College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board 2017
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College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board 2016
Thomas F. Armstrong Spouse: Jan P.O. Box 2238 Davidson, NC 28036 (H) 704-237-3747 (H) 828-926-7625 (C) 423-368-1063 tarmstrong79@charter.net
Dr. Armstrong is from Colorado. After completing his formal education at the University of Colorado (BA, MA) and the University of Virginia (Ph.D.), he spent his career as a professor of history and as an academic administrator, having served at Georgia College (dean), Francis Marion University (vice president), Texas Wesleyan University (provost and senior vice president), Tennessee Wesleyan College (president) and Louisiana State University-Alexandria (provost and vice chancellor). Over the course of a 39-year career as a faculty member and an academic administrator, Armstrong has published 35 articles, encyclopedia contributions or other essays, more than 200 book reviews and made a number of conference presentations. He is a former president of the Georgia Association of Historians and served on the Georgia Historical Society and the Georgia Endowment for the Humanities boards. Active in international quality assurance, Armstrong has served on numerous accreditation teams on behalf of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and, in 2007, received an award for Meritorious Service from the Southern Association. Armstrong recently retired as commissioner and associate director for the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the United Arab Emirates. He was based in Abu Dhabi, but worked with all of the Emirates in fostering accreditation and quality assurance in this still developing higher education sector of one of the most dynamic new countries in the Middle East. Active in community organizations, he was most recently president of the Rotary Club of Alexandria, Louisiana, a member of the Board of Directors for the Rapides Regional Medical Center, on the board of the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce and president of the Arts Council of Central Louisiana. The activities in Louisiana paralleled those in other communities where he lived and worked. In retirement, Tom and his wife Jan divide time between Davidson and Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Tom and Jan's daughter and son-in-law live in Davidson with their children, Jacob (13), Colby (10) and Halle (6).
Mr. Buckley is a community planner at the Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration. He graduated from Georgia College in 2007 with a major in economics, and minors in Spanish and political science. He earned his master’s degree from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2010 in city and regional planning. While a student at Georgia College, he was involved with student government and the Campus Activities Board. He enjoys running, hiking, kickball and reading.
Robert Buckley Spouse: Sarah 3934 Captain Dr Chamblee, GA 30341-1808 (C) 770-335-4391 rfbuckley@gmail.com
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Ms. Buckley is campaign manager for the fundraising consulting firm, Coxe, Curry and Associates. She graduated from Georgia College in 2007, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communication and minors in Spanish and rhetoric. She earned her Master of Public Administration from University of Georgia in 2012. While at Georgia College she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and was involved with the Campus Activities Board. Since graduation, she has participated in the GC MSCM Mentorship Program. She is a member of the Young Nonprofit Professional Network, the Junior League of Atlanta and volunteers for Back on My Feet.
Sarah Buckley Spouse: Robert 3934 Captain Dr Chamblee, GA 30341-1808 (C) 770-335-4391 buckley.saraht@gmail.com
Erik Chambers is senior associate family law attorney with the Holland Roddenbery, LLC where he practices family law. He graduated from Georgia College 2008, earning his Bachelors of Arts degree in psychology with a minor in Spanish. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Georgia School of Law. While at Georgia College he served on the Student Ambassador Team and Student Judicial Board. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa, Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society and earned the Resident Assistant of the Year Award. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Loganville, Georgia, with their two children: Caleb and Asher.
Erik Chambers Spouse: Hannah 3237 Hollowstone Drive Loganville, GA 30052 (C) 770-891-5329 erik@hollandroddenbery.com
Barry Darugar Spouse: Debbie 104 Knollwood Ct Eatonton, GA 31024-5422 (H) 706-485-8492 (C) 706-473-0697 barrydarugar@plantationcable.net
Dr. Darugar, a retired general and vascular surgeon, was born in Iran and graduated summa cum laude from Tehran University School of Medicine in 1959. Receiving a scholarship to further his studies in the United States, he chose to complete his studies at Emory University where he later served as a chief resident in surgery in 1965. He became a diplomat of the American College of Surgeons in 1966. He retired from his successful medical career in 2002, which gave him an opportunity to pursue his dream of becoming a professional writer. He completed the Master of Fine Arts Program at GC, graduating in 2005. Several of his articles and poems have been published in various national journals such as “Medical Economics”, “Touchstone” (Kansas State University), “Colere” (Coe College, Iowa) and” World Order”, as well as “The Peacock’s Feet” at GC and “The Reach of Song 2013” anthology. To acknowledge his literary achievements and to thank him for the honor and recognition that his writings have brought the Creative Writing Program and the university, Georgia College recognized him with the 2006 recent graduate of the year award. The excellence of his work has also been recognized outside the university. He was the first place winner of the Georgia Poetry Society contest in 2012 and first place winner of the Georgia Writers Museum creative writing contest in 2013. His first book, “Out Of Iran” (a memoir based on his MFA thesis), was published in 2014 by Wheatmark Publishing in Tucson, Arizona and was a finalist in the 2015 Georgia Author of the Year Awards. He and his wife Debbie and two Shiatsu dogs, Precious and Bella, live on Lake Oconee. He has three children and five grandchildren.
