College of Arts and Sciences 2019 Advisory Board

College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board 2019

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES ADVISORY BOARD | 2

College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board 2019

Mr. Archer retires from KaMin LLC at the end of 2019 with over 30 years of combined experience in the kaolin industry. Prior to his election as President in 2011, Archer served as KaMin’s Vice President of Operations for three years. He also has experience in the roles of Director of Operations, Plant Manager, and Production Manager at KaMin’s original owner, JM Huber Corp. In addition to his longstanding history with KaMin & J.M. Huber, Archer served as Production Manager, Quality Manager, Productivity Improvement Team Member, and Quality Engineer for ECC International (a former kaolin company).

Harlan T. Archer !

Spouse: Lori 321 Aylesbury Lane Sandersville, GA 31082-9109 (C) 678-848-4055 harlan.archer@kaminllc.com

Archer received a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Georgia College and State University, where he earned the MBA Graduate of the Year award. In addition, he completed Emory’s Goizueta Business School Mini-MBA program and earned his Quality Engineer certification from the American Society for Quality Control.

Archer has previously served as the President of the Georgia Mining Association, President of the Georgia Mining Foundation, President of the China Clay Producers Association and Chairman of Washington County Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Archer was selected as the Georgia Miner of the Year (2010), inducted into the Georgia College & State University Business School Hall of Fame (2017), and received Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia Mining Association (2018).

KaMin mines and beneficiates kaolin in middle Georgia and northern Brazil. Kaolin is a white clay which is used in the paper, paint, rubber, plastics, inks, ceramics and various other industrial applications.

Archer is married to Lori Wiggins Archer of Sandersville, GA, and they have seven kids and seven grandchildren.

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Thomas F. Armstrong Spouse: Jan P.O. Box 2238 Davidson, NC 28036 (H) 704-237-3747 (H) 828-926-7625 (C) 423-368-1063 tarmstrong79@charter.net

Robert Buckley Spouse: Sarah

Dr. Armstrong is from Colorado. After completing his formal education at the University of Colorado (BA, MA) and the University of Virginia (Ph.D.), he spent his career as a professor of history and as an academic administrator, having served at Georgia College (dean), Francis Marion University (vice president), Texas Wesleyan University (provost and senior vice president), Tennessee Wesleyan College (president) and Louisiana State University-Alexandria (provost and vice chancellor).

Over the course of a 39-year career as a faculty member and an academic administrator, Armstrong has published 35 articles, encyclopedia contributions or other essays, more than 200 book reviews and made a number of conference presentations. He is a former president of the Georgia Association of Historians and served on the Georgia Historical Society and the Georgia Endowment for the Humanities boards. Active in international quality assurance, Armstrong has served on numerous accreditation teams on behalf of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and, in 2007, received an award for Meritorious Service from the Southern Association. Armstrong recently retired as commissioner and associate director for the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the United Arab Emirates. He was based in Abu Dhabi, but worked with all of the Emirates in fostering accreditation and quality assurance in this still developing higher education sector of one of the most dynamic new countries in the Middle East. Active in community organizations, he was most recently president of the Rotary Club of Alexandria, Louisiana, a member of the Board of Directors for the Rapides Regional Medical Center, on the board of the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce and president of the Arts Council of Central Louisiana. The activities in Louisiana paralleled those in other communities where he lived and worked. In retirement, Tom and his wife Jan divide time between Davidson and Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Tom and Jan's daughter and son-in-law live in Davidson with their children, Jacob (13), Colby (10) and Halle (6).

Mr. Buckley is a community planner at the Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration. He graduated from Georgia College in 2007 with a major in economics, and minors in Spanish and political science. He earned his master’s degree from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2010 in city and regional planning. While a student at Georgia College, he was involved with student government and the Campus Activities Board. He enjoys running, hiking, kickball and reading.

3934 Captain Dr Chamblee, GA 30341-1808 (C) 770-335-4391 rfbuckley@gmail.com Ms. Buckley is campaign manager for the fundraising consulting firm, Coxe, Curry and Associates. She graduated from Georgia College in 2007, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communication and minors in Spanish and rhetoric. She earned her Master of Public Administration from University of Georgia in 2012. While at Georgia College she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and was involved with the Campus Activities Board. Since graduation, she has participated in the GC MSCM Mentorship Program. She is a member of the Young Nonprofit Professional Network, the Junior League of Atlanta and volunteers for Back on My Feet.

