GCSU adds cutting-edge teaching resource
ALSO INSIDE PRESIDENTIAL PASSION
GCSU ALUM PRESENTS $100,000 CHECK TO GCSU ON BEHALF OF AFLAC
AN APPETITE FOR CHANGE TRUMAN SCHOLAR FINDS PATH FORWARD, CAMARADERIE AT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Summer 2024
Vol. XIV, No. 1
Copyright 2024
All rights reserved
Published by
University Communications
231 W. Hancock St. Milledgeville, GA 31061
President Cathy Cox
Vice President of University Advancement
Seth Walker
Writers
Margaret Schell, ’19
Anna Gay Leavitt
Kristen Maddox, ’21
Cindy O’Donnell
Al Weston
Design
Brooks Hinton
Bailey Wilson, ’12
Photography
Aflac
Michael Gillett, ’15, ‘20
Savannah Greene, ‘25
Anna Gay Leavitt
Joshua Smith, ’12, ‘16
Please send change of address and class notes to: Campus Box 96 Milledgeville, GA 31061 connection@gcsu.edu
Dear Alumni,
When I am asked, “How are you doing today?”, my response is always, “It’s a great day to be a Bobcat.” And I genuinely believe in the sentiment behind those words.
I deeply appreciate the various transformations that Georgia College & State University has undergone since its inception, and how each name, mission and mascot that we have had over the years holds a special affection in your heart. However, throughout our evolution, one thing has remained constant: our unwavering commitment to excellence in all facets of our institution. Our dedication to providing an exceptional experience for our students is paramount, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to ensure excellence in every aspect of their education. So, no matter what our mascot was during your matriculation we can all rally around our sense of unity and proudly identify as “Bobcats!
I also recognize the vital role you, as alumni, play in achieving our goals. Your on-going participation in and support of your alma mater allows us to inspire the next generation of leaders. We applaud all that you do for GCSU and want to help you stay engaged with the university and our young scholars. Nadirah Mayweather ’08, ’10 serves as our director of alumni engagement. Nadirah joined the University Advancement team in 2023 and, together with our esteemed Alumni Association board of directors, has already curated some exciting opportunities for alumni not just here in Milledgeville, but across the Peach State, including events in Atlanta, Macon, Perry and Savannah. Additional activities for alumni are being planned as we speak, and I encourage you to connect with us at one of our upcoming events. By following us on social media, you’ll be sure to receive the latest information about all things involving GCSU alumni and the university. Our redesigned, improved social channels, along with the newly established Office of Digital Engagement within University Advancement, are dedicated to providing you with captivating content and important updates in a highly interactive manner.
And that’s not all! I am delighted to announce the establishment of the GCSU Bobcat Athletic Association by the GCSU Foundation. This initiative aims to support our student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence by enhancing athletic facilities, providing resources for coaches and offering more scholarship opportunities. For further information on how you can connect with the GCSU Bobcat Athletic Association, please reach out to Caroline Attaway at caroline.attaway@gcsu.edu.
Finally, we want to be sure that we are offering you, our alumni, the best possible experience when it comes to having your finger on the pulse of GCSU. We are dedicated to continually enhancing the content in our publications, and your feedback is invaluable to us. I invite you to share your thoughts with me and my team anytime so we may better serve you.
I look forward to seeing you soon and partnering with you in the mission of GCSU.
It’s a great day to be a Bobcat!
B. Seth Walker Vice President, University Advancement
p Nadirah Mayweather, ’08, ’10, began her new role as director of alumni engagement for Georgia College & State University in July 2023. She’ll mix her prior knowledge and new experiences to continue connecting alumni with campus and each other.
Mayweather was director of the university’s Cultural Center for nearly four years. During that time, she built relationships with students, faculty, staff and alumni.
As the chief liaison with alumni, she’ll provide engagement opportunities for diverse generations of alumni and develop programs, events, services and communication vehicles to increase awareness about Georgia College.
“It’s important to make sure that the Bobcat family feels important, seen and heard,” Mayweather said. “We must nurture one of our biggest assets—our Bobcat family—to make sure everyone’s connected and engaged.” You can reach Nadirah at alumni@gcsu.edu.
p Georgia College & State University’s impact on the regional economy grew more than $18 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022. That is up 6.4% to $303 million from $285 million in FY 2021.
Numbers come from a new study commissioned by the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents. For every job on campus, twice as many were created off campus.
In FY 2022, Georgia College generated 973 jobs on campus, while another 2,050 off-campus positions existed due to institution-related spending.
Data was collected between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, to determine economic impact.
USG institutions created the same employment impact statewide as Georgia’s top five employers combined, the study showed.
t Thanks to Georgia College & State University’s new medical physics program, this graduate’s future is off to a healthy start.
Kaylee Kallam of Cumming was Georgia College’s first student to complete its new medical physics pathway. Now, she’s been accepted into the University of Tennessee’s Medical Physics master’s program with a full assistantship teaching position, tuition waived and a monthly stipend.
“I feel very prepared based on the classes I took and the resources I was given at Georgia College,” Kallam said.
In Tennessee, Kallam will take four semesters of graduate courses with clinical rotations.
After her master’s and completion of a residency program, she plans to get board certified and work as a medical physicist at multiple hospitals and medical offices through a third-party company.
Medical physicists work in hospitals checking radiation equipment. They work sideby-side with doctors controlling the dose of radiation for cancer therapy and working with radiation imaging. They often travel between hospitals, checking and certifying operation of radiation equipment and safely disposing radioactive materials. They read CT-scans, help diagnose illnesses and perform research for better radiation detection.
p In July of 2023, GCSU alumnus Chan Metts, ’07 was announced as the new head coach of Men’s and Women’s Golf at Division I Charleston Southern University (CSU) in Charleston, South Carolina. Metts joined the Buccaneers after stops on the coaching staffs at the University of Sioux Falls, Georgia Southern University and Western Kentucky University.
The Dublin, Georgia, native was at Georgia Southern for two seasons as an assistant under head coach Carter Collins, ’06. Metts spent the last five seasons as the head coach at Western
Kentucky before his latest position at CSU.
As a student-athlete at GCSU, he battled for a walk-on spot to the golf team, eventually working his way into a scholarship in his senior year.
“His attitude and determination made me see that Chan was someone I wanted on my team,” said Jimmy Wilson, GCSU head golf coach. “He was one of, if not the hardest, worker on the team. He’s one of those guys that I knew would be successful in whatever endeavor he chooses.”
He was one of, if not the hardest, worker on the team.
- Jimmy Wilson, GCSU head golf coach “”
u GC Journeys—a widely-acclaimed program at Georgia College & State University that ensures all students graduate with high-impact experiences in-and-outside the classroom—won the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ prestigious 2023 AASCU Excellence & Innovation Award for Student Success and College Completion.
The AASCU awards committee selected GC Journeys “for its outstanding results and poten tial to influence and serve as a model for other institutions,” according to association President and CEO Mildred García. She congratulated Georgia College on its “noteworthy achievements and contribution to the higher education community.”
“Providing students with a well-rounded, highly engaged learning experience is the pillar of a Georgia College education,” said Dr. Jordan Cofer, associate provost of Transformative Learning Experiences.
Georgia College & State University’s online nursing program ranks first in the state and tied for No. 28 nationally in the “Best Online Programs” rankings by U.S. News & World Report.
U.S. News & World Report designates Georgia College as a Regional University South, a geographic area that includes a dozen southern states. According to U.S. News, “Regional Universities offer a full range of undergraduate programs and some master’s programs” and limited doctoral programs.
The online graduate programs offered by Georgia College in business, criminal justice and education all rank in the top 100 overall against other programs across the nation.
“These rankings are another indicator that our accessible and affordable graduate programs are of the highest quality,” said Dr. Holley Roberts, associate provost for Academic Affairs and director of The Graduate School.
p The College of Health Sciences has developed a one-year, graduate healthcare simulation certificate program to equip educators with best practices for teaching aspirant healthcare providers. The new Healthcare Simulation Certificate is the first of its kind in Georgia.
