Contents FALL 2019 | CONNECTION
12
10
14
22
32
Features
4 10 12 14 18 20 22 24 32 34 Up Front
Feature Story
Alumni Profile
Cover Story
Weekend of Welcome
Athletics
Student Profile
Faculty Profile
AAAC Cookout
Class Notes and Deceased List
Co n nec ti on See more Weekend of Welcome photos on page 22.
FALL 2019 Vol. XXVIII, No. 3 Copyright 2019. All rights reserved. Published by University Communications. 231 W. Hancock St. Milledgeville, GA 31061
President Steve Dorman Vice President for University Advancement Monica Delisa Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications Omar Odeh Editor/Director of Marketing and Publications Victoria Fowler, ‘12 Writers Margaret Brown, ‘19 Brittiny Johnson, ‘15 Anna Gay Leavitt Cindy O’Donnell Aubrie L. Sofala, ‘12, ’16 Al Weston Design Brooks Hinton Photography Anna Gay Leavitt Aubrie L. Sofala, ’12, ’16 Chris Greer Please send change of address and class notes to: University Advancement Campus Box 96 Milledgeville, GA 31061 connection@gcsu.edu
No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information be excluded from employment or participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination, under any program or activity conducted by Georgia College.
up front
Second GC Gives Day brings more volunteers and good to the community Nearly 2,000 volunteers took part in the second annual GC Gives
community,” said Kendall Stiles, senior director for community
day. With more than 50 service sites across Milledgeville and
engagement.
Baldwin County, volunteers spent the morning of Saturday, Aug. 17 with their sleeves rolled up, working to help others.
“By doing this almost at the beginning, when they first arrive here on campus, they understand the importance of community
It's the largest day of service in the area, with Georgia College
engagement and giving back, and that it’s a part of our DNA
being the only local university that requires all incoming students
here. This is what it means to be part of Bobcat nation,” she said.
to take part in a group activity. Volunteer work ranged from picking up trash at the Oconee River First-year students made up nearly 1,500 of the volunteers.
Greenway to helping clean animal cages at the local shelter to
Others were Georgia College faculty, staff members, alumni, and
beautification projects at the Life Enrichment Center (LEC) and
upper classmen as well as community members.
local churches.
“I think from Georgia College’s perspective, it’s a wonderful
During the three-hour timeframe, the volunteers made an
opportunity for our new students to engage and interact with
estimated $152,500 economic impact on the community.
community members and community partners as well as see the
connection magazine | 4 | alumni.gcsu.edu
First cohort of the Call Me MiSTER program graduates The May 2019 graduating class included the first cohort of the Call Me MiSTER Program. The program originated in South Carolina to encourage African-American males to become teachers. Georgia College has the first and only MiSTER program in the state. Of the first group of students to begin the program in 2015, three graduated during the spring ceremony — Homer Jones, Brian Bowman, and Seabon Davis. Under the leadership of Dr. Emmanuel Little, the program aims to increase diversity in the education field where only two percent of all teachers across the nation are African-American males. “I think that Call Me MiSTER has brought about a desire to shift the paradigm of education,” says Little, “We talk all the time in
see, being the change agent, so to speak. And, I think, Call Me
diversity and inclusion circles about being the change you wish to
MiSTER is a very tangible representation of exactly what that is.”
GEORGIA COLLEGE INCREASES ECONOMIC IMPACT ON REGIONAL ECONOMY Georgia College increased its impact on the regional economy to more than $298 million for fiscal year 2018, according to a study commissioned by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. That’s up from $284 million the previous year. According to the study, these benefits can be seen in both private and public sectors. One example: for each job created on campus, there are 2.3 off-campus jobs that exist because of spending related to the college or university. “There are several ways that the university
services Georgia College’s employees and
impact on the economy statewide. The
students purchase each year.”
institutions provided more than 168,000
impacts the economy,” said Johnny Grant,
full- and part-time jobs.
director of economic development and
The economic impact of the university
external relations at Georgia College.
extends to Baldwin, Bibb, Hancock,
The Selig Center for Economic Growth at
“The approximately 885 jobs on campus
Putnam, Wilkinson, Jones, and
the University of Georgia’s Terry College of
and the payroll associated with them is
Washington Counties.
Business analyzed data collected between
extremely important. In addition, it is
July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018 to
estimated that more than 2,200 jobs are
Overall, the 26 University System of
created off campus by the products and
Georgia institutions had a $17.7 billion connection magazine | 5 | alumni.gcsu.edu
determine the economic impact.
Chiller plant optimization project reaps significant energy savings
GEORGIA COLLEGE RECEIVES $2.7 MILLION GRANT TO AID IN GEORGIA’S RURAL HEALTH CARE CRISIS
Georgia College recently secured a $120,454 rebate check from Georgia Power and will see $65,000 in annual energy savings for its demand-flow sustainability initiative — the largest ever on campus to date. “The best part of this rebate is that the funds will be used to support other sustainability projects, specifically, the installation of LED lighting at the intramural fields, which in turn will save Georgia College money by reducing the electric usage needed to light the fields,” said
Georgia ranks near the bottom of all
(HRSA) of the Department of Health
Mark Duclos, assistant vice president, Facilities
50 states for the number of primary
and Human Services to help combat
Management. “We will then receive another
care providers.
those numbers. This grant will help educate and train nurse practitioners
rebate from Georgia Power for the LED lights and that money will be used towards another
A total of 129 of Georgia’s 159
to work in rural areas as well as
sustainability project.”
counties are designated primary care
expand on the School of Nursing’s
health professional shortage areas
partnership with the Georgia
A team of eight Georgia College HVAC
(HSPA) by the Georgia Department of
Department of Public Health (DPH) to
technicians recently installed variable frequency
Community Health.
