LaGrange College Columns, Spring 2025

GRADUATE GAINS

Advanced degrees expand on the Hill

CAMPUS GEM

Chapel reaches its diamond milestone

A Magazine for Alumni and Friends Vol. 29, No. 2 PRESIDENT

Susanna L. Baxter

VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT

Rebecca Roth Nicks

EDITOR

Dean Hartman

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Lindy Oller

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR DIGITAL MEDIA AND DESIGN

Stacy Gorman Ortiz ’00

ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS EDITORS

Martha Pirkle

Jennifer Beedy Booker ’90 Bailey Boswell Eden ’24 LaGrange College (USPS 299300), including Columns, its official publication for alumni and friends, and the Progress Report and Annual Donor Roll, is published quarterly by LaGrange College, 601 Broad Street, LaGrange, GA 302402999. Periodical class postage paid at LaGrange, GA, and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to LaGrange College, 601 Broad Street, LaGrange, GA 30240-2999.

Correspondence should be directed to the Communications and Marketing Office at the above address or emailed to dhartman@lagrange.edu.

Georgia’s oldest private institution of higher learning, LaGrange College is consistently ranked among the South’s top colleges by U.S.News & World Report.

A four-year liberal arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church, LaGrange offers more than 50 areas of study with an emphasis on global engagement and service.

HOPE ON THE HILL Criticism of the next generation is as old as Socrates. Recently, however, a guest on campus remarked to me how respectful and kind students on the Hill had been during his visit. I wasn’t surprised. If you need a spark of hope for the future, spend some time with LC students. You’ll be glad you did.

—the Editor

FEATURES 8

GRADUATE GAINS Master’s and doctoral degree offerings continue to expand at LaGrange College.

12 CAMPUS GEM Constructed in 1965—from historic materials—the campus Chapel reaches 60-year milestone.

AROUND CAMPUS 2 3 4 5 6 7

POSSIBILITIES ACCOUNTANTS AT THE CAPITOL NEW VP FOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION AVIATION COMPETITION NEW RELIGION PARTNERSHIP FROM LC TO BASEBALL CAREER

ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

18 BENCH DEDICATION 20 TEACHER OF THE YEAR 24 PHYSICIAN OF THE YEAR 25 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR COACH 26 IN MEMORIAM 27 CALENDAR PHOTO: The “March Madness of Aviation” came to town earlier this year, with five Southern colleges vying for top honors in a variety of skill tests. The event provided a front row seat for LC Aviation students, who hope to soon join the competition. Page 5.

ON THE COVER: Expect to see more hooding ceremonies at commencement as the college continues to expand its graduate offerings. From a doctorate in education to a master’s in computer science, the programs are diverse, need-based and growing. Page 8.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

POSSIBILITIES

PREPARATION FOR LIFE

by Dr. Susanna L. Baxter, 26th President of LaGrange College

As commencement races toward us, my thoughts turn toward our seniors and the transformation they experienced during their time on campus. While our graduates’ career preparation is perhaps top-of-mind during this season, their preparation for life should be on our minds as well.

As an institution connected to the United Methodist Church, we care about not just what students know, but also who they become. Our long history of fostering service, spiritual growth and worship affirms that priority, and our campus Chapel (featured inside this issue) stands as a testament to those ideals.

I am encouraged that we are succeeding in this mission by events like this from the past year: • Students traveling to Greece to experience the impact of historic Christian sites • A crowded Chapel on Sunday evenings • The campus community coming together in creative ways to provide hurricane relief These things—and more—reflect the transforming power of LaGrange College, and it is fueled by our connection with you. Please visit us when you have the opportunity, recommend a prospective student, and, of course, prayerfully remember our work here on the Hill.

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AROUND CAMPUS

Accountancy students visit Capitol Inside the gold-domed state capitol, a group of Accountancy students experienced legislation in action on Jan. 30 at the annual Certified Public Accountants Day hosted by the Georgia Society of CPAs. The event allowed undergraduates throughout the state to engage with professionals in their field and hear discussions about new legislation.

Sophomore KJ Howard, who felt some intimidation when he came to the Capitol with LC last year as a freshman, said he gained more confidence this time around.

“I just took a step out of my comfort zone and started to strike up conversations with the wealth managers and CPAs,” he said.

Junior Abby Hefner said one of her favorite moments was watching Governor Brian Kemp give a press conference.

“It was interesting to see the prep work that is involved in setting up those types of events,” she said.

NCAA event builds up leaders Senior Kendyl Anderson and junior Jaylan Harris gained new perspectives on what it means to truly be a leader at the NCAA Leadership Forum held in November in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Along with Megan Hudson, Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Services and Recreation, the LC representatives attended the annual event that drew participants from across all NCAA divisions.

The four-day forum focused on the theme “Light the Torch,” inspired by the Summer 2024 Olympics.

Anderson said the forum gave her a better understanding of various leadership techniques and how to embrace vulnerability.

“I learned there are different leadership styles that are successful and that it is okay to be vulnerable and let other people take the reins for a while, so you

can figure things out,” Anderson said.

For Hudson, the forum provided her with the chance to learn from others in her profession.

“This event was truly life-changing for me,” she said. “Being surrounded by like-minded individuals and administrators helped put so much into perspective for me. I received invaluable insights on how to be a better leader for my student-athletes.”

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AROUND CAMPUS

CAMPBELL APPOINTED VP FOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION KeJuana Campbell has been named LaGrange College Vice President for Finance and Administration, starting in June 2025. Campbell presently serves as campus Controller.

She will fill the role currently held

by Dr. Jerry Forster. To assist with the transition and with special projects, he will continue in a parttime capacity as special assistant to the president through 2025.

“After a national search, we attracted a sizable pool of qualified candidates for this very important post,” said LaGrange College President Susanna Baxter.

“A CPA with a deep finance and business background, KeJuana quickly rose to the top.”

Campbell joined the college in December 2023. Before that time, she worked as an assurance associate at PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers).

“It is a great privilege to serve as the VP for Finance and Administration, and I am excited to support strategic initiatives that contribute to a thriving academic community,” Campbell said.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Auburn University and her master’s degree in accounting from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

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Students remember victims at lynching memorial site Austin Callaway’s life was cut short as a young adult by the heinous act of lynching in 1940 Troup County.

Eighty-five years later, his legacy and that of other local victims are kept alive with a marker placed outside Warren Temple United Methodist Church in LaGrange, where a group of students joined Spiritual Life in February to pay their respects and learn about this dark period in history.

Thousands of Black people were the victims of lynching and racial violence in the United States between 1877 and 1950, according to the Equal Justice Initiative website.

During the visit, LC students heard from the Rev. Carl Von Epps, pastor of Warren Temple, who shared how the racially motivated murder of Callaway impacted the local community.

“He mentioned both the pain that was born, as well as the healing and forgiveness that resulted from this unfortunate event,” said freshman Solomon Morgan. “I think it’s important to be

knowledgeable about historical events, so that the bad and evil parts of them never get repeated in the future.”

Freshman CJ Kilkelly said he was thankful for having the opportunity to learn about this important part of history.