Sarah Buckley Spouse: Robert 3934 Captain Dr Chamblee, GA 30341-1808 (C) 770-335-4391 buckley.saraht@gmail.com

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Erik Chambers is senior associate family law attorney with the Holland Roddenbery, LLC where he practices family law. He graduated from Georgia College 2008, earning his Bachelors of Arts degree in psychology with a minor in Spanish. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Georgia School of Law. While at Georgia College he served on the Student Ambassador Team and Student Judicial Board. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa, Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society and earned the Resident Assistant of the Year Award. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Loganville, Georgia, with their two children: Caleb and Asher.

Erik Chambers Spouse: Hannah 3237 Hollowstone Drive Loganville, GA 30052 (C) 770-891-5329 erik@hollandroddenbery.com

Barry Darugar Spouse: Debbie 104 Knollwood Ct Eatonton, GA 31024-5422 (H) 706-485-8492 (C) 706-473-0697 barrydarugar@plantationcable.net

Dr. Darugar, a retired general and vascular surgeon, was born in Iran and graduated summa cum laude from Tehran University School of Medicine in 1959. Receiving a scholarship to further his studies in the United States, he chose to complete his studies at Emory University where he later served as a chief resident in surgery in 1965. He became a diplomat of the American College of Surgeons in 1966. He retired from his successful medical career in 2002, which gave him an opportunity to pursue his dream of becoming a professional writer. He completed the Master of Fine Arts Program at GC, graduating in 2005. Several of his articles and poems have been published in various national journals such as “Medical Economics”, “Touchstone” (Kansas State University), “Colere” (Coe College, Iowa) and” World Order”, as well as “The Peacock’s Feet” at GC and “The Reach of Song 2013” anthology. To acknowledge his literary achievements and to thank him for the honor and recognition that his writings have brought the Creative Writing Program and the university, Georgia College recognized him with the 2006 recent graduate of the year award. The excellence of his work has also been recognized outside the university.

He was the first place winner of the Georgia Poetry Society contest in 2012 and first place winner of the Georgia Writers Museum creative writing contest in 2013. His first book, “Out Of Iran” (a memoir based on his MFA thesis), was published in 2014 by Wheatmark Publishing in Tucson, Arizona and was a finalist in the 2015 Georgia Author of the Year Awards. He and his wife Debbie and two Shiatsu dogs, Precious and Bella, live on Lake Oconee. He has three children and five grandchildren.

Mrs. Carolyn Warnell Downs is a retired educator from Bryan County Board of Education. She graduated from Georgia College in 1973, earning a degree in History.

Mrs. Downs earned her Master of Education degree in 1986 and Education Specialist degree in 1989 from Georgia Southern University. She serves as the president of board of directors for Guido Ministries in Metter, Georgia, is a member of Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, Georgia, and Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. She is also a volunteer for the American Red Cross. She lives in Pembroke, Georgia, with her husband, William “Billy" and enjoys travel, reading and baking.

Mrs. Carolyn Downs Spouse: William “Billy” PO Box 986 Pembroke, GA 31321-0986 (H) 912-658-4600 (C) 912-858-4686 carolynwdowns@yahoo.com

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Joe Dent is a native of Fort Valley, Georgia, and received a B.S. in political science and public administration from Georgia College in 1988 and his J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1991.

Joe Dent Spouse: Amy PO Box 2008 Albany, GA 31702-2008 (O) 229-436-1545 (C) 229-395-3698 jdent@watsonspence.com annacfontaine@gmail.com

Mr. Dent practices law in the areas of insurance defense/personal injury, collections/bankruptcy, zoning and land use, and real estate and business litigation.

He is also a certified mediator available for mediation of cases throughout Georgia.

During his career, Joe has represented insurance companies, common carriers, developers, property management companies, property owners, contractors, subcontractors, materialmen, homeowner's associations, banks and lending institutions and various other businesses. He has handled the prosecution and defense of tort cases involving catastrophic injury or death, as well as appeals in the Georgia Court of Appeals and the Georgia Supreme Court. Joe practices in both the state and federal courts of Georgia as well as appearing before zoning committees and city, county and state governmental bodies on land use and ad valorem tax issues.

An active participant in legal organizations, Joe currently serves on the Board of Governors and has served on the Executive Committee of the State Bar of Georgia, and is a past president of the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar. He served on the Investigative Panel of the State Bar of Georgia Disciplinary Board and was chair from 2009-2010. He has also held leadership positions in the Section of Litigation and in the Torts Trial and Insurance Practice Section of the American Bar Association. Joe is also a member of the Dougherty Circuit Bar Association.

