Fall 2007::Vol.1 No.2

InsideEDGE: 4

GGC’s Director of Facili- ties Maurice Blount is keeping campus construction on track.

7

Students and faculty at Gwinnett College celebrated National Chemistry Week on October 22 and 23 by making homemade ice cream using liquid nitrogen as the freezing agent. Steffi Simon (L) stirs the bowl of ingredients as fellow chemistry student Sarah Iqbal (R) pours nitrogen into the bowl. Steffi and Sarah are just two examples of students blossoming into tomorrow’s leaders.

Mr. Gladston Mealor GGC and Its Students: Building & Blossoming and family donated the college’s first major gift. by Creston Mapes “The faculty and staff sincerely care about students and are strongly committed to making sure that each student meets 8 The students of Georgia Gwinnett College come from all his or her personal goals,” says Torres. “My professors walks of life, but the one thing they have in common is the continually encourage me to push my limits. Without them, I desire to be part of an innovative college that’s doing higher probably wouldn’t have decided to attend graduate school.” education differently—and preparing them to fulfill their Rico’s hobbies include snowboarding and spending time career paths and their dreams. with friends. With a major in business administration, a Rico Torres, 22, of Fort Gordon, Georgia, says he had a “less concentration in marketing and plans to earn his MBA, than stellar” grade point average from a two-year college Rico hopes to work within the University System of Secretary of State Karen where he earned a degree that felt meaningless, but when he Georgia or become the president of an organization. Handel met with Presi- transferred to GGC, things began to change. “Over a one-year Andrea Ide, a 22-year-old psychology major from dent Daniel J. Kaufman to hear GGC’s plans for period I’ve turned into a student with true passion for my Suwanee, Georgia, says the students who are fortunate future growth. education and a 3.5 GPA. GGC has made a significant impact enough to get in on the ground floor at GGC are not on my growth.” viewed merely as students, but as an “integral” group Rico, who works full-time at the Publix Distribution Center of people who are actually helping build the “Campus and part-time in GGC’s Library, has a full class load and is of Tomorrow.” Andrea has played a key role in starting involved with the Student Government Association (SGA), two of the six new clubs on campus, serving as secretary the Organization of Latin American Studies, and is starting a for the SGA and Psychology Club. “Everyone around new club, the Business Students Association. me has encouraged me to be involved at GGC,” says Continued on page 5

Faculty “Psyched” to Help Build the “Campus of Tomorrow” by Creston Mapes

Holly Haynes grew up in Gwinnett County, graduated from Meadowcreek High School and went on to earn, count them, three degrees from Harvard. Why did she choose to become a professor of psychology at Georgia Gwinnett College? For largely the same reason as the other 85 new professors leading classes at GGC—she wants to help design and build the “Campus of Tomorrow” where students are being inspired for greatness. “I want to encourage the student who has Georgia Gwinnett’s 85 new professors attended been told ‘No you can’t’ one too many times an orientation August 1-15 to prepare them for that he or she can build a great future,” says the Fall 2007 freshman class. More than 1500 applications were received from individuals at Haynes. “I want to inspire students to think universities across the nation. Continued on page 2 Faculty “Psyched” continued from page 1. critically about how they can change the “The reason for all of us wanting to come “During orientation, new faculty members world. Harvard teaches you about critical here is multi-faceted, but I’m willing to bet gained a clearer picture of the College’s thinking, taking risks and being a voice for there is one underlying theme,” says GGC mission and vision, and they’ve begun to change, and GGC is the perfect place for me Biology Professor Christopher Brandon Jr., understand how unique we are,” says Victoria to put my training to the test. There’s so much “and that’s to be able to come to a brand new Johnson, dean of the school of business. opportunity to create here at GGC.” institution of higher learning where teaching “A camaraderie has formed among our Haynes is not alone. She is joined by is the central activity, and where we can build professors. This is a very exciting time as they seasoned professors from across the country, the College from the ground up, the way we embrace our mission, vision and priorities.” each carrying Ph.D. degrees from top-tier want it, not just as another college.” Indeed, a genuine buzz of excitement is institutions such as Harvard University, After two weeks of intensive orientation for reverberating throughout the GGC campus, as Central Michigan University, Emory the new faculty in August, which included new friendships form, classrooms come alive University, , Oglethorpe workshops covering the history of GGC, with discussion and Georgia’s newest college University, Seattle University, Cairo University, strategic vision, team building, technology, in 100 years takes shape. Florida State University, University of Miami and mentoring, the professors are more and many others. inspired than ever.

