Chargers Taking Charge

PASSION FOR EDUCATION LEADS TO DECADES OF SERVICE TO FLOYD COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM

Education duo. Husband and wife. Georgia Highlands College alumni. Assistant Principal. Teacher. And the list goes on and on for Robert and April Cummings. The path to becoming stand out members of the Floyd County community all started at GHC (then Floyd College) where both Robert and April found their start, leading to longtime careers in the Floyd County School System.

APRIL CUMMINGS

After attending GHC (then Floyd College) in the late 1980s and graduating from the University of Georgia (UGA) with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, April worked for News Publishing Company for 10 years in the field of local and corporate advertising. It wasn’t until she and her husband, Robert, had their first child that she fell in love with education.

“I read to our son constantly, and teaching him during those first few years as he developed early literacy skills captivated me,” April said. “We decided I should explore a new career and earn a graduate degree in early childhood education.”

April went on to spend 15 years teaching students in the primary and elementary grades, shaping who she would become in her administration role.

Since July 2017, she has served as Assistant Principal at Johnson Elementary School (JES).

Throughout the day, April’s goal is to focus on what is best for JES students and to support teachers by ensuring students receive the best opportunities for academic and emotional growth.

Focusing on this goal, April is often found in the classroom assisting a teacher, in the hallway helping a class during transitions, in a meeting with a parent, planning instructional supports for students within JES’ professional learning communities (PLCs), or collaborating with the principal and school staff to develop and sustain a rigorous and positive school climate.

This past summer, April also served as the administrator for Floyd County School’s first Summer School program for upper elementary and middle school students across the system.

“On rare occasions, I have even been seen wrestling in an inflatable sumo costume or serving as a human sundae with our principal in the gymnasium as part of a school fundraiser reward at Johnson Elementary,” April said. “Although educating children is serious and important work, achieving and growing together as lifelong learners should be fun, too.”

CUMMINGS– continued on page 31

KNOW A CHARGER TAKING CHARGE?

GHC alumni are Chargers! And Chargers Take Charge. Thousands of GHC alumni embody the #TakingCharge motto throughout the state and country by making a difference in their communities and making the most of their careers. Do you know other successful GHC alumni? Email us at marcom@highlands.edu and let us know so they can join other alumni in GHC’s spotlight series “Chargers Taking Charge.”

NATIONAL STEM FELLOWSHIP AWARDED TO KIERSTEN BOLEY

In 2021, GHC alumna Kiersten Boley began the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP). The five-year fellowship includes three years of financial support with an annual stipend of $34,000 and a cost of education allowance of $12,000 to the institution.

Boley started at Georgia Highlands College. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Astronomy at The Ohio State University (OSU).

The NSF GRFP recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited U.S. institutions.

Boley said she was “beyond excited” to hear the news she had been accepted. In addition to requiring a proposal, transcripts, and letters of recommendation, the application for the fellowship required a personal statement elaborating on her background, education, and research efforts.

“I knew that I had put in a lot of work for the proposal and the personal statement, but I never would have imagined that I would actually be awarded the fellowship,” Boley said. “There are so many amazing people out there doing great research.” In the fellowship, Boley will continue to do research on exoplanets as well as begin research on the work she proposed to create a “galactic planet formation model,” which will show where in our galaxy planets are forming and when we can expect them to form. In addition to her current educational pursuits, Boley also serves as a graduate researcher for OSU with the research topic of Planet Formation as well as a First Lieutenant, Executive Officer of a Ground Ambulance Unit for the U.S. Army Reserves. Currently, her research is devoted to understanding how metals impact planet formation by studying the oldest stars in our galaxy.

Boley stated GHC is a great place to earn a college degree.

“GHC has something that most large universities don’t: great teachers that really nurture curiosity. I think by starting at GHC, I was set up to succeed…,” Boley said. “The personal connection that you have with the professors at GHC allows you to ask more questions and gain a deeper understanding.”

CUMMINGS– continued from page 30

April said her time at GHC prepared her academically and helped her prepare for managing school and work. In addition to being a student, April worked at GHC’s Office of Admissions, gaining valuable experience in working with and for others while helping them to be successful.

“Georgia Highlands College provided me with the foundation of collegiate academic success, and I will always be grateful,” April said.

ROBERT CUMMINGS

In the early 1990s, after serving in the Air Force and continuing as a reservist, Robert enrolled at Georgia Highlands College (then Floyd College).

“GHC was conveniently located close to home, provided a schedule that allowed me to work full time and earn my degree, while continuing to serve in the Air Force Reserves,” Robert said. “After completing my associate degree at GHC, I was able to smoothly transition to Shorter College and pursue my bachelor’s in education degree.”