“This experience gave me a better understanding of how important this was not only to civil rights but to humanity, and how it led to the civil rights movement,” he said.

Non-traditional student Tomeka Laye described the visit as an eyeopening experience.

“Learning about the horrific deaths of Austin Callaway and Henry Gilbert, especially Austin Callaway, deeply impacted me as a student, mother of young African American men, and grandmother of grandsons,” she said.

“Standing with my classmates, united in our commitment to making positive changes now and in the future, was rewarding.”

AROUND CAMPUS

Aviation students volunteer at competition Wheels up!

The Aviation program’s home base at LaGrange Callaway Airport served as the battleground for a regional competition, where LC students served a direct role as volunteer judges for the three-day event held Feb. 28-March 3.

The National Intercollegiate Flight Association’s Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference, known as the ‘March Madness of Aviation,’ brought Region IX

teams from Auburn University, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida Institute of Technology, Jacksonville University and Polk State College to compete in a series of events for a bid to the national championship that will take place in May in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Freshman Jackson Ball was among the judges for the message drop event, which has been called a crowd favorite.

It involves hitting a target with a

potentially compete for LC at a future event, said she used the opportunity while serving as observer and judge to learn from experienced people in the field.

“I gained a lot of knowledge from other judges (who had competed before) as well as team coaches,” she said. “I look forward to the day when LC begins a flight team, which will help us as pilots refine our skills in a fun setting and

container dropped from an aircraft 200 feet above the ground.

“The way it was set up was seamless, and seeing the designs the different schools came up with for their ‘message container’ was interesting,” he said. “Then watching the schools use trial and error to get closer to the target with each heat also intrigued me.”

Sophomore Isabel Rocker, who is eager to

benefit us later in our careers.”

Prior to the competition, a group of LC Aviation students took a trip to the Delta Operations Center in Atlanta, where they toured the facility and used its state-of-the-art flight simulator.

“It was an excellent opportunity for our students,” said Aviation Advisor Dr. Bill McCoy. “In addition to seeing how the pilots work, our students found out about a wide variety of positions that require different skill sets—working in the operations center and elsewhere at the company.”

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AROUND CAMPUS

Religion and Divinity form partnership With the intent of providing students interested in seminary a faster means to enter the ministry, the college signed a formal agreement on Nov. 21 with Emory University’s Candler School of Theology to launch the 3+3 Accelerated Ministry Track program.

Through this partnership, LC students earn both their bachelor’s degree and a Master of Divinity degree in six years.

For freshman Susannah Lynn, a Religion & Philosophy/Sociology double major, this opportunity puts her one step closer toward her goal of becoming a pastor.

“I want to attend seminary because I want to be ordained in the Methodist Church, and I feel like God is calling me to be on this path,” she said. “Religion has always been a constant in my life.”

But seminary is not the only avenue for students in the program, according to Dr. John Cook, Professor of Religion & Philosophy.

“Graduates have gone on to work in all sorts of vocations including business, education, social work and creative arts,” he said.

Senior Daniel Cody, a Political

Science/Religion & Philosophy double major, said Professor Cook has helped him become a better scholar and theologian.

“His control of the classroom and understanding of religious knowledge are incomparable to those of any other professor I have had.”

Even though his primary major is Political Science, he said Religion & Philosophy was his first love.

“When I began as a Ministry Leadership major in 2020, I felt called

to missions and believed I could pursue this calling after graduating with that specific degree,” he said. “After COVID struck and the program merged all their Religion and Philosophy courses into one degree, I thought this could be useful for me.

“The program has taught me more about world faiths than I could have imagined, prepared me for a career field in either public service or private ministry and provided me with the resources I need to succeed.”

FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS Dr. John Cook, Professor of Religion, had his article “Envisioning the Panoply of the Roman Torturer” published in the journal Klio. He also published a book entitled “The Enspirited Body in 1 Corinthians 15” with Mohr Siebeck in Tübingen.

Dr. Lacey Moore, Assistant Professor of Sociology, received the B.O. Williams Award from the University of Georgia’s Sociology Department for her dissertation “Turning Points, Identity Change, and Community

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Cultural Wealth: The Prosocial Benefits of Higher Education Among Formerly Incarcerated Individuals.”

Dr. Justin Thurman, Professor of English Writing and Publication Studies, received the Jeffrey E. Smith Editor's Prize for Nonfiction from The Missouri Review for his essay “Golden Boy.” Dr. John Tures, Professor of Political Science, was featured in the New York Times article “Canada as the 51st State?”

AROUND CAMPUS

LaGrange opened possibilities for baseball scout Known throughout the professional baseball community as “the scout who can find diamonds in the rough,” former LC student Chris Carminucci ’96 and current special assignment scout/ independent league coordinator for the Arizona Diamondbacks finds enjoyment in helping undiscovered talent reach their dreams of making the big leagues.

He credits former LC Baseball Coach and Athletic Director Phil Williamson for helping shape him into the person he is today.

“I would not be here without Coach Williamson,” he said. “I give him thanks for helping me work in the major leagues.”

During his freshman year at New York-based Concordia College, Carminucci was off to a good start, but then he started making poor choices that ultimately cut his time short.

Feeling uncertain about his future and not knowing his next steps, he

reached out to his high school baseball coach Doug Smith, who at the time was coaching at LaGrange College.

Following that conversation, Carminucci’s prayers would be answered after his coach informed him that he could come and play for LaGrange.

With 30 years in the sport, he has

gone from player to manager, followed

by CEO and director of baseball operations roles in the U.S. as well as Italy.

He shared his experiences at a Sports Management Club event in February, where he offered this piece of advice.

“Don’t be afraid to fail,” he said.

EXHIBITION EXPLORES AMUSING SIDE OF ART Eight Art & Design majors let out their wittiness through works featured in the exhibition “Art of Play,” currently on display at the Lamar Dodd Art Center.

The collection includes a coloring book as well as sculptures and paintings highlighting whimsical expressions.

“It's exciting to take an idea or emotion from an inspiration I received from something else and transform it,” said junior Hannah Edwards.

“I love when I’m adding depth and dimensions to my work with shading,” said junior Carlissa Best.

The exhibition will run through May 10.

Artwork by Carlissa Best, “Giggle Water,” (2024)

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GRADUATE GAINS Advanced degrees expand on the Hill

S

aturday morning, 9 a.m., Turner Hall. The large assembly room is not only bustling with students, but actually buzzing with students involved in a lively discussion about changes in government education policy.

Though many in the room have a coffee cup nearby, they are alert and engaged. Thoughtful questions are posed. A casual observer might be a bit puzzled by the weekend session.

A closer look, however, reveals that the participants are not, in fact, LC undergraduates. They are among the 100 graduate

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students taking part in degree options offered by the college’s Education program.

This Saturday seminar scene offers just one indication of the excitement and expansion taking place in graduate degrees at LaGrange College.

Graduate growth Since 2021 graduate enrollment has increased at the college by 170%. And that growth has been intentional.

“The number of high school graduates is expected to peak in May 2025 and then begin a gradual decline over the next 10 to 15 years,” says Dr. Brian Peterson, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “As a result, it’s necessary for institutions to look for new applicant pools to boost enrollment.