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Andrea Mees Garmon Spouse: Norris
Dr. Garmon is a dentist with a practice in Lawrenceville, Georgia. She graduated from Georgia College in 1971, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. She later earned her Doctorate of Medicine in Dentistry degree in 1989 from the Medical College of Georgia, now known as Georgia Regents University. While at Georgia College she was a member of the Phoenix Honor Society, Phi Upsilon Omicron and the Clara Hasslock Home Economics Club. She volunteers through her church, Lawrenceville First Methodist, in women’s circles and in teaching Sunday school for special needs adults. She has three children and seven grandchildren. She enjoys knitting, crocheting, sewing and other art projects as well as playing with her grandchildren.
1836 Lebanon Rd Lawrenceville, GA 30043-5129 (H) 770-963-0274 (C) 678- 640-6525 andrea_garmon@yahoo.com
Dr. John F. “Jay” Harrington is a resident of Milledgeville where he has maintained a private practice in general dentistry since 1987. He received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Georgia College in 1979, and his dental degree was received from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1984. Dr. Harrington entered the United States Air Force and completed a General Practice Residency at Langley AFB, VA in 1985. He continued his military service in the Georgia Army National Guard and retired with over 20 years of combined service.
Jay Harrington Spouse: Jean 274 Nelson Rd NW Milledgeville, GA 31061-9787 (H) 478- 932-0131 (C) 478-456-5900 harmolar@windstream.net
Jay has served his profession in many ways. He is a past president of the Central District Dental Society, past president of the Georgia Dental Association (GDA) and past president of the Georgia Academy of Dental Practice. He is the current speaker of the GDA’s House of Delegates. In addition to his state work, he has been involved at the national level as well. He is a delegate to the American Dental Association’s (ADA) House of Delegates and a past member of the ADA’s Council on Government Affairs. In October 2017, he will begin a four-year term as trustee to the ADA representing Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. He has served his community where for six years he was chairman of Milledgeville Main Street and the Downtown Development Authority. He currently serves as a director on the Board of Exchange Bank and is the chairman of its Audit Committee. He and his wife, Jean, live on an old family farm. They enjoy sports, travel, the outdoors and spending time with family and friends
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Mr. Howard is an agent for Bennett International Group in McDonough, Georgia. He has specialized in transportation for the Aerospace Industry for the last 20-plus years, coordinating the movement of expedited and oversized shipments for a major US aerospace company. He earned a BS in Biology from University of Georgia in 1973 and graduated from Georgia College in 1977 with a M.S. degree in Biology with a field of study in Fish Parasitology. While at Georgia College, he served as graduate assistant in the Biology Department and as dorm director at Beeson Hall.
Nolen Howard Spouse: Penny 404 Joe Chambers Rd Forsyth, GA 31029 (C) 478-993-7126 nolenhoward@bellsouth.net
Nolen taught high school biology in his hometown of Forsyth and freshman biology at Tift College. He eventually left teaching to follow in his father’s footsteps in the transportation industry. A sixth-generation Monroe Countian, he has been active in the community, being a member of various clubs and civic organizations, including serving as county commissioner and statistician for Mary Persons High School Football since 1976. Nolen returned to education as a member of the Monroe County Board of Education in 1992 and has served on the board for 25 years. He has three children and two grandchildren.
Mrs. Keipper is a sales specialist with Philips Medical. She graduated from Georgia College in 1982, earning her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. While at Georgia College, she served on the Presidential Selection Committee and was active with the Wesley Foundation. She is member and past president of Northview Athletic Association and past president of her homeowners’ association. She has two daughters: Rebecca, age 20, and Rachal, age 18, enrolled at the University of Georgia.
