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Students sharpen leadership skills at retreat
Leaders representing more than 40 campus groups gathered for a three-day retreat in February to learn how to connect and be more effective in their roles. Dr. John Head, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Experience, and his staff hosted the Leadership Retreat to bring together organization presidents, vice presidents and resident advisors. The event was developed by Dr. Kerry Ann Wallaert, Director of Housing and Student Life; Alexandria Andrade, Assistant Director of Campus Life – Fraternity and Sorority Life Coordinator; and Dr. Karen Pruett, Associate Dean and Senior Director of Career Services, Leadership and Counseling. Dr. Pruett said the purpose of the retreat was threefold. “We wanted to provide
foundational skills to help the students define their organization’s purpose,” she said. “We also discussed the process of planning agendas and how the groups can achieve their goals.” Budgeting and event planning sessions helped students learn how collaborations and partnerships can strengthen their efforts. Campus partners Mark Davis, Director of Development; Karen Ely of National; Juanita Jackson of Aramark; and Hannah Godfrey, Student Government Association treasurer, offered advice and guidance on how to plan events.
The retreat ended with a panel discussion featuring President Baxter and community leaders Dr. Joy Baker ’02, OBGYN at Wellstar Medical Group; Trae Long ’12, CPA manager at Gay & Joseph; Gail Sherman ’78, MED ’80, Ed.S. ’12, retired educator; and Hill Daniel, Jr. ’13, Accountability Courts Administrator, Troup County Felony Adult Drug Court.
Education program settles into new facility The spring semester brought about a change for Education students as they started to hold classes in their program’s new home at West Side. Renovations to the space include new floors, fresh paint, colorful murals on the walls, new furniture and new technology, including smart boards on the walls—all made possible by college donors. After years on the ground floor of Hawkes Hall, Education Chair Dr. Gretta Milam said the West Side location is perfect for the program. “It’s great that they are learning in a space that actually was once a school, so they get the sense of what it will be like working in a real classroom.” In addition, Education faculty have been working closely with the Troup County School System to coordinate efforts.
“They have been such a valuable resource for us,” she said. “We are teaming up to ensure our students are learning on equipment that is compatible with what is actually being used in local classrooms.” | More at lagrange.edu/news 3
