Call Me MiSTER Fall 2021 Newsletter by Georgia College & State University

CALL ME MiSTER

NEWSLETTER

FALL 2021 | Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role models

Contents A FAREWELL FROM OUR DIRECTOR

TH E C A LL M E M i ST E R VI SION S TAT EM ENT

TH E FI V E T E N E T S OF C A L L M E M iS T ER

MA N Y S CHO OL S , ON E M i S T ER

OUR 5 YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN: A SNAPSHOT

A STATEWIDE CHALLENGE

MEET THE MiSTERs

THE MiSTER INFLUENCE

ALUMNI CORNER

“THE PASSIONATE EDUCATOR” BY MiSTER BRIAN BOWMAN “THE RISING MISTER ACADEMY” BY MiSTER JEROME BROWN “THOUGHTS OF A FIRST-YEAR TEACHER” BY MiSTER SYLVESTER CLARK “HOMETOWN HERO” BY MiSTER HOMER JONES “BLACK MEN AT THE BLACKBOARD” BY MiSTER SEABON DAVIS

SO, YOU WA N T T O BE A MiS T ER ?

GOOD NEWS

GRATI T UDE

OUR PARTNERS TEAM MISTER A SPECIAL THANK YOU GIVING

A DE DIC AT ION T O M R . GEORG E MO S S

C ON TAC T U S

C A L L M E M i S T E R FA L L 2 0 2 1 N E W S L E T T E R University Printing | 09/2021

A FAREWELL FROM

OUR DIRECTOR “All that you touch you Change. All that you Change changes you. The only lasting truth is Change. God is Change.”

— Octavia Butler Dear supporters of GC Call Me MiSTER, I am pleased to bring you the first-ever magazine for the Georgia College Call Me MiSTER program! This moment is bittersweet, as I am leaving my position as director to begin a new chapter of my own in October 2021. I have had the privilege of building the first Call Me MiSTER program in Georgia since summer 2014 and have truly been transformed by this experience. It would be impossible to encapsulate the power I’ve seen in this program, the genuine connections, the inspirational stories, and the paradigm shifts I’ve witnessed, but I sincerely hope that the seeds I’ve planted will continue to bring forth fruit in the same manner that this program has cultivated success in my own life. From the moment I was chosen to lead this program, I felt the gravity of the challenges and potential victories that lay ahead and thus, have always felt the importance of documenting every step. Because this was history. This IS history and yet, the future at the same time. This means that MiSTERs are constant time-travelers, simultaneously engaging with the histories laden with barriers, grappling with the opportunities of the present, and forging new futures not only for themselves, but for the generations under their care in the classroom. In Call Me MiSTER, stories are central. Our MiSTERs have always desired to have their voices amplified because they realize the influence their perspectives can have on our classrooms, our communities, and the policies that affect them. Our students are trailblazers and as such, remain earnest in making their collective presence felt in a manner that reverberates loudly for others to follow. Some of our MiSTERs have faced seemingly insurmountable challenges to reach their goals of teaching in the classroom, and all of them remain dedicated to helping remove such barriers for the next generation, one student at a time. As you peruse the pages of this magazine, you’ll notice that our program is spreading its seeds of influence throughout the state of Georgia with several MiSTERs who have begun their careers in K-12 education since our first graduate in 2018. I am grateful to the John H. Lounsbury College of Education, under the leadership of our Dean Dr. Joseph Peters, for its continued support and collaboration. I am also grateful to the partners, donors, families, and countless supporters who make programs like this possible. Last but certainly not least, I appreciate the privilege of being a part of the rapidlygrowing Call Me MiSTER network for the last seven years. There may be many schools, but there is just ONE MiSTER. I hope you enjoy reading the stories in these pages as much as I’ve enjoyed experiencing them with our MiSTERs since our program’s inception. This may be a farewell from me to the program, but I will always be a part of this extended network. I look forward to witnessing more great news from our GC MiSTERs in the future. Warmest regards, Dr. C. Emmanuel Little Director of Call Me MiSTER and Minority Retention (2014-2021)

