2020 Commencement Activities

2020

ommencement

Activities July 25

Alma Mater My heart's at the Highlands, the school I hold dear, Where good friends and mentors are always so near.

One college united in perfect harmony, My Alma Mater, dear GHC.

GHC GEORGIA HIGHLANDS COLLEGE

The

Commencement Activities of

Georgia Highlands College Rome, Georgia

UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA

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Virtual Commencement Saturday, July 25th 2020 HOW TO VIEW 2020 VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT: The 2020 Virtual Commencement is available to view on YouTube at: YouTube.com/ghconlineTV The ceremony will also be aired on Comcast Channel 4 in the Greater Rome area and on AT&T U-verse throughout Georgia on channel 99. See your channel guide for times.

50th Commencement Dr. Donald J. Green, President

This event was pre-recorded and presented in a virtual format.

INTRODUCTION Dr. Donald J. Green, President WELCOME FROM MACE BEARER Dr. Jonathan Hershey, Dean of Humanities PROCESSIONAL WELCOME Dr. Donald J. Green, President SPECIAL MESSAGE TO GRADUATES Governor Brian P. Kemp GREETINGS FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT Tristen Tolbert, President, Student Government Association PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL AWARD Dr. Dana Nichols, Provost and Chief Academic Officer WESLEY C. WALRAVEN FACULTY AWARD Billy Morris, Professor of Geology INTRODUCTION OF VIDEO Dr. Donald J. Green, President SPECIAL VIDEO PRESENTATION PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES Dr. Dana Nichols, Provost and Chief Academic Officer CONFERRING OF DEGREES Dr. Donald J. Green, President CONFERRING OF ALUMNI MEMBERSHIP Donnie Denson, President, GHC Alumni Association CLOSING REMARKS Dr. Donald J. Green, President ALMA MATER (Lyrics on inside front cover) Performed by Robert Adams, Professor of Music

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Academic Regalia Stylized and distinctive academic regalia is a notable feature of all formal functions of colleges and universities throughout the world. The use of a particular kind of costume to distinguish university scholars evolved in Europe during the earliest days of these schools. Since there was an intimate relationship between the early universities and the church, a large number of scholars were prepared for the priesthood, and many of the faculty were clergymen. The garb adopted for students was similar to that worn by the clergy, although differing enough in design to set the scholars apart from the churchmen.

There are three types of gowns, three styles of hoods, and two kinds of cap tassels included in American academic costume. The bachelor's gown is without ornamentation and has long, pointed and open sleeves; the master's gown is similar but has even longer sleeves, which are closed at the bottom (there are openings about midway for the hands); the doctor's gown has full-length lapels of velvet and bell-shaped sleeves with three horizontal velvet bars. The master's gown may be worn either open or closed.

All hoods are lined with the colors of the institution granting the degree and faced with the traditional color of the primary field of study. The master's hood is three and a half and the doctor's hood is four. The doctor's hood has wide set panels. The major field of study can be determined from the facing on the hood according to the following schemes: arts-white, science-gold/yellow, nursing-apricot, physical education-green, business administration-drab, librarianship-lemon, and education-blue.

Georgia Highlands College bachelor’s degree recipients wear orange stoles trimmed in blue. The graduate’s tassel color indicates their area of study.

Legend for Graduation Distinctions Honor Graduates (Gold Tassel): Summa Cum Laude – 3.90-4.0 graduation grade point average Magna Cum Laude – 3.70-3.89 graduation grade point average Cum Laude – 3.50-3.69 graduation grade point average Phi Theta Kappa – Member of the national honor society for two-year colleges Psi Beta – Member of the national psychology honor society for two-year colleges 

Phi Theta Kappa graduates

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HOPE Scholarship recipients

Honors Program Graduates

The HOPE Scholarship program in Georgia has provided financial assistance to many Georgia Highlands College students each year since its inception in 1993. Georgia Highlands College thanks our legislative representatives for continuing this program for deserving students.

Acknowledgements Georgia Highlands College wishes to thank: 

Greenery provided by Bussey’s Florist and Gifts.

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Recorded bagpipe music provided by Joe Dunaway.

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Virtual ceremony produced by GHC Digital Media Services.

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Mace Bearer

Dr. Jonathan Hershey Dr. Jonathan Hershey began his career as a Temporary Instructor of English at Floyd Junior College in 1983. He is currently the Dean of Humanities and Professor of English at Georgia Highlands. He serves as Director of Georgia Highlands African American and Minority Male Excellence (GHAME) and Brother 2 Brother, initiatives to improve college success rates for minority men. He has received the Governor’s Award in the Humanities; Child Advocate of the Year by the Rome-Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth; Heart of the Community Award of Honor; the MLK Commission Community Service Award; the African American Male Initiative Leadership Award; and the SCLC Leadership Award. At Georgia Highlands, he received the Walraven Faculty Award in 2013 and the President’s Award for Meritorious Service in 2011. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in English and Creative Writing from Georgia State University and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative

Honorary Faculty Marshals The Honorary Faculty Marshals, the most senior professors at Georgia Highlands College, are leaders of the academic procession.

Frank Minor Frank Minor, Professor of English, came to Georgia Highlands College (then Floyd College) in 1992. Minor has served GHC in many ways since his arrival nearly 30 years ago. He was one of the first faculty advisors for the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and was voted president for GHC’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors. He has also served on both the Library and the Academic Progress Committees. He currently serves on the Literature Assessment Team and the Diversity Committee.

Dr. Susan Claxton Dr. Susan Claxton, Professor of Human Services and Sociology, is a graduate of GHC (then Floyd Jr. College).

She joined the professional family of GHC (then Floyd College) in 1996 as the Waco Site Coordinator. In 2001 she transitioned to the Floyd Campus to become the Human Services Program Director. Claxton has served on the Regional and National Boards of Human Services in various capacities. She has also served on numerous committees of the college and faculty during her tenure at GHC. Most recently Claxton was the Training Committee Chair for the State of Georgia Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan which was released in June. She currently serves on the Toward Zero Suicide committee at GHC, the Capital Improvements Committee, the Credit for Prior Learning Committee, serves as the Vice President of the GHC Alumni Association, and is a part of the CARE Team. In addition, she is on the Board of Directors for Elevation House, the Chair the Floyd Coalition for Suicide Prevention (Healing Hearts) of Rome, and a member of the Haralson County Healthy Haralson Mental Health Task Force.

Claxton holds an Associate of Science in Human Services from GHC (Floyd Jr. College), a Bachelor's and Master's of Science from Georgia State University in Human Services and a Naturopathic Doctorate from Clayton College of Natural Health.

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Wesley C. Walraven Faculty Award Billy Morris

GHC faculty members selected Billy Morris, Professor of Geology, to receive the Wesley C. Walraven Faculty Award to honor his years of service and leadership. The Walraven Award is named in memory of Dr. Wesley C. Walraven, the academic dean at Floyd Junior College (now GHC) from its founding in 1970 until 1993.

Walraven’s most memorable assets included an unselfish dedication to students, a quietly focused management style, and keen intelligence.

Morris is an outstanding choice for this prestigious award. Having earned a B.S. from Georgia Southern in 1980 and an M.S. from Emory in 1986, Morris has served at GHC since June 1994. There are too many accolades and accomplishments to mention here, but among his many noteworthy endeavors is his highly successful Wyoming study away program, which takes geology students out into the field to learn. This program has run each summer for 25 consecutive years!

