Connection Magazine Fall 2019

Contents FALL 2019 | CONNECTION

12

10

14

22

32

Features

4 10 12 14 18 20 22 24 32 34 Up Front

Feature Story

Alumni Profile

Cover Story

Weekend of Welcome

Athletics

Student Profile

Faculty Profile

AAAC Cookout

Class Notes and Deceased List

Co n nec ti on See more Weekend of Welcome photos on page 22.

FALL 2019 Vol. XXVIII, No. 3 Copyright 2019.

All rights reserved.

Published by University Communications.

231 W. Hancock St. Milledgeville, GA 31061

President Steve Dorman Vice President for University Advancement Monica Delisa Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications Omar Odeh Editor/Director of Marketing and Publications Victoria Fowler, ‘12 Writers Margaret Brown, ‘19 Brittiny Johnson, ‘15 Anna Gay Leavitt Cindy O’Donnell Aubrie L. Sofala, ‘12, ’16 Al Weston Design Brooks Hinton Photography Anna Gay Leavitt Aubrie L. Sofala, ’12, ’16 Chris Greer Please send change of address and class notes to: University Advancement Campus Box 96 Milledgeville, GA 31061 connection@gcsu.edu

No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information be excluded from employment or participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination, under any program or activity conducted by Georgia College.

up front

Second GC Gives Day brings more volunteers and good to the community Nearly 2,000 volunteers took part in the second annual GC Gives

community,” said Kendall Stiles, senior director for community

day. With more than 50 service sites across Milledgeville and

engagement.

Baldwin County, volunteers spent the morning of Saturday, Aug. 17 with their sleeves rolled up, working to help others.

“By doing this almost at the beginning, when they first arrive here on campus, they understand the importance of community

It's the largest day of service in the area, with Georgia College

engagement and giving back, and that it’s a part of our DNA

being the only local university that requires all incoming students

here. This is what it means to be part of Bobcat nation,” she said.

to take part in a group activity.

Volunteer work ranged from picking up trash at the Oconee River First-year students made up nearly 1,500 of the volunteers.

Greenway to helping clean animal cages at the local shelter to

Others were Georgia College faculty, staff members, alumni, and

beautification projects at the Life Enrichment Center (LEC) and

upper classmen as well as community members.

local churches.

“I think from Georgia College’s perspective, it’s a wonderful

During the three-hour timeframe, the volunteers made an

opportunity for our new students to engage and interact with

estimated $152,500 economic impact on the community.

community members and community partners as well as see the

connection magazine | 4 | alumni.gcsu.edu

First cohort of the Call Me MiSTER program graduates The May 2019 graduating class included the first cohort of the Call Me MiSTER Program. The program originated in South Carolina to encourage African-American males to become teachers. Georgia College has the first and only MiSTER program in the state.

Of the first group of students to begin the program in 2015, three graduated during the spring ceremony — Homer Jones, Brian Bowman, and Seabon Davis.

Under the leadership of Dr. Emmanuel Little, the program aims to increase diversity in the education field where only two percent of all teachers across the nation are African-American males.

“I think that Call Me MiSTER has brought about a desire to shift the paradigm of education,” says Little, “We talk all the time in

see, being the change agent, so to speak. And, I think, Call Me

diversity and inclusion circles about being the change you wish to

MiSTER is a very tangible representation of exactly what that is.”

GEORGIA COLLEGE INCREASES ECONOMIC IMPACT ON REGIONAL ECONOMY Georgia College increased its impact on the regional economy to more than $298 million for fiscal year 2018, according to a study commissioned by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. That’s up from $284 million the previous year.

According to the study, these benefits can be seen in both private and public sectors.

One example: for each job created on campus, there are 2.3 off-campus jobs that exist because of spending related to the college or university.

“There are several ways that the university

services Georgia College’s employees and

impact on the economy statewide. The

students purchase each year.”

institutions provided more than 168,000

impacts the economy,” said Johnny Grant,

full- and part-time jobs.

director of economic development and

The economic impact of the university

external relations at Georgia College.

extends to Baldwin, Bibb, Hancock,

The Selig Center for Economic Growth at

“The approximately 885 jobs on campus

Putnam, Wilkinson, Jones, and

the University of Georgia’s Terry College of

and the payroll associated with them is

Washington Counties.

Business analyzed data collected between

extremely important. In addition, it is

July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018 to

estimated that more than 2,200 jobs are

Overall, the 26 University System of

created off campus by the products and

Georgia institutions had a $17.7 billion connection magazine | 5 | alumni.gcsu.edu

determine the economic impact.

Chiller plant optimization project reaps significant energy savings

GEORGIA COLLEGE RECEIVES $2.7 MILLION GRANT TO AID IN GEORGIA’S RURAL HEALTH CARE CRISIS

Georgia College recently secured a $120,454 rebate check from Georgia Power and will see $65,000 in annual energy savings for its demand-flow sustainability initiative — the largest ever on campus to date.

“The best part of this rebate is that the funds will be used to support other sustainability projects, specifically, the installation of LED lighting at the intramural fields, which in turn will save Georgia College money by reducing the electric usage needed to light the fields,” said

Georgia ranks near the bottom of all

(HRSA) of the Department of Health

Mark Duclos, assistant vice president, Facilities

50 states for the number of primary

and Human Services to help combat

Management. “We will then receive another

care providers.

those numbers. This grant will help educate and train nurse practitioners

rebate from Georgia Power for the LED lights and that money will be used towards another

A total of 129 of Georgia’s 159

to work in rural areas as well as

sustainability project.”

counties are designated primary care

expand on the School of Nursing’s

health professional shortage areas

partnership with the Georgia

A team of eight Georgia College HVAC

(HSPA) by the Georgia Department of

Department of Public Health (DPH) to

technicians recently installed variable frequency

Community Health.

provide free education for Georgia’s public health nurses. Georgia College

drives (VFD) to reduce peak electrical demand.