What she loves What he loves What she loves most about GGC: most about GGC: most about GGC: “I love that we are “What I love most “I love the creating a learning is the innovative excitement and community philosophy that challenge of that supports exists here. We starting a new the holistic are given the institution and development of freedom to try the creativity, students. I like the anything in an innovation, and fact that everyone effort to enhance leadership of the is engaged in a the classroom administration Professor: Holly A. Haynes common purpose. Professor: Christopher Brandon Jr. experience. Professor: Victoria Johnson and faculty.” Position: Assistant Professor I have forged some Position: Assistant Professor This includes Position: Dean of the School of Psychology of Biology of Business Classes she teaches: great relationships Classes he teaches: Principles of technology Classes she teaches: Teaching Introduction to Psychology, with the students, Biology I & II, Cell Biology, Labs, and teaching and Research in Ethics, Leadership Introduction of Developmental staff, faculty and Microbiology and Anatomy, techniques. If and Strategy, Senior Business Psychology, Senior Project administration. Physiology something doesn’t Capstone Proposal, Writing for Psychology Educational credentials: Ph.D. Educational credentials: Ph.D. Educational credentials: The environment and master’s degrees from the work, we scrap it from the University of Georgia; Doctorate, master’s and bachelor’s is one that makes College of Veterinary Medicine and try something master’s and bachelor’s degrees degrees from Harvard University. you thrive!” at the University of Georgia; brand new.” from . bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky.

Teachers and style video centered on conservation biology. Elsewhere, Assistant Professor Meg Keiley- Students Bring Listermann is applying new technology to enliven her discussion of political science. She Classroom has introduced streaming video segments in the classroom to offer a more vivid presenta- Technology to Life tion of her topic. She also “captures” the class by Jeff Corbin sessions, so students can have access to all the recorded audio and presentation slides they For Bagie George, having a cell phone was experienced in the class which helps them in simply a convenience for long car trips or their review. This allows Listermann to extend something to be left locked in the office, not a the classroom experience beyond face-to-face tool for daily tasks. sessions. But the professor of biology was one of She also offers recorded mini-lectures for GGC’s faculty members who jumped into the students to watch and then submit questions early pilot project to incorporate cell phones in before the class even starts. “That gives me the classroom. the ability to target a particular aspect of the “I was never one of those people who car- content and be more prepared,” she says. “The ried around a cell phone,” George says. “Now discussion in the classroom is much more I’m one of those people who always has a cell rich, the questions are more sophisticated and GGC Freshman Scott Ake experiences the College’s high- phone with them. That was a hard thing for students are displaying critical thinking, which tech classroom environment first-hand. me to accept at first; I was excited, but I was is the goal.” still kind of hesitant.” Freshman Scott Ake, a student of Lister- gradual learning process. And I like the tech- George has found ways to use phones in her mann, says all the available technology is nology; it’s really useful.” coursework for the benefit of students. First, helping him focus on the material more than But the college is not unveiling resources for she assigned students with the task of photo- worrying about taking notes. the sake of promoting their tech prowess. graphing three different insects in a particular “The teachers already have their lectures Kristine Nagel, associate vice president for order using camera phones. Students then set up,” Ake says. “All the lectures are pretty technical development and evaluation, said submitted the photos electronically. much in PowerPoint presentations, and they the GGC approach to technology differs from Some of the images were hard to identify are posted on the teachers’ WebCTs. You can other colleges and universities. She says GGC at first, as everyone was still getting used to print out the notes or download them to a lap- is centered on using electronic methods to the capabilities of the cameras, and George top, view the presentations after class and get support those practices known to effectively was able to assist them with the effort. Later, a refresher on what they said.” influence learning, retaining students and phones were used to track portions of an in- Ake says campus technology training ses- attracting newcomers. class dissection project. sions helped share the message of what ap- “The thing that sets us apart is not the “They now have a visual study guide for the plications are available. He says both students amount of gadgetry or technology that we practical part of their lab exam,” she adds. and faculty alike are making progress together. make available,” Nagel adds, “but the fact that Before the year ends, George’s students will “Most of the teachers are just as new as we we’re developing the use of that through prac- work in groups to produce a “movie”—a two are, and they’re learning the technology at the tices that involve people.” or three minute public service announcement- same speed that we are,” he says. “It’s been a

2 Meet the Vice Presidents

As with any institution of higher learning, Georgia Gwinnett College is relying on the experience and skill of top leaders to develop a place known for success and achievement. Here is a look at the GGC professionals serving as vice president.

