CHARTING THE COURSE SINCE 1961
A Lifelong Connection
As Chair of the Alumni Association, I’m reminded every day that being a Coastal Georgia alum is more than a milestone it’s a lifelong connection and a place where you continue to belong. The friendships you built, the experiences you had, and the pride you carry as a Mariner don’t end at graduation. They continue through your connection to one another and to this institution we all call home, no matter where life takes you.
Reconnecting with the Alumni Association is one of the most meaningful ways to stay engaged and give back. Whether you attend an event, mentor a student, volunteer your time, or support our initiatives, your involvement helps strengthen our community and creates opportunities for those who follow in your footsteps.
Alumni April is the perfect time to take that first step. With new events, expanded opportunities, and exciting ways to get involved, I invite you to reconnect, reengage, and rediscover what it means to belong to the Mariner family. I look forward to connecting with you.
Hail the Sail and Go Mariners!
Sara Hunsinger-Brazell is a graduate of the Class of 2017. She earned a B.A. in American Studies, with a concentration in history and political science. Sara is currently the Helpdesk Services Manager for Information Technology Services at the College of Coastal Georgia.
Sara Hunsinger-Brazell, Chair of the Alumni Association
Celebrating Women’s History Month
When Brunswick College started, women were among not only its first students, but also as part of the staff, and faculty. These first women of the institution have made history along with other women who’ve not only been the first, but have made positive impacts in their communities
The College hosted its annual Women’s History Month kickoff to celebrate and recognize the contributions and achievements of women. Activities throughout the month included a T-shirt giveaway, themed buttons, a local woman-owned food truck, and trivia highlighting women’s accomplishments throughout history.
In addition to spotlighting the institution’s first women students, faculty, and staff, the library highlighted Dr. Dorothy Lord for being the College’s first female president. Lord was not only the first female president of the institution, but she was the first female president of any two-year college in Georgia’s history. During her 17-year tenure, she oversaw the establishment of the Camden Center and is considered a key figure in regard to the success of the University System of Georgia’s African-American Make Initiative
She is honored for her historic leadership and lasting impact, reinforcing the month’s focus on celebrating women who have shaped the institution and higher education.
Lord passed away on May 2, 2021 in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Dr. Dorothy
Lord
APRIL 17
New Center for the Arts Set to Open
Almost two years after a ceremonial groundbreaking, the Center for the Arts is nearing completion on the campus of College of Coastal Georgia.
The College will host a ribbon cutting on April 17 where the public can get a look at the 32,328 square-foot facility that will host concerts, lectures, meetings and other events.
The ribbon cutting will be two years to the day after the groundbreaking.
College President Johnny Evans Jr. and other officials toured the facility with Will Reeves, project manager for McKnight Construction. He liked what he saw, especially in the auditorium where workers were installing theater seating that looks down on a white oak performance floor.
Evans was impressed with the look of the seating with wood on the backs and beneath the seats.
“This is something the community needs,’’ Evans said. “It’s going to have a community impact, not just a college impact.”
As they toured, Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why” filled the hall as a sound engineer worked on the audio system.
Reeves said the project is at a point of completion he enjoys.
“That’s the best part about finishing,’’ he said. “Every day looks different. This is my third auditorium. This has been the most fun.”
He showed off the dressing rooms that have tall mirrors the width of the rooms. There is also a room dedicated for the storage of a Steinway concert piano.
Although it will be a home to the arts in Glynn County, the building itself is artistic with oak interior trim, striking lighting, an atrium with a view from the upper floor and a LED light band just below the roof line of the corner tower. It will glow in Mariner blue most of the time but the color can be changed to match events and seasons.
The first big event in the building will be Evans’ investiture ceremony as college president the morning of April 27 followed by a scholarship gala in the evening.
The Coastal Symphony of Georgia will perform a grand opening concert May 12.
The facility’s role as a venue begins just inside the front doors in the spacious entrance hall.
Evans said it can be rented for wedding receptions and other private events.
Get ready to celebrate a major milestone! The College of Coastal Georgia’s new Center for the Arts is officially opening its doors, and we’d love for you to be there.
Join us for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 17 at 2:00 p.m.
After the ceremony, you’re invited inside for a sneak peek. Walk through the beautiful new spaces where performances, events, and community gatherings will soon come alive.
This is more than just an opening; it’s the start of something truly special for our college and our community. Come be a part of it!
Warm regards,
ARCHIVIST’S LOG: CHARTING THE COLLEGE’S HISTORY
“The Presidents of Our Institution”
Dr. Johnny L. Evans, Jr.
By Mylynda Gill, Special Collections Librarian and College Archivist
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 month’s edition of “Archivist’s Log: Charting the College's History” I wanted to highlight the leaders of our institution in honor of Dr. Johnny L. Evans Jr.’s upcoming Investiture Ceremony on April 27, 2026.
Our first president was Earl F. Hargett. He was appointed by the Board of Regents on December 11, 1963. He oversaw the opening of the college and was beloved by his students. He was referred to as “Chief Lion” as the mascot at the time was a lion. Hargett also oversaw the transition of our institution from Brunswick College to Brunswick Junior College. He left in 1968 so he could complete his doctorate in education.