At LaGrange, the focus on graduate offerings has led the college not only to new degrees in established areas like education—including the institution’s first doctoral degree—but also to new options in disciplines like computer science.

Teaching the teachers “We know we have to grow graduate programs, and our department is the logical place to start,” says Dr. Gretta Milam, Associate Professor of Education and Chair of the Education and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Department. “Since we’ve been offering graduate degrees for some time, we understand the landscape. Now the challenge is working to find other program options, qualify the viable ones and get them off the

ground and running.”

Clearly, the department’s new Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction is one such success story. Launched last fall with 30 students, the degree expects to enroll 25 more this year.

“It’s good work and exciting work,” Dr. Milam says. “It’s exciting to see people doing their own research—and realize that they can do it—on the way to obtaining that degree.”

Research rewards The first Ed.D. cohort is just digging into the research phase of their journey, progress that was showcased during a Graduate Research Symposium on April 12.

“My particular study is focusing on the importance of induction programs and teacher mentorship for those new to the profession,” says Chance Giddens Ed.S.’11, Social Studies chair at Troup County High School.

In addition to helping future teachers, Giddens says he hopes that pursing his doctorate will demonstrate the importance of lifelong learning to his own students.

“Being able to talk about the importance of education while getting an education myself is the type of relevance that resonates with young people today.”

He also says that the camaraderie with peers and the support of faculty have brought joy to the rigorous process.

“I know from past experience that if someone has an advanced degree in education from LaGrange College, that someone has earned said degree.”

The college’s first doctoral students are just digging into the research component of their degree program. Ed.D. students Chance Giddens Ed.S.’11 (at left) and Marrisa Merrell Ed.S.’22 (below) present their work at the first LaGrange Graduate Research Symposium in April.

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Support superstars For Marrisa Merrell Ed.S.’22, assistant principal at Dougherty Comprehensive High School, her previous stint in an LC graduate program drew her back for another degree.

“I had such a wonderful time in the Specialist program that I was inspired to return and continue my studies in the doctoral program in curriculum and instruction,” she says.

As was her experience before, the faculty have become her superstars.

“What I appreciate most is the professors’ willingness to go above and beyond for their students,” she says. “They regularly stay after class to address questions, provide support or simply offer words of encouragement during challenging times.”

She believes the degree is preparing her to become a true change agent in the field.

“Overall, the program has been inspiring and transformative. I feel equipped to lead with purpose, engage in scholarly conversations and contribute to positive change in education.”

Careers in counseling If you’re looking for another example of dramatic growth in LaGrange graduate programs, you needn’t look further than the Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree. Since 2021 the program’s enrollment has increased by 195%.

DEGREE DIVERSITY The college’s graduate offerings currently include 11 options, with more under consideration.

• • • • • • • • • • • 10

Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.) Higher Education Administration (M.Ed.) Computer Science (M.S.) Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Elementary Education Master of Arts in Education Studies Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed.) Specialist in Education in Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.S.) Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.D.) Tier I Educational Leadership Certification Tier II Educational Leadership Certification

“People say, ‘They’ve got something special down at LaGrange College in the counseling program,’” explains Dr. Justin Muller, an Assistant Professor in the discipline.

He points to several internal and external factors that have contributed to the exponential growth.

“We promote the success of our alumni and students through social media and our webpage,” he says. “Prospective students can see themselves as part of our program.

“Also, our CACREP accreditation is very visible, and that has really opened up lots of doors for us.”

The leading accreditor in the field, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs endorsed LaGrange’s program in 2021.

The LaGrange degree also offers several unique advantages, according to Dr. Muller.

It emphasizes community service and social justice—while putting those beliefs into action. And, it offers a virtual track for completing the degree, which has proven popular.

Regarding external factors for the recent growth, he points to lessening social stigma of seeking counseling and a new program in Georgia that repays educational expenses for counselors who work in the state for a certain period.

While the growth has been challenging, he says, the faculty strive for personal relationships and a family atmosphere.

“A student recently told me that he learned the most about how to provide counseling services based on how our faculty treats the students versus what we teach in the classroom.”

A professor’s ‘push’ Blair Thompson ’23 is pursuing her third LC degree, this time in the Counseling program, and she says she wouldn’t have it any other way.

where 600 hours of clinical experience must be completed.

She hopes for a permanent position at the site once she passes her exams.

“The Counseling program has equipped me well for this career,” she says. “Counseling is a profession of continuous learning and growth, and I appreciate that this program has fostered both my personal and professional development.”

A student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, Blair Thompson (second from left) is currently in the internship phase of her degree. Here, she pauses with Covenant Counsel co-workers (from left) Gina Thompson ’22 APC, NCC; Kim Neese ’95 LPC, CAPC II, BCC, CPC; and Caitlin Brooks Ph. D., APC.

“In terms of academic support, the professors have been amazing—encouraging, understanding and always willing to help,” she says. “When I started the program, I was very quiet, but my professors pushed me in the best way possible.

Now, while I’m still somewhat reserved, I feel much more confident being vulnerable, asking questions and even giving presentations.”

She is currently in the internship phase of the program,

Future forecast Entering an entirely different arena of academic and professional pursuit, the college launched a master’s in computer science earlier in 2025.

As with all the graduate initiatives, the move was grounded in the mission to help meet local workforce needs.

“The graduate programs we provide—indeed, all new programs that we offer—are meant to fulfill a local or regional employment need,” says Dr. Peterson. “For example, the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction was created because there was a desire among teachers in the region to receive additional education to advance into administration and to receive salary increases. Our M.S. in computer science was founded on a desire to help local industry as well.”

As he considers the area’s economic forecast, he envisions other new graduate offerings in the years to come.

“Given the significant increases in manufacturing over the next five to 10 years in LaGrange and in Troup County, I have been discussing with faculty the creation of graduate programs in supply chain and logistics management, human resource management and organizational leadership, among others,” he says.

It appears that the hooding ceremony at commencement may just be getting a bit longer.

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Campus gem

Chapel reaches diamond milestone

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W

ith a beauty that shines as bright as the colors reflected in its stained-glass windows, the ‘little brick Chapel on the Hill’ has been the beating heart of campus for six decades.

Centuries of history A gift from Callaway Foundation, Inc., many of the materials used in the construction of the building came from the old sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of LaGrange that dated to 1858, including two large stained-glass rose windows that were made in Belgium. The bricks, original air-conditioning system and slate roof were also part of the Methodist church.

Depicted on the panel in the window above the main entrance is the Biblical parable of “The Sower,” a story told by Jesus in the Gospels that illustrates how people respond in various ways to God’s message.

Just above the altar, there is a window panel that includes a torch of learning and the Bible, which appropriately represents the college’s commitment to being an institution of knowledge and religion.

The 1965 dedication of the Chapel fulfilled the longtime dream of former president and Methodist minister Dr. Waights Bishop Robin Dease of the Georgia Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church shares a sermon with students during a Chapel service in February 2025.

G. Henry Jr., who called the sanctuary “a symbol of the place of religion in the life of our institution.”

A guiding light Through the decades, the welcoming beacon on the Hill has served as a spiritual anchor for alumni whose faith was strengthened during their undergraduate years.

