Engage Fall 2016

Fall 2016 Volume 3, Issue 2

ALUMNI BRING HOPE TO HISPANIC YOUTH Page 4

L ib r a r y n a m ed for f o u n d in g presiden t D a n ie l J. Kau fman

Tr u st ee sees educati on as a communi ty in v est m ent

B i ol ogy st ude nt s expl ore Geo r gi a’ s bi odi versi t y

Members of Georgia Gwinnett College’s charter nursing class celebrate the recent announcement that GGC’s nursing program received full approval by the Georgia Board of Nursing. The first 23 members of the charter class graduated this past May, and the rest will graduate this December. Shown are (kneeling) Yashodha Dahal, Elizabeth Aniewu, Selam Shiker, (first row) Evumena Mukoro, Nicole Weatherby, Tonya Evans, Carson Farrell, Sofia Griffin, Siddhi Patel, Megan Trupiano, Angie Noble, Amal Perez, (second row) Stefanie Glodan, Stephanie Atkinson, Don Nesbit, Julia Westbrook, Kelly Hammond, Nicole Mataluni, and Tony Yeap. Not shown are James Lam, Lavon Richardson, Oana Purcar, William Butler and Madeleine Mvogo.

FALL 2 016

Volume 3, Issue 2

CONTENTS P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E .............................................................. 2 COLLEGE NEWS Notables ....................................................................................................... 3 Library named for founding president Daniel J. Kaufman .......................... 10 Biology students explore Georgia’s biodiversity ......................................... 16

OUR FOUR PILLARS IN ACTION SERVICE Alumni bring hope to Hispanic youth ................................................. 4

C R E AT I V I T Y GGC transforms the iron triangle ........................................................ 8

LEADERSHIP ACE Fellowship nurtures higher education leaders ...................... 12

SCHOLARSHIP The penguin that learned to fly .......................................................... 14

A D VA N C I N G G G C Business engagement + GGC = infinite opportunities ................................18 Trustee sees education as a community investment .....................................20

T H E G A L L E R Y ...................................................................................... 21 On the cover: GGC alumni Angela Hurtado, ’12, and David Araya, ’16, recently won their home through the FOX television show, “Home Free.” A local woman competed on the show to win a house for them in appreciation of their work through their foundation, HoPe (see story, page 4). e n g a g e. g g c. e d u

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President’s Message

Tradition

GGC HAS A

of doing what most think is impossible Georgia Gwinnett College was founded with a “can Dr. Stas Preczewski do” attitude. We refused to accept limitations and the idea that our gamechanging vision of higher education was impossible to achieve.

GGC had its critics. They said we would not be able to build out the campus as quickly and as thoroughly as we have. They said we would not grow as large and as quickly as we have. They also said that we could not deliver a quality education at an affordable price for students of all levels of academic preparation.

These doubts were not unfounded. Traditional approaches to higher education and decades of experience in hundreds of colleges and universities led to the development of a rigid concept called the “iron triangle” of higher education (see related story, page 8). Balanced on three factors – cost, quality and access – the iron triangle represents the principle that an institution can achieve an optimal level of one or two factors, but only at the sacrifice of the third.

However, GGC is not a traditional college.

When we created this institution, we reimagined

At any time, GGC faculty members like Dr. Niaz Khan, associate professor of English/communication, can be seen providing personal attention to students in GGC’s gathering spaces.

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higher education. We tossed aside conventional practices that did not support student success in favor of best practices that did. We aggressively sought ways to control costs. We made a commitment to student engagement, mentorship and support services that help all students be successful in college and in life.

The result is an accessible, attentive and affordable higher education experience that is changing the future for students at all levels, of all ages and from all walks of life.

Georgia Gwinnett is getting national attention for its success, but despite data proving that GGC’s innovative model works, some still say it’s impossible, citing the iron triangle.

And to that, we ask, “What iron triangle?”

Warm regards, Stas Preczewski

Notables

Members of the GGC men’s and women’s tennis teams, Athletics staff and administration were recognized by the City of Lawrenceville at their City Council meeting in early September. Shown are Matias Hatem, ’16, Stas Preczewski, president, Darin Wilson, director of Athletics, Judith van Fraaijenhoven, ’17, Valeria Podda, ’17, Chiara Di Salvo, ’17, Courtney Rutherford, assistant tennis coach, Chase Hodges, head tennis coach, Judy Jordan Johnson, mayor of Lawrenceville, Klara Dohnalova, ’17, Alyona Vasilyeva, ’17, Helga Pinones-Haltenhoff, ’17, Luke Morland, ’17, Jordan Cox, ’17, Connor Clements, ’17, Stefano Licata, ’15, and Kevin Konfederak, ’18.

Joanna Borseth-Ortega, ’11, recently

published her third book, “Happy NOW!: 53 Ways to Be Happier Today!”

The Georgia Gwinnett College Magazine

The GGC Academic Enhancement Center won a Chancellor’s Service Excellence

Student Improvement Initiative Team Award

for its innovative program, TIC-TAC-TOE: Tutors in Classrooms, Tutors Around Campus and Tutors Online Everywhere.

Dr. Chantelle Anfuso, assistant professor of chemistry, was selected as a Governor’s Teaching Fellow for the 2016-2017 academic year.

Dr. Darin S. Wilson, director of Athletics,

was named the A.I.I. Athletics Director of the Year and the NAIA Athletics Director of the year for 2015-2016.

Patti Lee, associate professor and head of Research Services -

Daniel J. Kaufman Library & Learning Center, completed the 2016

Harvard Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians, offered through the Harvard Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, Mass.

Dr. Rebecca Eaker, assistant professor

of psychology, won the 2016 Outstanding

We Value Your Input

Send your ideas and comments on Engage to engage@ggc.edu or call 678.407.5549.