Robert has been serving Coosa High School (CHS) since 1996 as a social studies teacher prior to entering his current role as the Lead Special Education Teacher. Each day, Robert works with students who benefit from academic support services as part of their educational plan for success.

“I am able to work one-to-one with students and assist within particular content areas of focus, and I also work with small groups of students at a time to help them strengthen and clarify concepts and skills, rotating through different classrooms throughout the day to support both students and the general education classroom teacher,” Robert said.

Robert also meets with teachers, parents, and administrators regularly to develop and monitor educational plans, and he serves as the point of contact for many parents, establishing a direct line of communication while ensuring that

Chargers Taking Charge

From Gambia to Graduation Grad plans to start his own company

For recent graduate Lamin Kuyateh, attending and graduating from GHC was both a milestone in his academic career and a gateway for engaging and learning about American culture.

Originally from Gambia, Kuyateh came to the U.S. in 2014 for greater education and career opportunities as well as to experience a different lifestyle.

“My experience here at GHC was phenomenal, and the faculty and staff are incredible,” Kuyateh said. “They work closely with students by providing them all the resources and tools needed to achieve their goals.”

As a pre-engineering major, Kuyateh plans to continue his education upon graduation and work toward a career in mechanical engineering.

“I want to earn a master’s degree in mechanical engineering technology so I can work for the big companies like Chevrolet, Dodge – and so I can open my own company,” Kuyateh said.

Part of his experience at GHC included his work in the GHC student organization Brother 2 Brother. B2B exists to provide positive solutions to the educational, cultural, social, spiritual, and intellectual needs of African-American and Latino male college students at GHC as well as opportunities for leadership development and campus and community service.

“My brother, Amadou Kora, brought the club to my attention before getting accepted to GHC,” Kuyateh said. “During my first semester, I met the club organizers, and they went deeper in explaining the goal of the club. That’s when I decided to join. The activities we do in club were so motivational and inspiring.”

In addition to his involvement in B2B, Kuyateh said GHC provided him with an opportunity to engage in many new activities as well as to travel to some of Georgia’s historical sites. Kuyateh’s time in the classroom was positive as well.

Retired Dean of Humanities and Director of Brother 2 Brother and Georgia Highlands African American and Minority Male Excellence (GHAME) initiative Jon Hershey said Kuyateh has shown dedication to academics as well as a strong work ethic and a willingness to participate in the GHC experience in as many ways as he can.

“Lamin has been a consistent member of Brother 2 Brother and shows a sincere concern for the welfare and success of his brothers while maintaining a job and attending GHC full time,” Hershey said. “As a native of the Gambia, Lamin is one of a growing number of international students at GHC, and we have learned from him as much as he has learned from us. I am proud to see him graduate this spring.”

Kuyateh resides in Austell and attended classes on the Marietta and Cartersville sites. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys watching and playing sports including basketball and soccer as well as learning how to work on cars.

CUMMINGS– continued from page 31

students are making progress toward their goals.

“I have always believed that the development of these critical relationships are an investment in each student’s future,” Robert said.

Robert originally entered the field of education with aspirations of serving students both inside and outside of the classroom. He is thankful for being able to take on multiple coaching roles while also teaching students. During late winter or early spring, Robert can be found on the golf course serving as CHS’ golf coach.

He said the reward of serving students continues long after the school year or the sport season ends as when reuniting with former students outside of CHS and hearing updates on their lives or recalls of a specific lesson that may have stuck with them or made them appreciate history after they took his class.

“The greatest reward as an educator is knowing that the time you invest in a student makes that type of lasting positive impact,” Robert said.

LUNDY EAGER TO RETURN AND OFFICIALLY EARN DEGREE FROM GHC

Chris Lundy has his bachelor’s degree. He has his master’s. He is even working on his doctorate. In May, the joined other GHC graduates in receiving his associate degree.

The reason?

He wanted to officially graduate from the place he feels gave him a strong foundation to go on and do everything he’s doing right now.

“It was always a goal of mine to earn this degree, and I’m thankful the University System of Georgia (USG) has this system in place that allows me to earn this degree after so many years,” Lundy said. “I’m what you consider a ‘reverse credit transfer’ — since I completed my master’s degree in a university system institution, I was able to come back and get my associate degree.”

Lundy earned his Associate of Science in General Studies from GHC at the May commencement ceremony. He already received his Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Jacksonville State University (JSU) and his Master of Education in Higher Administration from Georgia Southern University (GSU).