Inspired to enter ministry was the Rev. Blair Tolbert ’06, a former LC Chaplain who said the Chapel was a central feature of her time as a student. She currently works as the associate minister at Marietta (Georgia) First United Methodist Church.

“It provided space for me to preach some of my first sermons as I discerned my call to ministry and helped prepare me for seminary,” she says. “From leading worship to organizing lectures, the Chapel continued to be a place of transformation for me and students.”

The Chapel also helped direct the path of the Rev. Garrett Wallace ’18, who currently serves as the associate pastor at Dunwoody United Methodist Church.

“It has had a great impact on my personal and professional life,” he says. “I planned and led my first worship service there.”

Bonnie Douglas ’06, worship and community minister at Southwest Christian Church in Newnan, Georgia, described the Chapel as her sanctuary.

“It was a refuge where I could grow in my purpose and my faith,” she says.

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THE STORY BEHIND THE STONES Placed along the north, south and east sides of the Chapel, three stone markers of religious significance represent countries across the globe.

Temple of Apollo, Greece Erected in the ancient city of Corinth around 540 B.C., this site served as a sanctuary dedicated to the Greek God Apollo. Most notably, St. Paul preached nearby in the marketplace around 50 A.D., founding the church to which his Epistles to the Corinthians were addressed.

At that time, Douglas recalled God calling her to lead the Chapel worship band.

“Serving in the Chapel worship band developed leadership skills in me,” she says. “When people have asked me about the impact of my involvement there, I would always say, ‘Those years allowed me to find my voice!’ God directed me into my vocation.”

Benedictine Monastery, Scotland Founded by St. Columba in 563 A.D., the Abbey on the tiny island of Iona continues to be a place used for Christian worship. Tourists often make pilgrimages to the sacred site.

St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, England Built in 1348, St. George’s Chapel continues to be a place of worship for the Royal Family. In addition, Henry IV, Edward IV, Henry VIII, George VI, The Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II are buried there.

A place of solace The Rev. Lindsey Solomon ’05 says the Chapel brought the campus community together after the dark events of Sept. 11, 2001.

“I remember hearing the news in drama class and then watching the live coverage on the community televisions in Turner dorm,” she says.

“But when it came to the healing that we all needed to experience after that tragedy, I remember attending the worship service in the Chapel, grateful that we had a safe place to go and worship in the midst of the chaos and tragedy.”

During India Gleason’s ’21 college journey, she says she had to navigate through the COVID outbreak and Chapel worship experiences transitioning to the Spiritual Life Center in Henry Hall.

“The irregular use of the Chapel did not mean students lacked a meaningful connection to the beautiful and quaint building,” she says. “In fact, it was quite the opposite. When we did have a service in the Chapel, it was almost implied that it was of such importance that it needed to be held in that sacred space.”

Challenging the mind, inspiring the soul Whether seeking prayer or an outlet to decompress from the stress

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of academic life, students have found community among their peers in the sanctuary, where the college’s Spiritual Life program performs weekly services.

The Rev. Ashley Jenkins ’08 has served as Chaplain and Spiritual Life Director since July 2023. In addition to her and the Rev. Tolbert, the role was held by the Rev. Adam Roberts and the Rev. Quincy Brown, who was part of helping bring a spiritual revival to campus during the late ’90s and early ’00s.

A plaque dedicated to Brown’s 17 years of service can be found in the Chapel.

Currently, Chapel worship occurs on Sunday nights at 8 p.m. During the school year, faculty, staff, students and church leaders take the pulpit to share the message.

Just before the Super Bowl kickoff this past February, Bishop Robin Dease of the Georgia Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church provided an uplifting message for the campus and community members in attendance.

Senior Baylor Montoya says he is grateful for a place where students can gather and share their faith among the campus community.

“Being able to preach at Chapel this semester was a wonderful opportunity that LaGrange College afforded me,” he says. “I also enjoy having the ability to freely worship with my classmates, teammates and peers.”

In addition to Sunday worship, Spiritual Life also holds weekly Bible studies and Soul Food on Tuesdays. Most recently, Katie ’06 and Nate Baughman ’05 (bottom left) say ‘I do’ at their Chapel wedding ceremony in 2005. Dr. Steven Harris ’88 and his wife, Barbara ’88, (bottom right) renewed their vows, with their daughter Stephanie ’15, M’16 present, in the Chapel at Homecoming 2017.

a group traveled to Savannah, Georgia, for a service-learning trip to help those affected by the hurricanes in 2024.

Ring the bells!

Since hosting its first wedding in the summer of 1965, the Chapel has been an ideal spot for alumni to say, ‘I do.’

Katie Baughman ’06, who met her husband Nate ’05 on freshman move-in day, says there was no other place they wanted to get married.

“To me, the Chapel always felt both beautiful and incredibly peaceful,” she says. “I remember that on our wedding day (which will be 20 years ago this June), all my LC best friends were lined up along the railing of the balcony in order to leave space for other wedding guests who wouldn't have braved the tiny spiral staircase.”

Geni Boswell ’75, M’80 and her husband will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year.

“As we were planning our wedding, the beautiful chapel had always been my choice to have our service,” she says. “On a very hot August 16, 1975, we celebrated with our family and friends.”

In addition to weddings, the Chapel also hosts vow renewals.

“Barbara ’88 and I got married in the Chapel in May 1989, about one year after graduation,” says Dr. Steven Harris ’88.

“In October 2017 during Homecoming, we renewed our vows in the Chapel with our daughter Stephanie ’15, M’16 present.”

Looking to the future Over its six decades in operation, the Chapel has received some updates, including a new roof that was installed in 2023.

It still needs some minor work done to keep it in tip-top shape, including plaster repairs on interior walls, safety glass for the windows and exterior window painting.

Even with its storied past, the building continues to welcome new traditions.

Since 2021, graduating seniors celebrate the beginning of their new career or graduate school journey with the ringing of the Chapel Bell. With cheers and fanfare, the Sound of Success has become a cherished event that brings together families, friends, faculty and staff.

As the Chapel itself marks a significant milestone, it seems fitting that it continues to help students celebrate their own.

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PANTHER POINTS MEN’S BASKETBALL The Panthers, under Coach Kendal Wallace, finished the 2024-25 season 6-19 overall and 1-11 in Collegiate Conference of the South play. Junior forward Parker Gonzalez was named to the CCS All-Sportsmanship team. Sophomore guard Devin Dowell was named the CCS Player of the Week during the season.

Sophomore guard Shaun Nichols led the team in scoring, averaging 13.3 points per game. Junior guard Brodie Scott averaged a team-leading 6.5 rebounds per game.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL The Panthers went 15-12 overall and 8-8 in CCS play during the 2024-25 season. LC defeated Maryville in the CCS Tournament before losing to eventual tournament champion Piedmont in the semifinals.

Senior guard Zyhia Johnson was selected for the All-Tournament team.

