Issuu

MARINERS’ LOG

CHARTING THE COURSE SINCE 1961 STUDENT PROFILE: PRESTON CRISP ‘26

on the horizon

2 SHOULD’VE BEEN A COWBOY: TOBY KEITH TRIBUTE

STARTING AT 8 P.M. AT THE CENTER OF THE ARTS. TICKET INFO HERE

3 july first friday IN DOWNTOWN BRUNSWICK, STARTING AT 5 P.M.

EMILY ANN ROBERTS

STARTING AT 8 P.M. AT THE CENTER OF THE ARTS. TICKET INFO HERE

STARTING

STUDENT PROFILE: PRESTON CRISP ‘26

“Finishing His Story”

By Tiffany King

**EDITOR’S NOTE: Preston Crisp has since graduated from the College of Coastal Georgia in May 2026

After years of persistence, senior Preston Crisp is finally finishing his story. Earning a bachelor’s degree will conclude a journey shaped by multiple institutions, personal trials, growth, and determination—one that ultimately led him to the College of Coastal Georgia, a place where he felt he belonged. With graduation on the horizon, Crisp hopes he has made an impact that will inspire others to finish their own stories.

Crisp, a guard on the Mariner men’s basketball team, will soon cross the commencement stage with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. His collegiate journey began at East Georgia State College, where he earned multiple associate degrees, followed by time at Coker University. When his son, Kayden, was born, Crisp stepped away from college but remained determined to one day complete his bachelor’s degree. When the opportunity to return to school arose, his choice came down to Savannah State University, near his home in Savannah, or Coastal Georgia. “I could have stayed home and been close to everybody, but before I came here, Coach Jesse Watkins (former head coach of the College’s men’s basketball program) made a big impact on me. Coach O (Keith Olive, assistant coach for men’s basketball) made a big impact on me as well during my visit to campus.” Crisp said. “Coach Watkins tried to recruit me to play

here previously. When I was doing my visit with Coach O, the College seemed like a good place where I could fit in right away. I came here to play basketball, but I also came here to complete my degree. It was the best of both worlds, and that’s why I chose Coastal.”

Crisp is a student-athlete who truly puts being a student first. He has been recognized academically at previous institutions and was named to Coastal Georgia’s President’s List for spring 2025.To qualify for the President’s List, a student must earn 12 or more credit hours, or six or more credit hours in the summer, in courses at the 1000 level or above and achieve a term grade-point average of 4.0. He credits his parents with instilling a strong work ethic early on. When he is not practicing, he is focused on coursework and working ahead in his classes.

“Being an athlete anywhere—not only at Coastal—you can get lost. You’re busy practicing, you have an assignment due tomorrow, something comes up, and suddenly you’re struggling. Now you’re in a situation where you’re failing a class,” Crisp said. “You need to have good work ethic on and off the court. I was always taught that the ball is eventually going to stop bouncing. If you do what you’re supposed to do in the classroom, you’ll have your degree to fall back on.”

Crisp also believes in the importance of making a positive impact on others. He strives to lead by example for his teammates and fellow students, saying Coastal has provided opportunities to do so in meaningful ways. Last Halloween, the men’s basketball team went downtown to create gift bags for children in need. In February, Crisp, fellow seniors Derrick Harris, Isaiah Edden and Aamir Mack, along with men’s basketball Head Coach Tim MacAllister and Assistant Coach Adam Sizemore, partnered with Iguanas Seafood Restaurant on St. Simons Island for the restaurant’s Month of Giveaways event. As part of the initiative, Iguanas gave away tickets to a basketball game. They went live on social media, announcing the winners, and helped promote the basketball program.

Through these experiences, Crisp hopes to build a legacy of impact. As he looks beyond graduation, he is considering two primary paths—playing professional basketball or becoming a Division I collegiate basketball coach.

ARCHIVIST’S LOG: CHARTING THE COLLEGE’S HISTORY

“30th Anniversary of Coastal Georgia Community College!”

Hello everyone! My name is Mylynda Gill, and I serve as the Special Collections Librarian and College Archivist for the Clara Wood Gould Memorial Library at the College of Coastal Georgia. For this edition of “Archivist’s Log,” I would like to acknowledge the 30th anniversary of our institution’s Coastal Georgia Community College era.

Coastal Georgia Community College is one of a handful of names our institution has held over the years. This moniker was officially adopted on July 9, 1996, when it was approved during a meeting of the Georgia Board of Regents. This name change reflected the expansion of the college beyond Brunswick. A temporary satellite location had already been set up in Kingsland, and plans were in the works to establish a more permanent location in Camden County. The formal celebration and ceremony for this change occurred on October 10, 1996. Our institution kept this name for 12 years until July 1, 2008, when the college transitioned from a two-year community college into a four-year state college and became the College of Coastal Georgia.