Production

Editor in chief: Sally Ramey Photography: Rod Reilly, Jason Braverman Art direction: Mark Baran Graphic design: Libby LeBlanc Writing: Sally Ramey, Carol McEntee, Dan Nolan, Dr. Jennifer Stephens Engage Online team: Rycca Blanton, Educational Technology Server Team Other support: Dan Cassavaugh, Dawn Gadar, Laurie Hudson, Hoang Huynh, Amy Lancaster, Sydney Smith, Candace Williams-Brown

Strategic Communication and Positioning Renée Byrd-Lewis, vice president Sloan Jones, associate vice president

Mailing List To be added to, or removed from, the Engage mailing list, contact engage@ggc.edu or call 678.407.5549.

Dissertation Award from the Association for

Counselor Education and Supervision, part of the American Counseling Association.

Information technology instructor, Dr. David J. Knight Sr., recently received a President’s Lifetime Achievement Award – Volunteer Service.

See more Notables at www.ggc.edu/notables

Georgia Gwinnett College 1000 University Center Lane Lawrenceville, GA 30043 678.407.5000 www.ggc.edu

Georgia Gwinnett College is an accredited, four-year, degree-granting unit of the University System of Georgia. e n g a g e. g g c. e d u

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ALUMNI BRING

HOPE TO

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David Araya and Angela Hurtado are

impressive considering the state’s overall

school students and creating a legacy for

Georgia Department of Education (2015).

changing the narrative for Hispanic high future generations.

GGC alumni David Araya and Angela

Hurtado share a passion for empowering others to achieve their highest potential.

It was this passion that inspired them to create HoPe, a non-profit organization

78.8 percent rate as reported by the

In addition to chapter activities, HoPe

offers selective leadership programs, a

conference, a summit and an annual gala, with prominent partner organizations supporting its financial goals.

HoPe was born out of the couple’s

focused on increasing high school

frustration with Hispanic stereotypes

students through leadership, education

Hispanic youth.

graduation rates among Hispanic and community service.

Today, HoPe serves more than 2,500

high school students in 33 chapters in Georgia. It boasts a 100-percent high

school graduation rate among members – Images by Tim DaGraça Photography

and a lack of support and resources for Hurtado did well in high school, master-

ing honors and AP classes. However, she said she felt there was a barrier prevent-

ing her from connecting with her school

and fully embracing her bi-cultural identity,

The mission of HoPe is to increase the graduation rate among Hispanic high school students through leadership, education and community service.

being American and Colombian.

inspiring her to seek change. Hurtado

labeled as a ‘gangster’ and had to defend

fellow students to form an after-school

“When I was a sophomore, I was

myself to the administration,” she said.

worked with the school administration and

empathizing, building trustful relationships, and being the ‘heart’ of any group, while David has great charisma, relentless

support club for Hispanic students.

dedication to tasks and perseverance.”

though I didn’t act or look like a gangster,

and went on to Armstrong Atlantic State

tend the former Gainesville State College.

my ethnic background. I knew that if it

he did not know Hurtado, Araya followed

transferred to the same school.

“It was heartbreaking to realize that even I was given that label simply because of could happen to me, it would happen to many others.”

Motivated by her negative experience,

Hurtado decided to organize a movement

to help other Hispanic students overcome obstacles and create opportunities for

Hurtado graduated from high school

University on full scholarship. Though

in her footsteps, continuing to work with

Once there, he learned that Hurtado had “A mutual friend suggested I meet her

Murphy and school administrators to pro-

during a Hispanic orientation event,” Araya

club into the Hispanic Student Association

from high school and had seen her picture,

cess paperwork required to transform the by the time he graduated two years later.

“Angela and David are among the top

education, connection and enrichment.

leaders I’ve been blessed to work with

counselor who became her mentor, with

“Angela has a talent for listening and

She credits Kim Murphy, a teacher and

Araya received a full scholarship to at-

during the past 15 years,” Murphy said.

fondly remembered. “I knew of her work so I was thrilled to finally meet her.”

From that point on, the couple began a

friendship centered on their mutual inter-

ests in helping Hispanic students continue continued on next page e n g a ge. g g c. e d u

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David Araya prepares to take a “selfie” of himself with Angela Hurtado and participants at a HoPe Leadership Academy event held at Georgia Gwinnett College’s Student Center.

Growing an idea to 2,000 members in only seven years, Araya and Hurtado have proven that HoPe can achieve results, and they are just getting started. continued from page 5

Many great ideas begin with notes on

their dreams of getting a good educa-

a napkin, and the couple knew they had

communities. Their friendship deepened

ed fashion, they immediately began turn-

became his trusted advisor and mentor.

“Angela and David personify hope,

a great idea. In their typical action-orient-

optimism and perseverance,” Johnson

over the next few years, leading to an

ing their idea into reality by researching

to put others’ needs ahead of their own,

While attending classes, the two

plans, and reaching out to their former

tion and becoming leaders within their

engagement and marriage.

feverishly worked on many projects and events in support of Hispanic students,

but still felt frustrated by the lack of support systems in place for students like them and their peers.

One afternoon they were particularly

aggravated because they felt a project had unjustly been taken from their

leadership, so they decided to go to a

local restaurant to have lunch and vent.

“It was during our venting session over

nonprofit requirements, drafting business high school’s administration to win sup-

HoPe’s Legacy Leaders. GGC President

in 2012 with a degree in psychology.

She worked in the Office of Admissions

while David, who had also transferred to

what we wanted to give young students.”

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they have hosted a training session for Stas Preczewski made a presentation about leadership during the program.