Johnson and junior guard Laila Battle were first-team selections on the CCS All-Conference team. Freshman Hope Harrell represented LaGrange on the CCS All-Sportsmanship team. Johnson led the CCS in scoring, averaging 18.2 points per game. Battle averaged 13.4 points per game and had a team-best 75 assists.

STEVE KENNER has been named new Head Coach for the LC Women’s Basketball program. Kenner currently serves as Director of the Panther Academic Center for Excellence (PACE) on campus.

No stranger to the world of collegiate basketball, Kenner has served in 12 different coaching roles from 19992023 in DI, DII and DIII. His experience is highlighted by head coaching stints at Emory & Henry College (2009-11), Southeastern Illinois College (2017-19), Pratt Community College (2020-21) and most recently at Auburn University at Montgomery (2021-23).

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Track set to become newest Panther sport New Panther track teams will move to the starting line this fall as the sport becomes the newest addition to LaGrange Athletics. The men’s and women’s teams will bring the total number of LC sports to 19.

To launch the inaugural season, Cire Campbell has been named the teams’ head coach. He also will coach the men’s and women’s cross-country teams as part of the track program.

Campbell has collegiate and international coaching experience. He has a long-term coaching relationship with the Quicksilver Track Club, a youth track and field club in Atlanta.

Collegiately, he was head coach for Georgia State University from 2001-12. The Georgia State women won the 2011 Colonial Athletic Association outdoor championship, and Campbell was named as the conference coach of the year. He also coached one year at Bluefield State University in West Virginia.

Campbell was the head coach for the Saudi Arabian national team for four years, participating in the 2012 Olympic games in London, England. He was the head coach and high-performance director for the Nigerian national team. With Nigeria, he coached in the 2016 Olympic games held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

As a collegian, Campbell began his career at Howard University, earning AllMid-Eastern Athletic Conference honors. He transferred to Morris Brown College, where he again earned all-conference honors with the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

ALUMNI & FRIENDS

Classnotes SUMMER MEMORIES The shift into summer-mode is upon us, and it provides a welcome change in routine. As you consider how to spend those extra daylight hours, consider spending some of them with your alma mater. In addition to our Day with the Braves at Truist Park, we have other alumni events on tap (see the list on page 27). Catch a breath—and catch up—with your LC friends.

—MARTHA PIRKLE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS P.S. If you’re interested in our June 14 Alumni and Friends Day at the Braves or another event—or you’d like to plan your own—email alumni@lagrange.edu.

1980s

1982 Carol Howington Cain of LaGrange performed in the LSPA winter production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.” She also served as emcee for the 29th Azalea Storytelling Festival.

1988 Phillip B. Anglin of LaGrange completed the five 1/2-week Camino de Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage during Holy Week, taking part in a Lenten procession in Ponferrada, Spain.

1988 Pepper Ellis-Hagebak of LaGrange is participating in the 2025 Leadership Troup Class.

1989 Kelly Dudley Jones of LaGrange is a Realtor at Southern Classic Realtors and at Kelly Jones Heart and Home, and a family nurse practitioner at NaphCare Inc.

1990s

1993 Dr. Jacqueline Jones of LaGrange is participating in the 2025 Leadership Troup Class.

1995 Chris J. Herring of Columbus is a salesman at Rivertown Subaru.

1996 Jeff Wright of LaGrange, owner of Tournesol: Gifts-DecorBoutique, received one of the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce's Small Business of the Year Awards for 2024.

2000s

2000 Sara Ann Rockwell Hudson M’01, M'02 is a territory business manager in food safety for Neogen. She is a member of the Muscogee Roller Girls roller derby team, where her derby name is "Scary Ann."

Cammie Soloman Long ’80, Wesley Long Jr. ’80, Patty Solomon ’71 and their nephew Michael Solomon enjoyed a night out in Atlanta at The Garden Room.

2001 The Reverend Matthew Parker of Lavonia is an associate pastor at Hartwell First Methodist Church. He also serves Emmanuel University as an adjunct professor.

2001 Marilyn McClanahan Huberdeau M'08 of LaGrange was named the Gardner Newman Middle School Teacher of the Year.

* This issue’s Classnotes are from information received through March 13, 2025. (Unless otherwise noted, geographic locations refer to Georgia.)

Send your classnote to alumni@lagrange.edu.

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ALUMNI & FRIENDS

Jonathan Fuller ’06 of Ashburn received his Doctor of Ministry in Organizational Leadership from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the pastor of Ashburn First United Methodist Church in Ashburn, Georgia.

2002 Dr. L. Joy Baker of LaGrange was awarded the 2024 Provider Partner in Practice Excellence Award and was named Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center Physician of the Year.

2003 Mary Beth Carter Pelt of LaGrange is the program facilitator at The Exceptional Way. 2003 Valerie Longshore-Sargent of LaGrange was inducted into the Georgia Thespians Society Hall of Fame.

2004 The Reverend Dr. Erik Mays of Gulf Breeze, Florida, is the senior pastor at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church. He received his Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership from Wesley Theological Center in Washington, D.C. 2004 Dr. Carrie Reif-Stice of Evans is an associate professor in communications at Augusta University.

2005 Josh Hale of LaGrange is participating in the 2025 Leadership Troup Class.

2006 Jeff '06 and Suzanna Lewis Delaney '07 of Peachtree City were contestants on Family Feud 18

Alumni and friends attended the campus commemorative bench dedication in memory of the late Julie Watson ’76, M’09. Her husband, Joe Watson ’75, recounted how Julie was the love of his life and how they met here as students. He and President Susanna Baxter revealed the dedication plaque: “In memory of Julie C. Watson ’76, M’09, and in honor of the love she shared with Joe Watson ’75.” Shown are (front row, from left) Crystal Luke ’76, Karen Pattillo Hodnette ’77, Evelyn Hill Clifton ’53, Joe Watson ’75, Patti Garnett Wilson ’76 ,M 79, Max Caylor ’75, (back row) Josh Watson ’09, M ’11, Donald Chambers ’77, Ray Hodnette ’75, Sarah Bulman ’97, Kathy Sharpton Sivell ’86, M ’97, Dan ’76 and Carol Blanton Brown ’76, John Wilson ‘76, Cindy Purcell Brown ’76, Teddy Howard ’76 and David Naglee ’76.

alongside their family.

2006 Jonathan Fuller of Ashburn received his Doctor of Ministry in Organizational Leadership from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the pastor of Ashburn First United Methodist Church in Ashburn, Georgia.

2007 Sgt. Nichelle Ortiz ParentSeaman of Peachtree City was awarded a commendation as Sargeant of the Year for the Atlanta Police Department at the Atlanta Police Foundation's 20th annual Crime is Toast Awards.

She was also named Atlanta Downtown Improvement District Officer of the Year.

2008 Jodi Karpik Vaughn of LaGrange is in the specialist program in instructional technology through University

of West Georgia. She was named Long Cane Middle School Teacher of the Year.

2009 David "Swagg R'Celious" Harris of Hamden, Connecticut, served as an additional producer and programmer on "The Journey," an Oscar-nominated song featured in the Tyler Perry film "Six Triple Eight."

