New Beginnings

NEW BEGINNINGS: THE LONG-AWAITED OPENING OF THE CPE CENTER

Diane Badakhsh, Ed.D. Division of Continuing and Professional Education Director dbadakhsh@georgiasouthern.edu

The Division of Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) is excited to announce the opening of their new building, located at 10449 US Hwy 301 S., which was formerly the East Georgia State College Statesboro campus. At this new location, CPE will be able to offer more face-to-face and virtual professional development, customized training, and personal enrichment programs, as well as conferences and events with state-of-the-art technology. CPE Director, Dr. Diane Badakhsh, described the benefits of the move by saying, “Although we were sad to move from the Nessmith-Lane Conference Center in 2020, we knew our new location would give us more dedicated space to serve the businesses and organizations in this area. We have updated technology, more space, and much better parking; and, we continue to have use of one of the largest event spaces on-campus, the Nessmith-Lane Ballroom. We will also be able to launch our new lifelong learning program which will provide educational and personal enrichment opportunities for individuals over 50.”

The fifth pillar in Georgia Southern University’s Strategic Plan is Community Engagement, which reads,

The University is committed to being a strong partner with community members, area organizations, U.S. military, and local companies. By deepening strategic relationships, expanding cultural opportunities, and encouraging community members to engage, the University will distinguish itself as a valued partner and community resource. The new CPE Center is the latest example of the University’s commitment to Community Engagement as it is expected to be a beacon for community activity, corporate training, and lifelong learning. Check out what services, CPE has in store for the new center.

Community Programs - Enriching Lives In this new space, CPE's Community Programs unit will continue to serve individuals of all ages, from summer camps and test prep courses for youth, to lifelong learning programs for seniors, as well as meeting/event spaces for organizations. Although CPE currently offers online personal enrichment courses in the areas of health and wellness, foreign languages, writing, photography, and personal finance and investing, having dedicated space will give CPE the opportunity to launch a Lifelong Learning Program similar to Seniors Citizens Inc. in Savannah and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI) at University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University, University of South Carolina - Beaufort, near Hilton Head, and Coastal Carolina University in Myrtle Beach. According to Misty Collier, Community Programs Manager, “the new Lifelong Learning Program will include educational opportunities on a variety of topics, fun activities, and planned trips to incredible destinations that could vary from a single day to week long excursions. Our friendly and welcoming environment will heighten the desire to learn and create an intellectual community where members feel they belong.”

Learning Program, it would like to receive information from the community regarding what programs, activities, and trips would be of most interest. Please visit the Community Programs website at bit.ly/3sGVsCB and click on the "Lifelong Learner Survey" at the bottom of the page to share your input and ideas on how CPE can enrich your life.

Conference Services - Enhancing Skills CPE Conference Services partners with academic departments and external organizations to plan and facilitate professional conferences. This department's objective is to provide the highest quality of professional development and networking opportunities for conference attendees so they can enhance their skills. Services offered by the department include venue sourcing/negotiation, marketing, registration, CEU applications, call for proposals, speaker contracts, recruiting and coordinating exhibitors and sponsors, and on-site assistance.

"Most of our conferences are off-site; however, the CPE Center is a great space and we are excited to use it for conferences with up to 200 attendees,” said Conference Services Manager, Akilah King. “The classrooms at the center are supplied with instructor stations, whiteboards, digital monitors, and technology necessary for live and virtual offerings. In the future, we hope to supplement our existing services and increase the number of hybrid conferences for our clients." Akilah and her staff look forward to working with new academic departments and organizations to bring quality conferences to the southeast region. Schedule a consultation with Akilah to see if CPE is the right fit for planning your next conference. Appointments can be made at the Conference Services website bit.ly/3sIKlZR - by clicking on "Schedule a Consultation" at the top of the page.

Professional Development and Customized Training - Elevating Careers The Professional Development and Customized Training unit supports business and industry in their workforce development initiatives by offering leadership development and succession planning programs, resilience building, process improvement, and executive education, to name a few. This unit partners with faculty, staff, and subject matter experts to develop and deliver targeted training programs for business, industry, military, and government agencies. At the new CPE Center, the community can expect in-person and virtual programs that will meet this region’s growing demand for a highly skilled workforce.

“The Center is the perfect location for in-person customized training in Statesboro. We listen to what the client needs and then cultivate customized trainings around those conversations and assessments. Our services adapt to each and every client we partner with for trainings. Teaching our programs are highly qualified instructors who are experts in their fields, elevating the training experience. Let our division be your preferred partner for all of your employee training needs to give your business its competitive edge," said Dr. Deedee Southerlin, CPE's Professional Development and Customized Training Manager. If your organization is seeking applicable skill development opportunities to elevate your workforce, visit the Professional Development and Customized Training website at bit.ly/3DvG0OK and connect with Dr. Southerlin. Select the "Schedule a Consultation" button at the top of the page. The success of your organization begins with customized training through CPE.

In addition to Statesboro, CPE also provides services in Savannah, Hinesville, and surrounding areas.

Anyone interested in our community programs, event/meeting spaces, professional development opportunities, or conference services, should visit our website bit.ly/3sIUTbi or email us at conted@ georgiasouthern.edu.

Meet Our Managers

Akilah King Conference Services Manager asking@georgiasouthern.edu

Misty Collier Community Programs Manager mcollier@georgiasouthern.edu

Deedee Southerlin, Ed.D. Professional Development and Customized Training Manager tsoutherlin@georgiasouthern.edu