Until 2015, the HoPe organization was

GGC, continued working toward his own

all volunteer-operated. That changed

achieved in 2016.

consisting of HoPe alumni and business

bachelor’s degree in business, which he The flexible class schedule and sup-

and management roles with HoPe while

seemed the natural choice since that’s

The couple have maintained a part-

Gwinnett College in 2009 and graduated

Organization Promoting Education,”

by writing it on a yellow napkin and ‘hope’

continually striving for excellence.”

nership with Georgia Gwinnett, where

Hurtado transferred to Georgia

port they received from GGC faculty

Araya said. “We brainstormed the name

serving as positive role models and

port for starting the first HoPe chapter.

a hamburger that we decided to start a nonprofit and call it HoPe, for Hispanic

said. “They are servant leaders, willing

allowed them to make time for leadership also planning their 2014 wedding.

Once at GGC, Araya was introduced

to Dr. C. Douglas Johnson, professor of leadership and management, who

when the HoPe board of directors,

and community leaders, insisted the duo finally draw a salary for their work. The

decision relieved some of their personal financial stress and anchored the organization.

“It was a crazy time for us,” Hurtado

said. “In the beginning, we filled every

volunteer role from president, vice presi-

dent and development director to graphic

an experience she and Araya shared. His

working toward a national expansion with

and public relations.”

The eldest of five children, he quickly

Ga. that models consistent messaging,

designer, media outreach and marketing

A large number of HoPe alumni continue

to play a role in the organization. Many

have matriculated at some of the nation’s

family came to the U.S. from Costa Rica. learned English and helped translate for his family.

“We both come from families who value

a current pilot program in Brunswick,

marketing, constitution and bylaws, and a mandated number of service hours to

spread HoPe’s motto and philosophy of

most elite colleges and received schol-

education and service and who came to

Scholarship, for which they might not have

“Our challenge was to push that dream

us, we want to remain rooted in our faith,

information about the process of applying

important to us to lead with humility, en-

arships, such as the Gates Millennium

otherwise had the confidence to apply.

“HoPe changed my life in so many

positive ways,” said Diana Vela, a HoPe alumna and director of its Leadership

Academy. “As an undocumented student,

the U.S. for a better future,” Araya said.

forward, with limited financial support and for scholarships and grants. We wanted to ease that process for others.”

“Rather than setting one culture aside,

I didn’t think college was possible. I am

it’s empowering to embrace both to

helping me obtain the Goizueta Scholar-

Hurtado. “The idea that it was okay to

forever grateful to Angela and David for

ship and graduate at the top of my class.”

Araya and Hurtado cite God, their

backgrounds, families and personal

experiences as key motivators for making them game changers. Hurtado was a child when her family moved to the

U.S. from Colombia. She had to learn to

speak English during elementary school,

provide a stronger sense of identity,” said like both empanadas and hamburgers,

“Breathe it! Live it! Love it!”

“Regardless of where the road takes

caring for people,” Hurtado said. “It’s

durance and respect, and we’ll continue

to try to instill those concepts in the HoPe students we call family.”

Murphy, who has watched the couple’s

efforts for several years, said they have truly made an impact.

“There is no doubt that more students

or Latin American and North American

have gone to college, earned scholar-

a family and want to provide positive

veloped their own leadership skills, and

music, was freeing. We consider HoPe role models and support for all students in need of guidance, regardless of their cultural background.”

Going forward, the HoPe team is

ships, engaged in their communities, debecame agents of change themselves because of Angela, David and HoPe.” Images by Tim DaGraça Photography

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GGC TRANSFORMS THE According to higher education conventions, it is impossible to achieve quality, affordability and access. Leaders at Georgia Gwinnett College beg to differ.

In the 380 years since Harvard University was founded as the

faculty-to-student ratio a requirement by building facilities with

first college in what would become the United States, much has

small classrooms, made affordable by high utilization. In fact,

changed, but higher education mindsets have changed little.

GGC’s 72-percent space utilization rate is the highest within its

One of these mindsets is based on the business world’s “iron triangle” of quality, cost and speed …and the rule that one must pick two because it is impossible to achieve all three.

Higher education has a similar iron triangle – quality (attentiveness) of the higher education experience, cost (affordability) of

university system by a wide margin.

Other core competency investments included terminally degreed professors, mentors and advisors, a wide range of tutoring and advising services, and a limited number of majors strategically chosen to sync with regional employment needs and opportunities.

delivering the experience and accessibility to the experience. Like

Support services such as grounds and facilities maintenance

the business world, higher education holds that only two out of

and food services are outsourced for a lower cost. Additionally,

three are attainable.

GGC’s flat organizational structure and other strategies

In addition to the iron triangle mindset, higher education in the United States faces negative public perceptions revolving around the rapidly-rising cost of college, the economic threat of enormous student debt, and the academic and financial preparedness of students entering college.

leverage cost savings to maximize fiscal flexibility and investment in core competencies.

GGC’s results show that the college’s approach has broken the rule associated with the iron triangle.

Accessible l Accessibility is a state mandate. GGC is

The atrophy of public funding for higher education since 2008

ranked the most ethnically diverse Southern regional college,

makes it appear that the cost to the student is increasing, but this is

public or private (U.S. News & World Report, 2015, 2016, 2017

due to cost shifting from the state to the customer/student. Public

rankings), demographics reflective of the diverse region GGC

college students today pay costs once shared by all taxpayers.

serves. About 40 percent of its students are first-generation and

There also are distinct populations underserved by higher education’s traditional models, including first-generation students, nontraditional students and those working 20+ hours/week.

Focused student engagement and high-impact practices are

a third are non-traditional. The majority work at least part-time to support their families as well as their education.