The VFDs were installed on all central plant

“That means over 80 percent of

was the only university in the state to

chilled water pumps in the plant and buildings,

Georgia’s counties contain substantial

receive this grant.

condenser water pumps, and cooling tower fans

populations without a consistent

to optimize system operations.

source of primary care,” said Dr. Sallie

Current students in their final year of

Coke, professor of nursing. “There are

the nurse practitioner program will

“This project allows for better control of the

79 counties without an OB/GYN, 64

receive their tuition, books, and other

chiller plant and chilled water distribution,”

counties without a single pediatrician

expenses paid for, if they agree to

Duclos said. “Having control allows us to

— leaving nearly one million of

work in an underserved area in the

optimize the system and save energy. Without

Georgia’s children without primary

state.

proper control, it’s difficult to prevent the chiller

care services — and 78 counties

plant from making too much chilled water and

without a psychiatrist, according to a

Among other things, the 2019 ANEW

then pumping it around campus and back to the

2017 report from Georgia Board of

grant will also fully fund the education

plant still chilled. That process wastes a lot of

Physician Workforce.”

of 30 to 42 rural or medically

energy and requires constant manual

underserved DPH nurses who agree

intervention to prevent this from happening.

Georgia College recently received a

to continue to practice with the

The decision was made to optimize the plant to

$2.7 million, four-year grant from the

Department of Public Health after

save the energy and make it easier for our

Health Resources Service Agency

graduation over of the next four years.

technicians to operate the plant.” connection magazine | 6 | alumni.gcsu.edu

B R I N G I N G

L I F E

T O

L U M A :

Student innovators compete statewide

It started as an idea that took a team of

station that features five panels shaped as

two physics majors, a marketing major, and

petals. With the guidance from Assistant

a liberal studies major to bring it to life.

Professor of Physics Dr. Hasitha Mahabaduge, the charging station design

“We had some time, some parts, and we

was completed by Palmer and fellow May

just started throwing around the idea of

2019 graduate physics major Hani Sharif

what kind of proof of concept does

by the end of the fall 2018 semester.

Georgia College need, and what can we provide from the research lab that I work

Mahabaduge let Palmer know that Luma

in,” said Nick Palmer, May 2019 graduate.

could have further applications during the

The InVenture Prize is an interdisciplinary

“One day, we did an inventory of the lab

start of spring 2019 semester — namely

innovation competition that brings

and realized we had enough parts to build

the 2019 Georgia InVenture Prize. What

together students from across Georgia to

a basic charging station. So, the next day, I

was created as an educational tool to

compete for patents and prizes before a

asked, ‘Can I make it look like a flower?’”

engage campus on solar energy became

panel of three judges. Team Luma, made

an opportunity for Palmer to compile a

up of Palmer, Sharif, Erin Dickman, and

From there Luma was born, an 11-total-

team of GC’s best minds to turn Luma into

Abigail Quick, was one of 19 teams that

foot-tall, free-standing, solar charging

a marketable product.

were invited to compete in early April.

GC sends most students ever to present at National Conference on Undergraduate Research

(NCUR) in April 2019. Georgia College

previous three years when 47 students or

had the fourth-largest student

less presented their works at the national

representation at the conference.

event.

GC sponsored the most students ever —

Faculty presenters included: Drs. Tsu-

60 first-author presenters and 35 co-

Ming Chiang, Hasitha Mahabaduge, Kelly

authors, 10 of whom which delivered two

Massey, and Doreen “Dee” Sams.

Ninety Georgia College students presented their works at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research

presentations. That’s nearly double the connection magazine | 7 | alumni.gcsu.edu

“I pursued the Boren originally, purely, because I have wanderlust. It’s just this burning desire I’ve had ever since I can remember,” said Williams, a junior from Augusta.

Williams is the second Georgia College student to win this prestigious honor.

David Williams has an intense desire to travel and wants to be a leader worldwide, helping underdeveloped populations thrive

Williams’ $26,000 award covers tuition, insurance, cost of living,

economically.

transportation, and his flight. He first studied Swahili in the African Flagship Language Institute at the University of Florida in

That led him to apply for the Boren Scholarship, a nationally-

Gainesville during the summer of 2019. In September, he

competitive award given to highly-motivated undergraduates

continued his language study at the American Councils for

willing to learn less-studied languages, immerse themselves in a

International Education in Tanzania, and this will be followed by

different culture, and, ultimately, work in federal national

an internship there.

security.

connection magazine | 8 | alumni.gcsu.edu

Seven science and math students conducted research in U.S. and abroad Georgia College students continue to attract attention for their

computer modeling to see how fires spread, and it uses matches

skills, teamwork ability, and experience with research. Seven

as trees.

physics, chemistry, and mathematics students have completed REUs (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) through the

Senior chemistry major Nicola Bauer spent her summer at

National Science Foundation (NSF). They worked on diverse and

Georgia State University working to design drugs that target

far-reaching research this summer.

cancer and inflammatory diseases. This research also explored into chemical education.

Senior Cain Gantt, who’s double majoring in physics and mathematics, spent the summer at the University of Florida’s

Kasey Green, sophomore, completed an REU at the University of

International REU program in Gravitational Physics, which

Pittsburg in Pennsylvania. The program was called “Particle-

exposes students to the rigors of research in an international

based Functional Materials” and included the study of minute

setting.

particles that perform specific functions like material selfhealing, controlled delivery of therapeutics, ‘smart’ catalysis, and

Senior James Fortwengler, double major in chemistry and math,

particle separation.

worked at the University of Connecticut in Mansfield exploring desalination of water using graphene, a form of carbon. His

Carine Seudieu, senior majoring in chemistry, was also at

research looked for more efficient ways to rid water of salt and

Georgia State University where she studied Influenza Virus (IFV)

minerals.

proteins and how they recombine into severe infections.