SGA President and Student Speaker Tristen Tolbert

Tristen Tolbert, sophomore, is pursuing a degree in general studies. He is a very active member of Student Life with direct involvement in several clubs, including Student Government Association, The Gaming Club, The Green Highlands Club, and many others. He would like to eventually earn a doctorate and become a history professor.

Alumni Speaker Donnie Denson

Donnie Denson lives in Rome and graduated from Georgia Highlands College in 1985 with a degree in applied sciences. He holds a master’s from Jacksonville State University and an educational specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University.

Denson is retired from the Bartow County School System and is currently employed as a job coach with Network Day Service Center.

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Candidates for Graduation Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

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Madison Brianne Bishop Jairus Lee Blackwell Marsha Desirey Bourdeau Cody Ladon Brown Nathaniel G Carr David Allan Carter Joseph Augustine Cheriyampurathu Ciara Cheyenne Crider Tadamien Montrez Curry Jazmin Lenae Diego Emily Marie Dowse Zachary Eaves Lauren Ashleigh Eckman Mason Blake Edwards Jo Anne Rebecca Francis Areli Jazmin Gonzalez Justin T Hardin Hannah Elizabeth Harrell

Carly Ashton Hill Erin Joan Horgan Madison L Jett Latasha Yvette Johnson Joy Maritza Kelley Matthew Domenic Logan Kelley Lamya M Khateeb Jabara Tzelda Maegan Longhurst Miguel Angel Luna Maggie B Marchbanks Lauren Nichole Mitchell Angela Luong Nguyen Michelle Perez Michala Leigh Petty Rachel Danielle Rentz Brandi Nicole Rhodes Jonas A Ritter Victoria Lindsay Roach

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Tara Ashlie Sexton Austin Chad Smith Brady Alexander Smith Brooke Leanne Smith Ryan Alan Smith Caroline M Southern Tiffiany A Stewart Jennifer L Stratton Scott Cameron Thayer Shayna Lane Thompson Kaylyn Lee Tomlin Matthew David Vaccaro Michelle Vaccaro John Matthew Vaughan Mary Gail Vaughn Chandler Scott West Nicholas Campbell Zessack

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Kenneth Richey Harrell

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Autumn Jessie Bandy Jodie Bennett Abigail Brooks Rhonda M Brown Murphy Alexis Browning Kayla A Buckley Tiffany Nicole Carter Barbie Faye Casey Kelsey Cuozzo

Denisa Dafinescu Marianka Dodd Laura Ashley Falls Shirgarlyn Kimberly Haygood Stephanie G Hill Melissa Johnson Hines Cailee Rebecca Hix Lindsey Paige Jordan Stephanie Marsh Kemp

Sylvia A Pearson Marlee Briana Reece Jocelyn Brittany Richmond Danielle Marie Romatz Maria Guadalupe Serrano Marquez Brooke Danielle Spratlin Megan Marie Springfield Megan Elizabeth Tawzer Eden Ruth Walker

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Um-sajid Yaqindah Ahmad Rebecca Alexander Theresa Luise Arthen Misty Nicole Bankston Erica New Barnes Ashley Porterfield Barr Anna Elizabeth Bean Brian Scott Beckman Christy Jane Belcher Brianna Nicole Benefield Kristen Wilson Bratcher Amanda Nicole Bray Koryna Renee Briggs Mary Elizabeth Brumbelow Shirley Ann Bryant Madelyn Grace Carter Daniel Clayton Castillo-Matthews Betsy Anne Chamblee Ashtyn Blanton Cochran Emily Marie Cook

Mary Lynn Crosby Shannon Leigh Dean Samantha Codi Dempsey Rebecca Marie Fischer Laura Julie Flores Catherine A Furtado Ashlan Nicole Garey Andrea Marie Gibson Clare M Gomez Shirley Teems Greenway Shelly Ruth Hester Casey Lynn Higginbotham Hannah Brook Hood Robin Dawn House Rebecca Sullivan Innes Nichole Skye Johnson Brooke Scott Kirby Cindy Malee Landing Hannah Michelle Laury Jennifer Lee Little

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Leila Gabriel McDaniel Sreela Mohan Laurie Newton Morris Joanna Brooke Mullenax Yvonne Coker Myrick Cassander Ann Okonofua Makeda Jasmine Parker Trisha Anne Phillips Jennifer Renee Schubert Christopher Jackson Shields Misty T Shinall Nicole Lynn Sikes Carolina Sneed Michelle Louise Stamper Brittany Shereece Sublett Michelle DeLay Suzal-George Christina Michelle Ucci Sherri Lightfoot Vaughan Nicholas Yarbrough

Associate of Arts

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Arturo Abarca Jerry Jones Antwi Jada Christina Armstrong Jayda A Austin Clinton Andrew Bailey Justin T Baker Amanda Leigh Barnett Majalay Rochellejean Batiste Kerri Danielle Beaton Kayla Breann Berrios Tacory Q Bey Savannah Rose Bloodworth Samuel James Boice Anna Marie Boughton Jordan B Bowzard Tashai Brantley Connor Jacob Breese Madison Paige Brooks Griffin J Brown Jahnaria Brown Rachel Elizabeth Burdette Ambria Kelis Burton Lindsey J Camp Kaelie B Campbell-Poole Jessica Lorene Carney Kelli Elizabeth Chapman Robert Mason Chumley Kellen Edward Churchill Jenna Maree Cicci Jennifer Michelle Clark Johnesha Lynette Clark Justin Clark Atiyya Taiani Clayton Ansley Michelle Clower Alexis Raven Coffil Makaila Shea Coggins Florencio Antonio Collazo Ashlynn Maree Kristen Copen Natallie Darnell Corn Arlene Cornejo Orizaba Heather Faith Cramer Rocshanna Erin Creese Charles Ian Crider Nancy Cruz Karla Gabriela Delcid Martha Guadalupe Delreal Melissa Delreal Sarah Madison Dew Ashley Irene Diemer Chance Datton Dixon Dajah Amanda Dixon Abigail Rae Dotson Jaycie A Dunbar Mackenzie Brook Duvall Johnna Ashley Edwards Ashley Michelle Eidson Sarah Marie Enwright Hannah Elizabeth Ernst Elvia Escutia-Cruz Tamia Danyelle Flemister Jordan Katherine Floyd Ruth Ann Freeman Patrick Lamar Gainey Sarah B Garber Madison Kayla Garnett Cassidy Adele Garon Brittany Lee Garwick Theodore Edward Gecowets Brandon L Gilbert Hayley Alexis Gildersleeve Amber Lynn Gilliam Avery Wayne Glass Trevor J Gonzales Erick Diego Gonzalez