In healthcare simulation centers, students practice patient care using tools like specialized manikins and standardized patients—someone trained to act as a real patient.
In this program, graduate students learn best-practice standards, simulation design, policy development and more.
“Where I work currently, we utilize simulation, but not as effectively as we could be,” said Ashley Barnes, a doctorate student of nursing practice. “I have learned so much that will help grow my organization’s current program, and it really reignited my love and desire for simulation.”
p Chika Unigwe, assistant professor of creative writing at Georgia College & State University, was knighted recently into the Order of the Crown at the Consulate of Belgium in Atlanta. She was also a finalist for the Christoffel Plantin Prize, a prestigious award for Belgian nationals living abroad who contribute to the reputation of their nation.
Unigwe was honored for her artistic and literary merits.
According to the award citation: “Several of her novels and short stories are set in Belgium and were written in Dutch, then translated to many other languages. Her work touches on often difficult topics such as migration, human trafficking, marital abuse and the role of women in society, but she always holds space for humor and zest for life and the inner resolve and fortitude of women throughout her literary work.”
t Axel Hawkins, a history major from McDonough, Georgia, is Georgia College & State University’s second Truman Scholar in as many years.
Established in 1975, the Truman Scholarship serves as a living memorial to Harry S. Truman. The foundation awards scholarships to exceptional college juniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to public service and academic excellence.
Hawkins’ receipt of the scholarship makes back-to-back winners and four Truman finalists in the last five years from Georgia College.
This year featured 60 Truman Scholars nationwide. Hawkins was also the only student with Georgia as their home state.
u Angela Moryan, a 2016 graduate of Georgia College & State University, recently received recognition for her role as a sports journalist. She was honored with an Emmy for the Sports Interview and Discussion Category from the 54th Central Great Lakes Chapter Emmy Awards, which aim to celebrate excellence in the television professionalism.
Moryan, currently working with WISH-TV in Indianapolis, Indiana, was awarded for her contribution to the Indianapolis Colts Pregame Show, Countdown to Kickoff. The winning episode featured coverage for the October 2022 away game against the Tennessee Titans on location in Nashville, Tennessee.
“It was such a blessing and gratifying moment to win an Emmy in under a year of working for WISH-TV,” says Moryan, “I finally have something that no one can take from me.”
Since graduating, Moryan has been dedicated to her career in sports journalism, working for news broadcasting companies since 2017, covering sporting events such as the 2022 National Championship and the Braves World Series win.
During her time at Georgia College, Moryan majored in mass communication with a concentration in journalism. She was actively involved in all student media and in the athletic department.
GCSU alumnus Virgil Miller presents $100,000 check to GCSU on behalf of Aflac
Virgil R. Miller, ’92, is the president of Aflac U.S. He jumped on that prestigious path as an accounting major and mathematics minor at Georgia College & State University.
Outfitted in an Aflac-blue blazer lined with both Aflac and Georgia College logos, Miller recently presented a $100,000 Aflac CareGrant to the university’s College of Health Sciences (COHS) — the first of its kind in the state of Georgia. The money will support implementation of COHS’ newest initiative: a mobile health clinic.
“Anytime we see an organization trying to improve healthcare outcomes for individuals, especially those in underserved communities, we want to help,” Miller said. “We established this CareGrant program and have donated over $2 million to organizations just like right here at Georgia College.”
The check marks the first time a CareGrant has been awarded to a Georgia institution and is the single biggest donation made toward the mobile health clinic. To commemorate the occasion, an Aflac-blue bench emblazoned with the organization’s signature duck portraits was installed outside the Parks Memorial Building on N. Wilkinson Street.
“The CareGrant is designed to ease the burden of medical care costs in rural and underserved communities, and Aflac thought our mobile health clinic aligned with their grant’s mission,” said Dr. Will Evans, dean of the College of Health Sciences. “This donation puts us a lot further down the road at establishing this clinic and extending the Health Sciences mission into our rural communities.”
The mobile health clinic is an initiative borne out of the Georgia College Center for Health and Social Issues. Once established, the mobile clinic will provide screenings, as well as primary, maternal and obstetrical care to Baldwin and surrounding counties.
In addition, the College of Health Sciences will use the unit to extend its portfolio of experts into the community while providing field experiences and internship opportunities to Georgia College students.
“We want to make sure people have access to the physical, financial and emotional support they need, that’s my life’s passion.”
“How many times do you get to go back somewhere you came from 30 years ago and actually help?” Miller said. “I believe in what we’re doing, and I believe that people in this community deserve that type of help.”
Miller joined the Omega Psi Phi fraternity during his time at Georgia College, and many of his fraternity brothers joined
him at the check presentation. Dr. Edwin Speir, the university president when Miller was a student, inspired Miller to pursue his ambitions in the business world.
“I got a chance to listen and learn from him,” Miller said. “He talked about taking what you learn and applying it to the business world, and that’s what I’ve been able to do.”
A true lifelong learner, Miller has continued to educate himself throughout his career. He attained a master’s from Wesleyan College and a doctorate from Gammon Theological Seminary.
“I had so much fun here, and I’ve been reminiscing about pledging right here at Georgia College,” Miller said. “I believe in education. I’ve continued to educate myself, but it started right here. So, I’m thankful for the foundation that Georgia College gave me.”
Every part of the liberal arts approach, he said, can apply to anyone’s life and career. Whether in a marketing course, math class or science lab, students can learn some-
thing that will help solve a problem later down the line.
“Make sure you pay attention, you listen, learn and take those lessons forward,” Miller said. “I always try to do a self-reflection. What did I learn to help me today, and how do I learn to be better? That’s helped me throughout my career.”
At the end of the day, he’s happy to support his alma mater and make a difference in the lives of those with limited access to healthcare.
“This CareGrant will make sure that members of this community get the fiscal and emotional support they need to focus on what’s most important—their health,” Miller said in his remarks. “It’s about creating opportunities for students to become future health leaders and working to advance health and wellness—that’s why we’re here.”
“We want to make sure people have access to the physical, financial and emotional support they need,” he said. “That’s my life’s passion.”
(verb) to form a mental image of (something not present).
Pillars or columns are such an important part of the visual presentation of Georgia College & State University, present on nearly every building on our beautiful campus in Milledgeville. Pillars provide support, but often also elevate items to put them on display, or give them an air of prominence. For these reasons, it only makes sense that GCSU’s strategic plan, “Imagine 2030,” be represented by the five pillars of Innovate, Distinguish, Empower, Engage and Advance.
SCAN HERE TO VISIT THE IMAGINE 2030 WEBPAGE
We will encourage and support innovation and creativity, enhance our leadership in transformative curricular and co-curricular experiences.
We will demonstrate the importance of our unique liberal arts experience and strengthen the university’s reputation for attracting the highest caliber students, faculty and staff.
We will promote and foster an environment that encourages and supports holistic wellness.
We will cultivate an environment that promotes lasting positive change by collaboratively developing and sustaining meaningful, reciprocal relationships.
As the state’s designated public liberal arts university, we will cultivate a fair, just and inclusive community.
We sat down with strategic planning committee co-chairs Dr. Holley Roberts, associate provost for academic affairs and the director of The Graduate School, and Dr. Diana Young, associate professor of psychology, to learn about the process and implementation of the plan.
Q: Why was now the right time for the strategic plan?
Holley Roberts: I think it was the perfect time. We had a new President, we had a our QEP (Quality Enhancement Plan) – a huge implementation piece across the university – and we had recently finished our “Path to Preeminence” strategic plan. It really was the convergence of three big opportunities. It gave us the chance to envision the university in a totally different way.
Q: How were you chosen to co-chair the committee?