provide free education for Georgia’s public health nurses. Georgia College
drives (VFD) to reduce peak electrical demand. The VFDs were installed on all central plant
“That means over 80 percent of
was the only university in the state to
chilled water pumps in the plant and buildings,
Georgia’s counties contain substantial
receive this grant.
condenser water pumps, and cooling tower fans
populations without a consistent
to optimize system operations.
source of primary care,” said Dr. Sallie
Current students in their final year of
Coke, professor of nursing. “There are
the nurse practitioner program will
“This project allows for better control of the
79 counties without an OB/GYN, 64
receive their tuition, books, and other
chiller plant and chilled water distribution,”
counties without a single pediatrician
expenses paid for, if they agree to
Duclos said. “Having control allows us to
— leaving nearly one million of
work in an underserved area in the
optimize the system and save energy. Without
Georgia’s children without primary
state.
proper control, it’s difficult to prevent the chiller
care services — and 78 counties
plant from making too much chilled water and
without a psychiatrist, according to a
Among other things, the 2019 ANEW
then pumping it around campus and back to the
2017 report from Georgia Board of
grant will also fully fund the education
plant still chilled. That process wastes a lot of
Physician Workforce.”
of 30 to 42 rural or medically
energy and requires constant manual
underserved DPH nurses who agree
intervention to prevent this from happening.
Georgia College recently received a
to continue to practice with the
The decision was made to optimize the plant to
$2.7 million, four-year grant from the
Department of Public Health after
save the energy and make it easier for our
Health Resources Service Agency
graduation over of the next four years.
technicians to operate the plant.” connection magazine | 6 | alumni.gcsu.edu
B R I N G I N G
L I F E
T O
L U M A :
Student innovators compete statewide
It started as an idea that took a team of
station that features five panels shaped as
two physics majors, a marketing major, and
petals. With the guidance from Assistant
a liberal studies major to bring it to life.
Professor of Physics Dr. Hasitha Mahabaduge, the charging station design
“We had some time, some parts, and we
was completed by Palmer and fellow May
just started throwing around the idea of
2019 graduate physics major Hani Sharif
what kind of proof of concept does
by the end of the fall 2018 semester.
Georgia College need, and what can we provide from the research lab that I work
Mahabaduge let Palmer know that Luma
in,” said Nick Palmer, May 2019 graduate.
could have further applications during the
The InVenture Prize is an interdisciplinary
“One day, we did an inventory of the lab
start of spring 2019 semester — namely
innovation competition that brings
and realized we had enough parts to build
the 2019 Georgia InVenture Prize. What
together students from across Georgia to
a basic charging station. So, the next day, I
was created as an educational tool to
compete for patents and prizes before a
asked, ‘Can I make it look like a flower?’”
engage campus on solar energy became
panel of three judges. Team Luma, made
an opportunity for Palmer to compile a
up of Palmer, Sharif, Erin Dickman, and
From there Luma was born, an 11-total-
team of GC’s best minds to turn Luma into
Abigail Quick, was one of 19 teams that
foot-tall, free-standing, solar charging
a marketable product.
were invited to compete in early April.
GC sends most students ever to present at National Conference on Undergraduate Research
(NCUR) in April 2019. Georgia College
previous three years when 47 students or
had the fourth-largest student
less presented their works at the national
representation at the conference.
event.
GC sponsored the most students ever —
Faculty presenters included: Drs. Tsu-
60 first-author presenters and 35 co-
Ming Chiang, Hasitha Mahabaduge, Kelly
authors, 10 of whom which delivered two
Massey, and Doreen “Dee” Sams.
Ninety Georgia College students presented their works at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research
presentations. That’s nearly double the connection magazine | 7 | alumni.gcsu.edu
“I pursued the Boren originally, purely, because I have wanderlust. It’s just this burning desire I’ve had ever since I can remember,” said Williams, a junior from Augusta. Williams is the second Georgia College student to win this prestigious honor. David Williams has an intense desire to travel and wants to be a leader worldwide, helping underdeveloped populations thrive
Williams’ $26,000 award covers tuition, insurance, cost of living,
economically.
transportation, and his flight. He first studied Swahili in the African Flagship Language Institute at the University of Florida in
That led him to apply for the Boren Scholarship, a nationally-
Gainesville during the summer of 2019. In September, he
competitive award given to highly-motivated undergraduates
continued his language study at the American Councils for
willing to learn less-studied languages, immerse themselves in a
International Education in Tanzania, and this will be followed by
different culture, and, ultimately, work in federal national
an internship there.
security.
connection magazine | 8 | alumni.gcsu.edu
Seven science and math students conducted research in U.S. and abroad Georgia College students continue to attract attention for their
computer modeling to see how fires spread, and it uses matches
skills, teamwork ability, and experience with research. Seven
as trees.
physics, chemistry, and mathematics students have completed REUs (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) through the
Senior chemistry major Nicola Bauer spent her summer at
National Science Foundation (NSF). They worked on diverse and
Georgia State University working to design drugs that target
far-reaching research this summer.
cancer and inflammatory diseases. This research also explored into chemical education.
Senior Cain Gantt, who’s double majoring in physics and mathematics, spent the summer at the University of Florida’s
Kasey Green, sophomore, completed an REU at the University of
International REU program in Gravitational Physics, which
Pittsburg in Pennsylvania. The program was called “Particle-
exposes students to the rigors of research in an international
based Functional Materials” and included the study of minute
setting.
particles that perform specific functions like material selfhealing, controlled delivery of therapeutics, ‘smart’ catalysis, and
Senior James Fortwengler, double major in chemistry and math,
particle separation.
worked at the University of Connecticut in Mansfield exploring desalination of water using graphene, a form of carbon. His
Carine Seudieu, senior majoring in chemistry, was also at
research looked for more efficient ways to rid water of salt and
Georgia State University where she studied Influenza Virus (IFV)
minerals.
proteins and how they recombine into severe infections.
