ACADEMIC UPDATES

Bachelor of Arts

• Art • Business Administration • Communication Studies • Creative Writing • English • Graphic Design • History • Interdisciplinary Studies (Discover Degree) • Music • Theatrical Design and

Production • Theatre Performance

Bachelor of Fine Arts

• Musical Theatre

Bachelor of Music Education

• Music Education -

Choral Emphasis • Music Education -

Instrumental Emphasis

Bachelor of Science

• Accounting • Biology • Business Statistics and Analytics • Chemistry • Elementary Education • Environmental Education and Leadership • Environmental Science • Finance • History • Interdisciplinary Studies (Discover Degree) • Management • Marketing • Mathematics • Outdoor Studies • Psychology • Public Policy and Law • Sport and Recreation

Studies

Dual Degree

• 3+2 Mathematics and

Mechanical Engineering

Post-Baccalaureate Programs of Study that Lead to Eligibility for Initial Teacher Certification

• Early Childhood

Education (P-5) • Middle Grades

Education (4-8) • Music Education (Choral Emphasis) • Music Education (Instrumental Emphasis)

Minors

• Art • Biology • Chemistry • Cinematic Arts • Communication Studies • Creative Writing • Economics • English • Financial Planning • History • Legal Studies • Management • Mathematics • Music • Outdoor Studies • Philosophy • Physics • Popular Culture • Psychology • Religious Studies • Spanish • Sport Studies • Sustainability • Theatre • Women, Gender, and

Sexuality Studies

ACADEMIC UPDATES

AMONG ALUMNI

Biology

YHC’s Bachelor of Science in Biology prepares students for the medical field, ecology, conservation work, research, agriculture, and more.

“I especially enjoy mentoring undergraduate research projects with students,” said Chair of the Biology Department and Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Andrea Kwiatkowski. “The students learn so much from their projects, and their pride in creating and implementing a unique project of their own is apparent when they present at regional conferences.”

Biology program alumna Elizabeth Howell, 2022, is attending the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Jordana Freitas, 2016, is a local dentist at Hiawassee Family Dentistry. Dr. David Atwood, 2014, is a physical therapist at Golden Gate Physical Therapy in San Francisco, California.

Graphic Design

YHC’s Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design allows students to develop technical and conceptual image making skills in the field of design and commercial arts. Students even have the opportunity to pursue degrees in both graphic design and studio art, with the chance to create portfolios and exhibits in their media of choice. “The YHC Department of Art offers a complete solution for students pursuing careers in the graphic design arena,” says Associate Professor of Graphic Design Kerry Jenkins.

Alumna Kelli Denning Patterson, 2014, is a full-time artist and designer with her own company in downtown Blairsville, Kelli’s Custom Creations. Ali Hill, 2022, runs her own photography and design business.

Communication Studies

The communication studies major is a broad field that focuses on how individuals send and receive messages, as well as how we communicate on a day-to-day basis. Students are trained to manage social media and marketing, influence public discourse, and employ different concepts to real world situations.

Alumna Katie Phenix, 2021, is an admissions counselor for YHC, taking full advantage of the opportunity to share her first-hand student experience at YHC. She helps many young people transition to a new phase of life. Holly Smith, 2021, is a customer service specialist at Discount Marketing Products. She keeps conversations with customers calm and collected and makes sure orders get out efficiently.

“I chose communication at the undergraduate and graduate levels because I have always been fascinated by how meaning is created, shared, and interpreted,” said Chair and Professor of Communication Studies Dr. Jennifer Hallett. “Words themselves are fascinating, but add in the context of a given relationship and everything gets more complicated. I love the puzzle!”

Sport & Recreation Studies

YHC’s Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Studies attracts students who are looking for a way to translate and capitalize on their passion for sport, recreation, and human performance. Graduates have gone on to become coaches, athletic trainers, physical therapist, EMTs, personal trainers, broadcasters, supervisors, and managers in sport, recreation, and leisure programs. Emma Agermo, 2022, is now playing professional golf, using the lessons she learned every day.

“I believe that the popularity of our program is due in large part to the relevance and significance of sport and recreation in our society,” said Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Sport and Recreation Studies Jim Thomas. “Just look at the anticipation of our weekends spent in sport, recreation, and leisure, and think about the importance we place on these activities.”