Nan Keipper Spouse: Doug 1602 Vintage Club Drive Greensboro, GA 30097 (C) 770-241-3205 Nkiepper@gmail.com
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Mrs. Nan Dowlen Lee Spouse: James 4113 Lake Summit Court McDonough, GA 30253 (H) 678-432-9918 (C) 770-712-7797 nandlee@charter.net
Mrs. Nan Dowlen Lee of Fitzgerald, Georgia, has resided in McDonough, Georgia, since 1998. She is not retired, but has “retreaded” as a substitute teacher for the Henry County School System. Mrs. Lee graduated from Georgia College (The Woman’s College of Georgia) in 1964, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education-Voice major, Piano minor. While attending The Woman’s College she was a junior advisor, vice-president of her senior class, president of the A Cappella Choir, president of the Allegro Club and a post-graduate member of the prestigious Sigma Alpha Iota, International Music Fraternity. After graduation she represented Georgia College Alumni Association as Eighth District director and has been a member of the President’s Circle. Lee presently volunteers as church pianist for the McDonough First United Methodist Church and is a Certified Lay Servant (having served many years as a Lay Delegate to Annual Conference). She is a past board member of the Henry County United Way, the Greater Henry County Education Foundation, the Metro South Economic Development Association, the Festival Ballet, the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and Ambassador for the Chick-fil-a Children’s Charity Golf Tournament . She also founded the McDonough Arts Council in 2005. Nan’s vocational career has included teaching in Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County Schools, serving as chairman of the Fitzgerald City School Board, Director of Main Street Fitzgerald (serving as president of the Georgia Main Street Association), president/CEO of the Ashburn-Turner County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development, president/CEO of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, executive director of the Georgia Rural Health Association, and economic development director for the City of McDonough, Georgia. Nan is a graduate of the Georgia Academy of Economic Development, the Georgia Institute of Technology of Economic Development Leadership (class representative), The University of Georgia (UGA) Downtown Development Authority Training Certificate, post-graduate studies at Valdosta University, UGA Institute for Organizational Management (five-year course of study), Leadership Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County, Leadership Turner County , Leadership Henry County and Georgia Institute of Technology Center for Economic Development Services Advisory Council. Other professional involvements: Legacy of Leadership Award – Georgia Senate Chamber, 2010; UGA Institute for Organizational Management – Board of Regents; Georgia School Board Association Positions Committee; Community Leaders of America-nominated by The Woman’s College of Georgia (Georgia College); Outstanding Young Women of America and Rotary Clubs of Turner and Henry Counties. Nan and James have two daughters: Lucy Dowlen Lee Batchelor, first grade teacher, of Boston, Massachusetts. Her husband, Dr. Tracy Batchelor (neuro-oncologist), practices out of Massachusetts General and serves on Harvard’s Medical School Faculty. They have two children: Adam attends Belmont Hill School, Belmont, Massachusetts , Emily attends Phillips Andover, Andover, Massachusetts; Molly Prichitt Lee Weathington and her husband, Paul E. Weathington, are both attorneys with the Weathington Smith Law Firm, Atlanta, Georgia. They have two children: Paul E. Weathington, Jr. attends Westminster and Katherine attends Woodward Academy.
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Maidana K. Nunn Spouse: Pierce
Dr. Nunn is a retired psychiatric nurse from Central State Hospital who taught nursing students in the field of psychiatry. She graduated from Georgia College, then Georgia State College for Women (GSCW), in 1957 earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in social science. She earned the Bachelor of nursing education degree from the Medical College of Georgia, School of Nursing, in 1958; the Master of Science from the University of Maryland, School in Nursing, in 1963; and the Doctorate of Nursing Science degree from Boston University, School of Nursing in 1971. She joined the United States Air Force Reserves in 1971 and, after serving 21 years, retired in 1992 at the rank of colonel. She has served as board chairman of Meals on Wheels and in volunteer positons at Georgia War Veterans Home and Blandy Hills Elementary School. Since her time as a GSCW student, she has treasured the arts and culture provided by her alma mater and is deeply involved with the Georgia College Music program.
186 Youngblood Rd SE Milledgeville, GA 31061-4347 478-452-0147
Rickey E. Smith is an environmental compliance professional, most recently serving as the Environmental Laboratory Services Manager for Georgia Power Company’s Environmental Laboratory in Smyrna, Georgia. He graduated from Georgia College in 1987, earning his Bachelors of Science in Chemistry. While at Georgia College he was a founding member of the Mu Psi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and he served as their first president. In 1988, he began his Southern Company career as a chemist at Georgia Power’s Plant Vogtle. During his 28-year career, Rickey worked in several entities with in the Southern Company family including Southern Company Services, Mississippi Power, Georgia Power and Southern Nuclear.
Rickey E. Smith Spouse: Natalie 4586 Wigley Estates Rd Marietta, GA 30066-2406 (C) 770-608-2433 pgsmith36@bellsouth.net
His other professional and civic involvements include: board member - Institute for Georgia’s Environmental Leaders; Chairman’s Club member of the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce; board member – Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation member – EPRI - Power Plant & Environmental Chemist Committee. Rickey is married to the former Natalie Davis, also a Georgia College graduate. Natalie earned her B.S. in Nursing in 1987. Rickey and Natalie reside in Marietta Georgia with their two children, Rickey Jr. and Sydney Christina.