Senior Samuel “Bo” Cavender, physics major, completed an REU
Senior chemistry major Ann Margaret Irvin completed the Smart
on “modeling the propagation of forest fires on hills” at the
Polymer REU at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.
College of Wooster in Ohio. The project involved using
connection magazine | 9 | alumni.gcsu.edu
feature story
LEARNING FROM THE BEST Finding affirmation, best practices in Finland Finland stands as one of the regularly top-performing countries
programs to better inform our work,” said Dr. Holley Roberts,
in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), an
interim associate dean of the John H. Lounsbury College of
exam given to 15-year-olds in 72 countries every three years. In
Education.
the latest ranking in 2015, the country landed a top 10 score in averages of math, reading, and science.
The College of Education split the selected members to go in two trips: the first would be focused on teacher education, and
In an effort to understand how the Finnish system reaches such
the second would focus on educational leadership, literacy,
high academic achievement, many of the John H. Lounsbury
and diversity. The first trip was in fall 2018, followed by the
faculty members read, “The Smartest Kids in the World and
second during the spring semester 2019.
How they Got that Way,” by Amanda Ripley, which explores three different educational systems, including the Finnish
“Everywhere we went in Finland, there was an obvious respect
educational system. So, when the opportunity presented itself
for childhood and children,” said Roberts. “Whether we were
to witness Finnish educators in action, College of Education
on a train, at a restaurant, or in a public space, there was
faculty took advantage of the opportunity through a
always a place for a child to be a child.”
partnership with SMART Education Exchange. A special reverence for children and childhood throughout the “President Dorman and Dean Peters visited universities in
Finnish culture can be seen in many ways. There are ample
Finland through SMART Education Exchange in 2018 and Dr.
playgrounds, play spaces in restaurants, training toilets in
Peters suggested that we explore ways in which Finnish
restrooms, and even a separate commuter train car devoted
universities implement teacher and leader preparation
for children and play. In schools, after every 45 minutes of
connection magazine | 10 | alumni.gcsu.edu
Like Hunt, Roberts also said the way in which Finland prepares their teachers affirmed some of the principles and methods that guide how the College of Education prepares students today. “It gave me a deeper appreciation of why we do things the way we do,” said Roberts. “We have a significant field-based component to our teacher education program. It gives students that time to develop in practice along with what they learn in the classroom. That was reaffirmed in Finland.” Roberts acknowledged that societal, political, and economic circumstances in the U.S. and Finland differ. What works for one cannot be simply transferred over to another country seamlessly. However, she’s hopeful that the instruction, students are given 15 minutes of play
educational landscape of the U.S. is moving in
where they break to go outside. Kindergartners
the right direction.
are given developmentally-appropriate roles like serving themselves in a buffet line during lunch.
“I do see a shift happening where teachers are speaking out and feeling more like they are
“We talked to teachers and teacher educators,
being acknowledged for their knowledge and
and what we learned affirmed what we know –
skills,” said Roberts. “I think the momentum in
children should be given the opportunity to
reducing the amount of standardized testing that
explore learning rather than being taught by
is happening is one solid indicator of that.”
rote memorization. Teachers act as facilitators and students and teachers take responsibility for
For Hunt, the Finland experience was not just an
the learning that occurs,” said Roberts. “The
opportunity to glean how revered education as a
learning process is treated with great respect.
profession is on the worldwide stage, but it was
The school buildings are built with learning in
a chance to see up close that learning, even for
mind.”
educators, is a life-long endeavor.
Katherine Hunt, who received her undergraduate
“I was so fortunate to go on this trip. Even if I
and master’s degrees in early childhood
had gone on my own, I wouldn’t have had the
education from Georgia College, attended the
same experience I did with the College of
experience in Finland. One of the overwhelming
Education,” said Hunt. “Being able to go with
aspects of that experience was seeing how the
professors in the college and seeing that they
Finnish respected the teaching profession.
are still doing research, still learning, and growing in their profession — that’s powerful.”
“People have cautioned me before about going into education or even warned me not to,” said
As the College of Education continues the
Hunt. “So, it was so affirming to go to Finland
partnership with SMART Education Exchange,
and witness the overall respect they have for the
there are many collaborative options available
profession. In their culture, it’s a highly-respected
such as joint research projects, co-teaching
career.”
courses, and student, teacher, and faculty exchanges.
connection magazine | 11 | alumni.gcsu.edu
alumni profile
Principal sets students on course to be life-long learners As a teenager, Dr. James William “J.W.” Mozley Jr., ’03, ’05, never imagined he would become principal of Coleman Middle School — a middle school located just down the street from where he went to high school. Mozley was an introvert. However, his Georgia College professors and involvement in extracurricular activities helped ease him into a world of possibilities that comes with being outgoing. think the whole philosophy of being a
“I
life-long learner is opening your mind to different experiences and viewpoints,”
he said. “I can say that the person I was, who entered college, most definitely exited as a completely different individual with varying perspectives. My professors allowed that to happen.” Although the professors at Georgia College worked alongside of Mozley to ensure he succeeded, one professor in particular guided him through a tough curriculum. “Upper-level math was challenging,” Mozley said. “Dr. Martha Allen was always there to help and never made me feel like less of a person for coming to her office for assistance. I always appreciated that. I took that experience into the classroom, when I was a math teacher and now as a principal.” During college, Mozley was a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma — the national service organization. Today, he serves on the university’s College of Education Advisory Board. “It’s important that schools have an advisory board with educators and school leaders to assure they stay abreast of the current trends and educational issues,” Mozley said. “It’s very easy
connection magazine | 12 | alumni.gcsu.edu
to lose touch once you’re out of school, and things change so
Now, Mozley and his wife Jena — a first-generation college
rapidly. So, it’s important that they keep that perspective.”
student — help make the transition smooth for graduating high school students who are entering Georgia College as first-
In his work, he never loses sight of his faculty’s and staff’s best
generation college students. They do this by offering a
interests. Often times, he places their leadership needs above
scholarship.
his own. “Georgia College profoundly impacted me for that social“As a leader, you have to know when to lead and when to step
emotional piece,” he said. “As I look back, I’m thankful I had
back and let others lead,” Mozley said. “So, to be that
that experience. So, we want to reach those students who can’t
transformational leader, you have to change other people and
afford college, because it hasn’t been the culture of their family
build capacity in them so they can take on the work if you’re not
to go to college.”
there.” Mozley makes a point to engage with his students much like he Mozley’s goal is to prepare his students by the end of their
was recognized by his mentors at Georgia College.
middle school journey to enter high school with a broader understanding of the world.