Senior Samuel “Bo” Cavender, physics major, completed an REU

Senior chemistry major Ann Margaret Irvin completed the Smart

on “modeling the propagation of forest fires on hills” at the

Polymer REU at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

College of Wooster in Ohio. The project involved using

connection magazine | 9 | alumni.gcsu.edu

feature story

LEARNING FROM THE BEST Finding affirmation, best practices in Finland Finland stands as one of the regularly top-performing countries

programs to better inform our work,” said Dr. Holley Roberts,

in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), an

interim associate dean of the John H. Lounsbury College of

exam given to 15-year-olds in 72 countries every three years. In

Education.

the latest ranking in 2015, the country landed a top 10 score in averages of math, reading, and science.

The College of Education split the selected members to go in two trips: the first would be focused on teacher education, and

In an effort to understand how the Finnish system reaches such

the second would focus on educational leadership, literacy,

high academic achievement, many of the John H. Lounsbury

and diversity. The first trip was in fall 2018, followed by the

faculty members read, “The Smartest Kids in the World and

second during the spring semester 2019.

How they Got that Way,” by Amanda Ripley, which explores three different educational systems, including the Finnish

“Everywhere we went in Finland, there was an obvious respect

educational system. So, when the opportunity presented itself

for childhood and children,” said Roberts. “Whether we were

to witness Finnish educators in action, College of Education

on a train, at a restaurant, or in a public space, there was

faculty took advantage of the opportunity through a

always a place for a child to be a child.”

partnership with SMART Education Exchange.

A special reverence for children and childhood throughout the “President Dorman and Dean Peters visited universities in

Finnish culture can be seen in many ways. There are ample

Finland through SMART Education Exchange in 2018 and Dr.

playgrounds, play spaces in restaurants, training toilets in

Peters suggested that we explore ways in which Finnish

restrooms, and even a separate commuter train car devoted

universities implement teacher and leader preparation

for children and play. In schools, after every 45 minutes of

connection magazine | 10 | alumni.gcsu.edu

Like Hunt, Roberts also said the way in which Finland prepares their teachers affirmed some of the principles and methods that guide how the College of Education prepares students today.

“It gave me a deeper appreciation of why we do things the way we do,” said Roberts. “We have a significant field-based component to our teacher education program. It gives students that time to develop in practice along with what they learn in the classroom. That was reaffirmed in Finland.”

Roberts acknowledged that societal, political, and economic circumstances in the U.S. and Finland differ. What works for one cannot be simply transferred over to another country seamlessly. However, she’s hopeful that the instruction, students are given 15 minutes of play

educational landscape of the U.S. is moving in

where they break to go outside. Kindergartners

the right direction.

are given developmentally-appropriate roles like serving themselves in a buffet line during lunch.

“I do see a shift happening where teachers are speaking out and feeling more like they are

“We talked to teachers and teacher educators,

being acknowledged for their knowledge and

and what we learned affirmed what we know –

skills,” said Roberts. “I think the momentum in

children should be given the opportunity to

reducing the amount of standardized testing that

explore learning rather than being taught by

is happening is one solid indicator of that.”

rote memorization. Teachers act as facilitators and students and teachers take responsibility for

For Hunt, the Finland experience was not just an

the learning that occurs,” said Roberts. “The

opportunity to glean how revered education as a

learning process is treated with great respect.

profession is on the worldwide stage, but it was

The school buildings are built with learning in

a chance to see up close that learning, even for

mind.”

educators, is a life-long endeavor.

Katherine Hunt, who received her undergraduate

“I was so fortunate to go on this trip. Even if I

and master’s degrees in early childhood

had gone on my own, I wouldn’t have had the

education from Georgia College, attended the

same experience I did with the College of

experience in Finland. One of the overwhelming

Education,” said Hunt. “Being able to go with

aspects of that experience was seeing how the

professors in the college and seeing that they

Finnish respected the teaching profession.

are still doing research, still learning, and growing in their profession — that’s powerful.”

“People have cautioned me before about going into education or even warned me not to,” said

As the College of Education continues the

Hunt. “So, it was so affirming to go to Finland

partnership with SMART Education Exchange,

and witness the overall respect they have for the

there are many collaborative options available

profession. In their culture, it’s a highly-respected

such as joint research projects, co-teaching

career.”

courses, and student, teacher, and faculty exchanges.

connection magazine | 11 | alumni.gcsu.edu

alumni profile

Principal sets students on course to be life-long learners As a teenager, Dr. James William “J.W.” Mozley Jr., ’03, ’05, never imagined he would become principal of Coleman Middle School — a middle school located just down the street from where he went to high school. Mozley was an introvert. However, his Georgia College professors and involvement in extracurricular activities helped ease him into a world of possibilities that comes with being outgoing. think the whole philosophy of being a

“I

life-long learner is opening your mind to different experiences and viewpoints,”

he said. “I can say that the person I was, who entered college, most definitely exited as a completely different individual with varying perspectives. My professors allowed that to happen.”

Although the professors at Georgia College worked alongside of Mozley to ensure he succeeded, one professor in particular guided him through a tough curriculum.

“Upper-level math was challenging,” Mozley said.

“Dr. Martha Allen was always there to help and never made me feel like less of a person for coming to her office for assistance. I always appreciated that. I took that experience into the classroom, when I was a math teacher and now as a principal.”

During college, Mozley was a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma — the national service organization.

Today, he serves on the university’s College of Education Advisory Board.