Attentive l Student engagement and mentorship are the hallmarks of a GGC education. GGC’s retention rates are com-

the best model for supporting these populations. This attentive

parable to state universities. Targeted advising retains the most

teaching model actually works well for all levels of student

at-risk populations at around 60 percent. GGC’s students con-

preparedness, but is typically associated with high-priced,

sistently give it exceptionally high marks in an annual, national

high-quality institutions. In the traditional iron triangle mindset

survey on student engagement.

of higher education, attentive teaching models are unaffordable and unaffordable institutions are inaccessible.

This was not the mindset of the founders of Georgia Gwinnett

Affordable l GGC has extremely affordable tuition of $128/credit hour, capped at $1,935 for 15 or more credit hours per semester. It is ranked second in the Southern region for low-

College, who understood that the population GGC would serve

est graduate debt among both public and private institutions

required a model that was both attentive and affordable.

(U.S. News & World Report, 2017 rankings).

For GGC, providing access was not an option. It was a state

GGC’s game-changing combination of an attentive teaching

mandate. An attentive teaching model was a choice, and the only

model, inclusive access and consciously controlled affordability

choice, given the population to be served. This meant that GGC’s

means a high-quality educational experience, without crippling

leaders had to focus on affordability, which they achieved with a

debt, for a greater number of students. Its relentless focus on

strategy of conscious cost control.

students, supported by highly skilled faculty and staff, opens the

Conscious cost control is the process of separating core competencies from non-core competencies, investing in the former while accepting risk in the latter.

Because teaching is a core competency, GGC invested in faculty and instructional technologies. It made a low

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door to four-year degrees for more people, including those who might have never considered college.

As for the iron triangle, no one would argue that students deserve all three: high quality, access and affordability.

GGC has proven it possible.

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Library named for founding president Daniel J. Kaufman Georgia Gwinnett College students, faculty, staff and

Room. Indoor signage above the main entrance will re-

Gwinnett community members recently celebrated

mind generations of students of Kaufman’s signature

another first for the young college – the naming of one of

message of confident encouragement, “Go be great!”

its buildings.

More importantly, the naming honored GGC’s charter president, Dr. Daniel J. Kaufman.

Earlier this year, the University System of Georgia

At a pre-event reception, Daryouch Aziz, recipient of GGC’s first diploma at its inaugural commencement ceremony in 2008, reflected on that day’s history-making handshake with Kaufman and how

(USG) Board of Regents approved the naming of the

he would again shake Kaufman’s hand for this

Daniel J. Kaufman Library & Learning Center in honor of

historic day. He also referenced the Thomas Scott

Kaufman’s outstanding and distinguished service.

quote: A man cannot leave a better legacy to the world

“It’s not every day that a college is able to name a

than a well-educated family. “Dr. Kaufman, from your

building after its founding president,” said Dr. Stas Pre-

GGC family, thank you for believing in the institu-

czewski, president, at the library’s dedication ceremony.

tion and in us. Your legacy continues each and every

“And it is certainly rare that this is done during that

day. Thank you,” Aziz said.

person’s lifetime. Today, Dr. Kaufman and his family

Kaufman became president of the then-unnamed

experienced the significance of the honor and the ap-

college in 2005, and quickly organized a leadership

preciation of the entire GGC community.”

team charged with opening the institution one year

USG Chancellor Hank Huckaby reminded the

later. In August of 2006, GGC welcomed 118 students.

audience of the Gwinnett community’s vision for

The college experienced dramatic growth, and today

a four-year college in the county and the USG’s

enrolls about 12,000.

responsibility for hiring college presidents.

“That vision would have meant nothing if we

More importantly, Kaufman and his team established GGC as a new, game-changing model

had not selected the right person to implement that

for higher education – literally built from the ground

vision,” he said, “We hit a grand slam home run.”

up to support student success, regardless of the

In his response, Kaufman shared several stories, many humorous, of the college’s earlier days. He expressed appreciation for GGC’s charter cabinet members and the community’s supportive leaders.

“What an honor. I cannot tell you what this means

level of academic preparation, learning style, work schedule or financial barrier.

“Dr. Kaufman’s vision of higher education evolved into GGC’s groundbreaking model,” said Preczewski.

“Due to his leadership and commitment to our

to me and my family,” Kaufman said. “I have received

students, it is undeniable that our community, our

numerous awards in my professional life, but there is

state and beyond are forever changed because of

nothing I will treasure more.”

what he has accomplished here.”

Never one for resting on his laurels, Kaufman looked to the college’s future.

“GGC is just getting started,” Kaufman said. “When it comes to the promise of Georgia Gwinnett College, you ain’t seen nothing yet!”

In reference to building the college from scratch, Kaufman has often said, “If we are lucky in life we get to be part of something extraordinary.”

Referring to Kaufman’s well-known remark, Preczewski said, “I think most of us here would also

A low, decorative wall newly installed in front of the

say that ‘If we are lucky in life we get to work with

building bears its new name. Kaufman’s official presiden-

an extraordinary leader.’ And we have all been very,

tial portrait will be located in the library’s Quiet Reading

very fortunate. Thank you, sir.”

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ACE Fellowship nurtures higher education leaders about challenges and opportunities confronting higher education. They observe and work with a college or university president and other senior officers at the host institution, attend decision-making meetings and focus on issues of institutional concern.

Stephens spent her year at Georgia State University (GSU) with co-mentors President Mark Becker and Provost Risa Palm.

Stephens’ experiences included discussions about the GSU-Georgia Perimeter College consolidation, GSU’s purchase of the Turner Field baseball park and their strategies to increase graduation rates and research activity.

“Georgia State is such a different organization than GGC, and I saw how they GGC recently hosted a reception for Georgians interested in the ACE Fellows program. Representing GGC were Drs. Stas Preczewski, Lois C. Richardson, Sylvia Carey-Butler, Jennifer H. Stephens, Adolfo Santos and Jim Fatzinger, all fellowship participants.

