Columbus State Alumni Magazine - Spring 2020

COLUMBUS STATE The Magazine of Columbus State University for Alumni & Friends

Spring 2020

60TH ANNIVERSARY PART FOUR: EXPANDING WORLDS Page 16

FIFTY YEARS OF SUCCESS ON THE DIAMOND FOR COUGAR BASEBALL Page 19

CSU AMBASSADORS Page 30

CREATIVE TO THE CORE

Spring 2020

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

W

hen this semester began, there was a sense of new beginnings. It was 2020. A new generation was dawning. There was so much to look forward to. We were launching a new Nexus Cybersecurity degree that would offer students the opportunity to train on a state-of-the-art Cyber Range, receiving critical hands-on experience in dealing with malware attacks.

The fifth annual “Girls in the Game” luncheon was bringing Olympic softball pitcher and gold medalist Jennie Finch to campus as the keynote speaker to discuss the empowerment of women in sports. The University System of Georgia had chosen our campus as the destination to hold their spring board meeting, and I’m so very proud of the hard work our faculty and staff put into the preparation and presentations that were to have happened in April. Alas, as with so many other exciting endeavors in the works, the board meeting and luncheon were cancelled and the Nexus Cybersecurity degree and Cyber Range will launch at a later date.

Because on Jan. 21, the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the United States. And everything changed. Quickly.

On January 30, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern.”

The following Monday, on Feb. 3, we sent out a campus-wide email, assuring faculty, staff, and students that CSU leadership and our on-campus health professionals would continue to monitor the ever-evolving situation — and that our institution would continue to operate under the guidance and with the full support of the University System of Georgia.

The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is of utmost importance, but we are also responsible for providing them with an education that will help them succeed in this world. Even as COVID-19 spread and the gravity of the situation weighed down heavier with each passing day, our faculty and staff made the necessary preparations to shift classes online. I would like to thank our COOL friends over at the Center of Online Learning for helping us to get everyone set up. We couldn’t have done this without you.

One month after that initial email, we held two town hall meetings to update the situation, answer questions, and announce the launch of a webpage collating all pertinent COVID-19 information so students, faculty, and staff could easily access it.

The following day, classes were suspended two weeks.

Four days later, all classes transitioned to online instruction, faculty and staff were encouraged to work from home, social distancing was implemented on campus, and life in general took a turn for the surreal.

And then on March 18, I had to let the class of 2020 know that their commencement ceremony had been postponed until further notice. As the president of this university, that was one of the hardest messages I’ve ever had to deliver. As alumni, you

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know how special that day is, how important it is to celebrate your achievements, the feeling of walking across the stage to receive your diploma after all the early mornings of lectures and note-taking, the long nights of preparation, the brief moments of test-induced perspiration. I’m sad, too. Getting to see the happiness, the fulfillment, the sense of accomplishment on a graduate’s face as they walk towards me on that special day, ultimately, it’s why I love being president of this university.

We are hard at work thinking of something special to do for the class of 2020. Because I think that they are going to be a special class.

That’s the thing about worldwide events such as these. For a moment, we are given the opportunity to stop thinking in terms of “American” or “Asian” or “Italian.” “Christian” or “Muslim” or “Atheist.” “Capitalist” or “Socialist.” “Republican” or “Democrat.” We have been given the opportunity to shed the “us” or “them” mentality altogether.

Right now, we are all simply human. We are all on the same side, fighting the same enemy, hoping for the same fate: to spend time with the ones we love, and for the ones we love to live.

COVID-19 has been a destructive force in our world, but we can learn from this event. When we look back on this tragic chapter in world history with the knowledge, clarity, and compassion of 2020 hindsight, we’ll remember that there was some light in the darkness: since mid-March, CSU’s Food Pantry has filled 100 requests from over 66 students; CSU seniors around the world raised a virtual toast to each other, together, online, at noon on April 10th; Kimberly Garcia, a Columbus State University Theatre Department lecturer and Costume Shop Manager, shifted from sewing costumes to sewing masks for healthcare workers; and Schwob School of Music professor Michelle Folta reimagined her long-standing tradition of cooking Tex-Mex for her students every semester as Dr. Folta’s Porch Picnic, cooking weekly to-go meals for her students. Although during this crisis we are all necessarily apart, it has inspired me and given me strength to watch us come together in creative ways, to see how close, caring, and charitable our extended campus family is, both in the best and worst of times.

I hope that this issue of the alumni magazine finds you and your family healthy and safe. If you would like to stay up-to-date on how CSU is handling COVID-19 moving forward, please bookmark ColumbusState.edu/coronavirus for the latest information.

Thank you for what you do for our students, our communities, and each other,

Chris Markwood President

CREATIVE TO THE CORE

Spring 2020

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Cougars Care A week of giving. Â April 28, 2020 - May 5, 2020 Every gift to the CSU Fund will be matched up to $5,000 by the Alumni Association to support student scholarships.

Funds raised during this week will support:

Need-Based Scholarships CSU Health Center Fees for Students The CSU Food Bank Housing Needs

GIVING.COLUMBUSSTATE.EDU/COUGARSCARE

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VOL. 27 NO. 1 • SPRING 2020

EDITOR

Josh Becker CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kristin Andris Anne Appleton Garry Ashton Josh Becker CSU Archives CSU Staff Tiffany Manning Aaron Mervin Sonnet Moore Eliza Morrill Photography Lindsey Negard Photography NASA/MSFC MAGAZINE LAYOUT & DESIGN

Rowland Publishing, Inc. VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

Rocky Kettering ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT & SPECIAL EVENTS

Jennifer Joyner CHIEF OF STAFF

Ed Helton DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

Greg Hudgison ADDRESS CORRESPONDENCE TO:

Columbus State Alumni Magazine Office of University Relations Columbus State University 4225 University Ave. Columbus, GA 31907 ur@columbusstate.edu @COLUMBUSSTATE @CSUCOUGARALUMNI FACEBOOK.COM/COLUMBUSSTATE FACEBOOK.COM/ COLUMBUSSTATEUNIVERSITYALUMNI

TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES

IN THIS ISSUE 02 PRESIDENT’S LETTER 07 CAMPUS NEWS 12 DAY OF SERVICE SPOTLIGHT 13 WHAT’S TRENDING 24 HOMECOMING RECAP 35 Q&A: CAROLINE MOYER

14 16 20 30

LUMNI SPOTLIGHT: A TAMMY HODO 0TH ANNIVERSARY 6 PART FOUR: EXPANDING WORLDS IFTY YEARS OF SUCCESS F ON THE DIAMOND FOR COUGAR BASEBALL CSU AMBASSADORS

ON THE COVER. The historic moment in 2002 when the CSU Cougars became World Series champions.

Delve further into their history on page 18.

CREATIVE TO THE CORE

Spring 2020

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BROADWAY BALL

BROADWAY BALL: AN EVENING OF DANCE AND RECOGNITION FOR COLUMBUS’ ARTS COMMUNITY

From top left to bottom right: Award winners Scott Wise, Elizabeth Parkinson and F. Clason Kyle, Markwood family with honorees; Award Presentation with honorees Larry Dooley, Chair of the Department of Theatre, and Patty Taylor, Chair of the Dance Minor Advisory Board; Dance Minor Student Performance; Ballerina on display at VIP reception.

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Achievement Award. Following dinner, guests were invited to dance the night away with the CSU Jazz Band, which performed under the direction of Kevin Whalen.

In addition to Broadway Ball, CSU Dance also hosts a community-wide spring fundraiser, Spring Swing, which brings together dance lovers of all skill levels to compete for the prestigious Cougar Championship Dance Cup. To learn more about ways to get involved with CSU Dance and support the arts, visit Theatre.

ColumbusState.edu/dance.