HR: I would say both of our knowledge of the research process and assessment really helped in our thinking about how to approach this. We were constantly thinking about the end goal and commitment to get there. Through things like our Presidential listening sessions, and through reports from other task forces already on campus, we tried to gather as much data as we could to inform the next steps.
Diana Young: The way we are approaching the strategic planning process is similar to the way I would like to approach my teaching. What are the outcomes you want to see? How would you know you’ve met those big-picture goals? And as a result, what would you have to be doing in order to get your constituents to reach those goals and meet those markers of success?
Q: Why was it important to visit other aspirant universities?
HR: It was President Cox’s idea to visit the other universities. For me, all of my higher ed experience has
come here at Georgia College. It was important for me to experience other universities that we feel are doing a great job, that have similar missions as we do and find out how they implement and actualize their big goals. Seeing it in the works really made it leap off the page. It really made it come alive for me.
DY: We had candid, open conversations with real talk of what had been both successes and failures at those aspirant institutions when it came time to steer the university a particular way and get buy-in from stakeholders. We were able to learn from their experiences and really avoid some of the pitfalls in the process.
Q: What’s next for Imagine 2030?
DY: We’re hoping that people walk into this implementation phase that we’re in now with a sense of agency. Any department has the opportunity to shape what changes they can make to serve students or the institution at large because they know what their strengths are. The pillars and all of the goals and objectives in the strategic plan are written based on what people were telling us they wanted to see happen. I feel an energy across campus that is really excited about trying to make change happen.
HR: I actually saw an alumna this weekend at a store. She asked how things were going at Georgia College and I told her that I hope everything we do is always increasing the value of her degree. As an alumna myself it’s exciting to think that our university has not lost sight of who we are and who we have been – because that’s still really important – but also looking forward to what can be.
IMAGINE 2030 WEBSITE LAUNCHES
PRESIDENT COX DELIVERS HER INAUGURAL STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY
During the address, President Co delivered the State of the University and made the call for the new strategic plan.
FOCUS GROUPS
OCT 2022
STAKEHOLDER SURVEY LAUNCHED Faculty and sta , as well as outside partners, were encouraged to share feedback.
MARCH 2023
TOWN HALL
Open discussion on the strategic plan and pillars.
SEPT 2023
TABLE TALKS/BRAINSTORMING SESSIONS
Collaboration from diverse areas across campus
DEC 2023
OFFICIAL LAUNCH ANNOUNCEMENT
A chance to share visions and dreams for the future of GCSU.
VISITS TO ASPIRATIONAL UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES
Members of the committee visited four universities to learn about their strategic plans and the strengths of their campuses.
(SEPT - NOV 2022)
JAN 2023
FIVE PILLARS IDENTIFIED
APRIL 2023
FOCUSED PILLAR CONVERSA
Discussion of draft goals and objectives associated with each pillar
OCT 2023
ILLUMINATION CELEBRATION KICKOFF EVENT
Event on Front Campus with giveaways, food and more!
Georgia College & State University alumni are all over the world, and they are engaged in a variety of professions, experiences and innovative practices. But how can we expand on that knowledge and share that knowledge with other alumni, faculty and staff beyond Connection Magazine and Advancement efforts?
The School of Continuing and Professional Studies and the Office of Alumni Relations have the answer!
Angela Criscoe, executive director for the School of Continuing & Professional Studies and associate professor in the Department of Communication approached Nadirah Maymeather, director of alumni engagement in collaboration for a virtual alumni program. The two discussed what the program might entail and came up with GCSU ALLS: the Georgia College & State University Alumni Lifelong Learning Series.
GCSU ALLS is a virtual program to engage our alumni and friends from all over the world. The goal of this series is to share the talent and knowledge of our alumni and encourage lifelong learning in an ever-changing world.
“It is very important for our alumni to feel like we are engaging them in various areas of their lives,” Mayweather said. “We are being more intentional about the ways in which we engage our alumni, and we are excited to be able to offer opportunities to them to expand their knowledge in various areas or continue their education. This lifelong learning series has given alumni who are experts in their fields a way to share their knowledge with fellow alumni.”
Although the program is designed to showcase alumni, we are also inviting faculty to participate in the program.
“Many faculty at Georgia College engage students in research and creative works. That mentorship often extends after graduation and into the professional world where our alumni succeed and faculty serve as mentors, advisors and also friends,” said Criscoe.
The GCSU ALLS is an opportunity to reunite alumni with their former faculty to engage in learning again through a continuing education program.”
Emily Bailey, ’14, licensed psychologist, was a recent Alumni Lifelong Learning Series speaker. She discussed what it means to go beyond the breaking point (burn out). She engaged the participants with an exercise that helped craft self-compassion when chaos hits.
This year’s focus is on health and wellness, although the collaborators are open to any topic or theme which alumni would like to address or present.
Wellness can go beyond physical and mental health. Financial wellness can secure present and future wellbeing in your family and retirement. Dr. Brent Evans, ’08, associate professor of Economics, who teaches Personal Finance to current GCSU students, was the first speaker for the Alumni Lifelong Learning series. He shared ways to develop a financial plan to prepare for retirement.
The Alumni Lifelong Learning Series will offer a virtual program each quarter. Much like the unique and talented students of Georgia College, this series is open to creative and engaging program ideas that will come from the alumni and faculty of GCSU.
I thoroughly enjoyed presenting for the GCSU Alumni Learning Series. Returning to my alma mater to share my insights, experience and expertise felt like a full-circle journey. It was a rewarding experience to have meaningful discussions with fellow alumni, as well as provide beneficial perspectives on mental health and wellbeing.
- Emily Bailey, ’14
GCSU ALLS Participant
Financial literacy is critically lacking among both the young and old. Those that can master their finances will be free to direct more time, money and energy to improving their nutrition and physical health. In my GCSU ALLS program, I presented a step-by-step guide to building a sound financial plan, which starts with setting goals, continues to implementation and concludes with routine monitoring. I am confident that those who develop financial skills and follow my recommendations will improve their financial standing.
- Brent Evans, ’08
GCSU ALLS Participant
I will always be grateful for the opportunity to pursue my Master’s degree in the evenings at an affordable cost while working full-time in a demanding position. This degree provided a strong foundation in business, which significantly advanced my career. My background in Agile Information Technology enabled me to present an engaging program as part of the Alumni Lifelong Learning Series—a wonderful opportunity to give back to Georgia College & State University.
- L.L. Purcell
GCSU ALLS Participant
The first two episodes featuring Dr. Bailey and Dr. Evans are available on YouTube.
As a series participant and presenter, I’ve enjoyed reconnecting with fellow alum while learning from their expertise and life experiences. The Georgia College alumni community is well-placed around the state and nation, and we can learn a lot from one another. The experience of presenting meant a great deal to me because Georgia College played a crucial role in my personal development, and sharing my experiences since college was truly a full-circle moment.
- Adam Hammond, ’08
GCSU ALLS Participant
The School of Continuing & Professional Studies offers the benefit of discounted courses to GCSU University Alumni. ⊲ Access to these courses is available at www.ed2go.com/gcsucorp/
Nancy “Catherine” Everett Thurston, ’55, ’64, ’69, was larger than life. She was an advisor and professor in the John H. Lounsbury College of Education and an unwavering volunteer at Georgia College & State University. But to Stephen Stewart, ’77, ’80, Thurston was so much more—she was a remarkable mentor, colleague and friend.
Her impact on students was so incredibly powerful that Maker Space—a cutting-edge teaching resource for Georgia College students—bears her name, thanks to Stewart.
The Catherine Everett Thurston Maker Space houses an abundant supply of electronic equipment and supplies mainly used to prepare future educators for their teaching environment with Pre-K through 12th-grade students. From virtual reality sets to 3-D printers to drones to robotics to an embroidery machine and more—the space fosters innovation and curiosity. Students learn to problem solve, rethink and apply concepts and inspire future investigations which prompt them to ask questions and have conversations.