2009 Joshua Watson M'11 of Salem, Arkansas, was named the Arkansas 3A Football Coach of the Year.

2010s

2010 Allison Lovenguth Hale M'10 of LaGrange is a Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support teacher at Long Cane Middle School.

2012 Emmie Trull Cass of Acworth

ALUMNI & FRIENDS

Valerie Longshore-Sargent ’03 of LaGrange was inducted into the Georgia Thespians Society Hall of Fame.

received her doctorate in higher education from the University of West Georgia.

2012 Sara Arnold-Nixon is the founder/owner of Será Será Photo & Design.

2013 David Kelton of LaGrange received his 300th career win as LaGrange College Head Baseball Coach in an 8-2 win over Berry College.

Bethany Headrick ’04, M’07 (center), the head of school and executive director of Hillside Montessori, spoke to the Lettie Pate Whitehead scholars on the topic of "Facing Fear and Failure."

production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime.”

2016 Brooke Turner Houlihan M'18 of Bogart was named Teacher of the Year for Apalachee High School.

2013 James Yancey '17 of LaGrange is a licensed Nurse Practitioner at LaGrange Internal Medicine.

2017 DeLion Lance of LaGrange performed in the LSPA winter production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime” and as Old Man Warner in LaGrange College's rendition of "The Lottery.”

2015 Evan Brasselle Elder of LaGrange is the nurse residency professional development and retention specialist at Wellstar Health Systems.

2017 Rachel Pless Miller of LaGrange graduated from Columbus State University with her Master of Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner degree.

2015 Caroline Yates Oxford M'16 of Roswell was named Teacher of the Year for Vickery Mill Elementary School.

2018 Emily Barrs M'20 of Wrightsville is the head coach of the Dublin High School softball team.

2015 Madeline Sain of Newnan performed in the LSPA winter

2018 Rebekah Lee Jones of

Fayetteville was featured in the Georgia Society of Association Executives magazine, discussing content creation and strategy.

She is a client communications manager at Association Services Group.

2019 Caitlyn Deal McCollough of Atlanta was promoted to corporate giving senior manager for the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity team.

2020s

2020 Madison Murphy Blakley is an EIP teacher within the Troup County School System.

2020 Emily Easterwood Brockway M'22, Ed.S.'23 of Newnan was awarded the Georgia Outstanding Mentor Teacher Award.

2020 Elissa Chandler Lamoree of LaGrange is participating in the 2025 Leadership Troup Class.

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ALUMNI & FRIENDS Hogansville received her Master of Education in Theatre Education degree from Columbus State University.

2021 Ansley Moody of St. Simons is a staff associate with Glynn County Young Life.

In January, the Troup County School System named Kathey Sandiford M’23, a fifth-grade writing teacher at Long Cane Elementary School, as one of three finalists for the 2025 district-level Teacher of the Year. She was the Elementary Teacher of the Year honoree.

Sandiford has taught in the classroom for four years. Her son, Todd, is a 2024 alumnus of LaGrange College. The district winner was announced by TCSS Superintendent Dr. Rachel Hazel at a reception for all the schoollevel winners in March at the Oakfuskee Conservation Center.

2020 Grace Margaret Neal of Newnan is the associate manager of client services at Coxe Curry & Associates.

2021 Nicole Phillips Byers of Enigma graduated from the University of Florida with her master’s in microbiology. She is a laboratory analyst for Duracell.

2021 Joely Peterman Coker of Pelham, Alabama, is the children's ministry director at Shades Valley Community Church.

2021 Ben Crump of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a teacher and wide receiver football coach at Parkview Baptist School.

2021 Savanna Hicks Hunt of

20

2021 Elizabeth Wyzykowski Patrick of LaGrange is the coowner of Sweet Stitches, a children's embroidered clothing boutique.

2022 Madison Demkowski of Birmingham, Alabama, is the residence life coordinator at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, while also pursuing her master’s in higher education administration.

2022 Porter Law of Rome earned his Master of Teaching degree from Walden University.

2022 Emily Wyzykowski Pannell of LaGrange is the co-owner of Sweet Stitches, a children's embroidered clothing boutique.

2022 Olivia Hanners Snyder of Trae Long ’12 of LaGrange was one of only 30 honored for his leadership skills and professional experience by the American Institute of CPAs as a member of the Leadership Academy's 16th graduating class.

Trae is partner at Long & Long CPA, P.C.

Suzanna ’07 and Jeff Delaney ’06 of Peachtree City were contestants on Family Feud alongside their family. Their episode will air in fall 2025.

LaGrange received her Master of Arts in Political Science degree from the University of Tennessee.

2022 Mathias Vera of LaGrange received the Associate Virtual Homer Award from Home Depot for his leadership and contribution to the team.

2023 Abigail Gardner of LaGrange is a pre-K teacher at Ethel Kight Elementary School.

2023 Dee Hare of Calhoun is a Graduate Admissions Counselor at LaGrange College. He had a role in the LSPA winter production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime.”

2023 Gabe Miller of Griffin has passed the CPA exam and is now a CPA on the FTA: Vector Capitalization EDGE Team at EY. 2023 Kylie Neal of Hogansville is a volleyball coach for 85 South travel volleyball club 15U.

Thank you so much for your support of me and so many ALUMNI & FRIENDS Thank you so much for Because of your generosity, I will be able to attend your generosity. You truly others! college and graduate this year! –Daniel Cody ’25 have made it possible Thank you so much Thank you so much for for me to be at LaGrange for your support College, and I will never be and kindness. Your funding my scholarship.

Because of you, I will generosity makes able to thank you enough be able to continue my dreams possible. – for that. I love this place, education! –Ellie Smith ’28 these people, and the life I Rylee Grant ’28 have built here more than I Thank you so much for helping me achieve my could ever explain. –Kenzie dreams! I could not do it without you! Thank you for believing in students like me. –Madison Dekker ’25 Hornsby ’25

“Thank you so much, because without scholarships I would not be here, and I love this place. I would not have the support has Thank you so much for your generosity. Yourat same opportunities allowed me to embrace It’s because of your support that I can the college experience another school, and pursue my college education with less and fulfill my dreams. think about Thank you! –Kacyn financial stress and Imore focus on my that Collins ’28 studies. –Jalen Jones constantly. ’27 Being Thank you so much here, I have learned for your generosity!

Thank youaso much person, This school has to be better been an answered for your generosity— it’sstudent because of and your friend.” prayer! I am Your Scholarship has made a huge difference in my life! Thank you for believing in students like me! –Tito Hernandez ’27

Thank you for your kindness and support, which have opened doors for me that I didn’t think were possible. I am so grateful to be able to pursue my studies thanks to you. –Alexa Gonzalez ’26

support that I can pursue my college I am honored and education here at LaGrange. I am able to grateful to be a recipient of your focus on my studies Thank you for helping me scholarship! I am and not stress about continue my education and one step closer making it possible to get paying for college.

I a worldtoofachieving my Help transform students’ experiences and open where I want to be in the dreams! Thank you really want to give back opportunities by clicking here or scanning this QR code. end. Your donation really for your kindness and to humanity.

