Iam pleased to present to you this President’s Report - my first as leader of this distinguished institution and the first for the university in a number of years
While this type of publication typically is called a President’s Report, it represents the accomplishments of our faculty, staff and students This document shows the foundation of strength that already is helping us build the successful future set out in Brenau’s Strategic Plan: Approaching 2030
If you are not familiar with Brenau, I hope that you will become familiar with the vibrant institution that I am honored to lead as only its tenth president since its establishment in 1878
Founded to offer a college education to women at a time when that was unheard of, Brenau has been built on a solid foundation of providing educational opportunities to those who otherwise would not have this life-changing experience . I am energized to continue this legacy and our mission to challenge students to live extraordinary lives of personal and professional fulfillment.
Even if you are familiar with Brenau, you will discover something new about us and I know you will share my enthusiasm about the potential for this institution and for our students to make a difference Education is life-changing It is transformative It can change the world, one person at a time
Regardless of whether Brenau is new to you or an old friend, I hope that you will be as proud as I am of what we have accomplished . I thank you for your support, and for your role in helping us achieve the next 144 years of success
Anne A Skleder, Ph D | President, Brenau University
Brenau supports students academically through the Center for Academic Success Changes made in 2021 streamlined services to provide the most beneficial support through programs such as professional and peer tutoring and academic coaching
At Brenau, we also want to ensure that financial need does not prohibit a student from earning a high-quality education from our university Almost all of our undergraduates receive financial aid support, including grants and scholarships founded by our generous donors
It’s a tremendous weight lifted off of my family’s shoulders that we don’t have to worry financially. Plus, it’s an honor for me and for my parents that I get to represent Brenau in this way.”
By showing other women my journey, I hope to impact many women and show them that anybody can get where they want by putting in the effort and dedication.”
I want to be the difference in my family and succeed in my future like my family has encouraged and supported me to do.”
MELANIE PEREZ Brenau Dreams Scholarship Recipient
Many of our students also are required to pass licensure or certification exams before practicing their professions. Across the board, our students are excelling in these required exams, further validating the impact of a Brenau education
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & COMMUNICATION
Peregrine Common Professional Component national percentiles
94% Master of Business Administration
98% Bachelor of Business Administration
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
100% Georgia Assessments for Certification of Educators (GACE) pass rate
IVESTER COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
LICENSURE PASS RATES
92% Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
98% National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
97% Doctor of Physical Therapy National Physical Therapy Exam
An education at Brenau, especially for our on-campus students at three locations in Gainesville and in Norcross, is about more than just academics Part of our commitment to student success is a renewed focus on expanding student wellness and student life
In fall 2022, Brenau’s Center for Health and Well-being, often referred to as student health services, became a unit of the Ivester College of Health Sciences The center provides services to students and employees through a holistic approach that focuses on physical, mental and emotional well-being We’re pleased that ongoing improvements to the center will help better serve patients .
In 2021, the Gainesville Theatre Alliance, a partnership between Brenau and the University of North Georgia, returned to Brenau’s stages GTA performances in Hosch Theatre and Pearce Auditorium feature our students and provide cultural enrichment for faculty, staff, students and community members .
We also had more student events and student organization meetings in fall 2022, and we look forward to continuing to expand opportunities for students on all campuses
We’re excited about the success of our athletics and look forward to seeing you at an upcoming game at one of our facilities Some recent achievements include:
» In 2021, the Golden Tigers softball team won the Appalachian Athletic Conference championship to earn a berth in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Softball World Series
» Brenau took second place at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Track and Field Championships in April 2022 The team earned three individual titles and set four meet records, while Nathalia Rowe was named AAC Track and Field Freshman of the Year
» In 2022, Brenau was named a Champions of Character Five-Star institution by the NAIA for the 13th consecutive year . The Golden Tigers were also one of 67 schools to achieve gold-level status .