A 2012 survey by ACE and TIAA-CREF found that of U.S. college and university presidents...

• The average age is 61.

• Nearly 1/3 had never been a faculty member.

D

accomplished many of the same goals that we have here but in very different ways.

The culture and organizational dynamics were so different,” Stephens said.

Such broadening of one’s perspectives

r. Jennifer Stephens, GGC’s

helps build experience and leadership

deputy chief of staff, recently

skills, and there are many reasons why

returned from a year-long,

higher education finds itself in need of

transformative experience – an American Council on Education (ACE) Fellowship.

ACE is the major coordinating body for

experienced, skilled leaders.

The environment in which higher education operates is more complex than it has

1,600 of the nation’s higher education insti-

ever been. The nation’s student popula-

• Only one in three had previously been chief academic officers.

tutions and related associations. Its Fellows

tion is more diverse, is growing and is less

Program is the premier leadership develop-

prepared. Funding models have changed

• Twenty percent came from prior positions outside higher education.

ment program in American higher educa-

dramatically and public pressure for ac-

tion and has more than 1,800 alumni – nine

countability has increased. Higher educa-

with connections to Georgia Gwinnett.

tion leaders must navigate complex issues

Dr. Stas Preczewski, president and a

with a variety of stakeholders, using skills

• Long-serving presidents reported increased importance in fundraising, accountability and assessment of student learning and budget/financial management.

• Presidents were most likely to cite relations with faculty, legislators and governing boards as their greatest challenges.

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former ACE Fellow himself, nominated

not always developed during the course

Stephens for the fellowship, which

of one’s particular career path. In addition,

condenses years of on-the-job experience

with the retirement of baby boomers, the

and skills development into a single year

bench strength of the next generation of

through immersion at a host institution,

senior leaders must be increased.

retreats, interactive learning opportunities, campus visits and internships.

The ACE Fellows Program seeks to help higher education leaders become better

Fellows engage in leadership and man-

prepared to manage the field’s challenges

agement simulations, consulting and hands-

through its immersive experience. When

on activities to enhance their knowledge

Fellows return to their home institutions,

they are able to contribute in ways they could not before. With a new depth of per-

GGC Connections with the ACE Fellowship Fellowship Year

Host Institution

Current title, location

Dr. Lois C. Richardson

1995-1996

Drew University

GGC: senior advisor to the president and charter dean - School of Liberal Arts

Dr. Stas Preczewski

2003-2004

Wake Forest University

Dr. Jim Fatzinger

2011-2012

Clemson University

Dr. Adolfo Santos

2011-2012

California State University - Monterey Bay

Dr. N. Tina Johnson

2013-2014

Georgia Gwinnett College

Middle Tennessee State University: interim vice provost for Academic Affairs

Dr. Wanda Ford

2014-2015

Georgia Gwinnett College

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University: interim executive director - Title III

Dr. Jennifer H. Stephens

2015-2016

Georgia State University

Dr. Sylvia Carey-Butler

2016-2017

Georgia Gwinnett College

spective and experiences infused into their work, they can build capacity at their home institutions in deeper and better ways.

Preczewski knows this well. As a 2003-2004 Fellow, he was mentored by the president of Wake Forest University.

“I learned how the president operated, what he thought about and how he implemented strategies to move the university forward through challenging circumstances,” Preczewski said. “This type of learning is not something you can read about in a book; it must be experienced. Sending GGC leaders to the ACE Fellows Program provides tremendous benefit because they bring back all they’ve learned and apply it to benefit Georgia Gwinnett. We are very fortunate to have five former Fellows on our staff.”

Dr. Molly Corbett Broad, ACE

GGC: president GGC: charter senior associate provost Student Affairs GGC: dean - School of Liberal Arts

GGC: deputy chief of staff University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh: assistant vice chancellor for Academic Support of Inclusive Excellence

Dr. William Gordon (retired) served GGC as assistant to the president for strategic initiatives. A mentor to ACE Fellows, he was president of the University of New Mexico, and acting president and provost of Wake Forest University.

president, couldn’t agree more.

“Now more than ever it is crucial

GGC also hosts ACE Fellows. Dr. Sylvia

Carey-Butler. “I am quickly learning about

to build strong leadership in order to

Carey-Butler, assistant vice chancellor for

the nuanced aspects of being an institu-

sustain high quality teaching, research

Academic Support of Inclusive Excellence

tional leader and the importance of servant

and institutional resilience,” said Broad.

at University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh, is

leadership. I am leaning into my time

“Georgia Gwinnett College’s enduring

the third ACE Fellow to be mentored by

here and cannot thank everyone enough

commitment to mentoring and nominat-

Preczewski.

for making my transition to campus a

ing deserving future leaders to the ACE

“The hallmark of the ACE Fellowship

wonderful learning experience. I know that

Fellows Program is a critically important

year is mentorship. As such, I am humbled

I will be a better leader because of the ACE

part of nurturing a diverse and talented

and honored to have the opportunity to be

Fellowship, my mentors and because of the

leadership pipeline.”

mentored by President Preczewski,” said

time I am spending at Georgia Gwinnett.”

As for Stephens, her experiences prepared her for her new role as deputy chief of staff. Previously the associate vice president for Public Affairs, she is now involved in a wide range of academic and non-academic arenas.