Joe is active in the community as a Trustee on the Board of Girls Incorporated of Albany, as a member of the Artesian Sertoma Club, as a member of Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church and as a regular volunteer in fundraisers for various local charitable organizations.

Dr. John F. “Jay” Harrington is a resident of Milledgeville where he has maintained a private practice in general dentistry since 1987. He received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Georgia College in 1979, and his dental degree was received from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1984. Dr. Harrington entered the United States Air Force and completed a General Practice Residency at Langley AFB, VA in 1985. He continued his military service in the Georgia Army National Guard and retired with over 20 years of combined service.

Jay Harrington Spouse: Jean 274 Nelson Rd NW Milledgeville, GA 31061-9787 (H) 478- 932-0131 (C) 478-456-5900 harmolar@windstream.net

Jay has served his profession in many ways. He is a past president of the Central District Dental Society, past president of the Georgia Dental Association (GDA) and past president of the Georgia Academy of Dental Practice. He is the current speaker of the GDA’s House of Delegates.

In addition to his state work, he has been involved at the national level as well. He is a delegate to the American Dental Association’s (ADA) House of Delegates and a past member of the ADA’s Council on Government Affairs. In October 2017, he will begin a four-year term as trustee to the ADA representing Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.

He has served his community where for six years he was chairman of Milledgeville Main Street and the Downtown Development Authority. He currently serves as a director on the Board of Exchange Bank and is the chairman of its Audit Committee.

He and his wife, Jean, live on an old family farm. They enjoy sports, travel, the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

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Mr. Howard is an agent for Bennett International Group in McDonough, Georgia. He has specialized in transportation for the Aerospace Industry for the last 20-plus years, coordinating the movement of expedited and oversized shipments for a major US aerospace company.

He earned a BS in Biology from University of Georgia in 1973 and graduated from Georgia College in 1977 with a M.S. degree in Biology with a field of study in Fish Parasitology. While at Georgia College, he served as graduate assistant in the Biology Department and as dorm director at Beeson Hall.

Nolen Howard Spouse: Penny 404 Joe Chambers Rd Forsyth, GA 31029 (C) 478-993-7126 nolenhoward@bellsouth.net

Nolen taught high school biology in his hometown of Forsyth and freshman biology at Tift College. He eventually left teaching to follow in his father’s footsteps in the transportation industry.

A sixth-generation Monroe Countian, he has been active in the community, being a member of various clubs and civic organizations, including serving as county commissioner and statistician for Mary Persons High School Football since 1976.

Nolen returned to education as a member of the Monroe County Board of Education in 1992 and has served on the board for 25 years.

He has three children and two grandchildren.

Mrs. Keipper is a sales specialist with Philips Medical. She graduated from Georgia College in 1982, earning her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. While at Georgia College, she served on the Presidential Selection Committee and was active with the Wesley Foundation. She is member and past president of Northview Athletic Association and past president of her homeowners’ association. She has two daughters: Rebecca, age 20, and Rachal, age 18, enrolled at the University of Georgia.

Nan Keipper Spouse: Doug 1602 Vintage Club Drive Greensboro, GA 30097 (C) 770-241-3205 Nkiepper@gmail.com

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Mrs. Nan Dowlen Lee Spouse: James 4113 Lake Summit Court McDonough, GA 30253 (H) 678-432-9918 (C) 770-712-7797 nandlee@charter.net

Mrs. Nan Dowlen Lee of Fitzgerald, Georgia, has resided in McDonough, Georgia, since 1998. She is not retired, but has “retreaded” as a substitute teacher for the Henry County School System. Mrs. Lee graduated from Georgia College (The Woman’s College of Georgia) in 1964, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education-Voice major, Piano minor. While attending The Woman’s College she was a junior advisor, vice-president of her senior class, president of the A Cappella Choir, president of the Allegro Club and a post-graduate member of the prestigious Sigma Alpha Iota, International Music Fraternity. After graduation she represented Georgia College Alumni Association as Eighth District director and has been a member of the President’s Circle. Lee presently volunteers as church pianist for the McDonough First United Methodist Church and is a Certified Lay Servant (having served many years as a Lay Delegate to Annual Conference). She is a past board member of the Henry County United Way, the Greater Henry County Education Foundation, the Metro South Economic Development Association, the Festival Ballet, the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and Ambassador for the Chick-fil-a Children’s Charity Golf Tournament . She also founded the McDonough Arts Council in 2005.

Nan’s vocational career has included teaching in Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County Schools, serving as chairman of the Fitzgerald City School Board, Director of Main Street Fitzgerald (serving as president of the Georgia Main Street Association), president/CEO of the Ashburn-Turner County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development, president/CEO of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, executive director of the Georgia Rural Health Association, and economic development director for the City of McDonough, Georgia.