The future of any educational institution must also focus on managing growth, and at Brenau we’re already hard at work enacting the strategies that will help ensure a thriving future for the university From expanding academic programs that serve the needs of our communities to improving access and affordability,
Brenau is dedicated to a multipronged approach that cements our status as a premier institution
In spring 2022, we were proud to sign agreements with Lanier Technical College, Gwinnett Technical College and Athens Technical College that make it easier for students who earn an associate degree in interior design at one of those schools to transfer credits to Brenau to complete their bachelor’s degree in the field. Lanier Tech’s agreement also includes the transfer of accounting or organizational leadership program credits for students with associate degrees in those fields. We look forward to announcing similar partnerships as Brenau continues to contribute to the workforce development of our region in a variety of fields.
Healthcare is a fast-growing career field in our region and beyond, and there remains a significant need for highly trained and skilled employees in many fields. Beginning with the fall 2022 cohort, high school seniors with strong academic records can now gain acceptance into Brenau’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in the Mary Inez Grindle School of Nursing of the Ivester College of Health Sciences instead of waiting until the end of their sophomore year . The additional time in a specialized nursing education environment also will benefit health care and the community with more and better-prepared nurses .
Our commitment to growth in The Women’s College, which represents the heart and the foundation of Brenau, is unchanged We maintain several programs and decadesold traditions that put the focus upon this special part of our university . The sororities that hold fond memories of sisterhood for so many of our alumnae remain a vibrant part of student life on our historic Gainesville Campus
Each year, the GOLD Program emphasizes one of four themes; the 2022-23 programs will focus on diversity for the “D” year . In 2021-22, Brenau celebrated the “L” year with a focus on “Leadership: The Joy in Doing ” Some 200 people participated in the eighth annual Women’s Leadership Colloquium with keynote speaker Belle S. Wheelan, the first woman and first African-American to serve as president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Wheelan was joined by Alumni Association speaker and Brenau trustee Robin Dudley, WC ‘78, and featured speaker Cay M . Drew, a leadership development facilitator for IBM The GOLD Speaker Series also brought compelling stories to Brenau students from leaders in their fields and the community.
In addition to maintaining the traditions of The Women’s College, Brenau added a graduate program housed in The Women’s College, the Executive Women’s MBA The program is designed to catapult talented women to the next level of their careers In spring 2022, our third cohort interacted with leaders from DVF and Tiffany & Co during their New York City residency .
For Brenau, diversity is not just a buzzword but part of our culture across all aspects of the university Even more broadly, the idea that everyone feels they have a place at Brenau is enumerated in our mission, our vision and our strategic plan We have a diverse student population at Brenau, and we want to understand and meet their needs as well as nurture an ethos of belonging for all in the Brenau community
Our president, executive leadership, faculty, staff and students are leading by example by completing training opportunities and serving as DEI leaders on committees in their disciplines. We are building relationships in the community to foster DEI efforts on our campus, in the community and in our world.”
MARGIE GILL, PH.D.
Executive director for initiatives related to diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) and belonging
The Miller Institute for Global Education, established in spring 2022 through the generosity of Pete and Cathy Miller, aims to provide study abroad opportunities for our students and coordinates international partnerships and exchanges that bring the world to Brenau In summer 2022, a group of Brenau students experienced a service-learning trip to Panama and the historic Gainesville campus welcomed another cohort of Panamanian students .
Through the Miller Institute for Global Education, we will be able to provide even more assistance to help Brenau students from across disciplines find the same opportunities that I experienced during my life to broaden themselves, cultivate mutual understanding with people from around the globe and develop skills that will position them to enter the global stage.”
ROSI PONCE Executive
director of the Miller Institute for Global Education
I enjoy the diverse culture and the appreciation for art here at Brenau.”
Panamanian student, IFARHU partnership
I love the people here. Whether someone is known to me before or is a stranger when I walk on campus, we always take the initiative to greet each other or chat. It makes me feel happy and relaxed. Not only that, but I have received considerable help from teachers and students.”
MENGHAN “MEGHAN” ZU Anhui partnership, BU ‘22
So far, I have made many meaningful connections with the psychology professors and students from Brenau University. Professors are always willing to converse about any topic that is brought up about psychology related concepts to help students better understand some of the complexities of psychology.”