“It’s important that schools have an advisory board with educators and school leaders to assure they stay abreast of the current trends and educational issues,” Mozley said. “It’s very easy

connection magazine | 12 | alumni.gcsu.edu

to lose touch once you’re out of school, and things change so

Now, Mozley and his wife Jena — a first-generation college

rapidly. So, it’s important that they keep that perspective.”

student — help make the transition smooth for graduating high school students who are entering Georgia College as first-

In his work, he never loses sight of his faculty’s and staff’s best

generation college students. They do this by offering a

interests. Often times, he places their leadership needs above

scholarship.

his own.

“Georgia College profoundly impacted me for that social“As a leader, you have to know when to lead and when to step

emotional piece,” he said. “As I look back, I’m thankful I had

back and let others lead,” Mozley said. “So, to be that

that experience. So, we want to reach those students who can’t

transformational leader, you have to change other people and

afford college, because it hasn’t been the culture of their family

build capacity in them so they can take on the work if you’re not

to go to college.”

there.”

Mozley makes a point to engage with his students much like he Mozley’s goal is to prepare his students by the end of their

was recognized by his mentors at Georgia College.

middle school journey to enter high school with a broader understanding of the world.

“I would just like to emphasize that the culture of Georgia College was transformational for me,” he said. “The vast

“I hope our students leave here functioning more as life-long

majority of professors, even the college president, knew my

learners than when they started, that they’re engaged in real-

name. But it wasn’t just me. It was the same for many students

world applications, and that they leave here with curiosity and a

on campus. I think that speaks to the culture of the campus.

greater sense of empathy they can use to help others,” he said.

When the leader is doing that, then the professors will follow.

That’s something I will never forget.”

To learn more about how you can help first-generation Georgia College students on their educational paths like the Mozleys, contact Elizabeth Hines, associate vice president for donor engagement, at 478-445-1944 or elizabeth.hines@gcsu.edu.

connection magazine | 13 | alumni.gcsu.edu

Twice As Nice College of Education launches second doctoral program at GC

I

n the College of Education, the cohort to enter into the

The program offers advanced coursework for personnel

college’s first doctoral program has garnered an

in PreK-12 schools and higher education. It consists of a

endearing collective nickname: The Fab Five.

10-course core and 8-course specialization tracks.

Starting in Summer 2019, the John H. Lounsbury College

Marde Ray, who has spent 24 years teaching in the public

of Education accepted the first cohort of students into the

school system, said this program is more than just an

new doctoral degree program in curriculum and

opportunity for her to advance her knowledge — but an

instruction. This marks the second doctoral degree to ever

opportunity for the entire middle Georgia region.

be offered at Georgia College, following the Doctorate of Nursing Practioner degree that launched in 2013.

“It will take the reputation of the college to a different level.

By offering more advanced degrees, the university is making

“The College of Education chose to offer the Ed.D. in

the middle Georgia region more competitive,” she said. “It’s

middle Georgia because of the need in this region for a

making a mark on the quality of education you can receive in

doctorate from one of the universities in the state system,”

this area. And hopefully, the better prepared teachers are in

said Dr. Joseph Peters, dean of the College of Education.

this region, the better the education will be.”

Peters cited that the closest option, the University of Georgia, was 80 miles away, with the furthest being

The cohort was accepted toward the end of spring 2019

Valdosta State University.

semester and started the program with a three-courseload summer. They’ll have a little more than two years’

“It’s certainly something that middle Georgia has been

worth of courses followed by their research and

waiting on,” said Dr. Barbara Roquemore, doctoral

dissertation. Dr. Linda Bradley, interim chair of the

program director. “I’ve been asked about a program

department, said having these new scholars within the

offering like this for years.”

college is a large benefit to the College of Education and the university.

April Braswell, principal of Whitehead Elementary, is one of those students. She completed the educational

“This program not only launches the scholarship of these

specialist program in 2016 at Georgia College. Since then,

candidates, it will renew and energize many of the faculty

she’s checked back routinely to see when the College of

and committee members working with them,” she said. “It

Education would begin offering a doctoral program.

will be exciting for candidates to connect with faculty members who have similar research interests.”

“Pursuing an advanced degree has been in my plan a long time. I come from a line of educators. I think we totaled it

Bradley also said it’s a time of growth within the College of

up once, and there were 40 educators in all in my family,”

Education, with increasing graduate enrollment and the

Braswell, who is one of the five students in the program,

addition of the doctoral program. Keeping the cohort to

said. “It was always a desire and personal goal of mine to

five was in effort to ensure College of Education faculty

receive my doctorate. We don’t have anyone in my family

would be available for dissertation committees,

that has achieved that level. I want to make space within

mentorship, and research opportunities.

my family so that they can see the level of success that is

|

for us in education.”

connection magazine | 15 | alumni.gcsu.edu

“It’s a really exciting time. With anything new, there’s also a

Braswell said finding that balance is key. She has a

learning curve,” she said. “Faculty are supportive,

comprehensive background in teaching and administration in

enthusiastic, and excited for the opportunities they will have

school systems with her sights set on becoming a

with individuals when they begin to work on the dissertation

superintendent one day. This year, she’s taking on her first

committees.”

role as principal of an elementary school.

“I think we’re going to see so many ways this will impact the

“Having the doctoral program offered at Georgia College

College of Education over time,” Bradley said. “Most

has just opened so many doors for me,” said Braswell. “I like

exciting is that we will have these budding scholars who are

the online component, and I’ve really enjoyed being able to

truly interested in curriculum and instruction. They are the

come on campus and meet with my peers. It’s valuable to

ones who will be leading and forging new paths in the field

have that time to make connections. I also knew that a small,

in ways that serve children, youth, and adults within learning

intimate atmosphere like Georgia College would meet my

communities.”

needs as I pursued an advanced degree.”