Maker Space namesake’s unwavering commitment to GCSU touches students today
Maker Space provides connections for all Georgia College students between lessons and the real world.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with those future teachers.
- Stephen Stewart
Stewart’s connection with Thurston began when he had three elementary education classes with her. Plus, she was his advisor.
During his advising sessions, the two discussed what Stewart liked about his most recent quarter’s work and any issues he had with certain subjects, other students or instructors.
history course. He may not have learned much American History that quarter, but he learned that he must attend class often and know the purpose of the course textbook.
SCAN HERE TO MAKE A GIFT TO THE MAKERSPACE INITIATIVE
“She’d frequently offer advice about ways I could deal with those things that bothered me and told me that she’d be glad to have follow-up discussions during the quarter. That peace of mind was comforting to me during my first two years as a student.”
On the other hand, Stewart recalls a particular quarter he didn’t do so well in a
“I don’t know who I disappointed more, my mother—who paid my tuition, or Mrs. Thurston—my major cheerleader,” he said. “Suffice to say, I got a stern talking to from both those ladies. I believe the phrase ‘Straighten up and fly right’ was said more than once.”
“Mrs. Thurston was a no-nonsense person,” he said. “She came in on time, and we got out on time. When she asked questions, she expected an answer at that moment. She encouraged participation from all her students.”
Thurston was organized and expected her students to be just as organized. This was an integral part of Stewart’s college experience.
Thurston showed her pride in her alma mater with her students.
“In class, Mrs. Thurston told us it was important to keep in touch with our school,” Stewart said. “She’d often tell us about upcoming Homecoming and Alumni Weekend events. That was her way of letting us know that something fun was going to happen on campus. Her loyalty to the school was boundless.”
Her example made an impact on Stewart, including his 30 years of service to the Georgia College Alumni Association Board, serving in different officer
capacities. He was also involved with the Baldwin Alumni Club and the Baldwin County Allied Arts.
Thurston was chair of the university’s Centennial Committee—a massive undertaking for she and her committee, because there were several events happening that year.
She became Stewart’s colleague when he transitioned to Georgia College after teaching in the public school system for 11 years where he worked with gifted fifth and sixth-grade students. Thurston and Stewart taught students in Developmental Studies Reading.
“There wasn’t much difference in the things I was doing,” Stewart said. “I used a lot of the same thought processes and skills that I did with my younger students
with college freshmen who needed help reading.”
Thurston and Stewart shared their teaching strategies, as well as commiserated about worldly current events.
“We got to know one another on a different level than many years before,” he said. “I appreciated her acceptance of me as a peer.”
Thurston and Stewart collaborated about Developmental Studies Reading, sharing ideas for how to work with students who required help with reading.
“Mrs. Thurston helped me see that I needed to be patient and thorough with these students,” Stewart said. “She told me to make sure they did their homework and turned their assignments in on time.”
After Stewart taught reading, he taught pre-education students.
“What a blessing,” Stewart said. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with those future teachers.”
Thurston loved Georgia College, and it showed. Her fondness for the university and volunteerism spread to Stewart and other former students. Leading by her example is important to Stewart. And he’s done just that.
“After students graduate, they’ll go apply for jobs,” Stewart said. “They’ll say, ‘I know how to use a 3-D printer, engraver, light board, embroidery machine and other equipment because I used these in Maker Space at Georgia College.’ That experience is invaluable.”
He hopes people will consider funding the Catherine Everett Thurston Maker Space, because as supplies are used, funds are needed to purchase more items.
“I’ve always planned to name Georgia College as the primary beneficiary of most of my estate,” Stewart said. “I want to put some of what I’ve earned to use now while I can see the benefits it provides. What better way than to invest in future educators?”
Jane Kidd—Georgia College & State University’s latest Alex Gregory Distinguished Fellow and Leader-in-Residence—is all about making connections.
It’d certainly be hard to find someone more connected to the university.
Kidd points to numerous places where she and her family have, in some way or another, left their mark on campus—starting with her great-grandfather, Richard B. Russell Sr., who as a state legislator introduced the 1889 bill establishing the Georgia Normal and Industrial College for women.
That’s right: Russell. As in ‘Russell Auditorium,’ named after the statesman, and ‘Ina Dillard Russell Library,’ named after his wife, Kidd’s great-grandmother.
These and many other family links to Georgia College and high state political office are now joined with new memories and connections Kidd is making with students this year.
READ MORE ON FRONTPAGE
Senior mass communication major Jenesis Harris of Columbus, Georgia, is minoring in marketing and graphic design. She hopes to work for a marketing agency or in the entertainment industry. Harris met Kidd through her student job in the Leadership Programs office. She enjoyed learning about Kidd’s background in journalism and public relations.
In all their interactions, Harris remembers being greeted with a warm welcome.
“She’s very wise,” Harris said, “and I love that she is always looking for ways she can be of service to others. That is what I admire most about her—her willingness to help anyone she crosses paths with. She’s a very thoughtful, compassionate person, and I’m glad I got the chance to get to know her.”
Recent graduate Vivian Cassaniti, ’23, of Marietta, Georgia, got her bachelor’s in political science and philosophy summa cum laude. She hopes to attend law school. But first, this summer, she’ll participate in a prestigious summer program at the University of Oslo in Norway that focuses on international engagement and scholarship.
She learned about the program through Kidd, who encouraged and supported her to apply.
“Ms. Kidd was instrumental in my achieving this summer program,” Cassaniti said. “If not for her mentorship and guidance, I would never have applied or been prepared enough to succeed. I am so grateful for the impact she’s had on me and my goals. I’m so happy to have met such a powerful role model.”
Kidd is making her mark on other students, as well. Some took one of two sessions of her course last semester: “Principals of Leadership: How to Change the World.” Kidd is teaching the class again this spring. In it, she explains guidelines for effective leadership and how to bridge the divide between theory and practice.
The advice Kidd gives to all students is “be brave and make bold moves in the direction of your dreams. Leadership is about vision and communicating in a compelling way, so people want to participate in your ideas.”
“With empathy and understanding,” she says, “you can encourage all team members toward their personal best.”
Last October, Kidd spoke at Georgia College’s Usery Forum on Leadership. She will present another forum talk this spring.
She also participates in the Georgia Education Mentorship (GEM) Program,
a partnership between Georgia College’s Leadership Programs and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Kidd went on a field trip last fall to Tifton, Georgia, with students from the GEM Program.
The group explored the Chamber’s connection with the Georgia Center for Rural Prosperity.
In February, she was part of a Research and Public Service Summit and assisted with the Georgia College Leadership Ideas Festival in April. In May and June, Kidd will represent Georgia College at the Intercultural Leadership Program at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.
She’s used to heavy schedules like this.
Her career spans more than 30 years in communication, public service and higher education.
She now serves as a member of Georgia College’s Foundation Board.
All fellows are expected to share their leadership expertise. But it’s been a special treat exposing students to Kidd’s extensive experience, said Dr. Harold Mock, ’06, director of Leadership Programs and assistant professor of history.
“Jane is so gracious and thoughtful in her leadership and an exceptional role model for our students at Georgia College,” Mock said. “She brings to her role the experiences and expertise she has cultivated over decades of leadership and public service. She has a unique ability to bring people together in service of big ideas.”
As impressive as her professional background is, however, it was Kidd’s easy-going nature and approachability that impressed Cassaniti as a student.
She often saw Kidd entertaining students with fun stories about her family history and experience.
But Kidd also listened, engaging students in conversations about their future and ways she could assist them with their goals.
“Throughout my time working with Ms. Kidd,” Cassaniti said, “I witnessed how effective a powerful and strong communicator can be. She not only encouraged me to be ambitious in setting goals and confident in working toward achieving them, but she also demonstrated how much individuals can achieve when they are intentional and focused.”