IMANI TORNES Psychology major, sophomore
We’re proud of what we are accomplishing at Brenau — as an institution and as individuals — and we want to make sure that people know about the great things that our faculty, students and staff are doing Our strategic plan includes looking at ways that we identify and celebrate excellence throughout the university and nurture opportunities to earn regional and national recognition
Some of the ways that the institution has been recognized recently include:
Brenau was named a Military Friendly college for the 2022-23 school year by Military Friendly Schools, a designation it has held consistently during the last 10 years Brenau exceeded all standards and was awarded gold status this year Brenau’s offerings include a military support team, Student Veterans Association, tuition discounts, veteran student lounges both on campus and online, and the Empowering Veterans speaker series
Brenau’s chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi earned national recognition after achieving Circle of Excellence gold status for 2021-22 . To receive the award, chapters have to meet certain criteria annually, including holding an initiation ceremony, attending training opportunities and submitting reports on time By achieving gold status, Brenau scored between 95-99% Out of more than 300 chapters in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines, Brenau was one of only 23 given gold status . Brenau is also one of two institutions in Georgia to earn the honor
The Department of Physical Therapy, along with clinical partner Northeast Georgia Health System, joined the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy’s National Consortium of Clinical Educators The mission of the NCCE is to lead a culture of shared accountability for physical therapy education by connecting stakeholders across academic and practice communities to facilitate integration of the best practices in clinical education
I just really felt that there were more opportunities here for me at Brenau in my program and in what I wanted to do, than there would’ve been had I gone to another school.”
Brenau’s strategic plan, together with our facilities master plan, envisions using inspirational living and learning environments to promote positive experiences across the university Our strategy to reconceptualize living and learning spaces couldn’t be more fundamentally represented than our exciting changes around the square in Gainesville
Brenau University is expanding its footprint in downtown Gainesville to coalesce into a true downtown campus location focused on health sciences, including the revitalization of the former Georgia Mountains Center and the addition of the Gainesville Renaissance . While we’ve all become used to referring just to Brenau’s Downtown Center, we like the sound of Brenau’s Downtown Campus even better
In spring 2022, the Lynn J Darby School of Psychology and Adolescent Counseling at Brenau University moved into its home on the second floor of the Gainesville Renaissance, one of the downtown area’s newest buildings The move from Brenau’s historic Gainesville campus will facilitate expansion of the school’s counseling clinic and academic programs . The growth of our psychology program, driven by the nationwide mental health crisis, has been funded through the generosity of Doug and Kay Ivester and is energized by the involvement of their friend and the school’s namesake, Lynn Darby
Brenau also has invested more than $1 .95 million for exterior construction of the Downtown Center facility to create a new, easily accessible main entrance and improvements at various entrances The enhancements will visually and architecturally connect the two buildings, allowing for a new downtown Gainesville campus location to truly take shape
Major facilities projects were undertaken all across our campuses, from the refurbishment of the Wheeler House — home of our admissions efforts — to a refresh of Norcross location interiors, to exterior work on the Parklane Apartments
We’re excited to have new spaces and thankful to the donors who made them possible, but it’s not just a physical space that will bring about positive experiences We’re also committed to becoming a national leader in innovative and engaging teaching and learning, and in fall 2022 we launched the Center for Teaching and Learning at Brenau Established through the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan, the center will work with faculty and staff to prepare students for a lifetime of successful collaboration with those from other cultures in our increasingly global society We recognize the importance of evidence-based, high-impact teaching practices, so the center also will offer professional development for all faculty in the scholarship of teaching and learning
Our alumni and trustees Brenau understand the depth and breadth of this university’s value, but it’s important to elevate our engagement and visibility externally Our strategies to achieve this include promoting the intellectual capital and expertise of the Brenau community and promoting the university among influential individuals.