Photos courtesy of Southern Views Magazine

Broadway Ball is a celebration of local arts and culture in the Columbus Community as well as a fundraiser for CSU’s Dance Program. Presented by CSU’s College of the Arts and Pezold Family, McDonald’s, Broadway Ball took place at the Bibb Mill Event Center on Nov. 22, 2019. CSU Dance students performed between courses, and three prolific patrons of the arts were recognized for their contributions to the community. Scott Wise and Elizabeth Parkinson both received the Lifetime of Achievement in Dance Award, and F. Clason Kyle received the Lifetime

CAMPUS NEWS

TEN CSU STUDENTS COMPLETE INTERNSHIP ON SET OF ‘THE LONG NIGHT’ Ten students at Columbus State University recently served as interns on the set of “The Long Night,” an action thriller produced by Randall Emmett and George Furla and starring Bruce Willis.

Executive producer Alex Eckert worked with the university to place the students on the production.

“We were pleased to be the first film project to secure funding from the newly created Columbus Film Fund and to offer this valuable opportunity for students at CSU to earn course credit while also gaining real world experience in film production,” Eckert said.

Student interns were enrolled in CSU’s COMM 2498 GFA internship course, earning them six credit hours.

Some of the students are pursuing communication degrees with a concentration in film production, while others are working towards their film production certificate. Internships ranged from two weeks to a full month, with students receiving experience in a variety of tasks crucial to the industry.

“I got to do everything from locations to picking up talent from the airport and moving them to their trailers, lighting, running sides and call sheets,” said Matthew Westlake, a junior communication major at CSU. “It was a bunch of controlled chaos, but the best chaos I’ve ever been a part of.”

Westlake’s internship ran for 10 days, typically working for 13 hours at a time.

He says his former career in the Marines helped prepare him for the long hours and discipline needed to follow through on orders. With an interest in writing, directing, and producing, he says one of his favorite parts of the internship was seeing how the writers had to rewrite the script to account for unexpected weather.

“They are such professionals, even the weather couldn’t hold them back,” said Westlake.

Another student, Nicole “Poppy” Hardaway, spent her internship in the production and accounting offices. As a marketing major earning her film certificate, she was able to see the business and logistics side of the film industry.

“I like to be organized, so I enjoyed working with the line producer. It was a lot of organization. They handle issues as they occur, manage budgeting and scheduling. They have to know a little bit about everything,” said Hardaway. “The knowledge that I have received in this internship has prepared me and given me the confidence to go out there and pursue more opportunities.”

“The interns were a tremendous asset to our production. They were dependable, productive, diligent, and tenacious team players — always on time, ready to assist, and taking on the challenges

set before them. They showed up and showed out. We were very proud of them,” said Gilda Longoria, production supervisor, for “The Long Night.”

“The interns went above and beyond every expectation set for them,” added Patrick Dugger, production coordinator.

“They were a blessing.”

The internship opportunity came at an exciting time for CSU’s Georgia Film Academy. In the past year, CSU has been approved for the state’s first nexus degree in film and production. With CSU’s film program having a new home at Flat Rock Studio, more internship opportunities are expected as the university trains professionals for the booming industry.

“Local 479 values the relationship we have with the Georgia Film Academy and their partnership with Columbus State University,” said Mike Akins, business agent for Local 479 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts (IATSE). “We believe that gaining hands-on experience is a valuable part of the education process and partnering with the GFA’s internship program provides this important opportunity to their students. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and doing our part to help these students get the experience they need to determine their future careers.”

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CAMPUS NEWS

CSU STUDENTS EXPLORE SURPRISING CAREERS IN CHEMISTRY

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I came into this class with the intention of being a medicinal chemist. Now there is a possibility that might change. It opened up more options for me to explore.

Twenty-two students at Columbus State University recently visited Coca-Cola’s headquarters in Atlanta to meet a panel of seven chemists in various roles. They had the opportunity to network with the professionals over lunch and learn about their diverse backgrounds and how they have evolved in their roles as chemical specialists at Coca-Cola, which ranged from aquatic chemistry at the Georgia Aquarium to growing mosquitoes at the CDC. The trip was part of CHEM 1715, an introductory chemistry seminar, which allows students to explore the many career options available within chemistry.

“I wanted to answer the questions that I couldn’t answer for my parents when I was an undergraduate student,” said Dr. Kerri Taylor, CSU chemistry professor who started the course in an effort to show students what they can do with a chemistry degree. “It’s a way for students to jump start their professional life. It’s a

living user manual for actively utilizing chemistry in real life.”

The course has been offered to freshmen and sophomores at CSU for the past three years. This semester’s course included four field trips and 11 guest speakers. Students also read chemical journals on unusual tasks involving chemistry, and they are paired with junior and senior chemistry student mentors to help maneuver through these first years at CSU. “This class definitely has given me more insight into what I can do with my major,” said Claudia Watson, a CSU sophomore double-majoring in chemistry and psychology. “Chemistry is more than becoming a doctor or pharmacist, and this class exposed me to other careers. I came into this class with the intention of being a medicinal chemist. Now there is a possibility that might change. It opened up more options for me to explore.”

First-year chemistry major Kristina Armstrong agrees: “Taking this class has

taught me how there is so much more around us than what we see on the surface. For example, at Coca-Cola we learned about how intricate the chemistry is for Coca-Cola beverages. This class has opened my eyes to so many different paths I could go down with chemistry.”

Transportation expenses associated with these field trips for CHEM 1715 are financially supported by CSU’s Quality Enhancement Plan, a university-wide plan for improving student learning over a five-year period. CSU’s current QEP “We Solve It!” is focused on fostering students’ creative real-world problem solving skills.

SIXTEEN CSU STUDENTS GRADUATE WITH MCSD TEACHING CONTRACTS

Sixteen Columbus State University students graduated last semester with jobs already lined up as Muscogee County School District teachers. The group is part of CSU and MCSD’s new partnership that guarantees teaching contracts for all CSU graduates who meet the necessary requirements for certification.

“Many places tell you that you will have a job, but CSU literally does it,” said Katia Roberts, who will be teaching English language arts and math at Rothschild Leadership Academy. “Graduating in the fall usually makes it harder, but we are

guaranteed something. CSU stands by their word.”

Roberts, who initially wanted to teach at her alma mater of Newnan High School, says that the program helped her decide to stay in Muscogee County.

“It opened my eyes,” she said. “I was limiting myself to Coweta County, but now I feel like Columbus could be my new home.”

Columbus-native Anthony Kennebrew knew he wanted to work for MCSD. Now he will fulfill that dream, teaching at Georgetown Elementary as part of the MCSD job guarantee program.

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CSU sophomore Claudia Watson

CAMPUS NEWS

CSU STUDENT RECEIVES TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITIES IN ARCHEOLOGY Columbus State University student Ashley Brand recently had the opportunity to discuss her lifelong passion of archeology with Atlanta’s Consul General of Peru, Jaime Sparks. Sparks and his wife visited CSU last October to collect a section of the Paloma Archeology Collection — a set of rare and well-preserved 7,000-year-old human remains, which CSU lecturer Danielle Cook obtained from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture for her students to study alongside artifacts from six other sites around coastal Peru.

“They took time to talk with me about my work on the collection, what I thought about it, and my plans for the future,” stated Brand. “They were very

eager to work with us and excited to see what we have to put out when we are done with our research.”

Brand, a history major and anthropology minor, has dreamt of becoming an archeologist since she was 10 years old. She says that she has obtained opportunities at CSU that she never would have obtained elsewhere. Her work on the Paloma collection has included a study on a possible correlation between metal found in bones within the collection and the Paloma people’s diet that was primarily composed of fish. She has also had the opportunity to work on other archeology projects, such as the local Abercrombie collection.

“If it wasn’t for the faculty that I have had, I wouldn’t have had these

opportunities. Danielle Cook has created CV and resume-building opportunities for me — almost out of thin air,” said Brand. “I have catalogued, scanned electronic microscopes, learned how to take samples of bones and handle them properly, and sorted pottery. As such, I can say that nothing helps quite like physically getting your hands on the artifacts.”

Brand, who graduates in May, hopes to present her findings of the Paloma study at the American Association of Physical Anthropologists (AAPA) conference in Los Angeles in April. Any published work will also be sent to the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. Her next step will be to pursue a graduate degree in her journey towards becoming an archeologist. However, thanks to her CSU experience, she has already gotten a taste of archeology work.