Thank helps and helps push me generosity! –Collin Also, join us for LC Giving Day on May 20! you. –Arhat Dhabe ’28 Hardin ’27 further. –Kaidyn Thomas ’27

deeply grateful for your support!

–Madeline Bullington ’28

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ALUMNI & FRIENDS

DOCKINS SHARES GANG TASK FORCE EXPERIENCES Jeremy Dockins ’07, special agent in charge of the GBI West Georgia Gang Task Force, spoke to the Kiwanis Club of LaGrange in February. In his current role, he oversees the agents, budget and daily operations of the unit.

Dockins was hired by the GBI in 2007 as a special agent assigned to the State Drug Task Force to work undercover narcotics. After the task force was disbanded in May of 2009, he was assigned to the GBI’s Columbus regional investigative office where he worked as a special agent and crime scene specialist for a little more than seven years.

He later worked as the assistant special agent in charge of the GBI’s West Metro Regional Drug Enforcement Office, assisting with the supervision of the staff responsible for a 36-county area from Columbus, Georgia, to Tennessee.

He currently is a P.O.S.T. certified instructor, a Use of Force instructor, a member of the GBI Special Enforcement Team, a member of the GBI Body Recovery Team, the northern vice president of the Georgia Narcotics Officers Association and overseer of the GBI Peer Support Team.

He is a graduate of the National Forensic Academy (NFA), Class 30, through the University of Tennessee, and he earned a master’s in public safety administration from Columbus State University. He is married with two children and lives in LaGrange and attends Wesley Methodist Church.

2023 Madi Novak of Waynesville is in the Thomas University curriculum and instruction master’s program.

2023 Kasey Smith of Hoschton is a neuro ICU registered nurse at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.

2024 Adam Castillo of West Point is a registered nurse at Tanner

22

Kacey Werle ’09 and Philip Truitt ’98, both members of the Order of the Tartan, attended Dr. Mark Yates’ lecture “Moor than just Lochs: A brief ecological tour of Scotland.” Kacey served as 2024 Convener for the Order of the Tartan and has handed over the role to Philip. She moved into the secretary position to continue to support the organization.

2024 Michael Poteete III of LaGrange is a registered nurse at Tanner Medical Center.

Births

To P.T. Alford Jr. '20 and his wife, Alyssa, a girl, Annie Mae, on March 10, 2025

Medical Center.

To Madison Murphy Blakley '20 and her husband, Cody, a son, Dawson Axle, on March 12, 2024

2024 Slade James of Smiths Station, Alabama, is an area manager for Amazon.

To Joely Peterman Coker '21 and her husband, Nicholas Coker, a son, Sullivan James, in May 2024

2024 Emilee Johnson of LaGrange is a teacher in the Troup County School System and operates a handmade jewelry business, “Hello Sunshine.”

To Emily Wyzykowski Pannell '22 and her husband, Tanner, a daughter, Baker Tess, on August 29, 2024

ALUMNI & FRIENDS

Rebekah Lee Jones ’18 of Fayetteville was featured in the Georgia Society of Association Executives magazine, discussing content creation and strategy. She is a client communications manager at Association Services Group.

The ladies of Alpha Omicron Pi gathered for a Christmas reception in December. They are (front row, from left) Kathleen Sheridan Nichols ’77, Lee Crowe ’81, Missy Stevens Cochran ’80, Christine Gardner Walker ’82, (back row) Julia Evans Pennell ’83, Kathy Reese McCollum ’81, M’17, Susie Whalen Blackshear ’80, Robin Toney Lambeth ’83, Francee Crayden Mitchell ’79, Jayne Lewis ’80, Kay Hutcheson Smith ’77 and Laura Hume Higgins ’82.

Engagements

Sydney Michaela Bourque '21 to Anthony "Tony" Villanacci '21 India Rose Gleason '21 to Baley Knight Coleman '22 on November 17, 2024

Emmie Trull Cass ’12 celebrates with her family after receiving her doctorate in higher education administration from the University of West Georgia in December.

Jay Christopher Adams '22 to Hannah Grace Ross '24 on February 1, 2025 Landon Julianna DeLamar '22, M'24 to Dalton Pearson Brooks '23 on January 1, 2025 Rhett Michael Hebert '22 to Brittany Danielle George '22 on December 27, 2024

Dr. L. Joy Baker '02 to Alvin Leaks on January 5, 2025 Wesley Dismuke '17 to Zasmine Hymes-Green on February 25, 2025 John Cleveland Williamson '19 to Trista Michelle Murphy '21 on November 2, 2024 Emily Wyzykowski Pannell ’22 of LaGrange, co-owner of Sweet Stitches, shares a family moment while her little ones showcase her embroidered children’s designs.

Joseph Edward “Joe” Ruth '22, M'23, Ed.S.’24 to Alexandrea Grace Fulford '23 on December 27, 2024 Kasey Anne Smith '23 to Reese Welch on December 7, 2024

Weddings

Willie Keith Maddox ’81 to Rosemary Smith on September 21, 2024

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ALUMNI & FRIENDS

Emily Easterwood Brockway ’20, M’22, Ed.S.’23 of Newnan was awarded the Georgia Outstanding Mentor Teacher Award.

Savanna Hicks Hunt ’21 of Hogansville received her Master of Education in Theatre Education from Columbus State University. She is the lower school theatre teacher at LaGrange Academy.

Rachel Samples Jones ’08 of Aiken, South Carolina, has had the experience of a lifetime on assignment living and working at McMurdo Station, a research and logistics installation located on the Hut Point Peninsula, Ross Island, Antarctica. Operated by the National Science Foundation (NSF) with the assistance of the U.S. military, the station is the largest town in Antarctica and the continent’s largest research station.

Baker named Physician of the Year Dr. Joy Baker ’02, OB-GYN, was honored in January with the distinction of being named Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center’s Physician of the Year.

“It was a pretty big shock to me,” Baker said of the announcement. “That's an award given by your peers. So, when (Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center President) Coleman Foss announced that I was the winner, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh.’

It was a shock to me, but it feels really good to know that the people you work with every day think that you do a good job.”

She said her time at LaGrange College, where she will serve as the incoming President of the Alumni Association, had an indelible impact on her—not just academically, but also ethically. As a student, she was invited by Professor Nina Dulin-Mallory to the Honor Council, which heavily influenced her moral principles.

“When we look away from things that we know are wrong, and we refuse to stand up for that, we ultimately hurt everyone in the community by not having the courage to stand up for what's right,” she said. “That's something I took with me from LaGrange College into what I do every day and how I live.

I really appreciate those lessons, because in medicine, your integrity and your reputation are everything.”

Baker also credits her undergraduate work at LaGrange with preparing her for the rigors of medical school.

“When I got to Morehouse School of Medicine, on the first 24

day in Histology—the study of cells—they asked us to introduce ourselves and say what undergraduate we were from,” she recalled. “I stood up, said my name, and I said, ‘I'm from LaGrange College,’ and the professor was like, ‘Where's that?’ There was almost a condescending feel to the statement.”

When the class took their first exams, however, Baker was the only one who made an A. “So, he came back to me. He said, ‘Where did you say you went undergrad again?’” she said with a laugh. “William Paschal taught me Histology when I was at LaGrange College.