Nan is a graduate of the Georgia Academy of Economic Development, the Georgia Institute of Technology of Economic Development Leadership (class representative), The University of Georgia (UGA) Downtown Development Authority Training Certificate, post-graduate studies at Valdosta University, UGA Institute for Organizational Management (five-year course of study), Leadership Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County, Leadership Turner County , Leadership Henry County and Georgia Institute of Technology Center for Economic Development Services Advisory Council.

Other professional involvements: Legacy of Leadership Award – Georgia Senate Chamber, 2010; UGA Institute for Organizational Management – Board of Regents; Georgia School Board Association Positions Committee; Community Leaders of America-nominated by The Woman’s College of Georgia (Georgia College); Outstanding Young Women of America and Rotary Clubs of Turner and Henry Counties.

Nan and James have two daughters: Lucy Dowlen Lee Batchelor, first grade teacher, of Boston, Massachusetts. Her husband, Dr. Tracy Batchelor (neuro-oncologist), practices out of Massachusetts General and serves on Harvard’s Medical School Faculty. They have two children: Adam attends Belmont Hill School, Belmont, Massachusetts , Emily attends Phillips Andover, Andover, Massachusetts; Molly Prichitt Lee Weathington and her husband, Paul E. Weathington, are both attorneys with the Weathington Smith Law Firm, Atlanta, Georgia. They have two children: Paul E. Weathington, Jr. attends Westminster and Katherine attends Woodward Academy.

Maidana K. Nunn Spouse: Pierce 186 Youngblood Rd SE Milledgeville, GA 31061-4347 478-452-0147

Dr. Nunn is a retired psychiatric nurse from Central State Hospital who taught nursing students in the field of psychiatry. She graduated from Georgia College, then Georgia State College for Women (GSCW), in 1957 earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in social science. She earned the Bachelor of nursing education degree from the Medical College of Georgia, School of Nursing, in 1958; the Master of Science from the University of Maryland, School in Nursing, in 1963; and the Doctorate of Nursing Science degree from Boston University, School of Nursing in 1971. She joined the United States Air Force Reserves in 1971 and, after serving 21 years, retired in 1992 at the rank of colonel. She has served as board chairman of Meals on Wheels and in volunteer positons at Georgia War Veterans Home and Blandy Hills Elementary School.

Since her time as a GSCW student, she has treasured the arts and culture provided by her alma mater and is deeply involved with the Georgia College Music program.

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Rickey E. Smith is an environmental compliance professional, most recently serving as the Environmental Laboratory Services Manager for Georgia Power Company’s Environmental Laboratory in Smyrna, Georgia. He graduated from Georgia College in 1987, earning his Bachelors of Science in Chemistry. While at Georgia College he was a founding member of the Mu Psi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and he served as their first president. In 1988, he began his Southern Company career as a chemist at Georgia Power’s Plant Vogtle. During his 28-year career, Rickey worked in several entities with in the Southern Company family including Southern Company Services, Mississippi Power, Georgia Power and Southern Nuclear.

Rickey E. Smith Spouse: Natalie 4586 Wigley Estates Rd Marietta, GA 30066-2406 (C) 770-608-2433 pgsmith36@bellsouth.net

Stephen (Steve) V. Skalko, P.E. Spouse: Jane

His other professional and civic involvements include: board member - Institute for Georgia’s Environmental Leaders; Chairman’s Club member of the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce; board member – Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation member – EPRI - Power Plant & Environmental Chemist Committee.

Rickey is married to the former Natalie Davis, also a Georgia College graduate. Natalie earned her B.S. in Nursing in 1987. Rickey and Natalie reside in Marietta Georgia with their two children, Rickey Jr. and Sydney Christina.

Mr. Skalko is the owner and principal of Stephen V. Skalko, P.E. and Associates, L.L.C., an engineering consulting firm specializing in building and fire safety aspects of building design and construction. He graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1975 earning a Bachelor’s of civil engineering degree. He earned his Master of Science in Administration with major in Public Administration from Georgia College in 1978. He is past president and current member of Board of Directors, Middle Georgia Chapter of the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE) and is past member of the Georgia State GSPE Board. He is a past member and chair of the American Cancer Society, Bibb County. He is chair of the finance committee, and past chair of Trustees of the Forest Hills United Methodist Church and present member of 40th Reunion Planning Committee (Georgia Institute of Technology). He has two grown children and enjoys golfing and fishing.