“Holding 7,000-year-old remains that are extremely well-preserved in the palms of your hands is something that not everyone will get to do in their life.

Those were mothers, daughters, fathers, civilization leaders. I’m glad to be a part of that,” states Brand. “Getting to know who they were based on a piece of a femur or a sliver of a clavicle makes all the effort worthwhile.”

“It is a big thing for CSU and a big thing for teachers overall. It is nice to see that we are wanted and needed,” said Kennebrew.

Under the program, all graduates from CSU’s teacher education program are guaranteed a teaching contract within MCSD, contingent upon successfully completing the student teaching component of their degree and meeting Georgia Professional Standards Commission induction certification requirements.

CSU has proven to be the largest educational resource of teachers to MCSD, with more than 70% of District educators holding one or more degrees from the institution.

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CAMPUS NEWS

MEDIACOM BUSINESS TEAMS WITH COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSITY FOR ESPORTS COMPETITIONS Mediacom Business recently announced a partnership with Columbus State University to support the school’s eSports Team for the spring 2020 season. Dan Templin, Senior Vice President of Mediacom Business, said his company will deliver a 1-gigabyte fiber optic connection to the campus “Genius Room,” where the Columbus State University eSports Team practices and competes against other Peach Belt Conference Schools. Mediacom Business will also provide ongoing scholarships to attract team members to this rapidly growing sector of student life.

Dr. Chris Markwood, President of Columbus State University, said eSports brings tremendous value to the campus community: “Fast-paced online eGaming competitions cater to students who

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grew up in a digital world. Columbus State University joins other Peach Belt Conference schools who have added eSports to its programs, and we are happy to announce this partnership with Mediacom Business.” CSU’s eSports team placed second in the 2019 Peach Belt Conference League of Legends Championship.

Mr. Templin said Mediacom Business’ provision of a 1-gigabyte fiber optic connection to Columbus State University is part of the explosion of a vertical that is poised to see tremendous growth, particularly in bandwidth requirements.

“Gamers need less than 75 to 100 milliseconds of latency for a good gaming experience,” Mr. Templin said. “For schools like Columbus State University to play the game competitively and improve

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performance, high-capacity broadband is critical. Our Gigabit+ Fiber Solution will allow the CSU eSports Team to play the online game League of Legends, a highly competitive, fast paced multiplayer online action-strategy game.

We’re fortunate to be able to trail blaze this eSports movement alongside CSU and provide the fiber-optic connectivity we know is going to help fuel these types of initiatives.”

Fast-paced online eGaming competitions cater to students who grew up in a digital world ... we are happy to announce this partnership with Mediacom Business CSU President Dr. Chris Markwood

CAMPUS NEWS

CSU APPROVED FOR TWO NEW BACHELOR’S DEGREES IN CYBERSECURITY The University System of Georgia Board of Regents recently approved two new bachelor’s degrees to be offered at Columbus State University’s Turner College of Business, pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The new degrees are a bachelor of business administration in cybersecurity management and a bachelor of science in cybersecurity. Both will help train students for the booming cybersecurity industry.

The proposed B.S. in cybersecurity consists of 120 credit hours, and the B.B.A. degree is 123 credit hours. Students will learn how to protect critical information infrastructures by developing,

implementing, and maintaining appropriate cybersecurity policies and practices to help prevent, detect, and eliminate security threats. Graduates will have the opportunity to join the local, state, national, and international cybersecurity workforce as well-qualified professionals.

“The field of cybersecurity touches every aspect of our lives. These degree programs will prepare students to take on leading roles in financial technology, banking, insurance, health care and other industries that deal with data. Graduates from this program will have a significant impact on how we conduct business on a daily basis,” said Dr. Deborah Bordelon, Provost and Executive Vice President.

The field of cybersecurity touches every aspect of our lives. ...Graduates from this program will have a significant impact on how we conduct business on a daily basis.

CSU Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Deborah Bordelon

Dr. Linda Hadley, Dean of the Turner College of Business, added that “the demand for effective measures to combat the diverse threats we face from fraud has rapidly increased and so has the demand for skilled professionals to implement them. These new degree programs were created in direct response to regional employers’ unmet demand for cybersecurity professionals to protect their information and infrastructure.”

Columbus State University is a leader in cybersecurity education, with a program that was developed within the TSYS School of Computing to meet the needs of the fastest growing area of job growth in America.

CyberSeek, a program of the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, projects that there are more than 314,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the U.S., with 11,377 of those located in Georgia. During a recent visit to CSU, Georgia State Sen. John Albers, an alumnus of Harvard’s Cybersecurity Program, puts the number of unfilled cybersecurity positions in the state much higher at approximately 24,000.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity employment growth is projected at 28% annually through 2026 — a growth rate that is much faster than average for all other occupations. U.S. News and World Report ranked a career as an information security analyst fourth on its list of the 10 best technology jobs and 40th out of the 100 best jobs in general for 2019.

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Day of Service is an annual service day within the Columbus community that partners with over 30 nonprofits to provide an opportunity for student, faculty, staff and community partners to engage through service. This day is designed for students to gain more insight on how service impacts our community. It’s our hope that it creates the initial opportunity for students to network with our community partners and serve them throughout the academic year.

Want to lend a hand? Local alumni can sign up to work alongside our students, faculty, and staff at the agencies with which we partner. Alumni who live outside of Columbus can still get in on the fun by visiting alumni.columbusstate.edu/dayofservice and signing up to do a project in their community.

Registration is open between July 20 - August 7.

All participants - including our out of town alumni - will receive a Day of Service t-shirt.

Past partnerships include: • Columbus Area Habitat for Humanity • Columbus Botanical Garden • Easterseals West Georgia, Inc. • Feeding The Valley • Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia • Historic Westville • Hope Harbour • House of Heroes-CVC • Magnolia Manor Columbus EAST • National Infantry Museum • Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center • Paws Humane Society • Ronald McDonald House of West Georgia • Sexual Assault Support Center, Inc. • Springer Opera House • Teens Empowerment Awareness with ResolutionS, Inc. • The YMCA of Metropolitan Columbus • Twin Cedars-Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home • Valley Rescue Mission • Warrior Outreach, Inc. • YMCA–DA Turner • YMCA–AJ MClung

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WHAT’S TRENDING

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PRESIDENTIAL VISIT

Follow Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center at Columbus State University to learn how you can get up close and personal with local wildlife.

President Jimmy Carter and 40 of his family members visited CSU’s Pasaquan.

NATIONALLY RANKED CLUB FOOTBALL TEAM CSU’s Club Football Team is ranked #2 in the country.

They were one of the final four teams in the running for a national championship.

CREATIVE TO THE CORE

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: TAMMY HODO IN PURSUIT OF DIVERSITY Story by JOSH BECKER

T

he place of one’s birth can be many things, depending on the person. To some, it is a sanctuary, a refuge from which they seldom stray. To others, it is an obstacle to be bested, an ordeal to be endured. For most, it’s a place to put your things until you figure out what comes next. For Tammy Hodo, PhD, home was a classroom, a workshop from which to glean insight into the wider world around her that would set her on a course of social scientific exploration.

Hodo grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which, at the time, was one of the top three most segregated metropolitan areas in the nation. Coming of age as a biracial person in a predominately white space, Hodo became interested in how people interact

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and why inequality persists. Her passion for social sciences would only grow with time, so much so that by the time she enrolled at Columbus State University, she had a clear vision of how she wanted to approach opportunities for diversity, equity, and inclusion. “By studying Public Administration at CSU, I began to understand the importance of how policies impacted the life experiences of different groups, particularly those in marginalized communities,” said Hodo. “I gained a sense of understanding of why income, educational, and life expectancy rates differ depending on socioeconomic status, race, sex, geography, etc.”