“I would just like to emphasize that the culture of Georgia College was transformational for me,” he said. “The vast
“I hope our students leave here functioning more as life-long
majority of professors, even the college president, knew my
learners than when they started, that they’re engaged in real-
name. But it wasn’t just me. It was the same for many students
world applications, and that they leave here with curiosity and a
on campus. I think that speaks to the culture of the campus.
greater sense of empathy they can use to help others,” he said.
When the leader is doing that, then the professors will follow. That’s something I will never forget.”
To learn more about how you can help first-generation Georgia College students on their educational paths like the Mozleys, contact Elizabeth Hines, associate vice president for donor engagement, at 478-445-1944 or elizabeth.hines@gcsu.edu.
connection magazine | 13 | alumni.gcsu.edu
Twice As Nice College of Education launches second doctoral program at GC
I
n the College of Education, the cohort to enter into the
The program offers advanced coursework for personnel
college’s first doctoral program has garnered an
in PreK-12 schools and higher education. It consists of a
endearing collective nickname: The Fab Five.
10-course core and 8-course specialization tracks.
Starting in Summer 2019, the John H. Lounsbury College
Marde Ray, who has spent 24 years teaching in the public
of Education accepted the first cohort of students into the
school system, said this program is more than just an
new doctoral degree program in curriculum and
opportunity for her to advance her knowledge — but an
instruction. This marks the second doctoral degree to ever
opportunity for the entire middle Georgia region.
be offered at Georgia College, following the Doctorate of Nursing Practioner degree that launched in 2013.
“It will take the reputation of the college to a different level. By offering more advanced degrees, the university is making
“The College of Education chose to offer the Ed.D. in
the middle Georgia region more competitive,” she said. “It’s
middle Georgia because of the need in this region for a
making a mark on the quality of education you can receive in
doctorate from one of the universities in the state system,”
this area. And hopefully, the better prepared teachers are in
said Dr. Joseph Peters, dean of the College of Education.
this region, the better the education will be.”
Peters cited that the closest option, the University of Georgia, was 80 miles away, with the furthest being
The cohort was accepted toward the end of spring 2019
Valdosta State University.
semester and started the program with a three-courseload summer. They’ll have a little more than two years’
“It’s certainly something that middle Georgia has been
worth of courses followed by their research and
waiting on,” said Dr. Barbara Roquemore, doctoral
dissertation. Dr. Linda Bradley, interim chair of the
program director. “I’ve been asked about a program
department, said having these new scholars within the
offering like this for years.”
college is a large benefit to the College of Education and the university.
April Braswell, principal of Whitehead Elementary, is one of those students. She completed the educational
“This program not only launches the scholarship of these
specialist program in 2016 at Georgia College. Since then,
candidates, it will renew and energize many of the faculty
she’s checked back routinely to see when the College of
and committee members working with them,” she said. “It
Education would begin offering a doctoral program.
will be exciting for candidates to connect with faculty members who have similar research interests.”
“Pursuing an advanced degree has been in my plan a long time. I come from a line of educators. I think we totaled it
Bradley also said it’s a time of growth within the College of
up once, and there were 40 educators in all in my family,”
Education, with increasing graduate enrollment and the
Braswell, who is one of the five students in the program,
addition of the doctoral program. Keeping the cohort to
said. “It was always a desire and personal goal of mine to
five was in effort to ensure College of Education faculty
receive my doctorate. We don’t have anyone in my family
would be available for dissertation committees,
that has achieved that level. I want to make space within
mentorship, and research opportunities.
my family so that they can see the level of success that is
|
for us in education.”
connection magazine | 15 | alumni.gcsu.edu
“It’s a really exciting time. With anything new, there’s also a
Braswell said finding that balance is key. She has a
learning curve,” she said. “Faculty are supportive,
comprehensive background in teaching and administration in
enthusiastic, and excited for the opportunities they will have
school systems with her sights set on becoming a
with individuals when they begin to work on the dissertation
superintendent one day. This year, she’s taking on her first
committees.”
role as principal of an elementary school.
“I think we’re going to see so many ways this will impact the
“Having the doctoral program offered at Georgia College
College of Education over time,” Bradley said. “Most
has just opened so many doors for me,” said Braswell. “I like
exciting is that we will have these budding scholars who are
the online component, and I’ve really enjoyed being able to
truly interested in curriculum and instruction. They are the
come on campus and meet with my peers. It’s valuable to
ones who will be leading and forging new paths in the field
have that time to make connections. I also knew that a small,
in ways that serve children, youth, and adults within learning
intimate atmosphere like Georgia College would meet my
communities.”
needs as I pursued an advanced degree.”