“In my Fellowship at GSU, I did everything from shadowing the custodial staff to attending a meeting with the Gates Foundation. It was extraordinary to see all

The 2015-2016 ACE Fellows visit the U.S. Department of Education (DOE): Shaily Menon, associate dean for Space, Community Engagement, Research and Grants - Grand Valley State University; Joanne Goodell, professor of mathematics education - Cleveland State University; Anna Addonisio, senior associate dean for Administration - Binghamton University Harpur College; Kimberly Brown, University Special Projects Samford University; Christine Holt, associate provost, University of Missouri; Vipin Gupta, associate dean and professor - California State University San Bernardino; Ted Mitchell, undersecretary - DOE; Jesse Mendez, associate dean of Academic Affairs - University of Central Florida; Jennifer Stephens, deputy chief of staff - Georgia Gwinnett College; Ping Zhang, provost’s faculty fellow - Syracuse University and Keia Cole, chief of staff, Office of the Deputy Secretary - DOE. Photo by Ping Zhang.

the different parts of the university. Most importantly, I got very comfortable being outside my comfort zone, taking risks and facing my fears,” she said. “I grew both personally and professionally, and I am much better prepared to help GGC continue its successful momentum.” e n g a g e. g g c. e d u

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The penguin that learned to

FLY Quan Tran is an information technology (IT) champion in two nations, but he

has conquered more than just computer programming.

The Vietnam native was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that limits his move-

ments and initially kept him from attending school. His early days were spent with his mother at various hospitals, concentrat-

ing on daily physiotherapy programs that helped him to speak, sit unattended and eventually walk on his own.

“One day, my father brought me a toy al-

phabet set so I could experience the joy of learning at home. He later hired a teacher since there were limited education pro-

grams for children with disabilities,” Tran

said. “It was then that my parents noticed

I excelled in math and eventually enrolled me in a school where I could reach my

full potential.”

By the age of eight, Quan was using a

PC. He learned basic programming by 13.

That year, he entered his first informat-

ics contest and placed third in his state, surprising everyone, including himself.

“Thanks in part to excelling in the competi-

tion, I was able to attend a school for gifted students, but later didn’t qualify in the top three from my school for a prestigious

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competition,” he remembered. “I was very upset and began referring to myself as a penguin – the bird that can’t fly.”

Later, he learned that he wasn’t chosen

due to health concerns, so he decided to climb Tao Phung mountain, which rose 558 feet above sea level, to prove his strength and endurance.

His efforts paid off a couple of months

later when he was asked to attend the

competition, where he earned one of two

national prizes for his state in informatics.

“Phạm Thị Nhung, my Vietnamese lit-

erature teacher, inspired me to reach for greatness,” Tran said. “She told me that I was not born to be normal. It was then

while walking, necessitating the use of a wheelchair. He said he is grateful to

Jennifer Arrocena, director of Disability

Services, and her staff for supporting him by facilitating additional time to finish ex-

ams and providing assistance during labs.

“They have taken good care of me,” he said.

Tran credits his professors, including Drs. Evelyn Brannock, Robert Lutz and Lissa

Pollacia, with inspiring him, along with his supportive parents.

that I no longer underestimated myself.”

“I refer to Quan as ‘Developer DaVinci,’

After high school, Quan came to the U.S.

nock, assistant professor of information

to study and chose GGC in 2012 in part because it was close to family, and he

found the faculty and staff to be friendly and accommodating to his needs.

Tran’s major challenges are being unable to control movements, fatigue and falling

because he is a true artist,” said Bran-

technology. “He creates beautiful, elegant code and each creation is a potential masterpiece.”

In 2015, Tran again ventured into com-

petition as part of the GGC student team attending the Association of Information

conferences,” Tran said. “I’ve competed in several of the conferences during my Tran and his partner, Yury Park, won

time at GGC and the award has given

grueling, four-hour, live problem-solving

doors to potential future employers.”

second place in the Code-a-Thon, a Technology Professionals (AITP) Na-

tional Collegiate Conference in Omaha,

Neb. This annual conference is attended by hundreds of students representing

dozens of IT programs across the nation who participate in certification exercises and a wide variety of intense competitions designed to test their skills.

“Only the ‘best of the best’ are selected

competition in the Java programming language. They won a trophy, a cash prize and bragging rights for solving

almost every problem they were given, outperforming 21 other teams.

“I’m grateful to Dr. Brannock for introducing me to the competition and to GGC

for offering financial support to attend the

by their colleges and universities to

compete in this national conference,”

said Brannock. “Many large employers participate by sponsoring competitions and contributing money, problem

statement design and onsite judges.

me more confidence, as well as opened

Tran plans to graduate in 2017 with a

double major in IT and mathematics. He hopes to attend graduate school once

employed and continue to focus on his interests – math, algorithms, artificial

intelligence, technology and robotics. “’The penguin’ has flown many times

from the U.S. to Vietnam for the past few years,” Tran said. “And I’ve learned to fly in many other ways. My advice to others with disabilities is that if you can’t do things normally, find another way.

You are defined by yourself and your

accomplishments, not by anyone else.”

Employers recognize that when students exhibit teamwork, leadership, grace

under pressure and the ability to think on their feet, they might eventually be the best assets to their businesses.”

Brannock, Lutz and Pollacia spend long hours and even weekends

with students in practice sessions to prepare for the AITP competitions. Attendees are selected based on their performance

on a preliminary competition.

In the last six years, GGC has sponsored about 70 students’ conference attendance and

built an impressive, winning record, as the School of

Science and Technology’s

trophy case reveals – three first-, two second- and two third-place trophies.

Quan Tran with his second-place national trophy for the Code-a-Thon at the 2015 Association of Information Technology Professionals National Collegiate Conference.

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Biology students

Panola Mountain

EXPLORE Georgia’s biodiversity People may think they must travel to exotic locations for a rich biological experience, but GGC’s Natural Communities of Georgia summer course proved otherwise. According to Dr. Melissa Caspary, assistant professor of biology, the southeastern United States is a biological hotspot rich in diverse landscapes.

“Many GGC students have not had the opportunity or financial ability to travel and experience diverse habitats. This course opens their eyes to the amazing diversity in their own backyards,” said Caspary. “Georgia represents the intersections of where mountains meet sea, and that juxtaposition makes for an exciting landscape to study.”