One of the best ways that we demonstrate Brenau University is the go-to knowledge resource in Gainesville and beyond is through accreditation by regional, national and international bodies for the university and many of our programs
Brenau had a site visit in spring 2022 from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which reviews degree-granting higher education institutions in the South through a rigorous process This 10-year accreditation is required for institutions to grant degrees The on-site visit, paired with the Quality Enhancement Plan, was the culmination of months of hard work by many members of the university Our results are due in early January, and we look forward to sharing more information at that time
Many specific programs at Brenau carry optional accreditation, which provides value to our students and shows prospective employers that our graduates are ready to contribute to the success of their business from day one Additionally, leaders of those businesses and industries who contemplate locating in the area know Brenau is dedicated to providing an educated workforce for the region in a variety of important and highly sought-after areas We are pleased that the College of Business and Communication earned reaccreditation of its bachelor’s and master’s programs in business administration . Also, the Doctor of Nursing Practice program — one of the first in the nation when it began in 2009 — earned accreditation this year .
While it would take an entire publication to note the incredible amount of expertise found among our individual faculty members, we did celebrate two notable recognitions this year. Brenau named its first Swinton A. Griffith III Dean of the College of Business & Communication, a newly named deanship funded in 2021 through the generosity of the Melvin Douglas and Victoria Kay Ivester Foundation Also, a faculty member was named a Fuller E Callaway Professorial Chair, established in 1968 by the Callaway Foundation Inc .
Serving as interim dean allowed me to work with my colleagues on several initiatives to provide our students with rich learning experiences. I look forward to working with my colleagues to move each of these initiatives forward as we work to bring regional and national recognition to the College of Business & Communication.”
SHATRELA WASHINGTON-HUBBARD, PH.D. Swinton A. Griffith III Dean of the College of Business & Communication
This is a great honor for me personally, and for Brenau University and the Lynn J. Darby School of Psychology and Adolescent Counseling. Earning this honor is in large part due to the fabulous people with whom I work. Their tireless efforts to make the Darby School the best place for students to achieve academic, professional, and personal fulfillment also contribute to my ability to be successful.”
JULIE BATTLE, PH.D. Fuller E. Callaway Professorial Chair of the Lynn J. Darby School of Psychology and Adolescent Counseling
Brenau University challenges students to live extraordinary lives of personal and professional fulfillment. As students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees or non-degree programs at Brenau campuses and online, each prepares for a lifetime of intellectual accomplishment and appreciation of artistic expression through a curriculum enriched by the liberal arts, scientific inquiry and global awareness
Brenau University will become a nationally recognized leader by empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds and equipping them for success through transformative experiences . With an enduring commitment to serve each student, Brenau will continue to pursue excellence while meeting the changing needs of our community and the world .
GOAL 1 » Cultivate an unwavering commitment to student success
GOAL 2 » Manage growth to ensure a thriving future
GOAL 3 » Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging throughout the university community
GOAL 4 » Communicate our excellence
GOAL 5 » Promote positive experiences across the university with inspirational living and learning environments
GOAL 6 » Elevate external engagement and visibility
Learn more about Brenau University’s mission, vision and strategic plan at brenau.edu/about/mission
Michael H Smith, Chair
Emilie “Emmie” Henderson Howard, WC ’01, Vice Chair
Peter D Miller, Secretary
John A Addison Jr
Pierpont “Pepper” F Brown III
Amelia “Mimi” Collins
Carole Ann Carter Daniel, WC ’68
Robin Smith Dudley, WC ’78
Kathryn “Kit” Dunlap, WC ’64
Maria Ebrahimji, WC ’98
Robert “Rob” L . Fowler Jr .
Melissa Currin Heard, WC ’92
Melissa Cannady Howard, WC ’97
M Douglas Ivester
Anna Alexander Jacobs, WC ’86
Tim Knight
Emily “Sissy” Dunlap Lawson
Jill R. Mansfield, BU ’15
Frank K Norton Jr
Hart Wilheit Payne
Lydia J Sartain
Gail A Smith, WC ’83
Shay English Stafford, WC ’69
Michael H. Stubblefield
Amy Whitley
Mary Kathryn Wells-Winsett, WC ’00
Rear Admiral Patricia E Wolfe, BU ‘87, retired
Trustees Emeriti
C .V . Nalley III
Betty Verson Norton
Gary Riley
Philip A Wilheit Sr
500 Washington St SE Gainesville, GA 30501 www.brenau.edu