Upon earning her Master of Public Administration at CSU in 1999, Hodo returned to the University of WisconsinMilwaukee in 2009 to obtain her PhD in Urban Studies with a minor in Sociology, specializing in race, class, gender, and ethnicity. Her dissertation was titled “A Critical Analysis of an Urban Research University: Climate, Culture and Minority Faculty,” and it was about a troubling trend she had noticed on the way to her PhD: the lack of diversity in academia. “I noticed early on in my academic journey a lack of diversity of those in positions of power at universities, which I didn’t understand considering the statistical data demonstrates there are many minorities who are qualified to fill faculty and other leadership roles in academia,” Hodo explained. “Through interviewing Hispanic and African, Caribbean and African-American faculty at a major urban research university, I found that many felt isolated, alienated, and misunderstood. While some faculty expressed feelings of tokenism, others who were in diverse departments spoke of a

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

By studying Public Administration at CSU ... I gained a sense of understanding of why income, educational, and life expectancy rates differ depending on socioeconomic status, race, sex, geography, etc.

Tammy Hodo

sense of belonging and camaraderie. After gaining so much insight about diversity, I wanted to be a change agent to increase diversity and a sense of belonging in organizations and institutions.”

Hodo worked as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for three years at a law school and found that she quite enjoyed educating people about how diversity, equity, and inclusion helped increase productivity rates, decrease turnover rates, and curb absenteeism. Still, Hodo felt there was something more. “After some negative experiences in the workplace and in American society surrounding race and sex, I decided that I wanted to focus on educating as many people as possible about the value of diversity, and so I began my own consulting firm.”

Thus was born All Things Diverse LLC. And all things diverse it is. Hodo, president and creator, explains, “All Things Diverse LLC helps our clients safely navigate across the broad spectrum of diversity categories including age, race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, veteran status, generations, education, political affiliation, experience, work style, communication style, cross-cultural competency and differing perspectives. We offer consulting services on managing diverse teams, developing strategic diversity plans to increase diversity in leadership, and assist in developing recruit and retention plans to foster a diverse workforce.”

Hodo had worked in academia. She had worked in the private sector. One thing she did not have as much experience with was speaking to a general audience. That would soon change after she saw an advertisement soliciting applicants for a TEDx event in Jacksonville, Florida.

“I thought with my unique racial experience and the current climate surrounding race and immigration statuses in America, that I would apply to be a speaker,” Hodo

Tammy Hodo TEDx “The Social Implications of Race”

related. “Before you apply for TEDx, you must really think about what idea you have that is unique to contribute to society. Being biracial and reared in a predominantly white space, I understood that race continues to matter to many people, although it isn’t even biologically real. Hundreds of people apply to be a TEDx speaker, so I was super excited when I got notified that I was selected.”

The experience was unlike anything Hodo has ever experienced. “As a person who has worked in academia as a faculty member, TEDx was something completely different,” admitted Hodo.

“I’m used to educating people using an inclusive learning pedagogy, which strives to create space where everyone is included and provides input into the discussion. A TEDx talk is not a dialogue but a monologue. Getting on the large stage at the Florida Theatre was interesting and made me a bit nervous because I was talking to a group of 1,000 people. The level of support I got from the TEDx Jacksonville volunteers was amazing. I was provided a coach who worked with me on formatting my talk and practicing my delivery. I was even given an opportunity to meet with an amazing improv coach who worked with me regarding body expressions.

Working up until the day of the talk is exhausting but so worth the effort.”

Hodo is an incredibly busy entrepreneur, but she still checks in on her alma mater from time to time, and she is encouraged by the direction the university is going. “CSU has grown exponentially since I attended, which is great!” exclaimed Hodo. “The student body is diverse and, ideally, so is the faculty. The demographics of America are changing, which is represented in the student body and workforce. Everyone should experience a sense of belonging and feel included on campus. CSU must celebrate diversity in all forms to include religion, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, identity, expression and socioeconomic status, perspective, etc. Ensuring that everyone learns how to respect others’ perspective and life experiences is important. We must understand how to practice civility and that we can agree to disagree.”

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FEATURE

Legacy Hall

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FEATURE

60TH ANNIVERSARY PART FOUR: EXPANDING WORLDS Story by JOSH BECKER

I

n 2008, Dr. Timothy Mescon began his term of service as president amidst the outbreak of the Great Recession. Uncertainty abounded during these times as the university experienced a period of historic budget cuts and an uncharted push to consolidate and restructure the University System of Georgia. These and other forces would ultimately take their toll.

Despite struggles over leadership, communication, governance, and the struggles of the time, CSU’s accomplishments were numerous and noteworthy.

The president worked intentionally to elevate the university’s profile in Atlanta and establish Columbus State as an institution deserving of state investment and attention.

During this period, the university launched its first doctoral program with the Doctor of Education degree.

Faculty and staff collaborated on the

Dr. Timothy Mescon

nation’s first graduate program in Servant Leadership, referred to as the “Gold Standard” of Servant Leadership education, which many believe helped the City of Columbus earn the designation of a Servant Leadership City in 2010. CSU also established the Honors College and forged a strong partnership with Fort Benning and the Maneuver Center for Excellence, earning recognition as a Military Friendly School. Faculty research, creative endeavors, and teaching excellence recognitions were on the rise.

CSU also accepted the Senator Paul Simon Award for Internationalization in recognition of innovative efforts to encourage students to explore the wider world.

And it was to the wider world that Dr. Mescon returned, retiring in December of 2014 to serve as the Executive Vice President of AASCB for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

For the next five months, the stewardship of Columbus State was placed in the dedicated and dependable hands of interim president, Dr. Tom Hackett.

An alumnus from the Columbus College days, Dr. Hackett oversaw the public launch of the successful “First Choice” comprehensive campaign and would continue to champion partnerships and engagement with the community including the Muscogee County School District and TSYS. Meanwhile, the search for the next president began to narrow its focus.

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Bo Bartlett Center, Student Recreation Center, Military on Campus 2014, Faculty at Leadership Workshop 2018, Orientation 2014

In June of 2015, Dr. Christopher L. Markwood joined the CSU team with clear direction from the Chancellor to focus on increasing student success, building enrollment, finishing the campaign, expanding partnerships, and personally connecting the campus with the greater Columbus community and Fort Benning.

From the day he took office, President Markwood has fully and enthusiastically embraced the university’s core values, aspiring to ensure that any endeavor undertaken by CSU is driven by excellence, engagement, creativity, sustainability, inclusion, and Servant Leadership.

Bolstered by a renewed focus on collaborative leadership and transformative learning, faculty and staff have developed new leadership programs such as iLEAD, a student-centered curricular and extracurricular exploration of CSU’s core values; LeadCSU, an annual yearlong leadership program designed to enhance professional development and build the skills and competencies needed to be an effective leader; L.I.V.E. CSU, a program created to help faculty and staff learn to live, invest, value, and engage with their colleagues as they work to identify, explore, and improve their leadership style; PROWL (Pride, Relationships, Opportunities, Wisdom, Leadership), a four-day, three-night memorable camp experience designed to equip students with the tools necessary for a successful transition from high school to college; the E3 Transformative Learning Conference, an annual opportunity for local and regional educators to gather to learn, share, and workshop the newest active learning techniques, born of the partnership between CSU and the Muscogee County School District; and a Faculty Seminar Series that promotes interdisciplinary learning across courses, colleges, and career paths.

This focus on leadership development

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and transformative learning underscores an understanding that students’ needs have changed over time, that the pedagogical methods that worked in the classrooms of Generation X would fail to inspire the students of Gen Z. CSU is committed to meeting students where they are and getting them where they need to be.

In 2018, a five-year Strategic Plan was developed by faculty, staff, and supporters to cement CSU as one of the South’s most creative and impactful universities — a student-centered campus that extols academic excellence, promotes creativity and innovation, and focuses on partnerships,

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developing leaders, and promoting institutional sustainability.

From Cybersecurity to robotics, the film industry to education, whether it’s the arts or the sciences, business or health care, CSU is laser-focused on responding to and embracing the needs of the community and region. CSU produces talented graduates ready to work in the industries of today — and ready to create the economy of tomorrow.

Last year,CSU and the Columbus State University Foundation Inc. closed out the Comprehensive Campaign. While publicly announced as a $106 million

FEATURE

goal in early 2015, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends ultimately contributed over $118 million.