Truman scholar finds path forward, camaraderie at leadership conference
In 2023, Jones County native Colin Hall was awarded the prestigious Truman Scholarship – Georgia College & State University’s first-ever – joining the class of 62 Truman Scholars out of a nationwide applicant pool of 705.
Established in the United States in 1975 in honor of President Harry S. Truman, the scholarship is awarded annually to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential, academic excellence and a commitment to public service.
In May 2023, Hall traveled to Liberty, Missouri, to attend the Truman Scholars Leadership Week.
The conference led the senior political science major to decide on what his next steps will be after graduating in May 2024; not only receiving his degree, but becoming the first GCSU student to complete the Certificate in Election Administration.
Hall plans to participate in the Truman Summer Institute Program, followed by Truman-Albright, a year-long internship. Both programs provide the unique opportunity to work in Washington, D.C. with a member of the United States Senate or House of Representatives.
During the conference, Hall became close-knit with his fellow scholars, whom he respects and trusts for their advice.
“These friendships made are lifelong and I can’t wait to cross paths with these distinguished people in the future,” he said. “I look forward to growing professionally and personally with the Truman Scholars during Summer Institute and Truman Albright.
Throughout middle and high school, Hall’s peers called him “Mr. President.” Hall, who is thoughtful, humble and able to have a conversation with just about anyone he meets, was honored that his fellow students had him in mind for the White House. Ultimate-
ly, he set his sights on a different path after taking a state and local government class.
“The class provided me with a new understanding of the roles that local and state governments play in the life of citizens,” Hall said. “I felt that I could make a greater impact in the State of Georgia as state governments have more direct impact on people than the federal government.”
One of Hall’s political goals is to become Governor of Georgia.
Passionate about serving his home state, with education ranking at the top for issues on which he is focused, Hall has volunteered as a Sunday school teacher since age 12. His mother teaches fourth grade. Both experiences have inspired and informed his commitment to education.
“I look at the children and say to myself ‘I want to fight for you,’ ‘I want to make sure you have the best opportunities,’ and ‘I will make sure you can obtain the best education,’” Hall explains. “It is essential for the State of Georgia to invest in the next generation by providing a quality education system.”
Hall, who represents a cohort who will soon be leaders on the national and international stage, encourages all citizens to become engaged, offering a starting point for everyone.
“I think the best way for others to lift up young Americans, including myself, would be by voting and just listening to the point of view that we bring to the table,” said Hall. “I want everyone to know that the new generation of Americans have
an appetite for positive change that will forever impact our country for the better.”
National Scholarships Office Coordinator Anna Whiteside was with Hall every step of the way through the application process for the Truman, setting up mock interviews for the “notoriously tough” process Hall would encounter.
“After that, I had no doubt in my mind that, win the Truman or not, Colin was going to be a political force to be reckoned with,” said Whiteside. “I can’t wait to see what he’ll accomplish in the future- especially with the opportunities that the Truman will provide for him!”
Hall hopes to have a positive impact on the state through his commitment to public service, bringing a call to action.
“It’s time to continue adding to the rich history of Georgia and become a model for the rest of the United States and World. Our story is what we make it, so what will it be?”
CHANDLER SNELL, ’11
There is a new way to support Georgia College & State University athletics this year.
The GCSU Bobcat Athletic Association was launched on July 1, 2023, and as it approaches its one year anniversary has already accomplished many key aspects.
The Association is dedicated to generating private philanthropic support for all NCAA programs offered at Georgia College. It’s mission is to enhance the overall athletics experience for approximately 200 student-athletes, fostering a foundation of success for current students and facilitating dynamic recruiting efforts to attract top-tier Division II student-athletes
to Milledgeville. The Association’s primary objective is to provide resources to ensure GCSU Athletics provides a first and bestin-class experience for student-athletes, including scholarships, facilities and holistic student support.
“We are so appreciative of this opportunity to enhance the student-athlete experience,” said GCSU Director of Athletics Wendell Staton, ’03. “I’m so grateful for the leadership of (GCSU) President (Cathy) Cox. I can’t thank Ted Smith enough for his efforts in making this happen and for serving as chair. Great things are on the horizon with his passionate leadership.”
“Athletics is one of the most visible aspects of the university,” added Staton.
“We are so proud of our student-athletes and coaches for the great work they have done academically, socially and athletically. This organization will help enhance the experience for our student-athletes, coaches our university, and community.”
ATHLETICS IS ONE OF THE MOST VISIBLE
The main goal is to enhance the most pressing needs of the GCSU athletics department and provide general overall support. The GCSU Bobcat Athletics Association will always have a focus on student-athlete scholarships, facility enhancements and a better way to support coaches, according to Staton. This association will support the immediate and long-term goals of the department.
One of the first jobs of the association was to come up with its board of directors, which is a subcommittee of the GCSU Foundation Board of Trustees. Staton and Development Officer for Athletics Caroline Attaway ’17, ’23, recruited 16 members from the community and GCSU alumni for the board. Leading the board is Chair Ted Smith, founder and CEO of Arcilla Mining in McIntyre.
• Brandon Beach
Georgia State Senator and Lake Sinclair neighbor
• Don Beasley
former college basketball coach and owner of Trademark Capital
• Heath Colvin ‘94
Atlantis Commercial Group President
• Ed Donatell
Retired NFL Defensive Coordinator
• Neil Dyer ‘72
Dyer Construction President
• Earl Grant ‘00
• Chandler Snell ‘11
•
•
Men’s Basketball Head Coach at Boston College
• Shanteona Keys ‘15
Cambridge High School teacher & women’s basketball coach, Knight Commission Board member
• Kathy Kurtz retired educator, matriarch of GCSU Baseball, and former GCSU parent
• Mike Prosperi Founder and former CEO of Bug House
• Gus Pursley Fowler Flemister Concrete’s President and CEO
• Tripp Simpson Oncologist, and former GCSU parent
• Ted Smith*
Arcilla Mining Founder & CEO – also serves as a GCSU Foundation Trustee
• “This is an all-star list that we are so fortunate to have help start the association,” said Smith. “We already had our initial two meetings. We are excited to go to work!”
The Varsity Scholarship Club is a new fundraising initiative of the GCSU Bobcat Athletic Association. To become a member, donors make a commitment of $1,500 a year for four years ($6,000 total). The donor can choose which sport their scholarship supports and will be recognized at the GCSU President’s Circle level, allowing special recog nition.
Another meaningful way to make a lasting impact and leave a lega cy is to establish an endowment. This requires a $25,000 commit ment spread across five years and ensures continuous awards in perpetuity. Donors can specify the endowment’s purpose and give it a distinct name.
For more information about the GCSU Bobcat Athletics Association, contact Staton at wendell.staton@gcsu.edu or Attaway at caroline.attaway@gcsu. edu. Attaway can also be reached at 478-445-1186.
*Also a trustee SHANTEONA KEYS, ’15
hanks to an anonymous $50,000 gift - the largest ever for GCSU men’s golf - made during Georgia College & State University’s Athletics Day of Giving back in December, the Bobcats will soon have a Trackman golf simulator for their use.
“The guys on the team had been discussing and wanting a golf simulator for those days when the weather doesn’t cooperate so they could practice indoors,” said head coach Jimmy Wilson, ’86. “The team is more than excited about this gift and can’t wait to get to use this training
The Trackman golf simulator accurately measures data on ball trajectory from launch until landing, measures club delivery data, including plane, path and attack angle, uses radar to measure ball spin rate with a patented process, and measures impact location without any markers on the club through a patented process.
The golf simulator, which arrived this spring, is housed in one of the Centennial Center’s rac-
Georgia College & State University is thrilled that an incredibly successful fourth annual Athletics Day of Giving produced 827 generous donors who contributed a record-breaking $121,350 in support of GCSU student-athletes.
Exceeding all expectations, this exciting milestone will help provide Bobcat student-athletes with resources vital to excelling in both
academics and athletics during their time at GCSU.