GEORGIA COLLEGE | 3 |

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

CA L L M E M i S T ER

VISION STATEMENT I am a dedicated Servant-Leader who is perpetuating a sorely needed concept — Servant-Leaders as role models in elementary schools. I am devoted to planting seeds of dignity and respect in children and inspiring them to cultivate those seeds producing a crop of unprecedented success. I will teach reading, writing and arithmetic and progress to self-esteem, imagination, and determination. Because of my immeasurable promise, not only have I earned your respect, I demand it! A title is only important if ones' character and integrity dictate its use. When you address me, please verbalize my destiny... please do not call me by my first name... call me in reference to my great vision...Call Me MiSTER!

GEORGIA COLLEGE | 4 |

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

THE

5 TENETS OF CALL ME MiSTER Call Me MiSTER operates via five key tenets. Every activity via our GC cohort connects to one or more of these tenets in order to maximize the holistic impact on the MiSTERs and the communities they are training to serve. These tenets are listed below:

1 2 3 4 5

Ambassadorship Brother’s Keeper Personal Growth Servant Leadership

Teacher Efficacy GEORGIA COLLEGE | 5 |

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

Many Schools. Since 2000, Call Me MiSTER has continued to grow and produce crops of unprecedented success. Georgia College is proud to be part of a rapidly growing network of MiSTER institutions, including the following: Two-Year Colleges Aiken Technical College Greenville Technical College Horry Georgetown Technical College Midlands Technical College

Four-Year Colleges and Universities Anderson University

Limestone University

Benedict College

Morris College

Charleston Southern University

Newberry College

Claflin University

South Carolina State University

Clemson University

Southern Wesleyan University

Coastal Carolina University

University of South Carolina Aiken

College of Charleston

University of South Carolina Beaufort

Columbia College

University of South Carolina Upstate

Lander University

Winthrop University

National Partners FLORIDA

KANSAS

University of South Florida

Kansas State University

GEORGIA

KENTUCKY

Georgia College & State University

Eastern Kentucky University

Kennesaw State University

LOUISIANA

ILLINOIS

Grambling State University

Chicago State University

McNeese State University

The University of Illinois at Chicago

Northwestern State University

an dE xec ut

DR. ROY JONES ive

Dire ctor of

ide the nationw

NORTH CAROLINA Western Carolina University TENNESSEE University of Tennessee Martin TEXAS University of Houston Downtown University of North Texas-Dallas VIRGINIA Longwood University

d un Fo

pr og ram

One MiSTER.

i ST M e lM l a C

-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN A S NAPS HOT

PIPELINE S T R AT EGIES

We will engage in an innovative, all-encompassing effort to continue building a pipeline from school systems across the state into our Call Me MiSTER cohort, then back into those school systems. • •

Continued engagement with admissions

•

“Grow your own” partnerships with school

and recruitment opportunities where possible

districts to encourage MiSTERs to teach in

Creation and expansion of Rising MiSTER

their respective hometowns

chapters in partnering school districts

•

Partnerships with nearby two-year

•

Rising MiSTER summer academy

institutions regarding identification and

•

Rising MiSTER campus recruitment days

mentorship of potential MiSTERs

MARKETING S T RATEGIES

We remain fully engaged in telling the inspirational story of our MiSTERs and the evolution of the program. Thus, we will use the following methods to spread our stories: •

Social media

•

Promotional videos

•

Email distribution lists

•

Engagement with civic groups

•

Publications

•

Word of mouth

•

Local and statewide media

A L U M N I ENGAGEMENT

• • •

Solicitation of assistance with mentorship Employment/volunteer opportunities with the Rising MiSTER initiatives Frequent communication from/with director regarding job opportunities in education GEORGIA COLLEGE | 8 |

•

Collaboration with the African-American Alumni Council (AAAC) on key opportunities for MiSTERs to engage with alumni and others Inclusion of alumni MiSTERs in seminars, panels, etc.