The program is a blended instruction format with two to

Ray, who teaches Algebra I and Geometry at Washington

three face-to-face classroom sessions per semester, with the

County High School, doesn’t see herself leaving the

remainder of the content online. Offering an online format

classroom any time soon, but what she’ll gain from the

gives students the ability to advance in their school system

program is an opportunity to make more of an impact.

and not leave their current positions.

“Ultimately, I want to become a better teacher,” said Ray. “I “For higher education faculty, it will allow faculty to be

want to either be better in my own classroom or be able to

qualified to teach graduate courses in their field. This is

help teachers be more effective in theirs. I went into

especially important in areas such as nursing where there is a

education to make a difference in someone’s life. The better I

shortage of doctoral faculty,” Peters said.

am, the better chance I have.”

connection magazine | 16 | alumni.gcsu.edu

C APITAL

CAMPAI GN

U P DAT E $1,969,486

As of Aug. 31, 2019, the total raised for the campaign was

TOTAL NEEDED TO REACH GOAL

$28,030,513 out of $30,000,000. Â Join us as we seek to raise the additional $1,969,486 to meet our goal by June 30, 2020.

Visit campaign.gcsu.edu for more information about Follow Your Passion.

Find Your Purpose.

$28,030,513 CURRENT DOLLARS RAISED

connection magazine | 17 | alumni.gcsu.edu

connection magazine | 18 | alumni.gcsu.edu

wee ke n d of w e lcom e connection magazine | 19 | alumni.gcsu.edu

athletics

G e o r g i a

C o l l e g e

S o c c e r

a l u m N A

Mary Byrne ‘09, ‘11 Georgia College Soccer alumna Mary Byrne (’09, ’11) has put together an impressive resume on the sidelines since continuing her coaching career in the high school ranks. A 2009 graduate in Early Childhood Education, Byrne added a 2011 Master in Instructional Technology, and worked as an assistant coach for Bobcat Soccer for two seasons.

A winding path through multiple teaching positions has landed the GC alumna at Johns Creek High School, as physical education teacher and girls soccer head coach. The Gladiators have won three-straight Region Championships with Byrne at the helm, including four State Final Four appearances. Johns Creek fell in penalty kicks in the state title game in Byrne’s first season.

Byrne was honored as the 2017 North Atlanta Girls Soccer Coach by Positive Athlete. Along with her physical education, weight training, and soccer coaching roles at Johns Creek, she is also the director of football operations, boys lacrosse strength and conditioning coach, and an assistant to the athletic director. Not letting her sights stop there, she is currently a member of the first-ever Fulton County Aspiring Athletic Directors cohort. connection magazine | 20 | alumni.gcsu.edu

What wa s you r ca r e e r pat h afte r gra d u at i on?

H o w d i d yo u r rol e as a s tu dent-athl ete h el p sh ap e you as a p ers on?

After I graduated with my bachelor’s

Being a student-athlete was the most

What advi c e wou l d you have for i nc omi ng s tu dent-athl etes ?

Enjoy every moment. The friendships you

degree, I decided to stay at Georgia

rewarding experience. It taught me time

form with your teammates and other

College and get my master’s degree. I

management, flexibility, accountability,

athletes are some of the best in your life.

served as the athletic department’s

and how to truly be part of a team. Being

There are so many life lessons that you

graduate assistant for one year, and I was

a student-athlete gave me the

will learn that you may not even realize

the soccer graduate assistant for the

opportunity to work hard day in and day

until many years later, but always

second year. After I graduated with my

out, and learn that everything is not

remember:"life in the balance.” Work

master’s, I was hired as the assistant

going to work as predicted, but that does

hard in school and in your sport, but also

soccer coach for Georgia College. After

not mean you stop trying to reach your

enjoy your college years.

that year, I was hired at John Milledge

goals.

Academy as an elementary teacher (fifth middle school and varsity soccer. I also

W h at attr ac ted you to G eorg i a C ol l eg e?

I loved the campus of Georgia College,

helped with cross country. After two years

the small town feel, and the education

at John Milledge, I moved to Gwinnett

program.

grade and second grade) and coached

County and taught elementary school at Freeman's Mill (fifth grade and first grade) and coached varsity soccer at Collins Hill, which is also my alma mater. After those

What was your favorite place on the G eo r g i a C o l l eg e c amp u s ?

By far, front campus!

two years, I was hired at Johns Creek to teach high school physical education and coach varsity girls soccer.

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student profile

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Passion for community and connection inspires education major to lead When she was as young as five, Annabelle Erb would

Erb’s pride in being a student at Georgia College carries

sneak supplies from her father’s office, turning the art

over into her role as a student ambassador for the Office

room in the basement of their home into her very own

of Admissions.

classroom. Since then, she has been drawn to teaching.

“Being an ambassador is such a good way to show off Her mother is an elementary school teacher, and Erb

how proud I am of the decision I’ve made and also to

herself has experience teaching at a Montessori daycare.

help others make that decision. I felt like I could be a

It was there where she discovered her passion for some

leader on campus and be a face of Georgia College.”

of the youngest students, leading her to major in early childhood education.

Leadership and community involvement come naturally to Erb. She is involved with Best Buddies, a partnership

“I would test myself and say, ‘how can I reach this

between Georgia College and Milledgeville’s Life

student and what do they need?’ There’s so much

Enrichment Center, which fosters friendships between

learning happening at that age, it’s just incredible,” Erb

people with developmental and intellectual disabilities

said.

and those wanting to practice inclusiveness. She began playing soccer at a young age, and in high school, she

When speaking about her experience at the Montessori

was involved with assisting at practices for the region’s

daycare, her passion for teaching is apparent.

Special Olympics soccer team. Having been a soccer player most of her life, this experience helped her see

“There’s just something about how enthusiastic and

the sport in a new way.

bright they are, and they’ll surprise you every single day.