So, I was very comfortable with cells and tissues and working the microscope.”

For her, LaGrange set a foundation for her career and her community work advocating for and providing women’s health.

“I think that LaGrange College is a really special place,” she continued. “You get way more than a liberal arts education at LaGrange. They teach you about how to work with people.

They teach you how to lead, and, more importantly, how to be a servant-leader in your area of expertise and to always be thinking about the culture of where you live, work, pray and play, and how you contribute positively to it.”

ALUMNI & FRIENDS

WATSON LEADS TEAM TO STATE TITLE Josh Watson ’09, MAT’11 coached Salem (Arkansas) High School to the state 3A football championship last fall and was named 2024 Coach of the Year

by Hooten’s Arkansas Football and the Arkansas High School Coaches Association, head coach for the East Football AllStar Team, and Coach of the Year by the Arkansas Sports Network.

Caroline Yates Oxford ’15, M’16 of Roswell was named Teacher of the Year for Vickery Mill Elementary School. Her family was there to celebrate the honor with her.

Cam Lyons ’24 of Tyrone is a basketball graduate-assistant coach at Gardner-Webb University. The Runnin’ Bulldogs finished 11-20 on the year, 5-10 in conference play.

With the title win, Watson became the school’s winningest coach with a 43-18 record.

Following the season, he announced that he will take over as the new head coach at Ozark (Arkansas) High School.

Watson’s parents are Joe ’75 and the late Julie Clifton Watson ’76; his grandmother is Evelyn Hill Clifton ’53.

In the photo, he poses with Salem’s Skyler Payne (left), who was named Hooten’s3A Defensive Player of the Year.

Joshua Watson ’09, M’11 (right) of Salem, Arkansas, was named the Arkansas 3A Football Coach of the Year.

Class of 2024 Nursing alumni recently spoke with current Nursing students. Joining Dr. Maranah Sauter (center), Professor of Nursing and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, are Adam Castillo from Tanner Medical Center, Leia Avery from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Michael Poteete III from Tanner Medical Center and Megan Messinger from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Brittain "Sylar" ’22 (left) and Dr. Caitlin Morman ’21 celebrated with Olivia Hanners Snyder ’22 as she received her master's in political science from the University of Tennessee.

Devin Allison ’12 attended an LC football game in November to support his former player from Winder Barrow High School.

A.J. Johnson is a freshman on the Panther team.

Joseph Edward “Joe” Ruth ’22, M’23, Ed.S.’24 was engaged to Alexandrea Grace Fulford ’23 on December 27, 2024.

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ALUMNI & FRIENDS

Landon Julianna DeLamar ’22, M’24 was engaged to Dalton Pearson Brooks ’23 on January 1, 2025.

Dr. Rhett Yates M’99 (left) of Jacksonville, Florida, brought his aviation team from Jacksonville University to LaGrange to compete in the National Intercollegiate Flight Association Region IX competition hosted by LaGrange College.

In Memoriam

Ms. Katherine "Kat" Cook '42 Mrs. Ina Claire Queen Cook '51 Dr. Robert R. Botkin '58, H'98 Mrs. Janice McDaniel Shelnutt '58 Mr. Larry Herbert Daniel '62 Mr. Wilynda Richardson Robinson '62 Mr. Homer Parker Borders '64 Mr. Jimmy Joe Drain '65 Mr. David Joseph Johnson '65 Mr. Andrew Nolan Jones '65 Ms. Harriet Amy Cook Bennett '67 Mr. Jimmy G. Herring '70, former staff Mrs. Bonnie Calhoun Williams '72 Mr. Joseph Thomas Justice '73 Mr. Steven Ray Estes '75 Mr. James Christopher Vreeland '78 Mr. Michael G. Webb '88 Ms. Scarlett Dean Drake '89 Mr. James Lewis Harris M'95 Mr. Dean Gaddy, former staff

26

Rhett Michael Hebert ’22 proposed to Brittany Danielle George ’22 on December 27, 2024.

India Rose Gleason ’21 was engaged to Baley Knight Coleman ’22 on November 17, 2024.

JIMMY G. HERRING ’70 Longtime college Registrar Jimmy G. Herring ’70 passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025.

Jimmy served LC faithfully for 39 years, retiring in 2013. His significant contributions include leading the effort to modernize college recordkeeping by computerizing data on campus.

Outside of his professional life, Jimmy enjoyed playing golf and was a proud member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He is survived by his son, Chris ’95.

ALUMNI & FRIENDS

COMMENCEMENT 2025

May 8 Nursing Pinning Ceremony 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church

May 9 Baccalaureate Service 5 p.m., First United Methodist Church

May 9 Legacy Celebration 2:30 p.m., Bailey Room

May 10 Commencement 8:30 a.m., Callaway Stadium

UPCOMING EVENTS May 13 Alumni Reconnect and Reminisce 5:30 p.m., Wild Heaven West End, Atlanta Enjoy a casual evening of laughter and shared stories with President Susanna Baxter and fellow LaGrange College alumni.

May 20 Class of 2025 and LC Giving Day Celebration 5-7 p.m., historic Hillside “back porch,” LaGrange Join friends and President Baxter on the 700 block of Lincoln St. for More events at lagrange.edu/calendar

a nostalgic evening celebrating the Class of 2025 and Giving Day. June 11 Conversation with President Baxter 5:30 p.m., Athens Area alumni are invited to come hang out and speak with President Baxter.

June 14 LaGrange College Alumni and Friends Day at Truist Park 4:10 p.m., Atlanta Join President Baxter, friends

and families to cheer on the Atlanta Braves as they take on the Colorado Rockies. Secure your tickets today online or by contacting the Alumni Office.

August 16 New First-Year Student Move-In August 16-20 Welcome Week August 21 First Day of Classes

27

Super Bowl experience teaches students team-building skills In the week that led to the “Super Sunday” showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 9 in New Orleans, students from the Sports Management Club made the most out of their chance to be directly involved with pre-game festivities.

Throughout their time in New Orleans, the LC group helped with various stations, including those set up at the Super Bowl Experience and NFL Fans First.

Senior Jaden Long, who assisted with operating games and taking photos of fans with NFL legends and the Vince Lombardi trophy, said he was amazed at the amount of preparation that goes into developing a Super Bowl atmosphere for the fans.

“This experience taught me the importance of teamwork,” he said.

“There is a lot of work happening that people do not see.”

Junior Kyle Moore said his

favorite part was interacting with the participants.

“We were there to provide an unforgettable experience for NFL fans and create memories for families, whether it was through intentional conversation with fans or helping families take pictures to be able to share on social media or with loved ones,” he said.

For senior Parker Lovett, the networking opportunities were beneficial.

“We met a lot of individuals in the sports industry who have jobs a lot of us dream to acquire one day, so getting to work with them hands-on was a unique experience,” he said.

Associate Sports Management Professor Dr. Clay Bolton said these types of experiences help students build connections and gain real-world knowledge about the industry.

“Our group made lasting memories and was able to see what happens behind the scenes leading up to and on gameday at arguably the largest sporting event in the United States!” he said.