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

2021-2026 Our Call Me MiSTER program just completed its new five-year strategic plan, spanning from Fall 2021 to Summer 2026. This breakdown represents a comprehensive strategy involving stakeholders from across Georgia College, K-12 school districts, other postsecondary institutions, community entities, donors and more. The plan features ambitious, but specific and impactful goals (and specific ways to evaluate their success).

FUNDRAISING S T RAT EGIES

As the program continues to evolve, consistent fundraising strategies are paramount to the sustainability of GC’s Call Me MiSTER program in order to provide proper resources to support its goals. • • •

Secure $100,000 per year in grant support by 2026 Grow base of individual donors consistently Creation and maintenance of an overall ethos and expectation of giving to support the goals of Call Me MiSTER

MiSTER RETENTION AND SUPPORT Our MiSTERs will continue to have the opportunity to take advantage of a multitude of resources for support as they matriculate throughout Georgia College. Some of these resources will be those already available throughout the university, but others will be MiSTER-specific as an added benefit of being a part of our program. Such support services constitute an intentional approach to the five tenets of Call Me MiSTER, and include (but are not limited to) the following: •

Bi-weekly leadership seminars

•

Team MiSTER mentorship structure

•

One-on-ones with campus director

•

Collaboration/shared resources with the GC African-American Male Initiative

•

Exposure to classroom opportunities via Rising MiSTER initiatives

•

Continued financial assistance

A S TAT E W I DE

“GROW YOUR OWN” CH AL L E NGE

Given the alarming disparities regarding the lack of teacher diversity, particularly among Black male teachers, we are initiating an “all-hands-on-deck” mindset regarding the continued growth of GC Call Me MiSTER and teacher diversity in general throughout the state. Thus, we are challenging school districts across Georgia to grow their own MiSTERs by planting seeds early for future teachers in their districts! This challenge is a part of our five-year strategic plan and features three phases. If you are a school district representative interested in joining us in this challenge to grow your own MiSTERs, please contact Dr. Joseph Peters, Dean of the GC College of Education, at joseph.peters@gcsu.edu.

PHASE ONE SEED

P LANTING

High school students will be groomed for this via constant interaction with our program throughout the academic year, including being invited to Call Me MiSTER events and participation in Rising MiSTER initiatives.

PHASE TWO WAT ERIN G

AND

CULTIVATI O N

Students who have participated in Rising MiSTER initiatives apply and enroll into Georgia College with the intention of becoming a teacher. They receive the mentorship and access to networks via Call Me MiSTER. Students who are a part of this initiative will also receive financial assistance in the form of scholarships from the county of their hometown, with the requirement that they will teach one year in that county for every year they receive assistance.

PHASE THREE F R U I T- B E A R I N G Students graduate from GC with a teaching certification and attain teaching positions in the county that supported them financially. This new teacher will be expected to help spread “seeds” further as an example, thus continuing to build the pipeline of MiSTERs. GEORGIA COLLEGE | 11 |

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

Meet the Fall 2021 MiSTERs

Austin Bailey*

Willie Daniely*

Ricky Franklin

Travis Freeman*

Middle Grades Education Graduate Student

Special Education Graduate Student

Psychology Undergraduate Student

Secondary Teacher Education Graduate Student

Arron Holland* Michael Wooten Music Undergraduate Student

Special Education Graduate Student

Taylor Wright* Pre-Middle Grades Undergraduate Student

*New MiSTER GEORGIA COLLEGE | 12 |

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

As our program continues to grow and graduate MiSTERs, we continue to maintain relationships with them as they proceed throughout their careers. Since our initial graduate in 2018, our program has 9 MiSTER graduates who have begun careers in K-12 schools throughout the state, as seen below:

The MiSTERs INFLUENCE

aLUMNI CORNER

The Passionate

Educator MiSTER Brian Bowman (Middle Grades, 2019) I believe that ALL students deserve the best education. Children are not looking for an educator who is perfect; however, they are looking for an educator who is driven by passion. Educators are special individuals who answer the call to serve students at any moment. I have known from a very young age that being an educator was the path for me. My first years in education have been nothing short of magical. I have had the opportunity to teach students who made me never want to stop a lesson, students who made transformational growth both academically and personally, and students who were so appreciative for even the smallest things I did for them. I enjoyed every moment that I spent in the classroom as a teacher. Then I started to focus on the more intrinsic responsibilities of educators. I started to see that certain students were being placed in special education who don’t belong there. I started to see that students who should have been recognized for their academic accomplishments and offered a more rigorous education were being ignored. There were passionate teachers in the classroom, but I knew that students needed someone on their side in all arenas of the education profession. That is when I answered the call to become a school psychologist. This is nothing new to passionate educators. Educators who are passionate about serving students are shapeshifters. They will put themselves in any position for the betterment of children — even when it makes them uncomfortable. Though I have only been an educator for a few years, there are many lessons that I have learned about education. Foremost, students deserve passionate educators who will advocate for their success no matter what. Students are resilient and should be given opportunities to advance that will set them on a trajectory of growth. A good educator is worth their weight in gold. Lastly, active families in a child’s educational career can make all the difference. The beauty of being an educator is that you never really know what you are signing up for until you experience it. Regardless of whether you are teaching students who come from lowincome families or children who have million-dollar trust funds, the challenges, and obstacles that you will face as an educator can only be overcome by an undeniable passion. With so many challenges arising in our nation around public education, we must never forget why we chose to serve. Now more than ever, there are legislative mandates around what can be taught in the classroom. Children are facing mental health issues at an alarming rate amid a pandemic, and families are struggling to meet the needs of their children. We cannot turn a blind eye to the challenges that students are facing. Instead, we must address these issues directly with love, passion, and sensitivity. GEORGIA COLLEGE | 14 |

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

The Rising MiSTER

Academy MiSTER Jerome Brown (Middle Grades, 2018) Established in June 2015, the GC Rising MiSTER Academy is a signature initiative focused on exposing more boys of color to the pathways to college and the teaching profession before graduating from high school. Since its inception, the Academy has served more than 100 students from across the state of Georgia. MiSTER Jerome Brown (2018, Middle Grades) served as the Rising MiSTER Academy Coordinator from 20152019 and offers his perspective below.

During the summers of 2015-2019 I worked alongside Dr. Emmanuel Little to create and implement the Rising MiSTER Academy — a week-long program designed to introduce high school minority male students to the teaching field. I believe it is of the upmost importance to give young adolescents male role models who can demonstrate what it truly means to be an educator. Growing up, I always took interest in mathematics. I excelled academically and I envisioned that my future career would involve math in some capacity; I just did not know how. When I reached my senior year of high school I had two male teachers for the first time. Both of these educators were phenomenal at their craft. They were the first teachers I felt comfortable talking to about my problems, because I felt like they could relate. I became a teacher because they inspired me and I wanted to be an inspiration to others. For 17 years I thought that teaching was not an option for me, because I never saw anyone that resembled me in the field. The percentage of male teachers is low and the percentage of black male teachers is even lower. I feel like we are doing a disservice to minority youth by not endorsing career paths traditionally dominated by white women. This is why I worked as a counselor for the first three years of the Rising MiSTER Academy. In my fourth year, I was promoted to coordinator. During their week-long experience at Georgia College these male high school students got to hear new perspectives on education from male teachers, principals, and superintendents. They also experienced first-hand what it means to plan and implement a lesson. I enjoyed getting to know each group of participants. We had a lot of fun, but most of all I am proud that we demonstrated how you can be an architect of change through teaching.

