thought-provoking and engaging conversation in the "messy middle" of Newton County. This time, we are joined by Abigail Coggin, the current Board Chair and District 5 Representative on the Newton County Board of Education, to talk about her 15 years of service, her upcoming departure, and her role in advocating for the arts in the community.
In this episode, we dive deep into Abigail's remarkable journey, from growing up in Newton County to becoming an influential figure in local education and the arts. We discuss the dynamics of her role on the school board, the challenges she’s faced with funding, and the tough decisions made along the way. Abigail also shares her exciting transition to becoming the next Executive Director of the Newton County Arts Association, where she plans to continue serving the community with a focus on promoting the arts.
Key Highlights:
The Legacy of Leadership: Abigail’s family has deep roots in Newton County, with her grandfather serving in the state legislature and her parents holding prominent roles in the community. Hear about how the sense of public service runs through her veins and has shaped her career.
15 Years on the Board: From budget cuts during the recession to navigating the current complexities of education funding, Abigail reflects on the shifts and changes she’s witnessed throughout her tenure. She talks about the impact of recent budgetary decisions, particularly the challenges of balancing local funding with state mandates and the struggle to secure adequate resources for teachers and programs.
The Transition to Arts Advocacy: As the incoming Executive Director of the Newton County Arts Association, Abigail opens up about her passion for the arts and what it means to her personally and professionally. With a robust lineup of summer camps and concerts on the horizon, the arts are continuing to grow in Newton County.
Breaking News: In a special twist, Abigail reveals that she won’t be seeking re-election in 2026. After 16 years of service on the school board, she’s ready to pass the torch, but not before ensuring that the next generation of leaders is well-equipped to continue the work of improving education in Newton County.
Exciting Programs on the Horizon: From literacy initiatives to new concert series, there are plenty of exciting programs underway in Newton County. Abigail shares the vision for these upcoming projects and why she believes the arts and education are key to the community's future.
As we discuss these pressing issues, we also get a glimpse into Abigail's personal life—her pride in her children’s accomplishments and the joy she finds in seeing students reach their full potential.
Tune in for a lively, heartfelt conversation that highlights the passion and commitment that Abigail has for making Newton County a better place for everyone.
Sponsor:
United Bank Wealth Management
Advisor: Angel Pitts
Website: United Bank Wealth Management
7200 Highway 278 NE
Covington, GA 30014
Phone: 770-412-4932
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Join us for Episode 40 as we explore Abigail Coggin’s remarkable journey and get a behind-the-scenes look at the future of Newton County education and the arts.
