DEC. 2025
CHARTING THE COURSE SINCE 1961
FALL RADIOLOGIC SCIENCE &NURSING PINNING CEREMONY
FALL COMMENCEMENT 2025
STUDENT PROFILE: NOAH JOHNS ‘25 “Becoming Mariner Strong in More Ways Than One” *Editor’s Note: Noah Johns has since graduated and is now an alum of the College of Coastal Georgia.
When College of Coastal Georgia senior Noah Johns first stepped onto campus, he never imaged how much his college journey would challenge him to grow. From serving as a club president, to working with studentathletes and running for homecoming king, each experience shaped him into a more confident, resilient, and well-rounded person. Through unexpected opportunities, he discovered strengths he didn’t know he had—and became a better version of himself along the way.
Johns will graduate this fall with a bachelor’s degree in health science with a concentration in exercise science. The Brantley County native aspires to be a physical therapist, an occupation he was first introduced to while recovering from an injury in high school. “Originally, I didn’t know what to do. I thought that I could do nursing because that’s what my sister does, but once I saw the therapy side of things and what it was about, I was more interested in that,” Johns said. While in physical therapy, he realized that he could have a career instructing people on how to improve their body through movement. When he had to go to physical therapy a second time, it truly hit home that one of the best ways to prevent future injuries is to exercise and stay strong. “That’s been instilled into me,” he said. “I think that the stronger you are and the more you take care of yourself, the younger you’ll feel in the long run. Exercise is a big preventive care that many people don’t realize or get prescribed.” Many students may recognize Johns as a student worker for recreation and wellness, president of the Weightlifting Club, their freshman orientation leader, and, most recently, as the newly crowned homecoming king. However, it wasn’t always like this. When Johns first started at the College, he was very quiet and kept to himself, but he continued to work out and lift weights. This eventually put him on the radar of Steven Pancoast, coordinator of recreation and wellness. Pancoast not only became Johns’ boss, but also a mentor who continually encouraged Johns to step out of his comfort zone.
“My first semester here, I tried to spend more time on The Helm floor to help students. Transitioning from the military into fitness, I have always worked in areas where the average client was a beginner,” Pancoast said. “Because of this, I learned how to spot and help people just beginning their fitness journey. Noah was not one of these people. Noah is one of the strongest students on campus. I noticed a few pointers that would push his bench further.” When Pancoast approaches people in the gym to offer help or advice, he does so with the understanding
that some people are already uncomfortable and terrified of doing something wrong or being perceived as incompetent. Johns was like many students who visit the gym, with headphones on and wearing a hood pulled low, Pancoast said. He would do his workout without talking to anyone. Pancoast complimented Johns on his bench routine and asked to give him a few pointers. Johns was very receptive, and that began their informal, mentormentee relationship. Pancoast went on to help create and be the advisor for the Weightlifting Club with thenstudent, now alum, Lauren Cooper. Johns was one of the first members of the club and one the few students knowledgeable enough in the gym to create workouts and help teach others.
Read more about Noah here.
Step into Mariner Memory Lane, where we celebrate the moments that
make the College of Coastal Georgia special! Each month, Campus Life highlights a student club, organization, or event that showcases the spirit, achievements, and traditions of our Mariner community. Whether it’s a standout student group, a memorable campus event, or a piece of our
history, this is your place to relive and appreciate the milestones that shape our college experience.
“Concession Partnership” Coastal Georgia Athletics and Student Life have partnered for the 25-26 season! Concessions are one of the premier ways that clubs/organizations give back to the campus community while earning their Community Engagement and Service Programming tag (Grow, Connect, Lead pillars). In addition to setting up, selling various items, and breaking down the area, students interact with campus partners as well as community members from places far and wide. Club Baseball, Men’s and Women’s Tennis, and the Black Student Union kicked off the first home games to lead all clubs/orgs in athletic partnership.
Check out more memories here.
LATE NIGHT BREAKFAST: COAST VEGAS
ARCHIVIST’S LOG: CHARTING THE COLLEGE’S HISTORY
By Mylynda Gill, Special Collections Librarian and College Archivist
“Finding Treasures that Spread Holiday Cheer” Hello everyone! My name is Mylynda Gill, and I serve as the College of Coastal Georgia’s Special Collections Librarian and College Archivist. For this month’s edition of Archivist’s Log, I am sharing a festive glimpse into our institution’s past by featuring these holiday cards from when President John Teel led Brunswick Junior College. These cards were recently found when I was processing the Presidents’ Collections in the College Archives and thought they were very appropriate to share in this December’s issue of “The Mariners’ Log”. As you can see from the images, one of the cards is actually signed by John Teel and his wife, Frances. John Teel was our institution’s second president serving from 1968-1990. All of these holiday cards are also from when our institution was known as Brunswick Junior College. So far this has been our institution’s longest running name, lasting 23 years. Over the years, our institution has possessed four different names, reflecting its growth and evolution. In 1988, Brunswick Junior College went back to being called Brunswick College, our institution’s original name. Furthermore, this year, 2025, marks the 60th anniversary of Brunswick Junior College’s founding in 1965. These cards also remind us that the College Archives are full of fun surprises waiting to be discovered. From the College of Coastal Georgia Archives, we wish you all a joyful holiday season and a fantastic 2026! Until next time, Mariners—Hail the Sail!
MARINER DAY OF GIVING 2025 RECAP
Your ripple of support is already moving outward—strengthening scholarships, mentorship, wellness, and the student experience.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: JAN. 2025
1
NEW YEARS DAY—CAMPUS CLOSED/NO CLASSES.
2
JANUARY FIRST FRIDAY, STARTING AT 5 P.M., IN DOWNTOWN BRUNSWICK.
10 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS. FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY, IN COFFIN GYM AT 2 P.M. MEN’S BASKETBALL VS. FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY, IN COFFIN GYM AT 4 P.M.
12 SPRING 2026 CLASSES BEGIN. 13 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS ABRAHAM BALDWIN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, COFFIN GYM AT 5:30 P.M.
16 A TASTE OF GLYNN 2026-25 YEARS STRONG, FROM 5 P.M. TO 8 P.M. LOCATION: SEA PALMS RESORT ON ST. SIMONS EVENT INFO AND TICKET PRICES HERE.
17 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS. WEBBER INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, IN COFFIN GYM AT 2 P.M. MEN’S BASKETBALL VS. WEBBER INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, IN COFFIN GYM AT 4 P.M. Check out the College of Coastal Georgia Calendar for more events.
STAY IN TOUCH We would love to stay in touch with you. Please tell us about yourself and what you’ve been up to after college. Update your contact information here. Questions? Contact alumni@ccga.edu.