GEORGIA COLLEGE | 15 |

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

aLUMNI CORNER

Thoughts of a First-Year

Teacher MiSTER Sylvester Clark (MAT-Secondary Education, 2020, 2021)

When it comes to being a first year teacher, I initially felt ready and prepared, being that I was fresh out of the MAT Program at Georgia College. As I sat in the meetings and the date gets closer and closer, I started to feel more nervous and less prepared. There are a lot of “what ifs,” but what I am worried about the most is this: What if the kids don’t like me? Kids will not learn from someone who they don’t like. One thing that I hope to do is just make an impact as a first-year teacher. I want my students to leave my class prepared not just for standardized testing but ready to take those next steps in life. I know that eighth grade is a very crucial time for scholars. I imagine that being an eighth grader in 2021 will be a challenge for my students, but I want to be the one that can guide them through their journey. My life has prepared me to guide my students through the journey that they will be going through. Part of my life’s journey has been Call Me MiSTER. I can honestly say if it were not for Call me MiSTER and my MiSTER brethren, I would not be who I am today. They have taught me to be comfortable with who I am, which is one of the biggest lessons that I have learned in my life. That lesson is what I want to instill into my students. You can always change because we are forever growing and learning, but always be comfortable with yourself. That is how I plan to impact the lives of my students personally. Academically I hope to give my kids a version of history or learning that they have never experienced. I want their whole outlook on the world to change from experiencing Georgia History with Mr. Clark. Though this is my first year in my own class, this is not my first year being a teacher, because I have always been a teacher and leader. I feel that this is where I was destined to be.

GEORGIA COLLEGE | 16 |

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

Hometown Hero MiSTER Homer Jones (Liberal Studies, 2019) “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela Education is an active and ongoing experience. Each day we are learning. The learning process is what intrigues me the most, especially at different age levels. I learned many things growing up in the Bibb County School System. As a result of my learning experience, I made the decision to pursue a career in teaching. I was not exactly sure how I was going to start this career, but I made the choice to pursue it. While in college I made a drastic discovery about education – that there are not enough African American men in education. I am not talking about coaches. I am specifically talking about content-area teachers. After making this discovery I dedicated myself to becoming a middle school teacher. I choose middle school because this is the age level where children begin to actually have a choice and explore self-discovery. My intentions as a middle school teacher are to restore the beauty, fun, and power of education in my hometown. With my hometown being Macon, Georgia (Bibb County), I knew that there were going to be many challenges and obstacles that I would have to overcome. I am currently beginning my second year as a middle school science teacher in Bibb County. I believe that it is important for me to be back in my hometown teaching so that everyone can see that there is hope. Hope that things will get better. Hope that your negative circumstances do not break you, but they should empower you and motivate you to fight for what you believe in. Being back in Macon is a joy for me. I am able to connect and relate to my students because I am just like them. I am living proof that change is real, and that no matter what, you can do it. During my educational journey I developed a personal motto: “No Excuses.”I live and breathe by this motto daily. I learned while growing up that excuses are barriers. Once you stop making excuses and take full ownership, then the true essence of education blossoms and rises from the ashes like a phoenix. But in order for this to happen, it is important to go back to where you started — back to your roots and family aesthetics. The journey of education is difficult; however it is not the path that we must focus on, but the process and moments in between.

GEORGIA COLLEGE | 17 |

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

aLUMNI CORNER

Black Men at the blackboard MiSTER Seabon Davis, Jr. (Special Education, 2019) On February 4, 2021 our MiSTERs participated in the Black Men At The Blackboard virtual panel, which featured honest, insightful perspectives from both alumni and current students as well as lively audience participation from over 60 attendees! MiSTER Seabon Davis, Jr. (2019, Special Education) shares his perspective on the panel and the importance of such opportunities below.

The Call Me MiSTER panel provided a much-needed platform to discuss our experiences as underrepresented school professionals. African-American men only account for two percent of all teachers in American public schools, which reiterates why our voices must be heard. During the panel, we discussed why we all decided to become school professionals. Predominately, most of the MiSTERs enter schools to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Many of us talked about how we never had an AfricanAmerican male teacher throughout our entire educational careers. Unfortunately, this is an all too common experience for most people. We also discussed the various challenges faced during our teaching experiences, one of which being the lack of support that some of us were given as teachers. School districts need to provide school professionals the support needed to retain them. In addition to such challenges, we also talked about triumphs that we had while teaching. One of the triumphs that I, along with other MiSTERs, shared was seeing the difference that we were making in our school environments. MiSTERs bring a new perspective and teaching style that can help all students. One of the most impactful talking points we had during the panel detailed our opinions on things that k-12 and college administrators should know to increase teacher diversity. I shared that administrators should be intentional and proactive about implementing policies that promote diversity. Educators should reflect the diversity of our communities within our schools for all students to have inclusive representation.