During the course of the campaign, funds were raised that aided in the construction of Frank Brown Hall, the Bo Bartlett Center, Key Golf Studios, the John W. Walden Tennis Center, and the renovation of Burger King Baseball Stadium, as well as 94 new scholarships and 14 professorships and program endowments. With 8,021 donors, this was a truly transformative fundraising campaign.

The last decade has been a time of great

change in higher education across the country. CSU is taking a leading role in transforming education, exploring new ways to help students succeed, pushing curricular and pedagogical boundaries, equipping leaders, and inspiring and developing partnerships to advance the economy and society of the future.

We’ve come a long way from the days of the old Shannon Mill.

We’ve raised clocktowers and opened gateways.

We’ve buried the memory of Cody Road High beneath the pavement of University Avenue.

We’ve inspired collaborations and cultivated creativity.

We’ve reimagined education and expanded the worlds of all who walk our halls.

We have transformed ourselves from a small, local commuter college to a cutting-edge, internationally recognized institution that is, as our new “Create You” brand celebrates, “creative to the core.”

We have accomplished all of these feats and more in just over 60 years. Yet, this is only the beginning.

There is still much work to be done.

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COVER STORY

COVER STORY

FIFTY YEARS OF SUCCESS ON THE DIAMOND FOR COUGAR BASEBALL COLUMBUS STATE OPENED THE 2020 SEASON IN TAMPA, FLA., ON JAN. 31 Story by JOSH FULLER

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COUGARS WIN, COUGARS WIN, THE COUGARS WIN!

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That was belted out of the mouth of Columbus State University Hall of Fame Broadcaster Scott Miller when the final out of the 2002 NCAA Division II College World Series championship game landed in the glove of CSU center fielder Shawn Sewell. Miller voiced the emotions of hundreds of Cougars fans that afternoon as the team raced out of the dugout to dogpile in the middle of the diamond. That moment officially cemented Columbus State’s place in the pantheon of Division II college baseball programs.

Who would have known that a small college in middle Georgia in the 1960s would establish a college baseball powerhouse? A man by the name of Charles Ragsdale.

Ragsdale arrived at Columbus College in 1965 when Athletics Director Sonny Clements brought him into a budding athletic program. It wasn’t until later that Ragsdale got the opportunity to build his baseball team from scratch. In the meantime, he was making a name for himself.

The Pine Mountain native started the Columbus College tennis program from the ground up and quickly found success, winning the Georgia Junior College Conference championship in 1967.

Clements finally asked Ragsdale to start the baseball program, forcing the young

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COVER STORY

Derek Mann, the second coach in program history, prepping the team prior to a game.

coach to make a tough decision to step away from tennis. Baseball was his passion, and it was what brought him to Columbus in the first place. He was up for the challenge — one that he called “the biggest I’ve ever had as a coach.”

He quickly scoured the Columbus area for the best local products and ventured around the Southeast looking for his type of players to fill the initial roster.

He had confidence in his 1970 team, but Ragsdale is not one to brag, even to this day. In a news article from July 1, 1969, Ragsdale said: “It’s a test to build a team from scratch in Year 1, but I think we will have a pretty good team.”

A good team is exactly what the young skipper had. Columbus College went 26-9 in the first season and had its first player sign a professional contract when Don “Shine” McClintock inked a deal with the Oakland Athletics. By 1973, Columbus College was racking up the victories, including recording the program’s first 30-win season. The Cougars continued to make waves across the region taking down Division I powerhouses such as Auburn University, the University of Georgia, Vanderbilt University, and the list goes on.

In 1975, Columbus College arrived at the big stage, reaching an NCAA Regional for the first time, and the

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program never looked back. Ragsdale and the Cougars started a span of eight NCAA appearances over the next decade, leading to the program’s first NCAA DII College World Series berth in 1984. It was a perfect ending to an amazing 15-year career for the father of the program. Ragsdale stepped away following the season with a .632 winning percentage, 464 wins, and 13 winning seasons in his tenure.

Enter Derek Mann. A talented recruiter left with a loaded roster, Mann led the Cougars back to the DII World Series in 1986, and this time Columbus College made noise. Behind a potent offense, the Cougars reached the national title game before falling to Troy State.

It was just a setback for Mann and the Cougars as the ’87 team made history

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becoming the only group to make backto-back World Series appearances.

Mann concluded one of the most dominant stretches in Cougar history by taking his third team to the World Series in 1990. To this day, Mann’s six-year winning percentage of .693 ranks as the highest of any Cougar head coach.

The times were changing for the Cougars in the 1990s under head coach Chip Reese. With the inception of the Peach Belt Conference in 1992, Columbus College found itself in a conference for the first time in nearly two decades. Reese continued the winning ways, taking the Cougars to the 1992 NCAA Regionals in just his second season. Two years later, Columbus State won its first PBC Tournament title and started another impressive run. From

COVER STORY

1994 through 2004, CSU won 30 or more games each year including three 40-win seasons, and five more NCAA appearances.

In 1998, a fiery, young coach arrived at Columbus State ready to make his mark. After a successful stint restarting a Young Harris College program and winning a national championship as part of the UGA staff in 1990, Greg Appleton knew how to win — and it showed. Appleton’s first team went 3427 and reached the NCAA Regional.

The wins continue to come in as the years followed, culminating in 2002 with the national championship.

Appleton and the Cougars didn’t rest on their laurels going back to the DII World Series in 2004 before a national runner-up finish at the ’07 series. The

2007 season still stands as one of the finest with Columbus State winning 51 games, a program record.

Nothing has changed over the most recent decade. Columbus State won more games than any other Peach Belt school and made its eighth NCAA World Series appearance in 2018. It was another memorable run as Appleton guided the team to the national championship game for the third time in his tenure.

“When you sit back and look at what this program has accomplished, it’s pretty impressive,” said Appleton, who is now in his 23rd season and is the alltime CSU wins leader with an 803-430 record. “What Coach Ragsdale did at the beginning is amazing. He laid the groundwork, and Derek and Chip really allowed this thing to take off. I’m

honored to continue this proud legacy of Cougar baseball.”

Now entering the 51st season of play, Columbus State is one of the most prestigious teams in the entire nation with 26 NCAA Regional appearances, over 1,700 wins, and one of the finest Division II home fields in the nation — Burger King Stadium at Ragsdale Field.

Success isn’t supposed to be sustained over five decades, but the Cougars have defied logic. In each decade, CSU has finished ranked inside the top 20 in the nation for total wins, just one of two programs to have done so.

Miller’s call wasn’t just a perfect way to end a magical journey in 2002. It describes the Columbus State baseball program to a tee.

The Cougars just win.

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COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING RECAP

Homecoming 2019 succeeded with events both familiar and brand new! The parade down Broadway brought together the community’s alumni and students for an evening celebration of Cougar Spirit! After the parade, alumni and friends gathered on Broadway for a concert by Funk Factory Five. Earlier in the day, alumni were recognized for their personal and professional achievements at the Alumni Recognition Luncheon. Among those honored were Rep. Calvin Smyre and alumna Barbara Motos, who were presented with the Frank D. Brown Achievement & Leadership Excellence Award and the Thomas Y. Whitley Distinguished Alumnus Award, respectively. Although rain put a damper on CougarFest in 2019, it will be back and better than ever in 2020. On Saturday, friends and fans of Cougar Athletics celebrated the 2019 Cougar Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet, hosted with the Athletic Department. The Class of 2019 was comprised of two outstanding former CSU student athletes, a former baseball coach, and a current supporter and champion of Cougar Athletics. Homecoming festivities concluded with Sips Before Steps, an alumni reception prior to the National Pan-Hellenic Conference Step Show on Saturday evening.