“This was a true team effort that demonstrates our community’s commitment to empowering GCSU student-athletes,” said Director of Athletics Wendell Staton. “I speak on behalf of all our hardworking coaches and student-athletes when I say how grateful we are for this incredible display of support.”
TOTAL GIFTS
$121,350 DOLLARS RAISED TEAM RANKINGS
Baseball
261 donors raised nearly $20,000 for their program
Tennis
197 donors raising over $11,000 for their program
Softball, Soccer and Volleyball
Tied with just under 100 donors a piece (86, 86, 85)
Cross Country
Surpassed their donor goal with 47 donors raising $3,000
It’s the quintessential combination of tradition and innovation, nostalgia and new opportunities for memory making. It’s the time in which you can feel the heartbeat of the institution, hear the rally cry of the fans, see the vibrant colors of pride displayed on every door and float, and share the stories of how a place as special as GCSU has impacted your life. This February, alumni were invited to “come back home” and combined Homecoming & Alumni Weekend so that past and present members of the GCSU community could come together to celebrate and engage.
The week was filled with events for both alumni and current students to enjoy. Alumni were invited to kick the week off with Biscuits and Coffee, expand their learning in the middle of the week with the GCSU Alumni Lifelong Learning Series and share their love for GCSU at the I Heart GCSU event. Simultaneously, students were busy throughout the week attending athletics events, dancing the night away at silent disco, voting for Homecoming Court, playing trivia, and jamming out at the Battle of the Bobcats. They also had a special grand opening for the Serenity Den to help them relax and engage in self-care. This year, the Alumni Awards were moved to the lineup of events and a new downtown social was added to celebrate the 5th, 10th and 25th class reunions.
With the theme “Road Trip: It’s all about the Journey” the weekend events ramped up the fun for the entire community with the cherished traditions of the Homecoming parade, Tent City, Bobcat Basketball doubleheader and the muchanticipated Homecoming Court announcements. Building off the momentum of the popular “Tent City” tailgating celebration prior to the games Saturday, Alumni Relations provided an increased VIP experience, complete with a meal, sitting area and a family-friendly area dubbed the “Future Bobcat Kid Zone.”
New SGA Executive Officers, from L to R: Axel Hawkins, Leah Kelly, Charlotte Middlebrooks, Serena Semere
Homecoming Queen Emma Whitener and King Aiden Shuster
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2024
The African American Alumni Council (AAAC) of Georgia College & State University hosted “A Night Under the Stars” Saturday, March 9. This annual event includes the presentation of awards to outstanding alumni and scholarships to current GCSU students.
“It is with great pride and sincere admiration that we extend our heartfelt recognition to these extraordinary individuals, each of whom has left an indelible mark on the communities they serve,” said Seth Walker, vice president for University Advancement.
The first awards of the night were three scholarships given to current Georgia College undergraduates Christiana Hughes, Faith Beamon and Kalin Cobb. Hughes, a public health major from Macon, received the Dr. Helen Hill annual scholarship. Beamon, a mass communication major also from Macon, was awarded the Promise Keepers annual scholarship. And Cobb, a sociology major from Eatonton, Georgia, earned the AAAC annual scholarship.
Three Georgia College alumni were awarded the Trailblazer Dove award. These awards are given to minority alumni for outstanding achievements in bridging the gap between the community and university. Trailblazer Doves were awarded to Sabrina Ellis-Friday, Robert Fuller and Rep. W. Mack Jackson, Jr.
Ellis-Friday, ’99, earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Georgia College. EllisFriday’s law enforcement career included serving the Macon Police Department, the Montezuma Police Department as Chief of Police, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) as a special agent. Ellis-Friday recently began a nonprofit called Mother’s Nest to aid mothers and their children whose partners are incarcerated.
Fuller, ’79 and ’99, earned a Bachelor of Business Management from Georgia College, then later a Master of Public Administration. Fuller served the Macon Police Department for 26 years, rising to the rank of captain. Fuller serves on the board of the Macon-Bibb County Employee Credit Union and is vice president and grant administrator of the 100 Black Men Milledgeville-Oconee Chapter. Fuller currently serves on the GCSU Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Rep. W. Mack Jackson, Jr., ’79, a native of Sandersville, Georgia, earned his undergraduate degree from Georgia College in political science. Now retired from the Georgia Department of Corrections where he served 34 years as a probation officer, Rep. Jackson was elected to the Georgia State House of Representatives in November 2008.
The Keepers of the Promise Award is given to an alumna/alumnus for their outstanding commitment to creating educational and social opportunities for others. The 2024 Keepers of the Promise award recipient is Dr. Runee Sallad, a Georgia College alumna and 30-year veteran of public education in the state of Georgia who serves as director of the Georgia College Early College program.
Photo, from left: AAAC Award and Faith Beamon, Christiana Hughes, Rep. W. Mack Jackson, Jr.
Nadirah Mayweather, and mom, Sandra Horton
and Scholarship winners Dr. Runee Sallad, Hughes, Sabrina Ellis-Friday, Robert Fuller,
Alumna Angelika Johnson ‘98 and guest
FRIDAY, FEB. 16., 2024
Family of Sherrill Crowell Jones
Alumni Association Board Directors Matt Davis ’02 & ’04, Brandie Mock ’07, Nadirah Mayweather ’08, ’10, Kendra Evans ’08
(L-R) Dr. Juawn Jackson, ’16, Outstanding Recent Alumni Award, Sherrill Crowell Jones, ’69, ’75, Ethel Rae Mozo-Stewart Alumni Community Service Award, Pamela Harvey Grant, ’82, ’87, ’07, Alumni Heritage Award, Dr. Beverly Vashon Woods, ’78, Alumni Achievement Award, pictured with President Cathy Cox.
Opposite page left: Dr. Juawn Jackson ‘16 and Alumni Association Board Director Ranard Mattox ‘90
Susan Aul Burnett, ’69, recently got together for lunch with former roommate Rebecca McCorkle Brock, ’69, sharing experiences and laughing over fond memories of college. They had not seen each other for almost 55 years.
James Davis, ’74, and Brenda Hatcher Davis, ’74, met at Georgia College and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 17, 2023.
Joey Richards, ’03, took his one-person show, “Breaking up with Jesus,” to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland August 4-19, 2023. The Edinburgh Fringe is the biggest performing arts festival in the world. Richards performed the show 15 nights to 211 people and received a four-star review from BritishTheatre.com. Critics and audiences described the show as “Highly Recommended. Engaging. Moving. Heartbreaking. The best show I’ve seen. A great solo performance.” Richards delivered a return performance at the University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill Sept. 28, 2023, and hopes to take the show throughout the U.S., Europe and Australia.
Dr. Jeffrey Wilson, ’03, graduated from Auburn University in 2022 with a Ph.D. in education. He also was awarded the distinct honor of the Georgia 2023 Agriculture Educator of the Year.
Dyan Huber Roberson, ’05, met her husband, Kenny, ’05, at Georgia College & State University in 2000. They are married with two children—Brooks (8) and Collin (6). The family lives in Roswell. Dyan was awarded President’s Club at her job at FedEx, so they went on an all-expense-paid trip to Spain in October 2023.
Clifford Teems Sr., ’07, ’11, and Tamalyn Roebuck Teems, ’09, welcomed twins Jan. 17, 2024.
Trey Bernard, ’08, ’10, ’15, was announced as the Teacher of the Year for 2024 in the Monroe County School System. Bernard is a teacher at Mary Persons High School.
Leigh Ann Calkins Fernandez, ’10, and her husband, George, were married in 2022 and welcomed their first child, Madelyn Grace, in 2023.
Daniel Hannah, ’10, completed his Master of Education from Valdosta State University, and Kristin “Nicole” Wagner Hannah, ’11, recently completed her education specialist in elementary education degree from Augusta University. Along with big sisters Lillie Faye and Morgan Jo, the couple happily welcomed their third daughter, Ella Dru, in March 2023.