It’s the sweetest surprise where you think, ‘I didn’t know

“This was a different side of soccer because it was

you could do this, but now we have this whole binder of

bringing people together, and it showed how it can

activities that we can do.’” Her eyes light up, and she

bring happiness to so many people,” said Erb.

smiles. “You get to really be a part of them growing up.”

This same passion for connection is what inspires her.

As she begins her sophomore year at Georgia College, she already has hands-on experience with teaching.

“The whole purpose of being a Student Ambassador is being a leader, being able to reach out to families and

“Something that is really great about our program is that

connect with them. In this position, you have to trust

I have already been in some of the schools, which is

your own instincts. I think that’s part of being a leader, as

great because you get observation, but you also gain

well – going into something with an open and confident

experiences. You have things to draw on when you

mind.”

actually get in the classroom,” she said.

This year, Erb was accepted into the Leadership This opportunity for hands-on experience and smaller

Certificate Program at Georgia College. It’s an

class sizes lead Erb to choose Georgia College.

opportunity the education major is excited to take on.

“Our program is incredibly ranked, and I knew that I

“I know it is going to make me a better ambassador, and

wanted to be at a smaller university because of the

it is going to make me a better educator one day. It is

opportunities to get involved,” Erb remarked. “It felt like

going to teach me skills that I am really excited to gain

a place I could make home, and it felt like a place I could

and learn.”

grow and thrive as a student.” connection magazine | 23 | alumni.gcsu.edu

faculty profile

Dr. Linda Bradley P O W E R O F S T O R Y I N F L U E N C E S A L I F E I N E D U C AT I O N Dr. Linda Bradley knew one thing as she entered Birmingham-

Literature and Creative Drama for Children during her

Southern College — she did not know what she wanted her

freshman year. For the daughter of a teacher, it was a surprise

profession to be.

to be so captivated by the entrancing world of children’s literature.

“I entered college as a religion and philosophy major with interests in music, the arts, and psychology. At the time,

“Suddenly I had this awakening,” Bradley said. “Literacy

teaching was not even on my radar,” Bradley, interim chair of

gives children a window into other worlds that may be

the Department of Professional Learning and Innovation, said.

completely different than anything they’ve ever experienced. It is the key to helping students learn to think

Bradley, who has been with Georgia College for 15 years,

and communicate successfully within our global society.

shared that everything changed when she took a course titled

Exploring a range of books with characters who are similar

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and different from them is vital. Stories give students a

interdisciplinary studies and how impactful they could be on

connection to the world and a sense of why things matter and

students’ education.

how things connect. The multifaceted nature of literacy drew me into a world of children’s literature in college, and it

“If I had not been a preacher’s daughter who had the support

continues to intrigue me all these years later.”

and scholarships that I did, it would not have been possible for me to attend a private liberal arts institution,” she said. “So the

Following graduation with an Elementary Education degree,

mission of Georgia College as the state’s public liberal arts

Bradley moved to North Carolina, determined to live in the

institution, with a public college tuition rate, was extremely

mountains and use the skills she learned from her liberal arts

appealing.”

college experience. She became the director of nurturing ministries at a large church and became entrenched in the fast-

Bradley articulates that her passion for preparing exemplary

paced nature of this work. But, a part of her still sought

educators, ready to manage the complexities of classroom life,

opportunities to reflect upon, adapt, and rework the lessons

began with liberal arts study.

she was imparting.

“Faculty across disciplines fueled my interests in social justice “I moved back to Alabama and began substitute teaching,”

and equitable educational opportunities for all. Seeds planted

Bradley said. “It piqued and renewed my interest in being in a

in college continue to develop in my ongoing research

public school classroom. I also had an exemplary principal, Mrs.

examining arts and literacy, students’ writing development, and

Bishop, who created a space for professional educators that

culturally relevant pedagogy,” she said.

balanced autonomy and exemplary practice based on research, always keeping children at the center. She nurtured my

“Recognizing that children enter school with a range of

understandings of teacher leadership and helped me grow as a

experiences, strengths, and challenges is key to understanding

professional.”

children’s literacy,” said Bradley. “Too often, children are labeled and considered lacking rather than supported based on

Bradley’s principal was just the first of several key mentors who

what they already know and can do. Literacy is incredibly

guided her path to pursuing doctoral study and her passion for

complex, and there is no single program that is best for all

teaching in higher education.

children. Teachers have to grow as knowledgeable professionals, ready to make key decisions to best serve each

“I think for me at least, the path of a professional educator is

of our children.”

shaped by finding those key mentors and staying open to the opportunities they share, ready to seize possibilities that you

Part of Bradley’s life as a professor is seeing her students go on

never even knew were coming your way,” Bradley remarked.

to become teachers, school system administrators, and community leaders after they leave Georgia College.

Though Bradley found her footing teaching within a school system and pursued advanced degrees while doing so, she

“We have so many fantastic educators actively working in the

soon discovered that teaching in higher education was the next

field,” said Bradley. “I love seeing former students and the

step on her path.

impact they are having upon the profession. It is also wonderful to have former students as the professional educators who now

“It was a struggle to make the decision to leave first grade. I

teach my own children.”

loved my students and being in the classroom, but I was also open to the guidance of mentors who encouraged me to make

Years after that first course, what guides Bradley in her work

an impact through teacher education,” she said. “I had a lot of

with students and beyond is an overwhelming faith in the ability

interest in preparing professional educators in programs with a

of story to provide context and guidance for life.

high degree of professionalism.”

“The power of story, and literacy in action, is life-changing,” she Bradley came to Georgia College in 2005, attracted by the

said. “When children gain access to think, read, write, speak,

appeal of a public liberal arts institution with leading programs

and listen well, they thrive. It may begin with a story that grows

in education. Coming from a liberal arts undergraduate

into immense and powerful learning, helping all students utilize

background, she understood the significance of

their unique gifts and talents.”