Homecoming 2019 included a special new event, Evening at the Bo — an eclectic night at the Bo Bartlett Center supporting student scholarships. Attendees listened to live music from Mango Strange, enjoyed live art, and sipped on CSU spirit-themed craft cocktails. The evening culminated with the announcement of the Alumni Association raffle winners. Denice Newton was the lucky grand prizewinner and left with a $10,000 check. The Alumni Association Raffle raised funds for the Alumni Association Endowment for Needs-Based Scholarships. In addition to the raffle, alumni and friends also had the opportunity to support CSU students by participating in CSU Gives, an annual day of giving that took place on the Tuesday of Homecoming Week. Donors had the opportunity to support their favorite CSU program and receive special CSU spirit wear. The Alumni Association Raffle and CSU Gives resulted in more than $100,000 raised for students during Homecoming Week.

EVENING AT THE BO | OCT. 22

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ALUMNI RECOGNITION LUNCHEON | OCT. 23

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1 The Alumni Association Board of Directors and their family members preparing the float for the parade.

2 The 2019 parade Grand Marshall was none other than Ed Helton, Chief of Staff.

3 The Alumni Association raffle winner Denice Newton with her grand prize check.

4 Jasmine Reid, Alexis Knox, Gina Sheeks, and Cedricia Thomas enjoying Evening at the Bo. 5 Board member Jessica Ferriter and her husband, Dan, celebrating CSU at Evening at the Bo. 6 President Markwood, Representative Calvin Smyre, and past CSU president Frank Brown during the Alumni Recognition Luncheon.

7 Te’Lor Hardy and Erin Poindexter participating in Sips Before Steps, a reception prior to the NPHC Step Show.

COUGARFEST | OCT. 24

WOMEN’S SOCCER | OCT. 24

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CLASS NOTES

CLASS NOTES

ALUMNI NEWS AND UPDATES 1977

Evelyn Turner Pugh, B.S. ’77 & M.B.A. ’85 retired from her Columbus City Council post after over 30 years of service.

She was mayor pro tempore from 2007–19.

1982

University of South Florida in 2016 and has been working at Galen College of Nursing for three years as a nurse educator. She was a Neuroscience/Trauma ICU nurse for 22 years in both St. Petersburg, Florida and San Francisco, California.

She currently lives in St. Petersburg with her husband and two daughters.

2005

1997 Leigh Plott, B.B.A. ’97 was named Chief Development Officer for Families First, a 130-year-old, Atlanta-based nonprofit.

1998

Brooke Devlin, B.S. ’05 & M.P.A. ’05 was named to two prestigious lists in 2019, Columbus and the Valley’s Five under 40 and Georgia Trend magazine’s 40 under 40. Brooke is currently the director of quality management at West Central Georgia Regional Hospital.

Gary Jones, B.S. ’82 retired after practicing law for 30 years in Cobb County, Georgia.

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Leo Moore, B.S. ’07 was recently promoted to Medical Director of Clinic Services at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. In this role, he oversees nine public health clinics that specialize in STDs, tuberculosis, and refugee health. Dr. Moore was also recently named to the inaugural “Top 10 Under 40” list at the Morehouse School of Medicine, where he obtained his medical degree. This list is comprised of health care leaders that are working to reduce health disparities and promote health equity in the communities they serve.

2009

Diane Land, B.S.N. ’93 obtained her Master’s in Nursing Education from

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2007

Tammy Hodo, M.P.A. ’98 was selected to speak at TEDx Jacksonville on Oct. 19. The title of her talk was “Deconstructing Race.” Tammy is currently the president of All Things Diverse, LLC.

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J.J. Seman, M.B.A. ’06 was named Executive Vice President at Kinetic Credit Union succeeded Doug Putnam.

CLASS NOTES

Tom Doran, M.P.A. ’09 was named Police Chief for Gwinnett County. He is a 26year veteran of the Gwinnett County Police Department.

Michael Hermes, B.B.A. ’09 was promoted to Major in the U.S. Army on Sept. 12.

Additionally, he assumed command over the Fort Lee, Virginia Military Entrance Processing Station.

2011

Jessica Calhoun, B.A. ’11, was awarded the Certificate of Commendation from Houston Healthcare, where Jessica works as a labor and

delivery nurse. In September, Jessica and her co-workers worked quickly to save the life of an expecting mother.

Jessica’s commendation states, “Jessica Calhoun and her peers demonstrated tremendous efforts and teamwork throughout the crisis. They came together as one in demonstrating their years of training and expertise in their particular fields.”

Fred Hammett, M.P.A. ’11 was named Chief of Police at Savannah State University.

2012

Cassie Myers, B.A. ’12 was named to Columbus and the Valley’s Five under 40 list. Cassie is currently the director of public relations and marketing for The Pezold Companies.

2017

Vanessa Ellis, B.A. ’11 was named the 2017 Georgia Council on Economics Education Teacher of the Year.

Cortney Laughlin, B.A. ’11 & M.S. ’12 was named Frank D. Brown Distinguished Chair in Servant Leadership and Director of the Center for Servant Leadership at CSU, and she serves as the Vice President of the CSU Alumni Association.

Nicholas Sostillio, B.S.Ed. ’12 was named Top 5 Teacher of the Year for Houston County.

He currently leads an awardwinning theatre program at Warner Robins High School.

Charise Clay, B.A. ’17 earned her Master’s Degree from Troy University in HR Management. She is currently in the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Manager Training Program.

2018

Bentavia Truitt, B.B.A. ’12 was promoted to Managing Partner at Outback Steakhouse in Albany, Georgia.

Want to share your exciting news with fellow alumni?

Submit to Class Notes!

Email Alumni@ColumbusState.edu.

Visit alumni.columbusstate.edu to learn more about alumni engagement and the CSU Alumni Association.

Also, call (706) 507-8946, or email alumni@columbusstate.edu for more information about upcoming events.

Stephen Merrifield, M.P.S.A. ’18 was named Chief of Police for the Canton Police Department. A 36-year law enforcement veteran, Merrifield has been deputy chief for five years and served as Interim Police Chief since September.

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ALUMNI SCENE

1. Sarah Goodpaster, Chelsea Powell, M.Ed. ‘14, and Jessica Drake, B.A. ‘07 & M.P.A. ‘10, tailgating during CSU Alumni Day at the Falcons.

2. Natalie Seto, B.S.N. ‘18 with friends and family at CSU Alumni Day at the Falcons.

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3. Alumni and friends on their way to CSU Alumni Day at the Falcons.

4. Marvin Crumbs, B.S. ‘94 & M.Ed. ‘97 and his wife, Kimberly, enjoying First Thursday in February.

7. Jasmine Reid, B.S. ‘15 & M.Ed. ‘17, Shella Scott, B.A. ‘13 & M.Ed. ‘16, Alexis Knox, B.S. ‘16 & M.S. ‘18, and Dominique Thomas, M.Ed. ‘17, enjoying First Thursday at Pop UPtown in September.

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5. Kevin Carter and Jodi Dunn, B.S. ‘06, during First Thursday at Trevioli in November.

6. Ryan Harris, B.B.A. ‘05, and Shoko Porter, B.B.A. ‘13 enjoying First Thursday at Pop UPtown in September.

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ALUMNI SCENE

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8. Alumni and friends taking in the sights during a recent alumni trip to Spain and Portugal.

9. Jessica Lange, M.S.N. ‘15, Gabby Wilson, B.A. ‘19, Spencer Aldridge, B.B.A. ‘15, and Katie Evans, director of alumni engagement, at First Thursday at Trevioli in November.

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10. Rocky Kettering, Vice President for University Advancement, Wade Cliatt, B.B.A. ‘12, Elizabeth Cliatt, B.B.A. ‘15, and President Chris Markwood at Stock Market Dueling Kitchens for our February First Thursday.

11. Recent graduate, Diamond Green, earned her Tower Traditions medal in December.

12. Recent graduate, Carol Porter, earned her Tower Traditions medal in December.

13. Recent graduate, Elizabeth Biggs, earned her Tower Traditions medal in December.

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FEATURE

Dr. Leo Moore received the Young Alumni Award from the Alumni Association in 2013.

MENTORS, INFLUENCERS, AND BRAND AMBASSADORS THE POWER OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT Story by JOSH BECKER The faculty at Columbus State University is world class. Each day, they expand the worlds of our students, they inspire collaboration and cultivate creativity. In a very real sense, during this global health crisis, they are reimagining education and the ways in which knowledge can be delivered.