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Carson Rebecca Graham Amy Denise Gravitte Kenzie N Green Cassidy Diane Greene Maggie Erin Gunter Wesley Lane Hales William Britt Haney Harley Nicole Hannah Nicole Elaine Harris Maggie Alaina Heflin Katie Elisabeth Hester Ashley Nicole Hewitt Abraham Scout Hodgins Taylor Monee Hoke Lorrie Anne Holcombe Samantha Rei Holland Kyrah D Holley Shelby Hooper Brandon Kyle Hubbard Rocio Huerta Epiphany Kay Huff Muhamed A Imneina Bonnie Grace Ingram Caitlyn Elise Ingram Avery Alexis Isaman Julian Sterling Jenkins Taylor D Johnson Miranda Ilene Jones Stacy Jones Jessica Sierra Jowers Susan Muthoni Kigo Coleman Kurt Kirby Asia R Knox Zachary Thomas Kyzer Kelli Breanna Labrie Marcia Donzaliegh Lavette Land Halle Larson Kara Brooke Ledbetter Jada Marie Lee Justin Scot Leonard Elizabeth M Livingston Abigail Taylor Louzader Hisham Maarouf Karen Johana Machado Joshua Ryan Maddox Alma Malasi Kristin Marchant Jampa Vanessa Mason Kristen Ayana Maxwell Sarah E Mazurek Laura Marie McCart Alexus Briona McCullum Alexander Cole McDermont Richard McRae Johnna J Mcclendon Stephanie Mcgee Brandy Mcneal Gizy Michel Kayleigh Beth Milton Madeline Liliana Miranda Jordan Elizabeth Mitchell Chandler B Morris Madison S Mosteller Shelina Jeanette Munoz Kristin Alexandria Murray Jordan A Nelson Lyons Alexander Nida Marquis Jamal Nixon James Wyatt Norton Tara Marie O'shea Stormy Erica Ortiz Charles Larry Oswalt Jose Pacas Madison N Parham

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David Harold Patel Maegan Ashley Payne Jacinda A Pender Tiara Zantajah Penson Deisy Adriana Perez-Sontay Shamoy Alister Persad Erin Raquel Peterson Natalie E Pimentel Triston E Purvine Elizabeth A Quinonez Maria Paula Ramirez Supriya Ramkishore Rileigh Mae Rawson Jessica Nicole Reid Kathyrn Leigh Reid Emily Grace Renegar Ethan James Riggs Dalia Denisse Rincon Fuentes Ramon Rivera Haley Elizabeth Robinson Ansley Brooke Roden Nya J Roden Imani Jenoveva Rodriguez Kelli Rollins Kiera Rollins Jose Romero Tinna D Rush Alyssa Marie Ryan David C Ryan Kelly Wingo Samson Madison Claire Sanford Teressa J Scarantino Leila Marie Schindler Raisa N Scott Lindsay Leigh Seagraves Hannah M Sermersheim Valery Alexandra Sevillanos Evan James Shadix Kellie Ann Shirie Bradley Davinder Singh Michelle Nicole Smith Sara Lorraine Smith Samuel Reese Spencer Alli Mikayla Stewart Tamia A Styles Lynsey Katelynn Sutton Stephen George Szucs Brianna Michelle Taylor Zachery Marquese Taylor Heather Renea Teague Dawante Levi Kendale Thomas Alexis Mackenzie Tomas Obioma B Ugonna Andrew Albert Vahanian Emily B Van Kleef Vasilena Foxy T Vasileva Andreanna Casalena Walker Whitney Paige Wallace Izzetter Jeanine Walther Tesha LaShaun Watkins Austin Lee Weaver Ryan Keith Werner Cooper James White Nathanael Ray White Keyuna C Williams Donna Leigh Willis Christina Marie Wilson Daivon Maleke Wilson Dorothy Koryn Wilson Lacy Diane Wolfe Brittany Breanna Wynn Austin Thomas Yarborough

Associate of Science

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Hershel W Aaron Ebrahem W Abdul-rahman Elizabeth Ashlee Abernathy Brie-Lenn Shae Abney Traci Lynn Abram Sarah Delores Adair Avenamar Adali Adame-Chavez Mya Labria Adams Rashonda Monae Adeyinka Matthew Corbin Adjin-Tettey Jailene Suzette Aguilar Juana N Aguilar Nathaniel Aguilar Yajaira Yasmin Aguilar Aderemi James Ajibowo Victoria Lynn Alexander Mallory Hope Alford Jeton Aliu Brandon Robert Allen Taylor Nicolle Allen Kelsey L Allred Ryan Lee Alsobrook Chris Jusko Altschuler Jocelyn C Alvarado Lesli Maribel Alvarez Kimberly S Amaya Kenneth David Anderson Toni Marie Andruzzi Andani Angeles Itzel Angeles Ashley Dede Anoh Elizabeth Maria Arias Christopher Dale Armer Alexander A Armstrong Sara Beth Arnold Juan Antonio Arreguin Corey Alan Arrington Erika Nichole Arroyo Mark Christopher Arthen Hannah Gabrielle Arthur Jaden E Ashworth Michael David Aszman Kayla Nicole Avila Levi Daniel Ayers Amanda Leigh Aynes Lukas Chandler Baggett Nathan B Bailey Ansley Summer Baker Austin L Baker Malik Jawuan Baker Hilary Linde Baldwin Jessica Mackenzie Barber Ryan Thomas Barday Brady Nathaniel Barker Courtney Renae Baron Emily Riley Bates Jacob Deshawn Battle Katie Mackenzie Battles Benjamin Charles Baxter Brett Douglas Baxter Hannah Renee Bearden Zilma T Beaupierre Payton Joann Beck Carson Tyler Beckwith Molly Kate Belcher Jasmain Nicole Belew Michael David Beltrami Mackensey S Bennett Terra Taylor Benton Jasmine Taylor Biles Jessica Anka Bilikha Brooke Marie Bishop Anderson Grant Bivins Charlotte Hope Black

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Adrian Blalock Katherine B Blankenship Elijah Bocz Vladislava I Bodnariuc Marilyn Camille Borkowsky Colby Lewis Bostic Hannah Nicole Boyd Alexandra Mary Boyland Malorie Bradfield Dalton Thomas Bradford Morgan Breanna Bradley Blake Brady Amanda Brand Chance Harley Branton Robyn Nicole Brass Megan Ansley Bridges Ayanlah Terri Brocks Sara Lynn Brooks Jamie Allaina Broome Austin Lane Brown Cody Ladon Brown Jacob A Brown Makenna E Bryan Kortney Madison Bryant Maxxi Lynn Bryant Esmeralda M Buitrago Ariza Emma Makenna Burger Ian Michael Burks Merilyn Itzanelly Bustos Ryan E Butler Natasha Paola Cabarcas Mark Cabrera Roger Cabrera Samai Calderon Caroline Halie Callihan Javier Alejandro Camacho Corrie Danielle Camden Allison Blair Cannon Clayton Michael Capalbo Heather J Carlock Emily R Carney Anna Brooke Carpenter Kristin Baylee Carpenter Dave Mitchell Carr Samuel Brett Carr Isaiah Jamaal Carson Aislyn Airiana Carter Leonard Walter Cassidy Stephanie Castillo Anthony Justin Catanzaro Pamela Hallman Cave Jose Horacio Cervantes-oporta Brent Thomas Chadwick Jordan Macy Chamberlain Jashaun C Chambers Joshua David Chambers Martya T Chapel Chambers Martya T Chapel Chambers Jacob Cade Chastain Gregory Chenoweth Joseph Augustine Cheriyampurathu John Lawrence Chester Andjelo Bojidarov Chopov Preston L Christ Joshua Clint Clark Susan Renee Clark Martin Mason Clemones Alexander Colas Stephanie Marie Cole Collin Ryan Coleman Hannah Emileigh Coleman Rontavious Coley Bianca M Collado Chastidy Marie Collins