The program is a blended instruction format with two to
Ray, who teaches Algebra I and Geometry at Washington
three face-to-face classroom sessions per semester, with the
County High School, doesn’t see herself leaving the
remainder of the content online. Offering an online format
classroom any time soon, but what she’ll gain from the
gives students the ability to advance in their school system
program is an opportunity to make more of an impact.
and not leave their current positions. “Ultimately, I want to become a better teacher,” said Ray. “I “For higher education faculty, it will allow faculty to be
want to either be better in my own classroom or be able to
qualified to teach graduate courses in their field. This is
help teachers be more effective in theirs. I went into
especially important in areas such as nursing where there is a
education to make a difference in someone’s life. The better I
shortage of doctoral faculty,” Peters said.
am, the better chance I have.”
connection magazine | 16 | alumni.gcsu.edu
C APITAL
CAMPAI GN
U P DAT E $1,969,486
As of Aug. 31, 2019, the total raised for the campaign was
TOTAL NEEDED TO REACH GOAL
$28,030,513 out of $30,000,000. Â Join us as we seek to raise the additional $1,969,486 to meet our goal by June 30, 2020. Visit campaign.gcsu.edu for more information about Follow Your Passion. Find Your Purpose.
$28,030,513 CURRENT DOLLARS RAISED
connection magazine | 17 | alumni.gcsu.edu
connection magazine | 18 | alumni.gcsu.edu
wee ke n d of w e lcom e connection magazine | 19 | alumni.gcsu.edu
athletics
G e o r g i a
C o l l e g e
S o c c e r
a l u m N A
Mary Byrne ‘09, ‘11 Georgia College Soccer alumna Mary Byrne (’09, ’11) has put together an impressive resume on the sidelines since continuing her coaching career in the high school ranks. A 2009 graduate in Early Childhood Education, Byrne added a 2011 Master in Instructional Technology, and worked as an assistant coach for Bobcat Soccer for two seasons. A winding path through multiple teaching positions has landed the GC alumna at Johns Creek High School, as physical education teacher and girls soccer head coach. The Gladiators have won three-straight Region Championships with Byrne at the helm, including four State Final Four appearances. Johns Creek fell in penalty kicks in the state title game in Byrne’s first season. Byrne was honored as the 2017 North Atlanta Girls Soccer Coach by Positive Athlete. Along with her physical education, weight training, and soccer coaching roles at Johns Creek, she is also the director of football operations, boys lacrosse strength and conditioning coach, and an assistant to the athletic director. Not letting her sights stop there, she is currently a member of the first-ever Fulton County Aspiring Athletic Directors cohort. connection magazine | 20 | alumni.gcsu.edu
What wa s you r ca r e e r pat h afte r gra d u at i on?
H o w d i d yo u r rol e as a s tu dent-athl ete h el p sh ap e you as a p ers on?
After I graduated with my bachelor’s
Being a student-athlete was the most
What advi c e wou l d you have for i nc omi ng s tu dent-athl etes ? Enjoy every moment. The friendships you
degree, I decided to stay at Georgia
rewarding experience. It taught me time
form with your teammates and other
College and get my master’s degree. I
management, flexibility, accountability,
athletes are some of the best in your life.
served as the athletic department’s
and how to truly be part of a team. Being
There are so many life lessons that you
graduate assistant for one year, and I was
a student-athlete gave me the
will learn that you may not even realize
the soccer graduate assistant for the
opportunity to work hard day in and day
until many years later, but always
second year. After I graduated with my
out, and learn that everything is not
remember:"life in the balance.” Work
master’s, I was hired as the assistant
going to work as predicted, but that does
hard in school and in your sport, but also
soccer coach for Georgia College. After
not mean you stop trying to reach your
enjoy your college years.
that year, I was hired at John Milledge
goals.
Academy as an elementary teacher (fifth middle school and varsity soccer. I also
W h at attr ac ted you to G eorg i a C ol l eg e? I loved the campus of Georgia College,
helped with cross country. After two years
the small town feel, and the education
at John Milledge, I moved to Gwinnett
program.
grade and second grade) and coached
County and taught elementary school at Freeman's Mill (fifth grade and first grade) and coached varsity soccer at Collins Hill, which is also my alma mater. After those
What was your favorite place on the G eo r g i a C o l l eg e c amp u s ? By far, front campus!
two years, I was hired at Johns Creek to teach high school physical education and coach varsity girls soccer.
connection magazine | 21 | alumni.gcsu.edu
student profile
connection magazine | 22 | alumni.gcsu.edu
Passion for community and connection inspires education major to lead When she was as young as five, Annabelle Erb would
Erb’s pride in being a student at Georgia College carries
sneak supplies from her father’s office, turning the art
over into her role as a student ambassador for the Office
room in the basement of their home into her very own
of Admissions.
classroom. Since then, she has been drawn to teaching. “Being an ambassador is such a good way to show off Her mother is an elementary school teacher, and Erb
how proud I am of the decision I’ve made and also to
herself has experience teaching at a Montessori daycare.
help others make that decision. I felt like I could be a
It was there where she discovered her passion for some
leader on campus and be a face of Georgia College.”
of the youngest students, leading her to major in early childhood education.
Leadership and community involvement come naturally to Erb. She is involved with Best Buddies, a partnership
“I would test myself and say, ‘how can I reach this
between Georgia College and Milledgeville’s Life
student and what do they need?’ There’s so much
Enrichment Center, which fosters friendships between
learning happening at that age, it’s just incredible,” Erb
people with developmental and intellectual disabilities
said.
and those wanting to practice inclusiveness. She began playing soccer at a young age, and in high school, she
When speaking about her experience at the Montessori
was involved with assisting at practices for the region’s
daycare, her passion for teaching is apparent.
Special Olympics soccer team. Having been a soccer player most of her life, this experience helped her see
“There’s just something about how enthusiastic and
the sport in a new way.
bright they are, and they’ll surprise you every single day. It’s the sweetest surprise where you think, ‘I didn’t know
“This was a different side of soccer because it was
you could do this, but now we have this whole binder of
bringing people together, and it showed how it can
activities that we can do.’” Her eyes light up, and she
bring happiness to so many people,” said Erb.
smiles. “You get to really be a part of them growing up.” This same passion for connection is what inspires her. As she begins her sophomore year at Georgia College, she already has hands-on experience with teaching.