“Georgia Highlands College gave me some great opportunities as a student,” he said. “I’m very thankful for the foundation that GHC laid out for me.”

Lundy’s decision to go back and obtain his associate degree ties in with another educational and professional pursuit: he is currently working on earning a Doctor of Education in Student Affairs Leadership at the University of Georgia (UGA) with a focus on transfer services.

“This reverse transfer is another way of showing transfer students that I share in their experiences and all the emotions that come with making the transition from a two-year school to a four-year school,” he said. “It is not always easy, but a new environment, new friends, and new challenges can lead to new opportunities.”

Lundy credits GHC faculty for helping him in his own collegiate or professional journey – particularly Jon Hershey, who served as the Dean of the School of Humanities at GHC.

“If it wasn’t for Dr. Hershey, then I probably wouldn’t have made it [this far],” he said. “Stand strong and remain resilient in your pursuit of an education and find a network of people equally committed to your excellence.”

Lundy currently resides in Atlanta, serving as the academic advising manager in the School of Aerospace Engineering at The Georgia Institute of Technology. In addition to his career and academic pursuits, he enjoys watching sports and advocating on behalf of the Sickle Cell community.

Lundy and Hershey

GHC ALUM, REPORTER GOES VIRAL FOR COMPLETING NEWS SEGMENT WHILE SKATEBOARDING

GHC alumnus Victor Williams of Detroit’s WDIV news station has gone viral after completing a news segment while skateboarding at the same time.

During the live segment, Williams was discussing a new skatepark opening in town and had a little fun with it. In the clip, Williams skates with ease while still talking to his colleagues back in the studio, Karen Drew and Jason Colthorp.

“As far as Chandler Skatepark, they’ll be done in about 10 days or so,” Williams said as he skated up and down each ramp.

“Victor, you are so cool! Look at him go!” Drew cheered.

“That’s live folks! Really good stuff,” Colthorp added before he asked how many years Williams had been skating.

“A long time,” Williams said as Drew mentioned that she was “so impressed.”

After the segment, Williams posted the video on his Twitter page, and as of January 2022, it’s garnered over 5 million views, 25,000 retweets, and 184,000 likes, including recognition from Pro skater Tony Hawk.

Williams has been at WDIV since October 2019. The journalist previously worked at news stations WOIO, WLOXTV, WBBJ-TV, and WSB-TV. Williams is a graduate of Georgia State University and Georgia Highlands College.

Chargers Taking Charge

RECENT PhD GRADUATE CREDITS GHC FOR STRONG FOUNDATION

On April 29, Cory Lowe walked across the stage to celebrate earning his Ph.D. in Criminology at the University of Florida, a little more than a decade after earning his Associate of Arts in Political Science at Georgia Highlands College (GHC).

Although Lowe initially received his Ph.D. in 2020, commencement ceremonies were put on hold at the time. Participating in the 2021 graduation ceremony reminded Lowe of earning his first degree at GHC, which laid the groundwork for his academic and professional career.

“I dropped out of the first college I attended because of family and personal challenges, but when I had the opportunity to return to higher education, Georgia Highlands College provided an excellent educational experience and mentoring,” Lowe said. “This enabled me to restart my journey through higher education on a much better footing.”

He said he also appreciates the value of GHC’s low-cost tuition, which allowed him to afford continuing on the path of higher education, being able to receive an excellent education near home without going into an excessive amount of debt.

Attending classes at both the Floyd campus and Cartersville site, Lowe was heavily involved in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society. He said the organization and the faculty involved provided networking opportunities and social support.

“Phi Theta Kappa also gave me my first introduction to academic conferences, which was very helpful since I have gone on to present research at many regional and national conferences,” Lowe said.

Lowe is currently employed as a research scientist at the Loss Prevention Research Council in Gainesville, Florida, where he resides, researching how to prevent retail crimes such as theft, fraud, and violence.

Lowe also holds a Bachelor of Science in History and Political Science at Shorter University and a Master of Arts in Social Sciences at Georgia Southern University. He said that graduating from GHC and going on to earn his Ph.D. would not have been possible without the influence of his family and friends.

“If I had moved away to complete my associate and bachelor’s, I would have missed even more years with my family and my community,” Lowe said. “I am thankful Georgia Highlands College exists because it gave me several additional years with my family and community before I moved off for graduate school.”

Although the people, quality of education, mentoring, cost, and convenience are all factors that Lowe said helped shape his opinion of GHC, he added he also has an emotional tie to the college: “Georgia Highlands College will always hold a special place in my heart because it is where I got a second chance at a college degree.”

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