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August 8-17, 2020

Join fellow GC Alumni and friends for The Splendors of Italy.

This nine-day trip will tour the most famous cities and sights in Italy such as Rome, Venice, and Siena.

Georgia College Alumni Association | Trejuan Johnson | 478-445-8665 | trejuan.johnson@gcsu.edu

GEORGIA COLLEGE

Alumni Weekend NOV. 1-2, 2019

S C H E D U L E O F E V E N T S

Friday, Nov. 1

Saturday, Nov. 2

Registration/Hospitality Tent Front Campus, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Registration/Hospitality Tent Front Campus, 8:30 a.m. – noon

Peabody Reunion Luncheon The graduates from Peabody Lab School, Peabody Elementary, and Peabody High School are invited to celebrate their reunion in the newlyrenovated Peabody Auditorium.

Peabody Auditorium, noon

Golden Slippers Brunch Has your class already celebrated its 50th reunion?

Reconnect with fellow alumnae for brunch.

Heritage Hall, 9 a.m.

Georgia College Museum of Fine Arts Tours Join the Georgia College Art Department as they showcase their wonderful works of art.

Underwood House, 1 - 5 p.m.

Campus Tour See what’s new around campus with a personal tour.

Student Activities Center, 1 p.m.

History of GC with Dr. Bob Wilson Join “Dr. Bob” as he gives a history lesson of Georgia College.

Atkinson Hall 110, 2 p.m.

Junior Bobcats Science Celebration Join the GC Science Education Center as they provide a series of activities for all of our Bobcats and Junior Bobcats. Activities include a Chemistry Magic Show, STEM hands-on activities, and a planetarium show.

Herty Hall, 3 p.m.

If Music Be the Food of Love Dress Rehearsal The Georgia College Student Choral Ensemble has their final rehearsal before their concert on Saturday. Alumni are invited to attend.

First Baptist Church, 5 p.m.

2019 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee Social A light reception for the 2019 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees to socialize with their former teammates, coaches, and GC Athletics Department staff members. Upon the event's conclusion, the inductees will take part in the ceremonial first serve as our GC Volleyball team takes on Flagler University.

Centennial Center, 5:30 p.m.

50th Class Reunion Dinner The Class of 1969 celebrates their 50th class reunion and joins the Half-Century Club.

Old Governor’s Mansion, 6:30 p.m.

A Night Under the Stars Colonial and Bobcat Nation, you are cordially invited to an evening on the town as the Georgia College African American Alumni Council presents their first official green carpet event. Come mingle and enjoy performances by the GC Jazz Ensemble and fellow GC Alumni.

Reception and plated dinner. Business attire.

Magnolia Ballroom, $30 (single), $50 (pair), 7 p.m.

Volleyball Game vs. Flagler Come and cheer for your GC Volleyball Team as they take on conference rival, Flagler University. The 2019 Hall of Fame Inductees will conduct the ceremonial first serve and Alumni Award Winners will be honored between sets.

Centennial Center, 7 p.m.

Andalusia Tour Tour the home of Georgia College alumna and distinguished author, Flannery O'Connor.

Andalusia, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Campus Tour See what’s new around campus with a personal tour.

Student Activities Center, 9:30 a.m.

Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion Tour Old Governor's Mansion, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

All Classes Picnic Join us for the Annual Alumni Picnic and enjoy good food and music.

The Junior Bobcats Zone will be nearby, where Academic Outreach and the GC Art Department will have fun activities for all ages.

Front Campus, noon Wine and Design Milledgeville’s own Modge Podge Mama leads a painting class for artists of all levels of expertise.

Front Campus, ($10 per person), 2 p.m.

Alumni Trip Informational: Splendors of Italy Are you interested in exploring the many wonders of Italy? Come to the informational and learn more about the Splendors of Italy and how to register.

Atkinson Hall 107, 2 p.m.

Campus Tour See what’s new around campus with a personal tour.

Student Activities Center, 3 p.m.

Golden Slippers Wine and Cheese Reception Members of this heralded sisterhood reunite for a light reception.

Heritage Hall, 5 p.m.

Alumni Awards Ceremony and Athletic Hall of Fame Join the Alumni Association and the GC Athletics Department as we honor exceptional achievements by your fellow alumni and friends of the university. Reception and dinner.

Magnolia Ballroom, ($45 per person), 6:30 p.m.

If Music Be the Food of Love A concert featuring the Georgia College Student Choral Ensemble will take place. It includes performances by the Max Noah Singers, University Singers, Women's Ensemble, and the Cat's Meow. Alumni are invited to attend.

First Baptist Church, 7:30 p.m.

*all tours begin on the hour

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WE’LL SEE YOU AT

Alumni Weekend

2020!

Register online at http://alumni.gcsu.edu/alumniweekendregistration

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s p o t t e d at t h e

AAAC Cookout

Georgia College is pleased to announce the leadership of two new alumni affinity groups: African American Alumni Council President - Debra Minor Vice President - Demetrius Nelson Secretary - Jennifer Hike Event Coordinator - Pamela Trawick Nashville Alumni Chapter President - Erin Boddy Vice President - Megan Moss Secretary - Tradd Tiller Event Coordinator - Ashley Metivier If you have any questions about either group or would like to collaborate on an event or initiative, please email aaac@gcsu.edu or nac@gcsu.edu.

Class Notes

3

1

2

1960s (1) Gale Ezra “Tucker” Haught, Jr., ’66, is an area chair of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for the U.S. Department of Defense. He was recognized in 2018 for 20 years of service with the ESGR, which promotes a culture where all American employers support and value the military service of their employees while recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts through mediation.