That said, there are many ways to learn, many places from which to seek enlightenment, enumerable people who can change the course of a student’s life simply by taking an interest.

Every college campus is a marketplace of ideas. Every university employee is a potential mentor. And every alumna and alumnus is an ambassador for their alma mater, with reach and influence both immense and far-reaching. We recently reached out to several alumni and asked them how they use their story — from the first day of class through commencement — to change the lives of those they meet and make a difference in the world.

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Dr. Leo Moore CSU is currently closed due to our commitment to protect the health, well-being, and safety of our campus community from the COVID-19 outbreak. On the other side of the country, a Cougar is doing his part to protect not just his community, but also the nation and the world from the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Leo Moore graduated from CSU with a pre-med degree in 2007 before moving on to Morehouse School of Medicine to obtain his medical degree in 2011. So numerous were his awards and accolades there that he was recently named to the inaugural “Top 10 Under 40” list at Morehouse. “To be recognized by the institution that trained me to be the physician I am today means the world to me,” said Moore. “In particular, it reminds me of the importance of servant leadership and

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of always attempting to put myself in the shoes of my patients and the communities we serve.”

The community he now serves is Los Angeles as the Medical Director of Clinic Services at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, where he is responsible for overseeing nine public health clinics that specialize in the treatment of STDs, tuberculosis, and refugee health. These clinics offer care at low-to-no cost including treatments to low-income, high-risk patients. Clinics under Dr. Moore’s supervision serve as hubs for testing and treatment during outbreaks. Dr. Moore’s team is responsible for testing all persons who may have come in contact with coronavirus while residing in or traveling through Los Angeles County, and his efforts to date have been critical in addressing and reducing the spread of COVID-19 in California.

FEATURE

My experiences at CSU really laid the foundation for my medical training,” Moore recalled. “CSU is truly a fertile ground, ripe with amazing professors to both teach and mentor.

Dr. Leo Moore

Dr. Moore also took some time out of his incredibly busy day to film a video for current CSU students providing tips on how to stay safe during the outbreak. This compassionate act of generosity and concern is a testament to Moore’s passion and appreciation for his alma mater, and it shows the gravity with which he holds mentorship.

“My experiences at CSU really laid the foundation for my medical training,” Moore recalled. “CSU is truly a fertile ground, ripe with amazing professors to both teach and mentor.”

Moore speaks fondly of his time at CSU and the vital role that mentors played in his education, singling out for special praise Dr. Floyd Jackson, Chair of the Department of Chemistry, and Dr. Paula Walker, former faculty and the 2011 CSU Educator of the Year, as valued mentors. “These two people really guided the beginning of my career and remain trusted mentors and now colleagues,” Moore said. “I still remember sitting in Dr. Walker’s office while she read my personal statement for medical school for the 20th time.”

While studying at CSU, Moore also shadowed Dr. Emory Alexander, esteemed retired orthopedic surgeon and the current Chair of the CSU Foundation. Moore still recalls how much he admired Alexander’s bedside manner with patients and his confidence in the operating room. “Though I am not a surgeon, I learned a lot about how to serve patients while shadowing him.”

Dr. Moore stepped effortlessly into his role as CSU Ambassador. Standing on the shoulders of such incredible mentors, he began offering his own personal recommendations for CSU students preparing themselves for a medical career. In

doing so, he too became a giant. “Above all else, a student who wants to pursue a career in health care must believe in themselves and their ability to achieve their goal,” offered Moore. “The path to a career in health care can be very arduous, so it requires a person with tenacity and zeal. Other important ways CSU students can begin preparing themselves include becoming a student leader on campus, seeking out a mentor, and shadowing a physician in the community. A few years ago, I developed a webpage for the Competitive Pre-Medical Studies Program that goes into more detail about additional experiences that will make a pre-medical student competitive for medical school matriculation. More information can be found at PreMed. ColumbusState.edu/drleotips.”

Carrie Beth Wallace Growing up in Houston, Texas, Carrie Beth Wallace can’t recall a time when music wasn’t a requisite part of her everyday life, as essential as breath, bread, and water. Encouraged by family, teachers, and mentors, Wallace’s musical interests took root at a young age. In high school, her musical talent and ambition bloomed and flourished. She was involved in the Texas All-State Competition and was named one of only eight first-chair seats in the Texas All-State Mixed Choir. As high school graduation approached, her talents gained attention, and she received numerous scholarship offers. After an extensive recruitment process, she eventually decided to come to CSU, where she studied voice with Earl Coleman at the Schwob School of Music and graduated

Carrie Beth Wallace

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FEATURE

in 2009 with a Bachelor of Music in providing positive, accessible, and diverse information on the local arts & culture Vocal Performance. scene. “Culture is what gives Human beToday, Wallace spearheads The ings a sense of place,” Wallace expressed.

Columbusite, an arts and culture online “It’s what sets one community apart from publication that has evolved into a popuanother. Name a destination lar online asset favored you love and try to explain

by Columbus artists and Pay it forward. Find why. I’d be willing to bet patrons of the arts alike. someone to mentor the first 10 things you name “My senior year at Schwob yourself. Pour into have to do with the culture: was the same year that others, and find fine art, food, music, outdoor the Corn Center for the people who are adventure, architecture, etc.

Arts opened in Uptown willing to pour into Culture is what makes us Columbus, and The Saber you. It’s the best real- fall in love with a place and was looking for an arts world experience value experiencing it togethstudent who could write life has to offer, and er. It’s what makes us choose about what was happening there’s nothing you to invest in a community at the new RiverPark camcan’t learn if you and what keeps us coming pus,” explained Wallace. belong to a village back for more.”

“I applied for the job and of people invested in Many of the events The became their student arts Columbusite covers every one another’s liaison. This experience is week happen at CSU. With what made me fall in love well-being over 300 concerts a year with arts journalism and Carrie Beth Wallace and more than a dozen thegot me interested in how atrical performances, CSU’s people experience the arts College of the Arts is undeas a whole.” niably one of the most active wellsprings As publisher, editor, and owner, Wallace in the creative local landscape. founded The Columbusite as a way “As CSU is a part of that group of orto continue her passion for the arts by ganizations, we’re able to highlight many events, performances, and opportunities for our audience to engage with CSU Carrie Beth Wallace throughout the year,” states Wallace. “By encouraging community engagement, we are sending thousands of patrons of all ages to events every season which they may not have been aware of otherwise “ Having been the beneficiary of mentoring, Wallace has some valuable advice for CSU College of the Arts students looking to gain professional skills and real-world experience. “Find a mentor.

Seek out the people you respect, and find out who they respect in return.

Learn everything you can, as fast as you can, and be grateful for their investment in you. And then?” posits Wallace? “Pay it forward. Find someone to mentor yourself. Pour into others, and find people who are willing to pour into you. It’s the best real-world experience life has to offer, and there’s nothing you can’t learn if you belong to a village of people invested in one another’s well-being.”

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Cameron McCarty When Cameron McCarty was a kid, he, like so many others of his percentile, looked to the night sky in wonderment, mind alight, questions racing through his head. Unlike many of the other stargazers of his generation, one of his questions was, “Might there be a career up amongst the planets, moons, and stars for me?”

As it would turn out, yes, there was a career up there for McCarty: Operations Controller for NASA. “You know the folks in the film Apollo 13 with the headsets working with the crew?” McCarty asked. “That is essentially what I do.”

Stationed at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, McCarty monitors the dayto-day science conducted onboard the International Space Station, supervising astronaut activities to ensure they are doing their job safely and that they stay on schedule. When issues arise, McCarty is who they call on the ground to come up with solutions. “It’s really cool, pretty much a dream job for me.”

In a way, that dream began at CSU — but earlier than you might imagine.

“I’ve always been interested in space and science and working for NASA, but I think my interest in astronomy specifically came from the telescope nights conducted at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center,” said McCarty. “I went to tons of those as a kid, and that’s really what helped spark that interest. It made me realize that astronomy was not just a “pie in the sky” thing (pun intended), but also a tangible and meaningful career opportunity for me.”