Our institution had only one president during its time as the Coastal Georgia Community College. Dr. Dorothy L. Lord served as our president from 1991 to 2008. Not only was Dr. Lord our first female president, but she was also the first female president of any two-year institution within the University System of Georgia.

Our identity stayed fairly consistent even with the name change from Brunswick College to Coastal Georgia Community College. The official colors remained green and yellow, while our sports teams stayed the Mariners.

This era was also a significant period of growth in our history. The current location of the Camden Center, our satellite campus, was constructed and opened in May 2004. The student population also doubled from approximately 1,500 students to over 3,000 students.

While our institution only held the name of Coastal Georgia Community College for just over a decade, many members of our local community attended during this time. I have personally heard several local alums refer to the college by this title.

It is truly an honor to help preserve our institution’s past and present for current and future generations. I enjoy sharing our history and hope you enjoyed learning about this important anniversary. The information shared in this article came from our college archives, the Digital Library of Georgia, and the University System of Georgia News Release website.

Until next month, Hail the Sail, Mariners!

By Mylynda Gill, Special Collections Librarian and College Archivist

Left: Dr. Dorothy Lord celebrates the new era of the institution at the time with an unveiling and T-shirt giveaway for employees.

nunnally hall expansion

We broke ground for the expansion of Miriam and Hugh Nunnally Hall last summer, and the project is almost complete. The expansion is projected to be completed before the start of the new acadaemic year, giving faculty and staff time to set up the new areas and offices.

The expansion will feature nine simulation rooms within the Simulation Center; a labor and delivery room with a dedicated infant care area; a medical surgical room; an operation room; and five rooms within an intensive care unit. The number of beds in the nursing skill labs will increase from 15 beds to 40. The new addition will also enable an increase in enrollment for both nursing and radiologic science programs.

College of Coastal Georgia President Dr. Johnny L. Evans, Jr. said the expansion will elevate the program’s ability to educate students, be innovative, and serve the community.

Campus Construction Update:

The value of hands-on learning

The environmental science program at the College of Coastal Georgia has some of the best experiential, hands-on learning opportunities for students. Classroom instruction provides the theoretical foundation, while real understanding emerges when students engage directly with ecosystems, collect field data, and analyze environmental challenges in real time. At Coastal Georgia, opportunities such as fieldwork in marshlands, water quality testing along the coast and in neighborhoods, and collaborative research projects immerse students in the very environments they seek to protect. That’s why giving back—whether through mentorship, funding, networking, or direct involvement—is essential to ensuring that future students can benefit from the same transformative, educational experiences.

Alumni who give back—financially or through service—can make a profound difference. Alumni contributions can:

• Fund field trips and research projects

• Suppor t scholarships that allow more students to participate

• Improve laboratory and field equipment

• Expand internship and networking opportunities

Lily Heidger, who graduated in May 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, is currently a doctoral student in geography at the University of California Santa Barbara. She gives back monthly through a recurring donation to the College’s environmental science program, inspired by the vital role scholarships played in her undergraduate success.

“The environmental science program prepared me immensely for grad school, and this is my way of supporting the future of the program, and ensuring that more students have the opportunity to find their love of learning and science,” Heidger said. “I hope that these funds set students up for success and help equip more future scientists. I know these scholarships ensure that students from all backgrounds and experiences have the opportunity to pursue an education, and I am thrilled to be a small part of that.”

Alumni that give back ensure that future students can follow in their footsteps—gaining the knowledge, skills, and inspiration needed to make a meaningful difference in the world.

join us we are hiring

Alumni,

Staff Positions:

• Coordinator of Recreation and Wellness

• Client Support Specialist

• Coordinator of Programming

• Human Resources Manager

Faculty Positions:

• Assistant Professor of History

• Assistant Professor of English

• Chef Lecturer

• Visiting Assistant Professor of Environmental Science

We are excited to invite you to consider joining our team at your alma mater! As a valued member of our alumni community, you bring a unique perspective and deep understanding of the College’s values and culture. By returning to work here, you have the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of the place that helped shape your future. Your experience and insights can inspire current students and help drive innovative initiatives. We believe that your passion for our Coastal Georgia, combined with your professional skills, will make a significant impact.

Come back and be a part of our journey towards excellence once again!

FOR MORE JOB OPENINGS, GO TO CCGA.EDU, SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM, CLICK ON “EMPLOYMENT.”

STAY IN TOUCH

We would love to stay in touch with you. Pleaes tell us about yourself and what you’ve been up to after College. Update your contact information here .

Questions? Contact alumni@ccga.edu.