1970s Susan “Suzanne” Shelnutt Matonek, ’71, located her Georgia College roommate, Ann Thompson Duggan, after 50 years of searching for her. They had a reunion April 8, 2019. “It was an incredible opportunity, and we took advantage of it,” said Matonek. She also kept in touch with her other GC roommate, Glenda Easter. They look forward to getting together in the near future as well.

Matonek and her husband of 44 years live in The Villages in Florida. They have two children who live in Northern Virginia and a grandson. She worked as an elementary teacher for the Department of Defense schools in Korea, Germany, and Northern Virginia. Matonek earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Education and a Master of Education in Educational Instructional Technology from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

Please submit your news for Class Notes at:

gcsu.edu/alumniclassnotes

4

2010s (2) Jennifer Hawe Joshi, ’12, ’16, earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science. Shortly after gaining some health care experience, she pursued her Master of Science in Health and Human Performance with a concentration in health promotion. During graduate school, Jennifer married her best friend, Sid Joshi. She pioneered an internship at Emory University’s Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) and, during her graduate studies, also worked at Resurgens Orthopaedics as a durable medical equipment coordinator.

Shortly after graduating, Jennifer pursued her pre-licensure Master of Science in Nursing and Clinical Nurse Leader degree from Augusta University and graduated in December 2018. She is currently a registered, outpatient nurse in Gwinnett County.

(3) Thad Thompson, ’14, was appointed to the Georgia Student Finance Commission Board of Commissioners and sworn in by Governor Brian Kemp on May 22, 2019. In addition, he and his wife, Emily Taylor Thompson, ’13, welcomed their first child, Mary Frances, in November 2018.

(4) Victoria White, ’14, married Benjamin Thompson, ’14, Nov. 16, 2018 at Cold Creek Farm in Dawsonville, Georgia. Fellow Bobcats who attended were Skylar Wilson, Mallory Chapman Agnew, Ian Agnew, Clayton and Krysta Coleman. They met in August 2010 at Napier Hall. The couple reside in Florida and are both are working for Lockheed Martin. “We look forward to coming back and visiting GC, hopefully soon, as so many great memories were made there,” said Victoria.

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In Memoriam Jessie Walters Adams, ’06

Mary Kicklighter Graves, ’49

Janie Binford, ’10

Amanda Wheeler Hicks, ’49

Will Robinson Rogers, ’31

Betty Hardegree Scott, ’49

Aline Barron Nicholson, ’36

Marianne Griffith Wooten, ’49

Elizabeth Jackson Parker, ’38

Helen Lewis Dees, ’50

Norene Kitchens Blackburn, ’40

June Crowley Gilland, ’50

Rossie Culbreth, ’40

Elizabeth Lennon Wellesley, ’50

Hazel Story Riedl, ’40

Jackie Moorhead Young, ’50

Martha Bateman Clark, ’41

Gladys Walton Feist, ’51

Mamie Rodgers Waterhouse, ’42

Iris Sawyer Schmitt, ’51

Annie Cook Ash, ’43

Carol Wise Wingeier, ’51

Mary Reese Culbreath, ’43

Charlotte Burson Jones, ’52

Hilda Gray Mayo, ’45

Lois Annette Chalker Askew, ’53

Nell Parker Overton, ’46

Juanita Blakey Blocker, ’53

Jamie Walker Adams, ’47

Betty Camp Thomas, ’53

Miriam Mosteller Delk, ’47*

Ina Pierson Battley, ’54

Martha Jackson Eubanks, ’47

Patricia Strange Skinner, ’54

Margaret Brewer Gayler, ’47

Martha Wimberly Harper, ’55

Dorothy Methvin Gilbert, ’47

Martha Kleckley Jordan, ’59

Janice Jordan Greenway, ’48

Nora Parks Castile, ’60

Marie O’Neal, ’48

Lynda Hodges Lindsey, ’60

Marian Walden Culpepper, ’49

Virginia Meeks Norris, ’60

*Denotes alumni of Peabody School.

This list recognizes deceased alumni that the university has been made aware of as of Aug. 30, 2019.

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University Communications Campus Box 97 Milledgeville, GA 31061

ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED

gcsu.edu/alumni facebook.com/georgiacollegealumni

Former administrator stays engaged by gifting a scholarship For several years, recently retired Georgia College Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Bruce Harshbarger and his wife Debbie have opened their hearts and

home to international students. Now, they can add a student scholarship gift in their will to their list of goodwill efforts.

The Harshbargers’ scholarship will help international students, who aren’t eligible for the type of state and federal financial aid that most domestic students receive.

“We hope through our scholarship, some of GC’s future international students will be able to not only meet the incidental costs of attending college, but will also be able to afford some of the out-of-class opportunities that can help them make the most of their study abroad experiences in Milledgeville,” said Bruce.

One such event is the Harshbargers’ annual international student lake party, where students spend a fun-filled afternoon and early evening boating and floating on Lake Sinclair, picnicking, and socializing.

The couple also serves as Family Connection hosts for international students, where they nurture friendships

with the students and enjoy a meal or other activities together.

Debbie has always had a fondness for foreign cultures and languages, so much so that she studied abroad during college, earned her master’s degree in education, then taught high school Spanish in North Carolina. Today, she teaches English as a Second Language to immigrant children in Baldwin County’s middle and secondary schools.

“Creating a legacy gift for a cause that we value on the campus that we love was as easy as simply changing the beneficiary on one of our insurance policies,” said Debbie. “We’ve both received so much from our connection to Georgia College that this scholarship felt like a good opportunity to repay those blessings in a way that brings us joy.”

To see how you can easily create an enduring scholarship legacy for future Georgia College students, contact Dan Lavery at 478-445-1236 or dan.lavery@gcsu.edu.