YOU MADE IT, CLASS OF 2022!

As the Young Harris College 2021–2022 academic year came to an end, the members of the class of 2022 finished their final year in the Enchanted Valley. After celebrating YHC seniors at the annual Senior Reception, Vespers service, and Baccalaureate service, the College held its traditional Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 7 in the newly renamed Harp Recreation and Commencement Center.

On behalf of all YHC faculty and staff, YHC President Dr. Drew Van Horn congratulated all YHC graduates on their great academic achievements. Deserving of specific recognition are this year’s Commencement award recipients. • Dustin Root received the newly created MAT

Representative Award for best representing the mission and ideals of YHC’s MAT program. • Jing Dong, Ben Eklund, Madeline Studebaker, and Joshua Wood received the Clegg Outstanding

Student Award, which is awarded to the graduating student or students with the highest cumulative grade point average. • Mary Grace Nelson and Jenna Thomas received the

Young Harris College Spirit Award, which recognizes the graduating seniors who best exemplify the spirit of YHC. • Bethany Viar received the Mary Mildred Sullivan

Award, and Will Yeiser received the Algernon Sydney

Sullivan Award. These two awards go to graduates whose nobility of character and dedication to service set them apart as examples for others. • Guerin Brown received the Zell B. Miller Leadership

Award, which goes to a senior who has made significant contributions to campus life as an outstanding leader and role model.

“We are all exceptionally proud of the resilience shown by the Class of 2022,” said Provost Dr. Jason Pierce. “Though the COVID-19 pandemic affected their time at YHC, these graduates showed extraordinary grit to earn the right to walk across the Commencement stage.”

In staying with tradition, graduating seniors were not the only award winners. The Young Harris College Medallion is the highest honor bestowed by the College to alumni and friends who have made extraordinary contributions to YHC. This year’s recipient was Kurt Momand, 1977, the YHC Trustee Board Chair at the time. Momand has been a trustee since 2008 and was elected Board Chair in 2018. He served on numerous committees in various capacities and remains one of YHC’s most active alumni. United States Congressman and YHC Trustee Buddy Carter, 1977, presented Momand with his award. This was a surprise reunion for Momand, as the two were roommates at YHC 45 years ago!

“It was a joy to surprise Mr. Momand by having Congressman Buddy Carter present him with the College Medallion,” said President Van Horn. “Mr. Momand is so deserving of this honor.”

To even better the surprise, just before Commencement began, Momand was greeted by a number of Upsilon Delta Sigma Fraternity, special friends, and close family members at a reception in his honor.

Because Momand’s term as Board Chair ended in June, he ceremonially passed the Board of Trustees gavel on to Chairman William “Bill” Johnston, 1975, after his speech in the ceremony. Johnston’s term began July 1, 2022.

After recent years’ Commencement ceremonies were limited by the worldwide pandemic, YHC was glad to give the Class of 2022 the celebration they deserved.

Tonya Nix may not have grown up in the Enchanted Valley, but her roots run deep nonetheless. Her father was born in Young Harris and lived here for most of his childhood. Tonya grew up visiting the Valley, spending time with her grandmother and relatives who called Young Harris home. Her grandmother always brought her to lunch at YHC after church and her grandfather worked in campus security and lived on campus. After spending years in the corporate world, Tonya made the decision to bring her family and expertise to the place that had for so long felt like home.

In 2011, Tonya, better known as “Sweet T” by students and alumni, began working at YHC as Assistant to the Vice President of Student Development and later took on additional responsibilities as Coordinator for Special Events and Projects. She remained in these roles for over 10 years, supporting the Vice President of Student Development, engaging students through various day to day activities, planning large events such as Family Weekend, organizing school break trips, and coordinating community service opportunities for the students. In January 2022, Tonya began a new role as Director of Advancement Services and is excited about this season of new opportunities.

In line with her heart for service, Tonya has taken on many service responsibilities outside of her job description during her time at YHC. She served as Advisor of the Phi Alpha Phi sorority for nine years and currently serves as Advisor of the Dorcas Honor Society. She also participates in numerous community service opportunities and does everything in her power to help students succeed. Whether a student needs a car ride to the doctor’s office or a fellow staff member needs an uplifting note of encouragement, Tonya takes advantage of every opportunity to create a warm and hospitable space for all.