Karen Higgs, ’12, was recently named director of the Office of Student Success and Retention at Valdosta State University.
Abigail Smith, ’12, married Garrett Walley Dec. 10, 2022 in Roswell, Georgia. The wedding party included Bobcats Krista Chasez, ’12, Emily Duran, ’12, and Brailey Lenderman Howard, ’13.
Stephen Hundley, ’13, is the author of “The Aliens Will Come to Georgia First” (University of North Georgia Press, 2023) and “Bomb Island” (Hub City Press, 2024). He’s a fiction editor for “Driftwood Press,” book review editor for “Southeast Review,” and his stories and poems have appeared in “Prairie Schooner,” “South Carolina Review,” “The Greensboro Review” and elsewhere. After graduating from Georgia College & State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Hundley taught high school science for two years in Charlotte, North Carolina, before teaching English for a year in Seoul, South Korea. Hundley holds a master’s from Clemson University, an MFA from the University of Mississippi, and is completing a Ph.D. in English at Florida State University, where he is writing a book about the feral horses of Cumberland Island.
Kayla Whitley, ’14, graduated with her Doctor of Nursing Practice with a concentration as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in August 2023.
Allie Bankston Corley, ’14, ’15, and Drew Corley, ’13, welcomed their daughter, Charlotte, Sept. 6, 2023.
Benedict Esposito, ’15, visited the Mayflower steps in the Barbican area of Plymouth England representing Georgia College & State University Sept. 28, 2023, 403 years to the month after the pilgrims left in September 1620.
“Bobcats take on the world,” Esposito said.
Oliver “Kane” Keith, ’17, married Elizabeth Christopher Nov. 12, 2022, in Atlanta. Elizabeth has been director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Georgia College & State University.
Kathryn Livingston, ’17, completed her Master of English Language & Literature at Georgia College & State University.
In May, her debut novel “Epoch” was published by Central Park South Publishing. The book received glowing reviews from Kirkus Reviews and Readers’ Favorite.
Paul Orr, ’17, graduated from dental school at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in spring 2023. He is practicing at Coweta Dentistry Associates in Newnan, Georgia.
Paul and Abbey Hite Orr, ’16, were married in December 2016. They welcomed their first son in July 2019 and had their second child in February 2024.
Matthew Krackenberger, ’19, works in Atlanta as a state press secretary for Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock.
Kelsey Smith, ’20, released her first photo book, “Please, Don’t Leave Me,” which contains film photos and poems. Through this book, she hopes to inspire others to explore their creative passions.
“I credit Georgia College & State University for nurturing my curiosity, honing my skills and providing an environment where creativity thrives,” Smith said. “The insights and guidance I received from dedicated faculty played a critical role in shaping my artistic journey. The vibrant, close-knit community we share at GCSU has been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement.”
It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of some of our esteemed alumni. We pay tribute to their journeys, honoring their memories and their profound impact on those around them.
Marion S. Evans, ’31
Frances J. Harrison, ’31
Louise Hawkins, ’31
Madge T. Jackson, ’31
Florence E. Morgan, ’31
Marian S. Hudson, ’32
Lucy A. Jordan, ’32
Mervin L. Adams, ’33
Ellen T. Harvey, ’33
Kathleen B. Holt, ’33
Margaret O. Shiver, ’33
Anne F. Stephens, ’33
Ophelia F. Brigman, ’34
Catherine J. Cox, ’34
A. K. Evans, ’34
Rosemary Glass, ’34
Sally F. Hailey, ’34
Betty Hood, ’34
Ebbie Nichols, ’34
Betty M. Robinson, ’34
Margaret T. Alexander, ’35
Edna A. Bruce, ’35
Mary E. Harrell, ’35
Mary J. Alsabrook, ’36
Anne M. Barnes, ’36
Doris A. Bradley, ’36
Sara A. Moss, ’36
Rosa C. Cook, ’37
Nona Davidson, ’37
Betty S. Edmonds-Long, ’37
Margaret S. Evans, ’37
Edith K. Jackson, ’37
Lula R. Moore, ’37
Betty M. Wilkin, ’37
Jaunita Willis, ’37
Kathrine Moore, ’37*
Martha Barnett, ’38
Nancy G. Malin, ’38
Monique T. McCrary, ’38
Nellie B. Ross, ’38
Mary T. Sanders, ’38
Tecoah H. Tucker, ’38
Irene J. Whitson, ’38
Dorothy M. Bowen, ’39
Eleanor P. Bittner, ’39
Elizabeth S. Bowers, ’39
Catherine M. Davis, ’39
Sarah M. Edwards, ’39
Mary D. Field, ’39
Roberta B. Foster, ’39
Mary M. Green, ’39
Joy C. Hammond, ’39
Berta W. Moore, ’39
Velma J. Rigsby, ’39
Gertrude Sanders, ’39
Betty H. Smith, ’39
Betty B. Blaine, ’40
Jeanette D. Brown, ’40
Betty A. Bowers, ’41
Betsy Curtis, ’41
Helen K. Dowling, ’41
Ruth M. Hicks, ’41
Martha R. Knox, ’41
Betty J. Robinson, ’41
Ida R. Watkins, ’41
Dovie C. Wingard, ’41*
Verna O. Chestnutt, ’42
Mary F. Blalock, ’42
Araminta G. Bythewood, ’42
Frances A. Holcombe, ’42
Lucille W. Moore, ’42
Dorothy E. Ramsey, ’42
Sara M. Boyd, ’43
Gertrude Ehrlich, ’43
Marie H. Morgan, ’43*
Mary F. Britton, ’44
Gertrude H. Trawick, ’44*
Hilda G. Pruett, ’45
Lucy N. Smith, ’45
Helen D. Wallace, ’45
Sara B. Williams, ’45
Amy Virginia A. Crawford, ’46
Emily R. Allgood, ’47
Joanna Rainey, ’47
Jane Salter, ’47
Frances C. Bowen, ’47
Edith H. Burt, ’47
Margaret L. Parnell, ’47
Minnie S. White, ’47
Betty S. Birdsong, ’48
Blanche G. Scoggins, ’48
Lenora W. Danner, ’48
Mary E. D’zamko, ’48
Mary A. McKoy, ’48
Elizabeth A. Bonner, ’48
Frances M. Hardin, ’48
Jeanette S. Shirah, ’48
Eunice N. Whitmire, ’48
Frances B. Sibley, ’48*
Mary L. Austin, ’49
Elizabeth M. Cook, ’49
Adele R. Mitchell, ’49
Joan H. Tilghman, ’49
Barbara H. Chastain, ’49
Edna F. Lanier, ’49
Regina T. Sullivan, ’49
Ida V. Waller, ’49
Ouida J. Dowis, ’49
Alice V. Buck, ’49
Wylene K. Sparks, ’50
Joanne C. Kitchens, ’50
Serena W. Neal, ’50
Frances T. Bradley, ’50
June W. Daley, ’51
Dorothy H. Davis, ’51
Bobbie V. Henderson, ’51
Martha J. Mooney, ’51
Nancy L. Oxford, ’51
Nelle M. Hall, ’51
Joyce H. Moody, ’51
Charlotte M. Doyal, ’51
Virginia I. Jackson, ’51
Ethel W. Ray, ’52
Earlene M. Bussey, ’52
Dorothy S. Mayo, ’52
LaRue G. Norris, ’52
Mary G. Owens, ’52
Martha P. Pierson, ’52
Barbara A. Price, ’52
Lillian H. Tanner, ’52
Mary N. Traylor, ’52
Anita G. Vesey, ’52
Sara M. Dunson, ’52
Mary H. Bolton, ’53
Virginia R. Holt, ’53
Frances C. Huff, ’53
Betty J. Allen, ’53
Peggiann K. Chalker, ’53
Jean W. Ellis, ’53
Cecile W. Stephens, ’53
Mary W. Willoughby, ’53*
Birdie J. Craft, ’54
Joyce C. Hodges, ’54
Thelma J. Clegg, ’54
Martha C. Finleyson, ’54
Margaret L. Greer, ’54
Elizabeth K. Jones, ’54
Rosanna R. Oliver, ’54
Annie J. Echols, ’54
Betty B. Moehrbach, ’54
Ann J. Preast, ’54
Rita B. Leathers, ’54
Nancy J. Houston, ’55
Alice M. Young, ’55
Virginia L. Chapman, ’55
Eleanor P. Cox, ’55
Frances H. Farlow, ’55
Kathryn T. Powell, ’55
Leslie H. Bloodworth, ’55*
Joanne K. Hires, ’56
Clara M. Jenkins, ’56
Jo Ellen S. Page, ’56
Bernice Bass, ’56
Barbara J. Cook, ’56
June B. Kelly, ’56
Cornelia B. Coleman, ’56*
Mary H. Barber, ’57
Dorothy M. Collins, ’57
Thelma P. Dews, ’57
Marcia J. Hodges, ’57
Carol W. McKinney, ’57
Martha C. Gregory, ’58
Beverly H. White, ’58
*Denotes alumni of Peabody School. This list recognizes deceased alumni the university has been notified of as of March 2024.
