About the Authors
Matthew Hudson-Flege, Ph.D.
Matthew Hudson-Flege, Ph.D., is a Research Assistant Professor at Clemson University’s Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life, and is the Executive Director of the Upstate Greenways & Trails Alliance. Matt served in AmeriCorps NCCC as a recent high school graduate, served in the Peace Corps in Jamaica, and has experience founding and managing two small AmeriCorps programs. Matt earned his PhD in International Family and Community Studies from Clemson University, where his dissertation focused on the long-term impact of serving in AmeriCorps for diverse groups of members. He has given presentations related to his AmeriCorps research at academic conferences, to federal agencies, and groups of AmeriCorps program leaders, and has advised national AmeriCorps programs on research and evaluation efforts.
Janna Pennington, M.Ed.
Janna Pennington, M.Ed., is a personal and professional development consultant based in Greenville, SC. She has worked closely with several AmeriCorps programs to help members get the most out of their experience and plan for the future. Prior to consulting, Janna spent over 16 years in higher education teaching, advising, and directing large-scale programs aimed at promoting student leadership and connecting colleges with community needs. She created civic engagement programs from the ground up at two institutions and taught courses on personal and professional development, leadership, and social change. Janna earned a master’s degree in professional counseling from the University of Georgia and has completed training on various personality instruments, which she frequently uses in her consulting practice.