While studying astronomy and astrophysics for his degree in Earth and Space Sciences, McCarty worked at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center. He credits a CSU internship at the CocaCola Space Science Center for helping transform his early aspirations into inspiration and knowledge. “There’s nothing that can truly prepare you for the space station,” McCarty confesses.

“But during my internship with the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, I got

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Cameron McCarty

real-time, real-world experience. I got to repair exhibits and displays on the fly, which really helped improve my critical thinking skills. It helped that ability to think on your feet and fix any problem that comes your way.”

Working at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center also helped improve McCarty’s communication skills, skills that are so mission critical in his role as NASA Operations Manager. “Working at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center helped me open up and be able to talk to anyone. I think one of the core

aspects of any job, any career, is being able to explain things to someone very young. I firmly believe that if you can’t explain something to a 4- or 5-year-old, you don’t truly understand it yourself.

While at CSU, I got to go into classrooms and teach about space and science and technology. Mentoring helped me better understand the core concepts to be able to boil those down.”

McCarty graduated CSU in 2014 with a degree in Earth and Space Sciences before moving on to the University of Tennessee to earn his

Master’s in Planetary Geology in 2018.

Despite a full work schedule at NASA, Cameron keeps a line of communication open back home corresponding with favorite professors, reading the departmental newsletter and browsing the CSU website. Recently he was able to return to Columbus in a professional capacity, mentoring students at two of his favorite institutions.

“The other weekend the Springer Opera House, who I was also heavily involved with as a student, teamed up with the Coca-Cola Space Science Center on a “Theatre for the Very Young” production. I was invited to attend and introduce the show and be an advocate as a graduate of both the Springer Academy and the Space Science Center. It was a wonderful opportunity to ‘give back’ to organizations that inspired me and gave me so much.”

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FEATURE

world-renowned companies. She spent Simisola Adeleye the summer of 2017 interning with Simisola Adeleye chose CSU for many Aramark, in which she dealt in client reasons. She was drawn to the class sizes, relations, created order lists, supplied the plethora of majors to choose from, and serviced the account weekly, gained the dorm styles. She loved going downexperience in project and account mantown to the RiverPark campus, was imagement, and worked with Excel to pressed with the transportation system, analyze customer data. She then spent and what wasn’t on the route was within a year with Amazon as a Prime Student walking distance, so no car was needed.

Ambassador, during which time she But that’s not to say there were no pitcreated brand content on social mefalls. “Coming into CSU, I was happy to dia platforms, including Instagram and be far away from home, but I didn’t take Facebook; planned and executed workmy actual college career into considershops and career development opportuation, so I made a lot of mistakes,” adnities for students on campus; increased mitted Adeleye. “College is not like high knowledge and sales of Amazon on camschool; you cannot just get by or you’ll pus to utilize the benefits of Prime; and slip through the cracks.” managed Amazon swag inventory and From early on, Adeleye’s time at CSU vendor items. was a study in mentorship. Early on, she Upon graduating with a Bachelor of joined the women in technology chapter Business Administration from CSU’s on campus and was afforded the opporTurner College of Business in 2019, tunity to meet with many mentors. The she began pursuing her Master’s in chapter even embarked on several visits Cybersecurity and jumpstarted her cato Atlanta to tour tech companies with reer at IBM as a Business Transformation the express purpose of Consultant. She networked network with leadership.

Today, I’m a her way into an internship There were resumé workproud graduate with McAfee LLC last shops, workshops to learn of Columbus State summer as a Supply Chain/ and teach different techniUniversity Turner Procurement Analyst. “My cal skills. There also were College of Business. project was to help my opportunities to work as What gave me team create contract workstudent assistants at the confidence was spaces and organize files university advancement knowing that I was for their different supplioffice. Adeleye appreciated fully equipped ers, because of the new EU this opportunity, as it alto hold relevant law on data protection and lowed her to connect with privacy under the regulaconversations, and I alumni over the phone. “It tion of the General Data was just as qualified was unique because you Regulation,” to be in the room and Protection can ask if they had any adshow my knowledge. explained Adeleye, “and I vice for current CSU stuThis confidence came also worked with cross-ordents,” said Adeleye. “This ganizational teams to solve from the education I part of the conversation problems and drive supply received from CSU. always gave me a lot of chain solutions.”

Simisola Adeleye insight on things to focus Adeleye has the eduon as a student and things cation and experience to to look forward to after stand in front of any audigraduation. The common advice was, ence and command the room, but it took ‘Don’t give up, and leverage your time in a lot of hard work and determination to school by networking with professors and get there. And a lot of guidance from students.’” mentors. “Whenever I went to different Through networking with teachconferences or stepped foot into an iners, Adeleye was able to land a numterview, some moments, I felt imposter ber of high-profile internships with syndrome from coming from a small

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Simisola Adeleye

school, compared to other students from big schools,” Adeleye admitted. “Today, I’m a proud graduate of Columbus State University Turner College of Business.

What gave me confidence was knowing that I was fully equipped to hold relevant conversations, and I was just as qualified to be in the room and show my knowledge. This confidence came from the education I received from CSU.” And now, the mentor has become the mentee. When asked what advice she would give to someone just starting out on his or her academic journey, her passion for mentorship is palpable. “Start finding conferences and internships to do in your field, it’ll allow you to learn the different job opportunities and help you develop your likes and dislikes, which will help you further in your career after school,” Adeleye says. “Freshman year is not too early! Make sure you are connecting with professors because soon you’ll need recommendation letters and people to vouch for you. Have fun, create longlasting memories, put yourself out there, join clubs, run for homecoming, spend all night in the library, self-care, develop your vision for the future, start trying to be the person you’ve always wanted to be, go to that party, don’t take that zero on the paper. Be a good steward.”

All alumni are ambassadors of CSU. How does your time as a Cougar encourage you to change the lives of the people you meet and make a difference in the world? Share your story with us at ur@columbusstate.edu.

ALUMNI Q&A

ALUMNI Q&A WITH CAROLINE MOYER

by JOSH BECKER

A number of your family members have degrees from CSU. How did that influence your decision to pursue your degree here?

I looked at all the schools my family had connections with and weighed the pros and cons of each to find out what was the best fit for me. The campus has grown so much from when my mom graduated in 1986, but she was still able to take me on a tour. I loved that it was a large university but still had a hometown feel to it.

Is homecoming a big deal for your family?

My family loves Homecoming Week!

I like walking past the decorated store windows in Uptown Columbus during Homecoming Week. While I was in college, my parents came to watch my sister and I in the parade. Now that we are both post grad, we enjoy watching the annual firework show together.

2019. I am responsible for managing a portfolio of high-net-worth clients and developing new Private Wealth Management relationships. I assist with banking and lending services from opening deposit accounts to submitting and closing loans. I am currently studying for the Series 7 Exam to obtain a license to sell securities.

First Thursday, Alumni Day at the Braves, and Evening at the Bo have provided me settings to network, build new relationships, and make new memories with college friends.

You’re still involved with CSU on the Young Alumni Council. What are the benefits of staying involved with CSU?

There are many opportunities for everyone at CSU. I would encourage prospective students to take a tour of both campuses and see all the exciting things CSU offers and get a feel for the sense of community and spirit that flows through campus. CSU is one of the many things that makes Columbus special. College is what you make of it, and I couldn’t imagine spending my college years anywhere else!

I was very involved on campus throughout my college years participating in Greek Life and various other student organizations. The Young Alumni Council presented the perfect opportunity for me to stay connected with CSU as I transitioned into a new chapter of post-grad life. Events like

What advice would you give to prospective CSU students that are thinking about pursuing a higher education at CSU?

Photo courtesy of Lindsey Negard Photography

How did your experiences here at CSU help prepare you for your career at Synovus?

One of the greatest opportunities I had at CSU was being able to gain real-world experience while still in college. I was able to take what I had learned in my business courses and apply it in a real-life business setting at Synovus. My summer internship for college credit turned into a full-time job opportunity.

You’ve taken on a new role at Synovus recently. What does that entail and what type of work do you do?

I joined Private Wealth Banking in July

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