GEORGIA COLLEGE | 18 |

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

View the complete recording of the “Black Men At The Blackboard” discussion panel on Facebook.

GEORGIA COLLEGE | 19 |

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

So, you want to be a MiSTER... In order to be accepted into the Call Me MiSTER program, students must first apply to be accepted into Georgia College. Once accepted into GC, students are strongly encouraged to submit the following materials for Call Me MISTER by April 15 of their intended year of enrollment. Call Me MiSTER online Application Essay entitled “Why I Want To Teach” answering the following questions: Why do you want to teach and how will you be a benefit to the profession? How will you be an asset to our program? How do you envision yourself and how will you make a difference in the lives of others as an educator? What do you foresee as the biggest challenge for you as a (future) teacher and how will you embrace these challenges? Two letters of recommendation from an educator, counselor, community leader, or principal that express the student’s motivation for entering the teaching profession and ability to make a positive impact through education Resume including extracurricular activities and accomplishments Following the submission of the items above, an interview will be scheduled with prospective program participants to ascertain their potential for teaching and their motivations for participation in the program, as well as to provide an opportunity for clarification of any information submitted through the application process. GEORGIA COLLEGE | 20 |

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

Our Call Me MiSTER cohort would like to congratulate MiSTER Jerome Brown (Middle Grades, 2018) and his new wife, Deaje Brown (also a Georgia College alumna), on getting married in spring 2021! We wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness together! - photo taken by Deon Mcbride

CALL M E M iS T E R

GOOD NEWS

Our cohort is proud of MiSTER William Cooper (Middle Grades, 2020), who has the unique distinction of being the only MiSTER from outside of South Carolina to participate in Clemson’s annual summer internship with other MiSTERs. William has been a key leader in this opportunity for several years and continues to blaze a trail for others to follow.

Congratulations to all MiSTER graduates across the country! In June 2021, several Georgia College MiSTERs were honored along with others as part of the annual Investiture Ceremony at Clemson University, where MiSTERs received their official blazers as a rite of passage into the teaching profession.

GEORGIA COLLEGE | 23 |

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

CALL ME MiSTER

PARTNERS Our program could not be successful without an abundance of collaborators — particularly those who help to sponsor our program’s key objectives. We’ve continued to grow our partnership with Georgia Power since 2018 and are grateful to be engaged with the organization towards shifting paradigms in education. In Spring 2021, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia awarded our Call Me MiSTER program funds specifically for support of our MiSTERs as well. We look forward to continuing to grow this new partnership as we make an impact in central Georgia.

GEORGIA COLLEGE | 24 |

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

TEAM

MiSTER We are especially grateful to all members of our advisory board for their continued support of our initiative via mentorship, advisement, and consultation.

Advisory Board Antonio Ingram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Principal Midway Hills Academy Dr. Ashley Taylor . . . . . .Associate Professor of Psychology Dexter Ricks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Athletic Director Baldwin High School Javier Francisco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Interim Executive Director of Admissions Dr. Veronica Womack . . . . .Founding Executive Director of the GC Rural Studies Institute Dr. Rebecca McMullen . . . . . . . .Professor, Department of Teacher Education at Fort Valley State Dr. Runee Sallad . . . . . . .Director of the GC Early College

Team MiSTER Dr. Paulette Cross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Limited Term Faculty College of Education Shanda Brand . . . . . . . . . .Director of Graduate Programs College of Education Dr. Yeprem Mehranian . . . . . . . . . . . . .Assistant Professor Foundations of Education Dr. Holley Roberts . . . . . . . .Interim Associate Provost and Director of the Graduate School Dr. Stephen Wills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Associate Professor Special Education