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Joshua T Colombo Christopher James Colston Seth Colston Cody S Conner Steven Anthony Cook Mayra Lizeth Cordova Genna N Corley Nicole Lydia Corrao Amparo L Cortes Palmerin Joseph James Cottongim Caleb J Covarrubias Alexis N Coviello Caleb Nathaniel Darryl Covington Jamie Michelle Covington Candace Ashleigh Craig Anna Grace Craton Caitlin Mia Crider Tyler Daniel Crippen Ashley E Cronon Dacia Croomes Brent Austin Crowder Michaela Leeanna Kathryn Crowe Skyler E Curtis Michael Dominic D'Errico Grayson L Dailey Jonathan T Daniel Alice N Darko Christopher Devin Dasher Nicholas Glen Dassow John Michael Datillo Lajay J Davie Alexis Nicole Davis Hannah Grace Davis Jacob Alan Davis Jacob Michael Davis Rees J Davis Shaylee M Davis Stefani B Davis Angelina Marie De Stefano Cecelia G Dean Jessica Lynne Dean Jessica Lynne Dean Kyle Jackson Dean Holly Jane Decker Nedalys Delcid Cruz Fraidenes Benito Deleon Gramajo Andy Delgado-morales Lauren J Dello Joio Tyler J Dennis Allyson Camille Deskins Kara Leeann DiCarluccio Tania Diaz Bianca Dingle Bryan Kristopher Dittrich Daniel Dobbs Callaway Logan Dodd Marvin Lucas Domingo Abbie L Dorrough Ansley Faith Dougharty Emily Marie Dowse Aakayla Raquel Dudley Mia C Duffy Marni Ann Dulin Melissa M Earl Natalie Marie Eckert Kayla Elizabeth Edwards Katelyn Joyce Emery Joseph D Erwin Amy Alexandra Espinoza Grayson Elizabeth Evans Lacey Lynn Evans Mariah C Evans Stephanie Kathleen Fairall Sally M Fairbank

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Destyni Michael Herbert Kimberly A Hernandez Craig Lavar Hicks Jessica N Hicks Sarah Breanna Hiers Jasmine DaJanae Hill Kendal Jo Ann Hitchcock Kyle George Hoganson Katie M Holcombe Iris Olivia Holmes Elizabeth Deven Hopper Caleb B Hornback Senna Houston Kayla Beavers Humphries Melite K Hunger Ashlie Mariah Hunt Brianna Nicole Hurtado Ansley B Hyde Carl Glenn Jacka Tonya Wells Jackson Noah Parker James Christopher Douglas Janssen Nicholas J Jaworski Charisma Rachelle Jean Kathina Jean Parker Adam Jedrzejak Joshua Aaron Jefferson Amylee Morgan Jeffries Brooklynn A Jenkins Trevor Eugene Jenkins Magda Lizeth Jimenez Carly H Johnson Collin P Johnson Eric H Johnson Garrett S Johnson Joshua Malik Johnson Kimberly Johnson Quentin Ezekiel Johnson Colton Jones Kaitlyn Elizabeth Jones Rebekah E Jones Tanner Darryl Jones Kerry Louise Jordan Donna Robin Joseph Jordan Kale Mary K Karamarkovich Heather Aleah Keeney Nancy Ledford Keeney Rachael Amanda Keeney Ryan Michael Keeney Christopher W Kemp Madisyn Sydney Kendall Jeffrey E Kern Amanda Lea Key Noora M Khateeb Jabara Tiffany P Kimbrell Kyndall Ann King Rachel Nicole King Donovan Cole Kinsella Emily B Kiser Charlotte Idell Kittle Jalen Shamar Knight Lacey Leann Knight Janee Knorr Adam Gregory Kown Kimberly Kreider Alyssa Copen Kynard Kaitlin O Lake Mary E Laltrello Shelsea Lamboy Octavius L Landon Miles Clay Landrum Abigail Rose Landsman Jennifer Lara

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Haley Marie Fairel Mitchell Evan Feltham Jacqueline Nicolle Fernandez Marta Maria Figueroa Lavoisier Anthony Fisher Sarah Elizabeth Fitts Kayla Cheyenne Floyd Taelor Bianca Fordham Olivia D Fortner Jo Anne Rebecca Francis Alexander George Franji Dillan Gage Frazier Jason L Frederick Xavier Q Freeman Krista Danielle Fuller Vincent Richard Furman Desmarie Ebonie Gadsden Catrina M Gage Macarena Gallegos Carsyn Renee Gambrell Sierrah Rosalee Gani Jacqueline M Garcia Steven Garcia Lindsey Ray Gard Robert Walter Gardner Summer Renia Garland Craig Vinson Gartman Jocelyn Gervacio Barajas Lauren Nicole Gilmore Gabrielle Peace Glenn Jacob Michael Glover Amelia Lindsey Goble Kyle Goldschmidt Danny O Gonzalez Vicente Julie Dayle Gooch Jennifer Judsky Goodridge David Austin Gore Heather Elizabeth Gray Blake Derrick Green Mason Alexander Green Mckenzie Leigh Green Charles Tyler Griffith Kristal Jolie Guinn Paige Elizabeth Gumienny Brittany Elaine Gunter Tyler Jarod Gustat Vanessa Isabelle Gutierrez Ofelia Gutierrez-Flores Kenzie Michelle Hagerty Ronald Elbert Hale Amanda R Hall Cheyenne N Hall Ethan Joseph Hall Kirsten Nicole Hall Brady Christopher Hammonds Peyton Hancock Brooke Lindsay Haney Kristen B Haney Carressa L Hann Jon Ryan Hansen John Trenton Harbin Karissa Lindsey Harris Megan Taylor Harris Savannah Mayson Harris Jay Dillard Harrison Margia Hassan Haley Elise Hawthorne Brittany Lynn Hayes Emily Katherine Heath Kristene Anjanette Heeney Kyle Brandon Heineman Benjamin Forrester Hellriegel Harrison Grant Hendrix Joshua Garrison Henn

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Associate of Science, continued

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Jackson Charles-Emery Laurent Brandon Allen Leckie Moises Lopez Ledesma Kayla Elizabeth Legg William Leonard Chera R Leroy Branson Pate Lewis Matthew T Lewis Mikayla N Lewis Steven W Lewis Chris Allen Lindsey Princess J Linley Mason T List Noah Daniel Little Savannah H Lively Tiffany Rebecca Loera Madison Cheatham Loftin Brenda E Lopez Brenda E Lopez Haley BriAnn Lopez Jenifer Lopez Cristopher Lopez Cortes Abigail Lopez Lepe Camden Lorys Ava Louden-Mack Nicole L Lovinggood Ashley E Lowe Chandler Keaton Lucas Miguel Angel Luna Jessica Brooke Lyle Keith Lyle Hunter Boyd Lyons Mark Abel Magana Sherell Meleah Mahadeo Lisa Lana Mahaffey Jillian Raeanne Malave Amairany Maldonado Jacqueline G Mancia Tamera N Maphenduka Alexandria L Marcus Christopher Marshall Destiny Ciara Marshall Tyler Marshall Karen Elaine Martin Asminda Lizet Martinez Desyne Javon Martinez Hannah Jade Martinez Cynthia C Mata Tara Breanne Mathis Logan Blakely Maxwell Jada Tiara May-Smith Patricia Lynn McConnell Jacob Mason McGlon Madelyn Dale Mcamish Leila Mcclellan-karp Joshua Z Mcclure Malik D Mccluskey Jenna Shea Mccollum Alana M Mcdaris Cassie A Mcfather Laura Kate Mcfry Emorie Dawn Mcginty Madeline K Mcgraw Haleigh Elizabeth Mckenzie Kamryn Jamaya Mckinley Nicholas Logan Mcmichen Ryan Chayse Mcmillan Addison Bryce Mealer Tesla N Medckie Juritzi M Medina Karen Mercado Caitlin Starr Merritt Sarah Elizabeth Miles Jaylen E Miller