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Caspary created the course to give students a more holistic view through field experiences and some direction on careers or graduate studies in biology. It was modeled on a graduate-level class she took at the University of Georgia and inspired

by Natural Communities of Georgia by Edwards, Ambrose and Kirkman.

“I was trained as a botanist with emphasis on conservation management for rare species.

I also spend a lot of time wandering around in the woods, so I think it’s important to train young scientists to observe the natural world,” she said. “I also get a lot of joy out of showing someone something new, so I gravitate toward those types of opportunities.”

Okefenokee Swamp

For three weeks, the 10 students explored Georgia’s coastal plain, Piedmont and mountain regions, including landscape features like Okefenokee Swamp, Oconee National Forest and Tallulah Gorge.

Study, observation and discussion focused on each natural community’s species diversity of plants, birds, amphibians and insects with particular emphasis on beetles, butterflies, dragonflies and bees, along with mammals, fish, fungi and lichens. Of particular interest were habitats containing keystone or rare species like the gopher tortoise or red-cockaded woodpecker.

Discussion also centered on the natural history of each area, including how the landscape feature came to be, the outside forces that allow it to persist, and current required management and restoration efforts. Caspary noted that they also had fun along the way.

Ivy Creek at Gwinnett Environmental Heritage Center

“We spent our social time cooking, reading and writing together,” she said. “Through shared experiences, class members formed a special and cohesive bond that was very different from the classroom experience.”

“I honestly never thought I could enjoy a college class this much,” said Logan Williams, ’17. “Through this amazing experience, I now have an entirely new view of natural history and know what I want to do with my life.”

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Coosa Valley Prairies

The students benefitted from a support team of experts including Dr. Mincy Moffett, state botanist, Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Thomas Floyd, wildlife biologist, Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Dr. Peter Sakaris, associate professor of biology, GGC; Chuck Martin, director, Moody Forest Preserve - The Nature Conservancy and James Rickard, forest ecologist - U.S. Forest Service.

Participating in the Natural Communities of Georgia summer program were, Brandon Seay, ’17, environmental science; Alexia Ousley, ’17, biology; Benjamin Oladebo, ’16, biology; Joshua Borg; Imani Lewis, ’18, biology; Dr. Melissa Caspary, assistant professor of biology; Ja’Nae Gray, ’16, biology; Logan Williams, ’17, environmental science, Robert Buth, ’17, biology and Abdul-kabir Madamidola, ’17, biology. This picture was taken in Moody Swamp, managed by the Nature Conservancy, in Baxley, Ga. All images courtesy of Dr. Melissa Caspary.

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Business engagement + GGC GGC’s School of Business (SBA) piloted a Corporate Affiliates Program in early 2016 to engage regional corporations with SBA students and faculty through strategic events and activities.

With seven charter affiliate businesses, the six-month pilot laid the foundation for a strong campus presence. More than 30 affiliate representatives connected with the GGC community through 17 engagement opportunities, including classroom visits, interactive discussions, recruiting activities and other campus events.

The program reached beyond classroom walls when nearly 50 students gained insight into the corporate world with field trips to Micromeritics, Wells Fargo and WIKA. Throughout the initial

“The program has already created opportunities for productive, real-world

pilot, many students networked with affiliate representatives and pursued employment with

engagement between

affiliate businesses. (See related story, page 19.)

affiliate businesses

With an established blueprint, the Corporate Affiliates Program is now conducting a year-long pilot with eight companies, five of which were initial affiliates: BrandBank, E.R.

and our students and

Snell Contractor, Inc.,

faculty. We’ve seen

Micromeritics, Peach State Federal Credit Union, Rick

valuable benefits all

Case Automotive Group,

around and we know

U.S. Auto Sales, Inc., Wells Fargo and WIKA. “The school looks forward to a great year as we continue to strengthen the program,” said Dr. Tyler

these will only grow as the program continues.”

– Dr. Tyler Yu

Yu, dean of the School of Business. “The program has already created opportunities for productive, real-world engagement between affiliate businesses and our students and faculty. We’ve seen valuable benefits all around and we know these will only grow as the program continues.”

The program was designed for replication across the GGC community, with potential to expand its reach to additional businesses and industries. Initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive about the creation of win-win partnerships between GGC and these vital corporate partners.

Companies interested in the SBA Corporate Affiliates Program are invited to contact the Office of Advancement at 678-407-5588 or corporaterelations@ggc.edu.

Top: Ka-San Palmer, sales development and training manager - U.S. Auto Sales, Inc., addresses a student’s question at the recent Corporate Connections Panel event, as Carol Morris, senior vice president and East Atlanta area president - Wells Fargo (left) and Tony Thornton, director of product integrity and performance - Micromeritics (right), look on.

The well-attended event featured representatives from several Corporate Affiliates.

Center: Bartow Morgan, Jr., CEO of BrandBank and an officer of the GGC Foundation, shared insights into the regulatory environment of banking with several School of Business classes.

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Bottom: Corporate Affiliates are helping to support faculty and student professional development, including the establishment of GGC’s chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals for America.

= infinite opportunities Cruz is driven to succeed When business major Julia Cruz, ’16,

entered the Corporate Connections Panel last spring, she was looking forward to

garnering advice from local businesses

and making a connection or two. It was

marketing administrator and led digital

marketing and social media efforts. She

motivated GGC students are to join the

position at Audi Gwinnett.

the faculty of GGC and their commitment

quickly transitioned to a brand specialist “I shifted from marketing to sales

her day off, but she dressed profession-

after falling in love with the automotive

attention to the discussion.

selling the product, rather than behind

ally, sat in the front row and paid close

The panel, comprised of representa-

tives from seven participating affiliates,

included Kevin Kolb, the Atlanta director

industry. I want to be front and center

the scenes with marketing,” Cruz said.