Stas Preczewski is focused on the Lonnie Harvel directs the operations of implementation of seven bachelor degree centralized computing services and support, programs in the fields of general business, networking, telecommunications, cable health services, information technology and TV infrastructure, desktop computing and teacher education. academic/classroom/online technology. Preczewski was the vice dean for resources Harvel was a senior research scientist and an associate professor of behavioral in the school of electrical and computer sciences at the Military engineering, among other leadership Academy at West Point. He received his positions, at the Georgia Institute of doctorate in higher and adult education, Technology. He remains a frequent guest Stanley “Stas” Preczewski educational psychology and cognitive Lonnie Harvel lecturer for technology conferences across Vice President psychology from the University of Missouri. Vice President the country. Harvel received his doctorate in Academic and Student Affairs Educational Technology Additionally, he holds a master of arts degree computer science from the Georgia Institute from the United States Naval War College, master of science degree from of Technology as well as a master’s degree in computer science and the University of Massachusetts and bachelor of science degree from bachelor of fine arts in theater from the University of Georgia. Cornell University.

Gordon Harrison manages the College’s Eddie Beauchamp oversees business and internal divisions of external affairs, public financial operations including accounting, affairs, and development. He also serves budget management and facilities manage- as the president of the Georgia Gwinnett ment. He also manages the divisions of IT, College Foundation. maintenance, security and internal auditing. Harrison once served as executive-in- Beauchamp has been a business officer residence and chief administrative officer and auditor for the State Department of of the Georgia House of Representatives. Audits, the Georgia Institute of Technology, He was also a vice president at Kennesaw Georgia Perimeter College and the Gwinnett State University. He received undergraduate University Center. His specialty is internal Gordon Harrison degrees in microbiology, biochemistry and Eddie Beauchamp auditing, preparing financial/compliance Vice President English literature from the University of Vice President audits and auditing mainframe applications Advancement Business and Finance South Florida. He holds a master’s degree or operating systems used by state agencies in professional writing from Kennesaw State University as well as a and universities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from David doctorate in rhetoric/composition (specializing in crisis management) Lipscomb University in Nashville with a minor focused on computer from Georgia State University. science and computer information systems.

Lonnie Harvel, vice president of educational Dovile Budryte, associate professor of political accepted for publication in the Journal of Chinese technology, will participate in a Chronicle of science, participated in the 2007 ISA-South Management Studies. Higher Education Tech Forum taking place in Conference in Savannah. She was invited to ______Tampa in February 2008. He will take part in attend this conference and present research Spero Peppas, professor of business a panel discussion focused on policymaking findings for work completed during the administration, and Tyler Yu, associate dean of in information technology for an audience of summer. the school of business, presented their paper, presidents, provosts, CIOs, librarians, deans ______“Codes of Conduct: A Comparison of the and others. Ellen Rafshoon, assistant professor of history, Attitudes of Future Managers in China and the ______has an essay titled, “Hysterical Blindness,” United States,” at the Annual Conference of the Lonnie Harvel, vice president of published in Denise Brodey’s The Elephant in the Academy of International Business in Nashville educational technology, was invited to Playroom. The book is described as “ordinary in November. attend the recent Scientific Atlanta/Cisco parents [writing] intimately and honestly about ______Education Technologies Briefing, which the extraordinary highs and heartbreaking lows Tyler Yu, associate dean of the school of educated Gwinnett County Public Schools of raising kids with special needs.” business; Victoria Johnson, dean of the school representatives on the technologies available to ______of business; and Miranda Zhang, associate support the K-12 educator. Tyler Yu, professor of economics and professor of finance and economics, had their ______accounting, has been appointed as GGC’s work, “Comparative Analysis of Financial The American Society for Microbiology associate dean in the school of business. Performance of Companies with Female published two reviews by Alexandra Kurtz, ______CEOs and Companies without Female CEOs,” assistant professor of biology, in the 2007 Co-authors Tyler Yu, associate dean of the accepted for presentation at the 2008 Business summer issue of Focus on Microbiology Education school of business; Victoria Johnson, dean of & Economics Society International (B&ESI) (FOME). The reviews covered the book, The the school of business; and Miranda Zhang, Conference in Switzerland. Invisible ABCs: Exploring the World of Microbes, associate professor of finance and economics, ______and the website, “Tom Volk’s Fungi.” had their article, “Comparative Analysis of Victoria Johnson, dean of the school of ______Economic Performance Under Republican business, served as co-editor of “Computer- Dovile Budryte, associate professor of and Democrat Presidencies,” accepted for Mediated Relationships and Trust: Managerial political science, has been invited to publication in the International Journal of and Organizational Effects,” which was contribute interpretive essays on nations and Business and Economics Perspectives. published by Idea Group Publishing nationalization in the International Encyclopedia ______International this year. of Political Science. Additionally, she will Victoria Johnson, dean of the school of ______produce a book chapter entitled, “Minority business; Spero Peppas, professor of business Carlos Ruiz, assistant professor of Rights after EU expansion: The Case of administration; and Tyler Yu, associate dean management and business systems, had two Lithuania,” for the upcoming title, Minority of the school of business, had their paper, “A papers accepted to be presented at the 2007 Rights in Eastern and Central Europe. She is also Cross-Cultural Assessment of Attitudes of International Research Conference on “HRD finishing work for the book, Women, Trauma and Business Students Toward Business Ethics: A in Asia: Developing Talents for Organizations Empowerment in Post-Authoritarian Societies. Comparison of China and the United States,” & Nations,” held in Beijing at the Peking ______Continued on page 6