Associate of Science, continued

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Taylor Ashley Miller Whitney R Mills Jacob A Mincey Rebecca Shea Mitchell Taylor J Mitchell Colby Shannon Mize Dorothy Virginia Moates Diana Y Molina Esther Montalvo Roxanne Vanessa Montano Hunter Griffith Moody Elizabeth Mooney Aaron Michael Moore Jonathan Ociel Morales Michael Adam Moran Corelle Quan Morris Jackson Cole Morris Mark Wayne Morris Marquis Mosely Bethany Nicole Mostella Paula Harrison Mullinax Jordan Ann Mullins Jacqueline Michelle Munson Jerry D Murphy Austin Chase Murray Vincent Eli Myrick Victoria Rose Najarro Jose C Naranjo-mata Jessica M Neal Kacey Leanne Neese Jade Nicole Nelson Malaun Alan Dilante Nelson Sydney E Nelson Marina Nemtsanov Maria Anastasia Newberry Robert Amos Newborn William Leslie Newborn Katrina Liz Nicholson Amanda Carol Noonan Nia-Kali Angeline O'Brien Abigail M O'Neal Maggie Grace Oakes Jesse-dave Odinakachukwu Ogali Kathryn Frances Ohern Vanessa Olivo Hannah Lynn Ollis Fidelia Martha Adhiambo Omondi Joshua C Oneill Karen Melissa Orozco Kennedy Owens Tobiloba Bolu Owolabi Brittany Leona Ozmore Francis Melanie Palacios Oscar Ruben Paniagua Campbell V Parham Dawson Kyle Parkhill Caroline Montgomery Parr Tammy Diane Parson Megan Michelle Parsons Kyle A Patterson Nyah Miyori Patterson Stacy Yvette Payne Luke Ryan Pearson Abigail Elise Peeples Uriel Pena Leon Lakeshia Eason Pendleton Octavia Kierra Pendleton Beth Elise Pereira Jasmine Perez Kourtney Leeanne Perry Michala Leigh Petty Audrey Catherine Phillips Kayla Winona Phillips

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Nina Louise Piatt Matthew Norris Pilchard Lacey DeeAnne Pilgrim Katlyn M Pillow Haley Brooke Pittman Joshua Chamberlain Pitts Amanda Jean Planchet Michael Allen Plocar Madison Bailey Poe Samuel David Pollard Brandon Lee Pope Zackary Alan Pope Summer Jade Porter Kymberly Lynn Postell Brian Daniel Powell Madisen Elise Powell Julia L Preston Amanda Leigh Priest Chelsea Pritts Haley R Prouty Joshua Michael Rager Mason Lee Raiford Chelsy Ramos Fabrizio R Ramos-Cuba Rebecca Ruth Ramseyer Virginia Elizabeth Ransom Katie Lynn Ray Joshua Michael Raymond Roger Hunter Redd Emily Mckenzie Redden Ja'Lyn M Reese Kindell Leigh Reeves William Thomas Reeves Chloe Reid Kristi Grace Reid Rachel Danielle Rentz Omar Reyes-Chavez Kayla Michelle Reynolds Ariel Paige Rhue William Jake Richardson Samantha Michelle Ritter Morgan Nikole Rivers Angel Love Robbins John D Robbins Casey M Roberts Michael E Roberts Misti N Robinson Pedro Robledo Liliana Rodriguez Amber Joy Romano Jeffrey Noel Romero Evan Harbour Rose Marika Misheal Rosser Alyson Roth Geshlee Ruiz Noe Ruiz Tina Galvin Rull Endi Sadiku Dylan Michael Sailors Jordan M Salce Adrian Salinas Daniel Aiden Samples Andre Maurice Sanders Dawson Wayne Sanders Joshua Isiah Sanders Jonathan Stiles Sanford Johan Daniel Santizo Gloria Lee Scarborough Katie N Schreiber Kari Sophia Schulzke Madison Jayde Scogin Heather Lynn Scott Morgan Sierra Scott

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Joshua C Seabrooks Kaitlyn Seagle Jocelyn Sebastian Gilda A Segbename Katlyn Deann Sexton Tara Ashlie Sexton Amy Kristine Seymour Stella Cecilia Shartzer Austyn K Shelton Jazzmyn Elaine Shelton Allyson Shepard Robert Lee Shipp Taylor N Shipp Elisabeth May Shoemaker Austin G Shortnacy Juan Michael Sibrian Andrew M Silva Carlee B Silvers Audrey Melissa Silvey Diandra Charda Sims Aabhas Amar Singh Hailey Marie Sisk Jonathan P Sisk Misty Ladawn Smalls Christopher Aaron Smith Kellyn Olivia Smith Levi Henry Smith Reannah Hope Smith William Pinson Smith Xiao Yun Omie Smith Robert Ryan Smithson Austin W Snipes J Santos Solis Kamraun Laurence Sorhaindo Mark Daniel Spano Jessica Sparks Tyler Glenn Spayde Emily Spellman Jacob Wayne Spence Charles Austin Sprayberry Jasmine K Staton Dominic Armand Stephens Lauren Taylor Stephens Amber Nicole Stevens Darrin Anthony Stock Darian Sage Stoeckl Jennifer L Stratton Gabriel Thomas Strawn Allison H Streetman Keifer Elijah Stroup Morgan Alysse Swain Dalton Gabriel Swanson Chrystal Sylvain Conner Lindsay Tant Morgan Taylor Tant Tamika Lashae Tart Isaac James Tartal Kiril Iordanov Tassev MacKenzie Lauren Taulbee Morgan Dyana Terry Sophonie Theodore Marlon Pierre Theosmy David Josiah Thomas Ryan Taylor Thomas Ryanne Thomas Ciara Alexus Thompson Shayna Lane Thompson Hannah Marie Toler Amadou Touray Tresor Tshimanga Clark Mitchell Turner Ryan Quillian Umphrey Ethan Garrett Underwood

Associate of Science, continued 

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Matthew David Vaccaro Matthew David Vaccaro Stephanie Yuridia Valencia Hennessy J Valle Sarah Jane Vanek Julissa Vazquez Luis A Vazquez Cecilia Lizeth Vazquez Pineda Andrea Vera Mendoza Harrison Vicknair Jordan A Villafana Christian Alexander Villarreal Jessica Villela Brandy Ann Wacker Trevin Nelson Wade Laura J Walker Samantha Jane Walker Brandon Scott Wallace Jessica M Wallace Savannah Grace Walraven Candis Ward Miriam Ward Zonesla Qwnett Ward Larissa P Ware Samantha Maria Warner Samuel Earl Warren