128 Summerfield Dr Macon, GA 31210-3087 (H) 478-477-5028 (C) 478-731-4321 svskalko@cox.net

Emily Beth Thompson

205 Lancelot Way, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 (H) 770-995-8740 (C) 404-372-7930 ebeththompson@charter.net

Ms. Thompson is a retired Gwinnett County Public School Librarian and Media Specialist. She currently works part time for Gwinnett County Public Libraries. She graduated from Georgia College in 1973, earning a degree in English. She earned her Master of Education degree in 1973 and her Education Specialist degree in 1994 from the University of Georgia. She is a graduate of the Leadership Gwinnett Program, Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce. She currently serves as the scholarship chair of Gwinnett County Retired Educators Association. She has held numerous executive leadership positions including: president, Georgia Disciples Women; Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); executive committee member, Regional Board, Christian Church in Georgia; president, Gwinnett Democratic Women; district chair, Georgia Federation of Democratic Women; treasurer, Democrats of Gwinnett PAC; president, Board of Directors, Gwinnett County Seat Players Community Theatre founding member; and Executive Board and managing director, Theatre Gwinnett. She has served in leadership positions for the Gwinnett County American Red Cross Board, 21st Century Leaders Volunteer Center program; Collins Hill High School Volunteer Center and Lawrenceville Kiwanis Club. She enjoys genealogy, theatre, art, photography, gardening and writing.

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A native of Bryan County, Mary Virginia Warnell was born in Groveland, Georgia, a community in northwest Bryan County. She attended elementary school and high school in Pembroke, graduating with honors from Bryan County High School.

In 1971, she received a BS degree in Home Economics from Georgia College in Milledgeville. A member of Phi Upsilon Omicron honorary society, she was named Outstanding Home Economics Alumna for Georgia College in 1982.

Mary V. Warnell

PO Box 1737 Pembroke, GA 31321-1737 (H) 912-653-2244 marywarnell@g-net.net

Mary was employed 24 years by the Dairy Council in Atlanta, providing nutrition education workshops to teachers, school food service staff and health professionals throughout metro Atlanta and north Georgia. Later, she was named nutrition education director for the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association where she coordinated the nutrition education program for nine southeastern states and served as liaison for program development and evaluation with the National Dairy Council in Chicago.

During her professional career, Mary served in many state leadership roles including president of the Georgia Home Economics Association (GHEA), the Georgia Business Section of GHEA, and the Georgia Nutrition Council. She was presented the Award of Excellence by the Georgia Nutrition Council in 1996 and was named Georgia’s Outstanding Home Economist in Business in 1985 and 1991. She served as president of the Bryan County United Way Board of Directors and served for six years as the president of the North Bryan Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in developing the Shop North Bryan First (SNBF) program.

Following the footsteps of her grandfather, D.B. Warnell, and her father, Charles F. Warnell, she chose to volunteer her services through her work as an elected official.

Mary served two, four-year terms on the Bryan County Board of Education from 2003 – 2010 and was the third generation of the Warnell family to represent Pembroke on the Bryan County Board of Education. She also served as mayor of the City of Pembroke from 2012 – 2015.

Mary currently serves as vice chairman on the board of directors of Savannah Technical College, is a board member of the Bryan County Farm Bureau, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Coastal Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm where she received her Master Gardener certification. She is a member of Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, Georgia.

Mary has completed Leadership Bryan, Georgia Academy for Economic Development and received a certificate of achievement through the Georgia Municipal Association.

She resides in Pembroke and is employed with her family as Treasurer of Groveland Farms, Inc. and Warnell Timber & Land, LP. Dr. Thomas Wells is an internal medicine specialist with Piedmont Athens Regional, also serving as Regional Medical Director for Quality and Population Health for the Piedmont Clinic and Assistant Professor of Medicine with Augusta University. He graduated from Georgia College in 1990, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry. While at Georgia College he was a member of the Beta Beta Beta Biology Honors Society. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1994, and was elected as a Fellow of the American College of Physicians in 2016.

Thomas W. Wells, M.D., F.A.C.P. Spouse: Amy (H) 706-310-0967 (C) 706-207-1123 Thomas.Wells@Piedmont.org

He has served a member of the Board of Trustees of Prince Avenue Christian School, scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America, volunteer physician for Prince Avenue Christian School and Varsity Football, and Mercy Clinic, and he is active member of Prince Avenue Baptist Church.

His wife Amy attended Georgia College from 1991-1994. He and his wife, Amy, live in Athens, Georgia, with their four sons: Wesley, Luke, Tanner and Zach.

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College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board 04/2019