SPECIAL THANKS Darryl Richardson and Laverne Renfroe Darryl Richardson and Laverne Renfroe both retired from service at Georgia College in the 2020-2021 academic year. As passionate advocates for diversity, justice, and equity, they have been consistent supporters for our Call Me MiSTER program since its inception. They both served as informal mentors for our MiSTERs (and director) and took students to the annual leadership institute at Clemson for several years. Darryl and Laverne, we could never repay you for your service and dedication to our program, but we appreciate your passion and your genuine dedication towards the wellbeing of our MiSTERs. You’ve made an indelible impact on our program and we wish you well in these next well-deserved phases of your lives together. We promise to pay your goodwill forward as we continue in our mission.

Shanda Brand Ms. Shanda Brand is one of the most stalwart, enthusiastic supporters of our Call Me MiSTER program. As a part of Team MiSTER, she mentors our students, meeting and advising them on matters ranging from their educational path to matters of life choices. As a mentor, she has consistently shown a passion that emanates from every interaction with our students. MiSTERs frequently speak of how conversations with her have helped steer them in the right direction. Brand also has made a tremendous impact as a recruiter, and is nearly single-handedly responsible for the addition of graduate students to our program’s cohort and helping potential MiSTERs navigate the graduate admissions process. She and the Call Me MiSTER program director have collaborated frequently regarding recruitment strategies to maximize the reach of the program. Shanda, we are forever grateful for your work and appreciate the brilliance you share with our cohort year after year.

GEORGIA COLLEGE | 27 |

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

GIVING

The Seeds of Dignity Annual Scholarship was established in 2020 in support of the Georgia College Call Me MiSTER Program and its goal to help address historical racial injustices in education regarding Black students and teachers. It derives its name from the MiSTER vision statement as it declares devotion to “planting seeds of dignity and success in children.” This scholarship, established by GC alum and former teacher Sam Rauschenberg (pictured), is intended for an actively enrolled MiSTER in the John H. Lounsbury College of Education with a major in education. Rauschenberg is currently the Vice President for Organizational Effectiveness at Achieve Atlanta, where he uses data to help remove institutionalized barriers for marginalized scholars pursuing postsecondary education. GEORGIA COLLEGE | 28 |

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

Call Me MiSTER remains appreciative of Sam and the multitude of donors whose contributions make this program’s success possible. If you’d like to make a one-time or recurring gift to our Call Me MiSTER program, please visit the giving page at alumni.gcsu.edu/give.

alumni.gcsu.edu/give

GEORGIA COLLEGE | 29 |

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

D E D I C A T I O N

T O

Mr. George Moss In Memoriam Our Call Me MiSTER program mourns the recent loss of one of our biggest supporters in Mr. George Moss (GC alumnus ’72, ’73, ’76). He shared an affinity for our program in its infancy, given his passion for education and his shared experience of being one of the few, if not the only, Black males in the classroom — whether as an alumnus of Georgia College or as a classroom teacher. Moss and his wife, Carolyn, established the George and Carolyn Moss Scholarship in 2015 to support MiSTERs, just as our program was recruiting its first class of students. He was an enthusiastic member of our advisory board from its inception and always willing to offer advice based on his depth of experience in education. He also helped mentor our MiSTERs on several occasions during the program’s initial formative stages. Moss worked as a teacher and principal in both Griffin and Dekalb counties and his impact upon countless students cannot be quantified. He exemplified the mission of MiSTER and our program has been forever changed by his legacy. We are forever indebted to the Moss family and offer our warmest condolences in their time of bereavement.

GEORGIA COLLEGE | 30 |

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

gcsu.edu/callmemister

SOCIAL MEDIA /callmemistergc

/gccallmemister

/GCCallMeMiSTER

GEORGIA COLLEGE | 31 |

Call Me MiSTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

2021 Call Me MiSTER Newsletter