May G. Alford, ’58
Ellen W. Bankston, ’58
Ouida N. Blanton, ’58
Martha A. Pulliam, ’59
Evelyn S. Sumner, ’59
Carol R. Bowden, ’59
Martha A. Carter, ’59
Norma C. Fulbright, ’59
Alma J. Jordan, ’59
Daisy J. Rickett, ’59
Pauline H. Willis, ’60
Marilyn J. Poole, ’60
Frankie B. Sapp, ’60
Marie P. Young, ’61
Dorothy J. Cooper, ’61
Rudene W. Myer, ’61
Ellen H. Wright, ’61
Linda E. Giles, ’62
Edna B. Moye, ’62
Mary E. Nelson, ’62
Irene K. Shadron, ’63
Brenda O. Caraway, ’63
Kathryn C. Pickering, ’63
Sandra D. Brown, ’63
Mary S. Edwards, ’63
George W. Evans, ’63
Peggy M. Ottewill, ’64
Judy B. Bedford, ’64
Sue J. Keel, ’65
Doris C. Smith, ’65
Carol E. Raines, ’65
Lenette O. Burrell, ’66
Martha G. Dodson, ’66
Shirley Reichenbach, ’66
Martha N. Strickland, ’66
Ruth S. Anderson, ’67
Janet N. Walton, ’67
Jeanne P. Wileen, ’68
Hines L. Wommack, ’68
Catherine S. Young, ’68
Jennifer E. Worsham, ’69
Glenn V. Hobby, ’69
Olimpia S. Martin, ’69
Gloria E. Smith, ’69
Thomas E. Bass, ’71
Martha A. Rainwater, ’71
Robert E. Solomon, ’71
Dwain I. Moss, ’71
Rosemary I. Phillips, ’71
Joel A. Brown, ’72
Francenia P. Dean, ’72
Catherine D. Morton, ’72
Brenda H. Roddenbery, ’72
Shelly W. Williams, ’72
Linda A. Adamson, ’72
Mary L. Lankford, ’72
Jacquelin B. Davis, ’73
Walter A. Hemphill, ’73
James D. Sutton, ’73
Barbara G. Thombley, ’73
Ronald K. Bell, ’73
Sharon D. Glover, ’73
Elizabeth L. Blake, ’74
Katherine B. Garwood, ’74
Lucy R. Hale, ’74
Edward R. Lycett, ’74
Mary F. Williams, ’74
Bess E. Adams, ’74
Edwin W. Allen, ’74
William W. Douglas, ’74
Frances S. Hastings, ’74
Annabelle W. Katsekis-Lytle, ’74
Edward W. Newberry, ’75
Paula K. Gwathney, ’75
Cloise C. Kent, ’75
William H. Payne, ’76
Wilder L. Dent, ’76
Vivian J. Edmonds, ’76
Joseph T. Hall, ’76
Barbara E. Raines, ’76
Diane G. Parker, ’76
Jerome A. Smith, ’76
Paulette Winters, ’76
Elizabeth F. Barnhart, ’77
Earnest Carswell, ’77
Stephen T. Southerland, ’77
David M. Grant, ’77
Dewey A. Richardson, ’77
Bonnie S. Bryant, ’78
Marsha M. Moore, ’78
Steven L. Saucier, ’78
Loraine C. Boatwright, ’79
Kenneth C. Parker, ’79
Evelyn H. Sumner, ’79
James H. Wall, ’79
Judy E. Youmans, ’79
Robert L. Vicknair, ’79
Aaron L. Gray, ’80
Thomas G. Leguin, ’80
Emma Lovell, ’80
Robert W. Williams, ’80
Juanita B. Avery, ’80*
Juanita M. Bustin, ’81
Robert E. Lanyon, ’82
Mary L. Rogers, ’82
Pernell M. Jones, ’83
Karen L. Rowell, ’83
Geraldine G. Dennis, ’83
Kristen S. Perry, ’83
Eschol V. Wiggins, ’83
David W. Faircloth, ’84
James L. Huston, ’84
Larry E. Strait, ’84
Michael W. Myrick, ’85
Natalie B. Waddell, ’85
Morad M. Eljourbagy, ’86
Douglas A. Holland, ’86
Jean M. Switzer, ’86
Marvin R. Waters, ’86
Lois R. Crawford, ’86
Patsy A. Miller, ’87
Russell E. Foote, ’87
George A. Jackson, ’87
Anona E. Albert, ’87
Linda C. Totty, ’87
Robert Riedel, ’88
Bruce Colbert, ’88
David E. Wittenberg, ’89
Kenneth L. Daniels, ’89
Betty J. Farris, ’89
Wanda B. Heite, ’89
David W. Thye, ’89
Charlotte L. Herrington, ’90
Reginald K. Gainey, ’90
Sheila G. Hocker, ’91
Herschel L. O’Neal, ’91
Gordon E. Dickerson, ’92
Geri R. Hargrove, ’92
Julie A. Agee, ’92
Ann F. McQuay, ’92
Colin L. Aliff, ’93
Barbara A. Reott, ’93
Warren C. Murphy, ’93
James L. Whipple, ’93
Richard W. Tuttle, ’93
Philip E. Eubanks, ’94
Darrin Brand, ’94
Jerry Walker, ’94
Angela W. Butler, ’95
Andrew W. Russo, ’96
Donald L. Brandt, ’96
Vincent S. Jackson, ’97
Donna L. Carswell, ’97
Kristina M. Doles, ’98
Paul E. Schmid, ’99
Donna G. Harpe, ’99
Travis B. Wood, ’00
Hurley Hughes, ’00
Jane S. Stump, ’01
Gretchen L. Elliott, ’01
Catherine G. Locks, ’01
Heather S. Frazier, ’02
Jeremy W. Bata, ’03
Jeffrey E. Bones, ’03
Andrew M. Coggins,’05
Barbara W. Mosley, ’07
Benjamin T. Bryant, ’08
Terri L. Tanner, ’08
Beth M. Alford, ’09
Roger A. Harrison, ’09
Kenneth R. Hartley, ’10
Stephen B. Jones, ’10
Matthew T. Kuhl, ’11
William R. De Feria-Alsina, ’12
Cassandra D. Harrison, ’13
David S. Robeson, ’15
Nicholas A. Bruck, ’22
Jasmyn V. Lambert, ’23
Zachary Bowman
Donald F. Corley
Larry Allen McCain
Sara M. Russell*
Laurine L. Sauls*
Gregory C. Stewart
Sarah D. Trulove*
gcsu.edu/advancement