Macy M Washington Dicie Kate Waters Khalyl Waters Jada Alicia Watson Nikki K Watts Patricia Gayle Weatherwax Sawyer Montana Weaver Collin Christopher Weese Christen Amanda Wehunt Imani Nicole Welch Destiny Alivia West Hannah Marie West Dakota Malik Whatley Madison Margaret Wheatley Megan Allyse White Ambria Makenzie Williams Joshua Michael Williams Kyra Brenee' Williams Kiara Patrice Williams-Anderson Abigail Leigh Williamson Ashton Brooke Willingham Jonathan Drew Willman Anna Elizabeth Wilson Joseph Barnes Wilson William Scott Winnie Aubrie Danielle Wolfe

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Crosby Lynn Wolownik Isaiah Kahlil Wong Craig A Wood Matilda Ray Wood Denise Woods Noah Landen Woods Kensley B Woolfork Billy McKinsey Wooten Carolina Fernanda Wright DeAdrienne Lechelle Wright Elise Millicent Wymer Latoya Wynder Ansley Hope Wynn Joseph D Wynn Kera D Wynn Wesley Wyrick Hera Atena F Yagonia Autumn Jane Young Jessica L Young Kavan Bryce Youngblood Victoria Zamarron Jesus Arturo Zamora William Cole Zappala Denise Zimmerman Griffin Thomas Zito

Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene Amanda Rose Chafee Jackie Fussell Croft Ivey Lynn Hampton Casey Erin Horton Taylor Michelle King

Laura Lucille Mann Alexandria J Miller Brittany D Mobley Anna Mullins Tori Danielle Pritchett

Kimberly Nunez Sanchez Hailey Elizabeth Sosa Keirstan Ann Vosatka Kaitlin Anne Walker

Associate of Science in Human Services Lizeth Cortez Alcaraz Erin Jennifer Caze Jodi Shianne Ingebrigtsen

Taisha Jean-Charles James Steward Karegi Alejandra Melissa Landaverde

Labrador Angelina Manuel Mendez Brooke Rae Robertson

Associate of Science in Nursing Amber Lea Baldwin Rebekah Anne Biddulph Sheila Diane Blevins Kyleigh Belle Carney Jessica Deane Carrier Laura Ann Charlier Alexandria Nicole Chitwood Alejandra Katherly Cisneros Baylee O Davenport Chelsea Davis Maria Deblasio Deborah Pettyjohn Dobbins Saron Sin Eaton Rachel Alexandra Echols Haley Brooke Epstein Jessica Lynn Fuchs Jessica Ann Fullagar Paige Briana Garmon Heather Leigh Gooch Breeann Faith Gray Joseph Blake Griggs William M Hamilton Elmira M Hanley Taniesha Neichell Harrison Brande Holm

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Tanner Chase Hund Hailey N Hyde Drew Xavier Jefferson Julia M Jeronimo Crystal E Johnson Taylor Michelle Johnson Christal A Kelly Bethany Hope Kinard Matthew A King Kaitlen Danielle Kiser Mary Vanessa Lilly Stephanie H Locke Alexia Nicole Loudermilk Brittany M Lynch Jacob McDaniel Martin Giselle Martinez Alisha Lynn May Jane May Amber Lee McClure Melinda Meade Heather Renee Meeler Melissa Michelle Mestizo Marjorie Jeanette Miller Alicia L Moon Michelle N Nash

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Rebeka L Neal Julie Anne Pike Laquisha Q Pillow Laura Michelle Pintar Titilola O Popoola Kristen Nicole Prejean Princesa Maritza Reyes Mayra Lorena Rivera Rojas Madeline Kate Roberts Jessica Shae Robinson Laura Marie Robinson Andrew Heyward Rudeseal River Jannon Russell Elesa Rene Sanders Reginald Lamar Scott Alexander Michael Smith David Thomas Smith Zachary Gordon Spears Jeremy Aidan Thomas Christienne Nicole Tolero Vanessa Renea West Rebekah Hope White Laura Marie Whitehead Dijana Whitlow April Dawn Winslow

Georgia Highlands College Foundation Board of Trustees Executive Committee

Chairman ...............................................................................................................Luke Lester Chair Elect ..............................................................................................................Greg Patton Treasurer .................................................................................................................Randy Quick Executive Director ..................................................................................................Mary Transue President .................................................................................................................Dr. Donald J. Green

Trustees Dee Bishop Sarah H. Burkhalter David Caswell Melanie C. Collier

Donnie Denson Mary Louise Lever Steve Moore Jamie Petty

John Quinlivan Matt Sirmans Sue Spivey Tommy Strickland

Mark Weaver

Georgia Highlands College Foundation The Georgia Highlands College Foundation has been committed to supporting the college since 1973 and serves as a vital link between the institution and the communities the college serves. Foundation trustees work closely with the institution to support advancement activities including development of a comprehensive campaign strategy with major gifts, annual fund, and planned giving programs. Through these efforts, donations received provide much needed scholarships and support special funding initiatives and services.

The leadership provided by the foundation trustees combined with the efforts of the college’s Advancement Division is essential to the success of the college and the students who attend. As a regional, multi-campus institution serving Northwest Georgia, Georgia Highlands is indebted to the community leaders who serve as foundation trustees as well as the many donors who support the mission of GHC and embrace its vision. We are all especially greatful for the support of our new corporate and foundation partners listed in the back of this program.

Georgia Highlands College Alumni Association Congratulations Graduates! One of the major goals of the GHC Alumni Association is to create ties that will last a lifetime between you and the college. We consider graduation a beginning–not an end–of our relationship. With that in mind, the Alumni Association will continually seek new and innovative ways to meet the needs of our alumni. Visit us today at alumni.highlands.edu.

Notice The list of degree candidates was required by the printer several weeks prior to commencement to allow for the production of this program. The status of some candidates may have changed since that time. Some will not have completed all requirements for their degrees, and some will have achieved or lost honors status. The listing of the names in this program in no way implies an obligation on the part of Georgia Highlands College to award a given degree or a given honors status.

For official purposes, a final correct list of graduates will be retained in the Office of the Registrar, Georgia Highlands College.

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The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia W. Allen Gudenrath Erin Hames Samuel D. Holmes Barbara Rivera Holmes C. Thomas Hopkins, Jr., MD James M. Hull (Vice Chair) Cade Joiner

C. Everett Kennedy, III Rachel B. Little Lowery Houston May Jose R. Perez Neil L. Pruitt, Jr. Sarah-Elizabeth Langford Reed Harold Reynolds

Sachin Shailendra (Chair) T. Dallas Smith Kessel D. Stelling, Jr. Don L. Waters Philip A. Wilheit, Sr.

Dr. Steve Wrigley

Chancellor, University System of Georgia The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia was created in 1931 as a part of a reorganization of Georgia’s state government. With this act, public higher education in Georgia was unified for the first time under a single governing and management authority. The governor appoints members of the Board to a seven-year term, and regents may be reappointed to subsequent terms by a sitting governor. Regents donate their time and expertise to serve the state through their governance of the University System of Georgia; the position is a voluntary one without financial remuneration. Today the Board of Regents is composed of 19 members, five of whom are appointed from the state at-large, and one from each of the state’s 14 congressional districts. The Board elects a chancellor who serves as its chief executive officer and the chief administrative officer of the University System. The Board oversees the public colleges and universities that comprise the University System of Georgia and has oversight of the Georgia Archives and the Georgia Public Library System.