3 The Right Stuff GGC Engaging Students with “TLC” by Gordon Harrison by Creston Mapes

People who deal with computers are Research shows that the more involved college Step Two: TouchPoint wired differently. They remind me of auto students are at the school of their choice, the The new student orientation phase of TLC, mechanics, who I think enjoy evoking better their grades will be and the more likely known as “TouchPoint,” helps students make feelings of panic and admiration laced they will be to graduate from that institution. the transition into GGC by offering inspiring with a dose of scorn. And if you make the Part of the mission at Georgia Gwinnett speeches from campus leaders, helpful mistake of showing fear or resistance to College is to provide an underlying support insights about campus technology, a review their demands (or explanations), your car structure that travels with each student of graduation requirements, opportunities to shuts down, or in this case your complete check out student communication system proceeds into a clubs, and social time virtual sump. Dr. Lonnie Harvel is our auto with other students. mechanic; rather he is vice president for There are also educational technology. sessions on career, In future newsletters, I want to focus library and support this column on members of our senior services, as well as management, so people can get to know meetings with faculty. them. I will leave discussion of my boss, President Dan Kaufman, to the Leading Step Three: Welcome Edge newsletter immediately preceding his and Transition decision on my next year’s salary. When classes start, Dr. Harvel is a remarkable person. Having all new students are graduated from UGA with a degree in required to take the theater, he changed direction and received First-Year Seminar his Ph.D. from the Georgia Institute of as part of TLC. Here, Technology in information and educational they learn about technology. I remember participating in helpful study skills the interview meetings for his position. and organization We had stalwarts of the discipline from techniques, building across the country who justifiably wanted relationships and the job. Think of it—the person in charge participating in out- of technology at the first four-year, public Student Government Association Vice President Chad Miller (R) talks with other students about of-class projects, college created in the 21st century in the how important it is to become involved in clubs at the College while Senate Chairman David including service- entire nation—and at the “Campus of Horton (L) looks on. “You can’t just take classes,” says Miller. “You need to get involved socially.” learning endeavors Tomorrow” to boot. The pile of resumes throughout his or her journey at the College. in the Gwinnett community. was large and our task, formidable. “If you don’t engage students in the first Harvel had been in a laboratory and few weeks of college life, you’re not going Step Four: Integration research center at for 16 years to retain them,” says Mary Greiss-Shipley, The “Integration” stage of TLC offers activities pondering how to use technology in a GGC’s director of student success programs. that enable students to solidify the new college curriculum to maximize learning. “That first year, it’s critical that we help them relationships they’ve formed with faculty He had this amazing left brain-right brain navigate college. If they don’t connect, they’ll and peers while learning to think critically synergy. lose interest, disengage and drop out.” and explore new ideas. A student’s learning His authored and co-authored publications Once a student enrolls at GGC, he or she community will begin to expand beyond the are vast and countless with titles like becomes part of an aggressive and integrated GGC academic community. “Technology in Spiritual Formation: An “student success” “I have learned Exploratory Study of Computer Mediated strategy known that my education Religious Communications;” “Context as “Tomorrow’s “If you don’t engage students in the is much more than Cube: Flexible and Effective Manipulation Learning Commu- a piece of paper,” of Sensed Context Data;” “Building a nity.” TLC offers first few weeks of college life, you’re says marketing Digital Library of Captured Educational a number of not going to retain them.” major Chad Miller. Experiences” and “Internet Course Delivery proactive supports “It’s something - Making it Easier and More Effective.” designed to help Mary Greiss-Shipley that will make “As vice president of educational students plug in Director of Student Success Programs be a better, more technology, Dr. Harvel’s responsibilities and excel. well-rounded and are at the heart of this institution, and educated person. I more importantly at the heart of the Step One: SMART have an opportunity at GGC to grow in every transformation of education in America,” Faculty members lead students through the way—intellectually and socially.” Chad is just stated President Kaufman. “His experience advisement and registration process, making one of many students whose lives have proved and research involving learning and sure each student has a firm class schedule that a little TLC from Georgia Gwinnett College technology are among the most extensive in before classes begin each fall. This portion of goes a long way. the nation, and he is an extraordinary asset TLC is known as SMART (Student Mentoring, To learn more about TLC support at Georgia to the College and to the community.” Advising, Registration and Testing). Gwinnett, visit www.ggc.usg.edu/TLC Counter-balanced in life by his clear thinking and charming wife Martha (a Methodist minister), Lonnie speaks in GGC Campus on Track for Future Growth human language, but thinks in 0’s and 1’s. Once in a while we have to kick him under by Jeff Corbin the table when he regresses to cyber-babble. However, he takes his mission seriously Planning the expansion of Georgia Gwinnett College takes the expert skills of many individuals, to make education better, more accessible, and Maurice Blount, GGC’s director of facilities, is a key player in that process. and more efficient in the 21st century. No Blount, and others watching over campus facilities, now have their first-ever master plan—a one better exemplifies the “Campus of foundational roadmap for campus growth and construction. Tomorrow” as does Lonnie Harvel. As a part of the development of the master plan, the College has “made most of the major decisions about the campus’ growth through 2015,” Blount says. “Plans call for growth to 15,000 Next quarter’s column—another target. students by the year 2015 and we want to be sure students have the services they deserve.” While the demands of a growing student population will help dictate which projects are tack- led first, there are a number of upgrades and additions that are already in the works to benefit Continued on next page