“The whole purpose of being a Student Ambassador is being a leader, being able to reach out to families and
“Something that is really great about our program is that
connect with them. In this position, you have to trust
I have already been in some of the schools, which is
your own instincts. I think that’s part of being a leader, as
great because you get observation, but you also gain
well – going into something with an open and confident
experiences. You have things to draw on when you
mind.”
actually get in the classroom,” she said. This year, Erb was accepted into the Leadership This opportunity for hands-on experience and smaller
Certificate Program at Georgia College. It’s an
class sizes lead Erb to choose Georgia College.
opportunity the education major is excited to take on.
“Our program is incredibly ranked, and I knew that I
“I know it is going to make me a better ambassador, and
wanted to be at a smaller university because of the
it is going to make me a better educator one day. It is
opportunities to get involved,” Erb remarked. “It felt like
going to teach me skills that I am really excited to gain
a place I could make home, and it felt like a place I could
and learn.”
grow and thrive as a student.” connection magazine | 23 | alumni.gcsu.edu
faculty profile
Dr. Linda Bradley P O W E R O F S T O R Y I N F L U E N C E S A L I F E I N E D U C AT I O N Dr. Linda Bradley knew one thing as she entered Birmingham-
Literature and Creative Drama for Children during her
Southern College — she did not know what she wanted her
freshman year. For the daughter of a teacher, it was a surprise
profession to be.
to be so captivated by the entrancing world of children’s literature.
“I entered college as a religion and philosophy major with interests in music, the arts, and psychology. At the time,
“Suddenly I had this awakening,” Bradley said. “Literacy
teaching was not even on my radar,” Bradley, interim chair of
gives children a window into other worlds that may be
the Department of Professional Learning and Innovation, said.
completely different than anything they’ve ever experienced. It is the key to helping students learn to think
Bradley, who has been with Georgia College for 15 years,
and communicate successfully within our global society.
shared that everything changed when she took a course titled
Exploring a range of books with characters who are similar
connection magazine | 24 | alumni.gcsu.edu
and different from them is vital. Stories give students a
interdisciplinary studies and how impactful they could be on
connection to the world and a sense of why things matter and
students’ education.
how things connect. The multifaceted nature of literacy drew me into a world of children’s literature in college, and it
“If I had not been a preacher’s daughter who had the support
continues to intrigue me all these years later.”
and scholarships that I did, it would not have been possible for me to attend a private liberal arts institution,” she said. “So the
Following graduation with an Elementary Education degree,
mission of Georgia College as the state’s public liberal arts
Bradley moved to North Carolina, determined to live in the
institution, with a public college tuition rate, was extremely
mountains and use the skills she learned from her liberal arts
appealing.”
college experience. She became the director of nurturing ministries at a large church and became entrenched in the fast-
Bradley articulates that her passion for preparing exemplary
paced nature of this work. But, a part of her still sought
educators, ready to manage the complexities of classroom life,
opportunities to reflect upon, adapt, and rework the lessons
began with liberal arts study.
she was imparting. “Faculty across disciplines fueled my interests in social justice “I moved back to Alabama and began substitute teaching,”
and equitable educational opportunities for all. Seeds planted
Bradley said. “It piqued and renewed my interest in being in a
in college continue to develop in my ongoing research
public school classroom. I also had an exemplary principal, Mrs.
examining arts and literacy, students’ writing development, and
Bishop, who created a space for professional educators that
culturally relevant pedagogy,” she said.
balanced autonomy and exemplary practice based on research, always keeping children at the center. She nurtured my
“Recognizing that children enter school with a range of
understandings of teacher leadership and helped me grow as a
experiences, strengths, and challenges is key to understanding
professional.”
children’s literacy,” said Bradley. “Too often, children are labeled and considered lacking rather than supported based on
Bradley’s principal was just the first of several key mentors who
what they already know and can do. Literacy is incredibly
guided her path to pursuing doctoral study and her passion for
complex, and there is no single program that is best for all
teaching in higher education.
children. Teachers have to grow as knowledgeable professionals, ready to make key decisions to best serve each
“I think for me at least, the path of a professional educator is
of our children.”
shaped by finding those key mentors and staying open to the opportunities they share, ready to seize possibilities that you
Part of Bradley’s life as a professor is seeing her students go on
never even knew were coming your way,” Bradley remarked.
to become teachers, school system administrators, and community leaders after they leave Georgia College.
Though Bradley found her footing teaching within a school system and pursued advanced degrees while doing so, she
“We have so many fantastic educators actively working in the
soon discovered that teaching in higher education was the next
field,” said Bradley. “I love seeing former students and the
step on her path.
impact they are having upon the profession. It is also wonderful to have former students as the professional educators who now
“It was a struggle to make the decision to leave first grade. I
teach my own children.”
loved my students and being in the classroom, but I was also open to the guidance of mentors who encouraged me to make
Years after that first course, what guides Bradley in her work
an impact through teacher education,” she said. “I had a lot of
with students and beyond is an overwhelming faith in the ability
interest in preparing professional educators in programs with a
of story to provide context and guidance for life.
high degree of professionalism.” “The power of story, and literacy in action, is life-changing,” she Bradley came to Georgia College in 2005, attracted by the
said. “When children gain access to think, read, write, speak,
appeal of a public liberal arts institution with leading programs
and listen well, they thrive. It may begin with a story that grows
in education. Coming from a liberal arts undergraduate
into immense and powerful learning, helping all students utilize
background, she understood the significance of
their unique gifts and talents.”