Our second president was John W. Teel. He was appointed in 1968 when our institution was Brunswick Junior College. He provided leadership to our institution for twenty-two years, which makes him currently the longest-serving president. During his tenure, the student population grew from approximately 300 students to approximately 1,300 students. Teel oversaw a lot of the physical development of the Brunswick campus, such as adding the lake, which was named after him in 2016. The College also transitioned to Brunswick College from Brunswick Junior College during Teel’s service in 1988. He retired in 1990.
Our third president was Dorothy L. Lord. She was appointed by the Board of Regents in 1991. Not only was she our institution’s first female president, but she was also the first female president of any two-year college in the entire state of Georgia. During her tenure she set up the Camden Center, our institution’s satellite campus in Kingsland, Georgia. She is also considered a key figure for the success of the University System of Georgia’s African American Male Initiative. She also saw the transition of our institution from Brunswick College to Coastal Georgia Community College. Lord also served the second longest term out of all our presidents. She led our institution for seventeen years before she retired in 2008.
Dr. Earl F. Hargett
Dr. John W. Teel
Dr. Dorothy L. Lord
ARCHIVIST’S LOG:
CHARTING THE COLLEGE
Our fourth president was Valerie Hepburn, who was initially appointed as interim president for our institution, starting on July 1, 2008. Her first day was also the first day of our institution being known as the College of Coastal Georgia. Her appointment as president became permanent in January 2009. During her tenure, she oversaw the beginnings of our institution becoming a fouryear college, increased the number of international students and helped with the development of our athletics program. However, she left in May 2013, after nearly five years of service.
Our fifth president was Gregory Aloia. He was appointed by the Board of Regents in April 2013 and began his service as president in July 2013. During his tenure, student enrollment increased by 18%, and multiple new degrees and programs were added to our institution. He announced his retirement in January 2017 and left on June 30, 2017.
Our sixth president was Michelle R. Johnston. She began in July 2018. During her tenure she led our institution through the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. She also helped to improve community relations and increased student success. Johnston was so triumphant here at the College of Coastal Georgia that the Board of Regents wanted her to duplicate her success and named her the next president of Georgia Southwestern State University in spring of 2024. Her last day at our institution was on May 31, 2024.
Our seventh and current president, Johnny L. Evans Jr., started off as interim president on June 1, 2024. Six months later in January 2025, the Board of Regents announced that he would take on the position permanently. His Investiture Ceremony is scheduled to take place on April 27.
Our institution has had a wonderfully unique team of leaders during the past 62 years since our first president was appointed. Each president led our institution in their own way, but they all did what they thought was best for their students, because that has always been a core value of our institution. If you would like to learn even more about these individuals, feel free to visit our research guide, “Presidents of Our Institution” at the following link: https:// libguides.ccga.edu/presidents
Which president was in charge when you were a student? Do you have any photos, correspondence, and/or other items from or of this individual that you would like to share with the college archives? If you do, feel free to send me an email at archives@ccga.edu
Until next time Mariners, Hail the Sail!
Dr. Valerie Hepburn
Dr. Gregory Aloia
Dr. Michelle R. Johnston
We Are HIRING
Staff Positions:
Business Intelligence Analyst
Accountant
Residence Hall Director
Temporary Full Time Testing Coordinator
Faculty Positions:
Part Time Instructor of Chemistry
Lecturer of Health Sciences
Part Time Faculty, Business Law
Part Time Instructor of Data Science
Alumni,
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
2026 STUDENT AFFAIRS LEADERSHIP AWARDS AND STUDENT HALL OF FAME, STARTING AT 5 P.M. IN STEMBLER THEATRE
FIRST FRIDAY: ALUMNI NIGHT ON UNION STREET, STARTING AT 5 P.M., AT 1407 UNION STREET IN DOWNTOWN BRUNSWICK. LEARN MORE ABOUT ALUMNI APRIL
MARINER TENNIS TEAMS VS. VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY IN BRUNSWICK
MARINER SOFTBALL VS. SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY, STARTING AT 2 P.M. AND 4 P.M. IN BRUNSWICK. SATURDAY GAME STARTING AT 12 P.M.
BEYOND THE SAILS ALUMNI CAREER PANEL, STARTING AT 1 P.M. IN STEMBLER THEATRE
CENTER FOR THE ARTS RIBBON CUTTING, STARTING AT 2 P.M. AT THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
MARINER SOFTBALL VS. RV GEORGIA GWINNETT COLLEGE, STARTING AT 1 P.M. AND 3 P.M. IN BRUNSWICK
HONORS DAY, STARTING AT 5:30 P.M. AT THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
INAUGURATION OF DR. JOHNNY L. EVANS JR. AS THE 7TH PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE OF COASTAL GEORGIA. RSVP HERE.
TRANSFORMING LIVES SCHOLARSHIP GALA, STARTING AT 6 P.M. AT THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS. RSVP AND GET TICKETS HERE.
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SPRING 2025 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES AT THE JEKYLL ISLAND CONVENTION CENTER. CEREMONIES AT 9:30 A.M. AND 1 P.M. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION 6
Check out the College of Coastal Georgia Calendar for more events.
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.