“Georgia Gwinnett College was critical for my preparation to go into the work-

for Rick Case Automotive Group.

force. The professors and mentors

was the first to raise her hand. Afterward,

valuable advice and world-class educa-

“When it was time for questions, Julia

she inquired about job opportunities for women in the automotive field. I was

so impressed with her enthusiasm and resumé; I asked her to come in for an interview the next day,” Kolb said.

Cruz was hired as the Atlanta

“We have been so impressed with how

workforce, but equally impressed with

to helping the students succeed,” Kolb

said. “We are so proud to be connected to GGC. Working together, growing our

workforce and engaging students in the

next part of their career is a priority for us.

Julia is a prime example of how successful the program can be. She is a superstar!”

In the inaugural pilot of the Corporate

provided me with amazing leadership,

Affiliates Program, more than 10 GGC

tion. Everyone at GGC truly cares about

with participating companies.

you as a person and motivates you to

students have been hired or interviewed “I am a firm believer that every single

maximize your potential.”

person you meet represents an opportu-

the GGC Corporate Affiliates Program

said as she reflected on her experiences.

Rick Case Automotive has supported

from the beginning.

nity to learn and grow as a person,” Cruz “And boy, was I right!”

Julia Cruz, ’16, pauses for a portrait with the six-figure vehicles she now sells through her position at Audi Gwinnett.

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“With each degree awarded, a life is changed. When that degree is awarded to a first-generation student, an entire family is transformed.

This creates a ripple effect for generations to come.”

– Glenn White, Charter Chair, GGC Foundation Glenn White visits with GGC’s Mentoring and Advising Center staff.

education

Trustee sees as a community investment GGC Trustee Glenn White was a champion for Georgia Gwinnett College long before it existed.

an entire family is transformed.

This creates a ripple effect for generations to come,” said White.

In fact, he and other community leaders were committed to establishing the college for nearly 40 years. During the late 80s and 90s, Gwinnett was the fastest growing county in the nation. This population explosion provided the additional impetus for a four-year college, and the University System of Georgia Board of Regents voted to establish one in 2004.

To sustain this investment White and his wife, Jean, lent their support to GGC’s Mentoring and Advising Center (MAC), which serves students at the highest risk of dropping out or who are on academic suspension. The center promotes personal success and academic achievement through quality educational advisement, academic planning and targeted skills development.

White has proudly watched GGC experience its own population explosion from 118 students in 2006 to about 12,000 this fall.

White, now retired after a 40-year banking career, knows his way around investments – in this case, his investment is education.

Since opening in fall 2013, the MAC has served about 4,000 students: 1,087 students were assigned during the 2013-2014 school year, with the addition of 1,555 new students during the 2014-2015 school year, and 1,538 during the 2015-2016 school year. The MAC also has had about 2,000 walk-in visits.

“With each degree awarded, a life is changed. When that degree is awarded to a first-generation student, 20

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“So many students have the potential and drive – they just need

a little guidance and help. The impact the MAC has on these students has been tremendous. You are changing and saving lives every single day,” White said when visiting center staff earlier this fall.

“The MAC provides an additional layer of support to students as they navigate the college landscape.

Much of what we do focuses on empowering students. We help them develop success skills, connect them with campus resources, and teach them how to advocate for themselves. We want them to feel capable and confident as they work toward achieving their personal, academic and career goals,” said Dr. Karen Jackson, assistant dean of the School of Transitional Studies.

“Private support is vital to what we do because it undergirds the development of innovative programming, helps meet key staffing needs and allows us to provide targeted support to even more students.”

The Gallery

GGC recently celebrated its third Homecoming with the crowning of its first Homecoming king and queen. Aizaz Shaikh, ’18, a business major, was crowned king. Denicia Williams, ’17, who is majoring in English and political science, was crowned queen. Shown are Dr. Adolfo Santos, dean of the School of Liberal Arts; Dr. Justin Jernigan, dean of the School of Transitional Studies; Dr. Diane White, dean of the School of Health Sciences; Williams; Shaikh and Dr. Tyler Yu, dean of the School of Business.

GGC students, faculty and staff recently participated in the annual “Link to Lawrenceville” bike ride, which promotes both healthy transportation and the college community’s convenient access to downtown Lawrenceville.

Dr. Bob Lutz (standing), assistant professor of information technology, discusses a classroom exercise with students.

Lutz recently received GGC’s Outstanding Teaching Award.

Georgia Gwinnett College recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the 54,300-sq. ft. third phase of its academic Building C. The project doubled the size of the existing building, and includes classrooms, faculty offices, a technology help desk and an expanded Academic Enhancement Center, which provides a variety of tutoring services to students. The building addition was needed to serve the college’s expanding enrollment of about 12,000. Shown are Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash, Senator P.K. Martin, IV, Representative Tom Rice, Balfour Beatty Construction Vice President Mike Macon, GGC Student Government Association President Tammy Lu, GGC President Staś Preczewski, Lawrenceville Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson, GGC Associate Vice President for Facilities Frank Covington, University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby, GGC Vice President of Business and Finance Laura Maxwell, Representative Valarie Clark, GGC Senior Advisor to the President Dr. Lois C. Richardson, Representative Joyce Chandler, Representative Buzz Brockway and Representative David Clark.

Office of Public Relations 1000 University Center Lane Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043

Georgia Gwinnett College is an accredited access institution offering targeted baccalaureate degrees meeting the economic development needs of the growing and diverse population of Gwinnett County and the northeast Atlanta metropolitan region.

Visit www.ggc.edu.

Connect with us @GeorgiaGwinnett

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