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Stephen (Steve) V. Skalko, P.E. Spouse: Jane
Mr. Skalko is the owner and principal of Stephen V. Skalko, P.E. and Associates, L.L.C., an engineering consulting firm specializing in building and fire safety aspects of building design and construction. He graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1975 earning a Bachelor’s of civil engineering degree. He earned his Master of Science in Administration with major in Public Administration from Georgia College in 1978. He is past president and current member of Board of Directors, Middle Georgia Chapter of the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE) and is past member of the Georgia State GSPE Board. He is a past member and chair of the American Cancer Society, Bibb County. He is chair of the finance committee, and past chair of Trustees of the Forest Hills United Methodist Church and present member of 40th Reunion Planning Committee (Georgia Institute of Technology). He has two grown children and enjoys golfing and fishing.
128 Summerfield Dr Macon, GA 31210-3087 (H) 478-477-5028 (C) 478-731-4321 svskalko@cox.net
Mr. Snapp is from Lawrenceville Georgia. He graduated from Georgia College in 2012, earning a Bachelor of Science with majors in mathematics and physics and a minor in chemistry. In August 2015, he will graduate from J. Whitney Bunting College of Business, Master of Business Administration program. He currently lives in Milledgeville with his wife Sara who is from Winder, Georgia and is also a Georgia College graduate. She graduated from Georgia College in 2011, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is currently earning her master’s degree in biology. Mr. Snapp has been involved with helping Georgia College students achieve academic excellence.
Croix W. Snapp Spouse: Sara 2620 N. Berkeley Lake Road, NW Apt 1308 Duluth, GA 30096 lesnapp@gmail.com
Emily Beth Thompson
205 Lancelot Way, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 (H) 770-995-8740 (C) 404-372-7930 ebeththompson@charter.net
Ms. Thompson is a retired Gwinnett County Public School Librarian and Media Specialist. She currently works part time for Gwinnett County Public Libraries. She graduated from Georgia College in 1973, earning a degree in English. She earned her Master of Education degree in 1973 and her Education Specialist degree in 1994 from the University of Georgia. She is a graduate of the Leadership Gwinnett Program, Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce. She currently serves as the scholarship chair of Gwinnett County Retired Educators Association. She has held numerous executive leadership positions including: president, Georgia Disciples Women; Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); executive committee member, Regional Board, Christian Church in Georgia; president, Gwinnett Democratic Women; district chair, Georgia Federation of Democratic Women; treasurer, Democrats of Gwinnett PAC; president, Board of Directors, Gwinnett County Seat Players Community Theatre founding member; and Executive Board and managing director, Theatre Gwinnett. She has served in leadership positions for the Gwinnett County American Red Cross Board, 21st Century Leaders Volunteer Center program; Collins Hill High School Volunteer Center and Lawrenceville Kiwanis Club. She enjoys genealogy, theatre, art, photography, gardening and writing.
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A native of Bryan County, Mary Virginia Warnell was born in Groveland, Georgia, a community in northwest Bryan County. She attended elementary school and high school in Pembroke, graduating with honors from Bryan County High School. In 1971, she received a BS degree in Home Economics from Georgia College in Milledgeville. A member of Phi Upsilon Omicron honorary society, she was named Outstanding Home Economics Alumna for Georgia College in 1982.
Mary V. Warnell
PO Box 1737 Pembroke, GA 31321-1737 (H) 912- 653-2244 marywarnell@g-net.net
Mary was employed 24 years by the Dairy Council in Atlanta, providing nutrition education workshops to teachers, school food service staff and health professionals throughout metro Atlanta and north Georgia. Later, she was named nutrition education director for the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association where she coordinated the nutrition education program for nine southeastern states and served as liaison for program development and evaluation with the National Dairy Council in Chicago. During her professional career, Mary served in many state leadership roles including president of the Georgia Home Economics Association (GHEA), the Georgia Business Section of GHEA, and the Georgia Nutrition Council. She was presented the Award of Excellence by the Georgia Nutrition Council in 1996 and was named Georgia’s Outstanding Home Economist in Business in 1985 and 1991. She served as president of the Bryan County United Way Board of Directors and served for six years as the president of the North Bryan Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in developing the Shop North Bryan First (SNBF) program. Following the footsteps of her grandfather, D.B. Warnell, and her father, Charles F. Warnell, she chose to volunteer her services through her work as an elected official. Mary served two, four-year terms on the Bryan County Board of Education from 2003 – 2010 and was the third generation of the Warnell family to represent Pembroke on the Bryan County Board of Education. She also served as mayor of the City of Pembroke from 2012 – 2015. Mary currently serves as vice chairman on the board of directors of Savannah Technical College, is a board member of the Bryan County Farm Bureau, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Coastal Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm where she received her Master Gardener certification. She is a member of Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, Georgia. Mary has completed Leadership Bryan, Georgia Academy for Economic Development and received a certificate of achievement through the Georgia Municipal Association. She resides in Pembroke and is employed with her family as Treasurer of Groveland Farms, Inc. and Warnell Timber & Land, LP.
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College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board 11/2016