connection magazine | 25 | alumni.gcsu.edu
August 8-17, 2020
Join fellow GC Alumni and friends for The Splendors of Italy. This nine-day trip will tour the most famous cities and sights in Italy such as Rome, Venice, and Siena. Georgia College Alumni Association | Trejuan Johnson | 478-445-8665 | trejuan.johnson@gcsu.edu
GEORGIA COLLEGE
Alumni Weekend NOV. 1-2, 2019
S C H E D U L E O F E V E N T S
Friday, Nov. 1
Saturday, Nov. 2
Registration/Hospitality Tent Front Campus, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Registration/Hospitality Tent Front Campus, 8:30 a.m. – noon
Peabody Reunion Luncheon The graduates from Peabody Lab School, Peabody Elementary, and Peabody High School are invited to celebrate their reunion in the newlyrenovated Peabody Auditorium. Peabody Auditorium, noon
Golden Slippers Brunch Has your class already celebrated its 50th reunion? Reconnect with fellow alumnae for brunch. Heritage Hall, 9 a.m.
Georgia College Museum of Fine Arts Tours Join the Georgia College Art Department as they showcase their wonderful works of art. Underwood House, 1 - 5 p.m. Campus Tour See what’s new around campus with a personal tour. Student Activities Center, 1 p.m. History of GC with Dr. Bob Wilson Join “Dr. Bob” as he gives a history lesson of Georgia College. Atkinson Hall 110, 2 p.m. Junior Bobcats Science Celebration Join the GC Science Education Center as they provide a series of activities for all of our Bobcats and Junior Bobcats. Activities include a Chemistry Magic Show, STEM hands-on activities, and a planetarium show. Herty Hall, 3 p.m. If Music Be the Food of Love Dress Rehearsal The Georgia College Student Choral Ensemble has their final rehearsal before their concert on Saturday. Alumni are invited to attend. First Baptist Church, 5 p.m. 2019 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee Social A light reception for the 2019 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees to socialize with their former teammates, coaches, and GC Athletics Department staff members. Upon the event's conclusion, the inductees will take part in the ceremonial first serve as our GC Volleyball team takes on Flagler University. Centennial Center, 5:30 p.m. 50th Class Reunion Dinner The Class of 1969 celebrates their 50th class reunion and joins the Half-Century Club. Old Governor’s Mansion, 6:30 p.m. A Night Under the Stars Colonial and Bobcat Nation, you are cordially invited to an evening on the town as the Georgia College African American Alumni Council presents their first official green carpet event. Come mingle and enjoy performances by the GC Jazz Ensemble and fellow GC Alumni. Reception and plated dinner. Business attire. Magnolia Ballroom, $30 (single), $50 (pair), 7 p.m. Volleyball Game vs. Flagler Come and cheer for your GC Volleyball Team as they take on conference rival, Flagler University. The 2019 Hall of Fame Inductees will conduct the ceremonial first serve and Alumni Award Winners will be honored between sets. Centennial Center, 7 p.m.
Andalusia Tour Tour the home of Georgia College alumna and distinguished author, Flannery O'Connor. Andalusia, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Campus Tour See what’s new around campus with a personal tour. Student Activities Center, 9:30 a.m. Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion Tour Old Governor's Mansion, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. All Classes Picnic Join us for the Annual Alumni Picnic and enjoy good food and music. The Junior Bobcats Zone will be nearby, where Academic Outreach and the GC Art Department will have fun activities for all ages. Front Campus, noon Wine and Design Milledgeville’s own Modge Podge Mama leads a painting class for artists of all levels of expertise. Front Campus, ($10 per person), 2 p.m. Alumni Trip Informational: Splendors of Italy Are you interested in exploring the many wonders of Italy? Come to the informational and learn more about the Splendors of Italy and how to register. Atkinson Hall 107, 2 p.m. Campus Tour See what’s new around campus with a personal tour. Student Activities Center, 3 p.m. Golden Slippers Wine and Cheese Reception Members of this heralded sisterhood reunite for a light reception. Heritage Hall, 5 p.m. Alumni Awards Ceremony and Athletic Hall of Fame Join the Alumni Association and the GC Athletics Department as we honor exceptional achievements by your fellow alumni and friends of the university. Reception and dinner. Magnolia Ballroom, ($45 per person), 6:30 p.m. If Music Be the Food of Love A concert featuring the Georgia College Student Choral Ensemble will take place. It includes performances by the Max Noah Singers, University Singers, Women's Ensemble, and the Cat's Meow. Alumni are invited to attend. First Baptist Church, 7:30 p.m.
*all tours begin on the hour
connection magazine | 27 | alumni.gcsu.edu
WE’LL SEE YOU AT
Alumni Weekend
2020!
Register online at http://alumni.gcsu.edu/alumniweekendregistration
connection magazine | 29 | alumni.gcsu.edu
connection magazine | 30 | alumni.gcsu.edu
connection magazine | 31 | alumni.gcsu.edu
connection magazine | 32 | alumni.gcsu.edu
s p o t t e d at t h e
AAAC Cookout
Georgia College is pleased to announce the leadership of two new alumni affinity groups: African American Alumni Council President - Debra Minor Vice President - Demetrius Nelson Secretary - Jennifer Hike Event Coordinator - Pamela Trawick Nashville Alumni Chapter President - Erin Boddy Vice President - Megan Moss Secretary - Tradd Tiller Event Coordinator - Ashley Metivier If you have any questions about either group or would like to collaborate on an event or initiative, please email aaac@gcsu.edu or nac@gcsu.edu.
Class Notes
3
1
2
1960s (1) Gale Ezra “Tucker” Haught, Jr., ’66, is an area chair of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for the U.S. Department of Defense. He was recognized in 2018 for 20 years of service with the ESGR, which promotes a culture where all American employers support and value the military service of their employees while recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts through mediation.
