English Alum Jack Hartpence--Motivated by purpose

Jack Hartpence graduated from UGA with an English degree in 2015. He is now the CEO and co-founder of PowWater, a virtual piped water network and one of the fastest-growing water companies in the world. PowWater is transforming access to clean water by addressing critical infrastructure gaps in underserved communities.

Jack’s journey into social entrepreneurship began after surviving a near-fatal car accident, which inspired him to leave his role as a war-room analyst for both Presidential and Gubernatorial campaigns. Motivated by a sense of purpose, he partnered with Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus to establish PowWater, focusing on sustainable and scalable solutions to the global water crisis.

Jack’s work has earned him recognition as a panelist at prestigious forums, including the United Nations General Assembly in New York City and World Water Week in Stockholm. He has been honored with invitations to the White House in Washington D.C, as well as the Dalai Lama's Temple in Dharamshala, India. He is a Stanford ambassador of compassion and was recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, celebrating his commitment to driving meaningful change through innovation and technology.

What inspired you to become an English major? 

When I got to college, I knew I wanted to really hone a skill, something foundational, something that would stay with me no matter where life took me. For me, that skill was writing. I’ve always believed that being able to clearly articulate your thoughts is at the heart of everything, whether you’re crafting an argument, telling a story, or just trying to connect with someone. English felt like the major that would help me master that. It wasn’t just about grammar or essays, it was about learning how to think deeply, communicate clearly, and see the world through a thousand different lenses.

What is a good memory you have of a UGA English class?  

One of my favorite memories is from 18th Century British Literature with Dr. Kraft. It was one of those perfect Athens spring days, and our class met outside in the Founders Garden. I remember sitting there, book in hand, surrounded by blooming flowers and good conversation, just feeling incredibly lucky. There’s something magical about reading centuries-old texts in the Georgia sunshine. Park Hall quickly became more than just a building, it became a home base for reflection, curiosity, and inspiration.

How did the work you did as an English major prepare you for your career/life? 

Being an English major taught me how to consume a lot of information, distill it, and transform it into something meaningful, whether that’s a paper, a presentation, or a plan of action. It also taught me the power of perspective. In our discussions, we’d tackle everything from The Canterbury Tales to Faulkner, and what always struck me was the diversity of thought in the room. I learned how to stand firm in my interpretations while also being open to others’. That ability, to both lead and listen, is something I carry into every room I walk into. And honestly, our small, discussion-based classes turned me into a confident speaker and communicator. That’s something no textbook alone can teach.

What’s one of your favorite books? 

The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu completely shifted the way I see the world. It’s this beautiful, profound conversation between two spiritual giants, full of wisdom, laughter, and compassion. It reminded me that joy isn’t the absence of hardship, but something we cultivate through it. I return to it often whenever I need to recenter myself or see things from a higher altitude.

What is the most recent book/short story/poetry you have read? 

I just finished The Elephant Whisperer, and wow, what a ride. It tells the story of Lawrence Anthony, who takes over the Thula Thula Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal and forms a deep, almost mystical bond with a herd of wild elephants. It's a story of patience, redemption, and the unexpected ways we can connect with nature. There’s hardship, yes, but also triumph and resilience. It reminded me of the power of listening, not just to people, but to the world around us.