“Tonya is one of the most caring people I have ever known,” said Assistant Director of Admissions Operations Myra O’Connor, one of Tonya’s coworkers and close friends. “She constantly puts others’ needs before her own and lives a life of service and dedication to YHC students and the YHC community as a whole. Her office is filled with photos and notes from students with whom she has formed lasting relationships over the years. She has made such a difference in so many students’ lives as both a friend and a mentor. Tonya is a loyal friend to many and represents all that is good about YHC.”

Vice President for Advancement Mark Dotson echoed Myra’s praises: “Tonya is Ms. YHC, and she simply bleeds purple! She loves the students and does so much for them. We are excited about the perspectives she brings to the Office of Advancement.”

Outside of her work at YHC, Tonya enjoys serving in her church, paddling on the river, working in her gardens, and spending time with her family. She has three children: Grant, Garrett, and Gracie, all raised in the Blairsville-Young Harris area. In fact, Garrett attended YHC, and Gracie is a current Mountain Lion scheduled to graduate in May 2023! Tonya also has two beautiful daughtersin-law and two grandchildren her bring her much joy. Tonya wakes up every morning compelled, knowing that she was created for community and called to love God and love people. The goal behind her work at YHC is to serve students, ensuring that they feel heard, valued, and loved.

Faculty Focus:

DR. TODD JONES

Dr. Christopher T. Jones, better known as “Dr. J.” by his students, is a native West Virginian and a U.S. Navy veteran. He joined the YHC family in the fall of 2012, making 2022 his 10-year anniversary! Before coming to the Enchanted Valley as an assistant professor in the Department of Business and Public Policy, Dr. Jones concluded a 32-year federal career.

In his last assignment, he served as a Senior Executive Service national security professional, leading the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Center for Domestic Preparedness. In this role, he led the Center’s national preparedness mission of training first responders in weapons of mass destruction, mass casualty, and pandemic preparedness response.

Now serving as Dean of Professional Studies and the founding director of the Young Harris College Institute of Leadership, Business, and Public Policy, Dr. Jones continues to teach in the Department of Business and Public Policy. In 2016, Dr. Jones was recognized as the YHC Exemplary Teacher of the Year. “I am drawn to the classroom, where I feel I can make a real difference in the lives of our students who will soon be the ones we depend on to preserve democracy, grow our economic security, and meet our future challenges in what are increasingly difficult times,” Jones says.

When asked what drew him to YHC, Dr. Jones said, “I have taught in master’s and doctoral programs, led large organizations at the highest levels, and had the privilege of serving in our nation’s military; however, there is a great personal joy that comes from helping our young men and women discover passion and purpose for their life. Watching them grow into their feet and walk across the graduation stage being well prepared for the next phase of their future, whatever that is for them, I know that I made a difference in the life of someone who will go on to make this world a better place.” Dr. Jones believes “what sets YHC apart is the compassionate, caring nature that just simply seems to thrive here.” Not long after coming to YHC, Dr. Jones was diagnosed with nonHodgkin’s Lymphoma. He was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support by colleagues, but even more so by students. He admits he wasn’t expecting that. He shares, “It taught me a valuable lesson about the kind of student who comes to YHC. Our students are indeed special, and they deserve the best we have to offer them.” When not at YHC, or serving as the Dean of Professional Studies, one can likely find Dr. Jones behind a table saw or planner stirring up a bunch of wood dust, or mixing a bag of mortar and laying some block. The grandson of an Appalachian carpenter and mason, he learned the value of hard work and humility working in the trades early in his life. He also enjoys spending time with his wife of 23 years, Marcia, who studied in the Enchanted Valley later in life and graduated in 2015. His sons Joshua, 2016, and Connor, 2023, have kept YHC an important part of the family. Of course, there are also Bailey and Willow, Dr. J’s dogs, who get a lot of this professor’s attention!

I AM DRAWN TO THE CLASSROOM, WHERE I FEEL I CAN MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OUR STUDENTS WHO WILL SOON BE THE ONES WE DEPEND ON TO PRESERVE DEMOCRACY, GROW OUR ECONOMIC SECURITY, AND MEET OUR FUTURE CHALLENGES IN WHAT ARE INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TIMES.