The Chancellor provides leadership in higher education and stewardship of state and University System resources by promoting a statewide perspective on higher education that attends to the current and developing needs of the State, its citizens and students, and relates them effectively to the University System and its institutions. The Chancellor supports the Board of Regents in furthering and achieving its vision for the University System by providing leadership in analyzing, monitoring, and anticipating higher education trends and developments, and by planning strategically for the future of the University System. The Chancellor also serves on the Georgia-based Alliance of Education Agency Heads, a collaborative partnership with the Governor’s office and Georgia’s education agency heads.

Georgia Highlands College Cabinet Dr. Donald J. Green, President Dr. Dana Nichols, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Mr. Jamie Petty, Vice President for Finance and Administration Ms. Mary Transue, Senior Vice President for Advancement and Enrollment Management Mr. Jeff Patty, Vice President for Information Technology Ms. Ginni Siler, Vice President, Chief Human Resource Officer Dr. Michelle Boyce, Dean, Health Sciences Ms. Melanie Largin, Dean, Business and Professional Studies Dr. Jon Hershey, Dean, Humanities Dr. Sarah Coakley, Dean, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Dr. Alan Nichols, Dean, Social Science and Education Dr. Jesse Bishop, Dean, Planning, Assessment, Accreditation, and Research Mr. Julius Fleschner, Dean of Libraries, College Testing, and Curriculum Innovation Mr. Ken Reaves, Dean, Marietta Site Ms. Leslie Johnson, Dean, Cartersville Site Ms. Julia Areh, Director, Douglasville Site Mr. David Mathis, Athletics Director Ms. Sheila Jones, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications Mr. Lisa Branson, Faculty Senate President Ms. Brenda Haverkos, Internal Auditor Mr. Nicholas Godfrey, Communications Director Ms. Stephanie Loveless, Director of Procurement and Budget Ms. Christina Henggeler, Manager, Paulding Site Mr. Ian Fleming, Information Security Officer Mr. David Horace, Chief of Police

13

GEORGIA HIGHLANDS COLLEGE

Thank you for celebrating this 50th commencement with Georgia Highlands College.

When I became the fourth president of GHC in 2014, I truly could not have fathomed what a blessing it would be. This college means so much to me and so much to the people who learn here, work here, and take charge here. I am happy to be part of this unique collegiate family that has been growing every year since 1970. We continue to change so many family trees in wonderful and transformative ways. We pride ourselves on being the access to a brighter future for so many. And for 50 years, GHC has continued to do just that.

When David B. McCorkle was appointed as the first college president in 1970, the college had 19 faculty members who taught 545 students on a single 233-acre campus in Rome on U.S. Highway 27.

Decades later, GHC holds the second highest enrollment among state colleges in Georgia with more than 100 faculty members teaching more than 6,000 students across Northwest Georgia at sites in Rome, Cartersville, Dallas, Douglasville, and Marietta.

GHC has championship athletic teams in basketball, baseball, and softball. GHC continues to provide a quality of excellence in all its programs and pathways. And each year, the college expands its course offerings and degree offerings to ensure students in our community have access to rapidly growing fields and careers in our area at a low-cost rate that allows them to graduate with little to no debt after completion.

Georgia Highlands College is an exceptional institution with a bright future and a continuous dedication to our students, the value of their study, and the elimination of any cost barrier to higher education.

If I’ve learned anything in my time at GHC, it’s a community of people who take charge and who help others take charge, too. Please take time to review our 50th site at 50years.highlands.edu for details on GHC’s history, upcoming events, and news surrounding this milestone year.

Sincerely, Don Green, President

 14 

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS First graduate recalls first commencement and career as GHC prepares to celebrate 50 years In 1971, Claudia Williams Taxel is the lone graduate of a small college in Rome, Georgia, in its infancy. She stands with the college president, David McCorkle, and the dean, Wesley Walraven, in a newly constructed building, as a photo is snapped for the local newspaper. Her two-year diploma in education is conferred, and she and her father, Floyd County Commission Chairman Charles Williams, pose together for another photo Claudia still has to this day.

This completes the college’s first full year. And Claudia is the first graduate. For her and the college, this would be the beginning of many firsts.

In Fall 1970, Floyd Junior College (now Georgia Highlands College) opened as a community college in Rome. Several members of the community and those who would eventually run the college worked alongside one another with help from local and state government officials, like Claudia’s father, Charles, to create the college.

Left to Right: FJC President David McCorkle, Claudia Williams, and Wesley Walraven

After graduating in 1971, Claudia, a Rome native who also attended West Rome High School, earned a master’s and a specialist degree in education from the University of Georgia.

She then turned her attention to the newly adopted statewide kindergarten program fostered by President Jimmy Carter, then Georgia’s governor. She said it was a “wonderful opportunity” to take what she had learned in college and apply it to a new kindergarten curriculum in Athens, Georgia, where she first started teaching.

But being a pioneer in what Georgia kindergarten programs across the state would eventually become wasn’t enough for Claudia—she was determined to innovate, as well.

Claudia says she found a storage room where she was teaching in Athens full of computers no one was using. She dusted them off and carted them down to her kindergarten class to use them in her curriculum. And the kids loved it.

Her use of technology in the classroom, of course, led to a whole lot more…

Meanwhile, back in Rome, Claudia’s alma mater received official accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; topped 1,000 students in enrollment; expanded its campus with additional academic buildings, a library, and gymnasium; and graduated nearly 150 more students.

Years later, Claudia was eventually recruited by John Henry Martin, who developed the Principles of the Alphabet Literacy System (PALS), a computer-based program used to promote adult literacy. She noted how her particular skills working with younger first-time learners in kindergarten allowed her to draw parallels to learning techniques needed to achieve the best results for older first-time learners using PALS. As Claudia continued to pioneer new ways of learning and teaching, the college where her first college commencement took place was thriving and growing. By 1985, the college held a ceremonial bond burning, celebrating paying off the mortgage for its 233-acre campus 6 miles from Rome on Highway 27.

And in the years the college would celebrate its 20th anniversary, a second location would open in Cartersville while Claudia would find herself working for IBM in Atlanta developing computer-based educational programs used in K-12 classes across the country.

Claudia, now retired, went on to spend the last decade of her working years as an institutional coach for teachers in the Clarke County School System.

In that same time, the college would grow to over 6,000 students in five locations across Northwest Georgia with several two-year and four-year pathways.

To many, it will always be remembered as Floyd Junior College or Floyd College. In 1987 the word “junior” was dropped from all colleges that used it within the University System of Georgia, and then, in 2005, Floyd College changed its name to Georgia Highlands College with the addition of new sites in surrounding areas, like Cartersville, Dallas, Marietta and Douglasville.

Claudia, who now lives in Athens with her husband, says that though she was only at the college for a short time, she has fond memories of “friendly and warm” instructors and a “cozy atmosphere.”

 15 

GEORGIA HIGHLANDS COLLEGE

1970

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Floyd Junior College Opens

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1970 - Dr. David B. McCorkle assumes role as first college president.

......

1971

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1971 - New nursing program begins with 100 students enrolled under Belen Nora’s leadership.