1970s Susan “Suzanne” Shelnutt Matonek, ’71, located her Georgia College roommate, Ann Thompson Duggan, after 50 years of searching for her. They had a reunion April 8, 2019. “It was an incredible opportunity, and we took advantage of it,” said Matonek. She also kept in touch with her other GC roommate, Glenda Easter. They look forward to getting together in the near future as well. Matonek and her husband of 44 years live in The Villages in Florida. They have two children who live in Northern Virginia and a grandson. She worked as an elementary teacher for the Department of Defense schools in Korea, Germany, and Northern Virginia. Matonek earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Education and a Master of Education in Educational Instructional Technology from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
Please submit your news for Class Notes at:
gcsu.edu/alumniclassnotes
4
2010s (2) Jennifer Hawe Joshi, ’12, ’16, earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science. Shortly after gaining some health care experience, she pursued her Master of Science in Health and Human Performance with a concentration in health promotion. During graduate school, Jennifer married her best friend, Sid Joshi. She pioneered an internship at Emory University’s Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) and, during her graduate studies, also worked at Resurgens Orthopaedics as a durable medical equipment coordinator. Shortly after graduating, Jennifer pursued her pre-licensure Master of Science in Nursing and Clinical Nurse Leader degree from Augusta University and graduated in December 2018. She is currently a registered, outpatient nurse in Gwinnett County. (3) Thad Thompson, ’14, was appointed to the Georgia Student Finance Commission Board of Commissioners and sworn in by Governor Brian Kemp on May 22, 2019. In addition, he and his wife, Emily Taylor Thompson, ’13, welcomed their first child, Mary Frances, in November 2018.
(4) Victoria White, ’14, married Benjamin Thompson, ’14, Nov. 16, 2018 at Cold Creek Farm in Dawsonville, Georgia. Fellow Bobcats who attended were Skylar Wilson, Mallory Chapman Agnew, Ian Agnew, Clayton and Krysta Coleman. They met in August 2010 at Napier Hall. The couple reside in Florida and are both are working for Lockheed Martin. “We look forward to coming back and visiting GC, hopefully soon, as so many great memories were made there,” said Victoria.
connection magazine | 34 | alumni.gcsu.edu
In Memoriam Jessie Walters Adams, ’06
Mary Kicklighter Graves, ’49
Janie Binford, ’10
Amanda Wheeler Hicks, ’49
Will Robinson Rogers, ’31
Betty Hardegree Scott, ’49
Aline Barron Nicholson, ’36
Marianne Griffith Wooten, ’49
Elizabeth Jackson Parker, ’38
Helen Lewis Dees, ’50
Norene Kitchens Blackburn, ’40
June Crowley Gilland, ’50
Rossie Culbreth, ’40
Elizabeth Lennon Wellesley, ’50
Hazel Story Riedl, ’40
Jackie Moorhead Young, ’50
Martha Bateman Clark, ’41
Gladys Walton Feist, ’51
Mamie Rodgers Waterhouse, ’42
Iris Sawyer Schmitt, ’51
Annie Cook Ash, ’43
Carol Wise Wingeier, ’51
Mary Reese Culbreath, ’43
Charlotte Burson Jones, ’52
Hilda Gray Mayo, ’45
Lois Annette Chalker Askew, ’53
Nell Parker Overton, ’46
Juanita Blakey Blocker, ’53
Jamie Walker Adams, ’47
Betty Camp Thomas, ’53
Miriam Mosteller Delk, ’47*
Ina Pierson Battley, ’54
Martha Jackson Eubanks, ’47
Patricia Strange Skinner, ’54
Margaret Brewer Gayler, ’47
Martha Wimberly Harper, ’55
Dorothy Methvin Gilbert, ’47
Martha Kleckley Jordan, ’59
Janice Jordan Greenway, ’48
Nora Parks Castile, ’60
Marie O’Neal, ’48
Lynda Hodges Lindsey, ’60
Marian Walden Culpepper, ’49
Virginia Meeks Norris, ’60
*Denotes alumni of Peabody School. This list recognizes deceased alumni that the university has been made aware of as of Aug. 30, 2019.
connection magazine | 35 | alumni.gcsu.edu
University Communications Campus Box 97 Milledgeville, GA 31061
ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED
gcsu.edu/alumni facebook.com/georgiacollegealumni
Former administrator stays engaged by gifting a scholarship For several years, recently retired Georgia College Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Bruce Harshbarger and his wife Debbie have opened their hearts and
home to international students. Now, they can add a student scholarship gift in their will to their list of goodwill efforts. The Harshbargers’ scholarship will help international students, who aren’t eligible for the type of state and federal financial aid that most domestic students receive. “We hope through our scholarship, some of GC’s future international students will be able to not only meet the incidental costs of attending college, but will also be able to afford some of the out-of-class opportunities that can help them make the most of their study abroad experiences in Milledgeville,” said Bruce. One such event is the Harshbargers’ annual international student lake party, where students spend a fun-filled afternoon and early evening boating and floating on Lake Sinclair, picnicking, and socializing. The couple also serves as Family Connection hosts for international students, where they nurture friendships
with the students and enjoy a meal or other activities together. Debbie has always had a fondness for foreign cultures and languages, so much so that she studied abroad during college, earned her master’s degree in education, then taught high school Spanish in North Carolina. Today, she teaches English as a Second Language to immigrant children in Baldwin County’s middle and secondary schools. “Creating a legacy gift for a cause that we value on the campus that we love was as easy as simply changing the beneficiary on one of our insurance policies,” said Debbie. “We’ve both received so much from our connection to Georgia College that this scholarship felt like a good opportunity to repay those blessings in a way that brings us joy.” To see how you can easily create an enduring scholarship legacy for future Georgia College students, contact Dan Lavery at 478-445-1236 or dan.lavery@gcsu.edu.