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1st Commencement 1 Graduate

..

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1972 - Second commencement and first major ceremony 42 students receive associate degrees.

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1975 - A new library is constructed.

The F-Wing is added to the Administration Building.

A Health Sciences Annex is added to the Academic Building.

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5th Commencement 18 Graduates

.

1977 - The pavilion on Paris Lake opens in May after two years of planning, offering a dock for use by the local community.

....

...

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1989 - Construction begins on the addition to the Administration Building, now the Dr. David B. McCorkle Building.

...

1987 - After the Board of Regents announces that no units of the University System would use the words “junior” or “community”in their names, Floyd Junior College became Floyd College.

1985 - The City of Rome proclaims February 14th “Floyd Junior College Day,” and the college celebrates paying off its 20-year mortgage.

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...

...

..

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15th Commencement 102 Graduates

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1985 ... .

1994 - (RESA) Building is dedicated in April by Governor Zell Miller on the Floyd campus.

.

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1980 - The 24,925-square-foot physical education and gymnasium complex is completed.

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10th Commencement 42 Graduates

1975 ....... ..

....

.. . . . . . . . . . ...... .1980

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545 students

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The 19 original faculty members teach

...

1990 ..

20th Commencement 145 Graduates

Floyd College

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS 2005 - Floyd College changes name to Georgia Highlands College.

2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2005 ......

2001 - Dr. J. Randolph Pierce assumes role as the third college president.

1999 - The Lakeview Building opens on the Floyd campus.

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30th Commencement 218 Graduates

...

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...

...

.

35th Commencement 336 Graduates

...

...

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25th Commencement 297 Graduates

2005 Cartersville site is dedicated and opens for classes.

2005 Martetta site opens.

2009 - The college opens its Paulding site in Dallas, offering classes and a 2+2 program with Kennesaw State University.

In Douglas County, the college offers classes in modular units at Chapel Hill High School.

......

1995

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1995 - Site opens on Gilmer Street in Cartersville.

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2010

..

..

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1994 - East Rome Junior High facility in downtown Rome is acquired and later renamed James D. Maddox Heritage Hall.

BRATIN LE E

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G

C

1992 - Dr. H. Lynn Cundiff assumes role as second college president.

. . .

2010 - Douglasville site opens.

. . .

2015 . ... . . . . .45th639Commencement . . . . .

Graduates . . ...

. . .

.

. . .

YEARS

1

97

0 - 20 2

0

2020 - 50th Commencement

2014 - Dr. Donald J. Green assumes role as fourth college president.

2019 - GHC confers 817 degrees.

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40th Commencement 492 Graduates

CHARGER

athletics

2012 - The college began a new intercollegiate athletics program, as part of the National Junior College Athletic Association. GHC’s first sport was men’s and women’s basketball, followed by softball and baseball.

UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA

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The History of Georgia Highlands College Since 1970, Georgia Highlands College has served the Northwest Georgia community with a solid educational foundation with two-year and four-year degree options. Originally founded as Floyd Junior College, GHC is now an access mission state college of the University System of Georgia and serves students throughout Georgia.

In 1968, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia authorized the establishment of Floyd Junior College in Floyd County. Under the board’s policy, the local community provided a campus site and funds for the construction of the initial facilities. Led by the Junior College Committee headed by Rome attorney Mr. J.D. Maddox, Floyd County citizens responded enthusiastically by approving a $3.2 million bond issue by a margin of nearly three to one. Construction began in early 1970. The college’s first classes were offered during the fall quarter of 1970 in temporary facilities. At the end of that year, all operations were moved to the new campus on Highway 27 (Cedartown Highway), six miles south of Rome.

Dr. David B. McCorkle became the first president of Floyd Junior College on January 1, 1970, and served in that position until June 30, 1991. Following Dr. McCorkle’s retirement, Dr. Richard Trimble was appointed acting president of the college and served until the November 1992 selection of Dr. H. Lynn Cundiff as the college’s second president. Dr. Cundiff left the college in August 2000. During the 2001 academic year, Mr. Robert Watts served as interim president. The Board of Regents named Dr. J. Randolph Pierce the third president of Floyd College on June 15, 2001. Dr. Pierce retired in December 2011, and Mr. Robert Watts once again became interim president until May 2012 when Dr. Renva Watterson became interim president. She served at the post until the Board of Regents named Dr. Donald J. Green the fourth president, beginning his duties on September 8, 2014.

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Key Dates in GHC History 

In 1970, Georgia Highlands College was founded.

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In 1971, GHC’s first commencement was an informal ceremony held in the presence of officials and family for the first and only graduate.

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In 1973, the GHC Foundation was founded to serve as a vital link between the institution and the communities the college serves.

In 1994, the college opened Heritage Hall in downtown Rome to be more accessible to the working student, and GHTV–a 24-hour cable television station–went on the air.

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In Fall 2005, the college changed its name to Georgia Highlands College to reflect the more regional nature of its service area.

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In Fall 2005, the new campus and building in Cartersville on Route 20 was dedicated, and the college also began offering classes in Marietta on the campus of Southern Polytechnic State University.

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In 2006, the college expanded the flagship nursing program to Acworth. It subsequently absorbed that cohort of 25 students into Cartersville and Marietta when the college closed its Acworth site, which had been located on the campus of North Metro Technical College.

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In 2009, the Paulding instructional site opened in the town square in Dallas. That same year, GHC ventured into Douglas County occupying modular housing behind Chapel Hill High School until more permanent quarters were renovated on Stewart Parkway. The college moved its Douglasville site to its new facility in 2010. Dallas and Douglasville operate as cooperative ventures with Kennesaw State University and the University of West Georgia, respectively.

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In April 2011, GHC announced the establishment of competitive athletics, an initiative requested and voted on by students. That May, the Board of Regents approved the creation of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, thus making the institution a state college.

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In Fall 2012, a second building–the new student center–opened on the Cartersville site.

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In Summer 2014, the Board of Regents approved the creation of a Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene making it the college’s second baccalaureate degree.

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In 2016, the Board of Regents approved the creation of a Bachelor of Business Administration in healthcare management and a Bachelor of Business Administration in logistics and supply chain management.

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In 2018, GHC partnered with Dalton State College and Georgia Southwestern State University to offer students an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice through the University System of Georgia (USG) eMajor initiative.

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In January 2019, classes started in GHC’s new academic building in Cartersville. The 52,000-square foot building is focused on STEAM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) areas of study.

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In 2020, GHC started offering students the Bachelor of Science in Health Science to meet the market demand for the quickly expanding healthcare sector in Georgia.

The continuing support of the communities in which we work is the reason for our success.

Thank you for your support.

 19 

GHC Highlights for 2019/2020 

Nursing program nationally ranked

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Four-year degree offered through GHC partnership with The Citadel

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Recreation administration degree now available at GHC

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Economic impact approaches $180 million

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Bachelor’s in business students at GHC take on historic Cartersville building for service-learning project

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GHC continues to hold second highest enrollment among state colleges in Georgia

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Students participate in undergraduate field research for hands-on learning experience

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GHC partners with Georgia College for new pathways and scholarship opportunities

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GHC puts students first in switch to remote courses

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First ever virtual signing highlights transfer partnership into a GHC four-year degree

UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA

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 20 

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UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA

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highlands.edu