4 GGC and Its Students continued from page 1. Andrea. “My teachers know exactly who I lives close to the GGC campus, says she was campus. “Dancing provides so much am.” Before GGC, Andrea wasn’t interested looking for “something new” and sought a relaxation and excitement,” she says. “The idea in attending graduate school, but at the “fresh start” when she applied for admission to of starting the club sounds fantastic to me.” recommendation of her professors, she’s GGC. “I felt I would do so much better at GGC Tiffany plans to enter the field of nursing after now turning in applications. Andrea plans compared to a larger university.” says Tiffany. she earns her degree. to become a psychology teacher at the high “I think, with a smaller freshman class and the The ability to work closely with faculty, staff school or college level. “Georgia Gwinnett has one-on-one attention, my friendships will be and administration to build the programs and helped bring out the parts of me that were stronger, a more vital part of life.” services at GGC continues to draw students never encouraged before.” A dancer since she was a little girl, Tiffany such as Rico, Andrea and Tiffany, who are Tiffany Kotak, a freshman biology major who hopes to start a brand new dance club on blossoming into tomorrow’s leaders.

Student: Rico Torres Student: Andrea Ide Student: Tiffany Year: Senior Year: Senior Kotak Major: Business Major: Psychology Year: Freshman What he loves What she loves Major: Biology most about GGC: most about GGC: What she loves “I love GGC’s “I love the most about GGC: dedication to the environment “From deans and students and how that’s been faculty to staff and the faculty, staff, created at GGC students, everyone and administrators and the sense of is warm and go out of their way community being welcoming. I love to ensure that we enjoy college and receive generated there. Every member of the faculty the small environment. Professors want to the best education possible.” and staff is there to help us succeed, not just get to know their students by name, which is at getting a degree, but at actually learning something unique. I’m thrilled to be part of and being an active part of the classroom.” a brand new institution!”

To meet more GGC students, visit www.ggc.usg.edu/meet_students

GGC Campus on Track continued from page 4. current attendees, faculty and staff—everything from parking decks to buildings to athletic fields.

Parking Deck For just about every learning institution, parking comes at a premium. Fortunately for GGC, a new Parking Deck is set to open at the begin- ning of 2008. Construction for the 737-vehicle, five-story concrete structure is scheduled to finish in time for spring semester. Parking will be open to anyone, but those entering Building A and the Student Services Center will benefit the most.

Building C The latest expansion to Building C, an academic building, opened in August and is already in use. The new 20,000 square feet represent the second of five possible phases of eventual building. The addition includes seven new classrooms and 22 faculty offices with a lobby area for informal meetings. The signature feature of the Director of Facilities Maurice Blount (L) reviews construction documents of the newly-opened second phase is the addition of a 300-seat auditorium with state-of- Student Services Center with Project Manager Jim Johnson from Heery Construction (R). the-art technology for presentations and audience participation. The auditorium is the largest gathering place on campus. Student Union “It’s an extremely nice feature to have on campus,” Blount says. “This A new facility located in the center of campus near the Library will is a place where different kinds of events can be held and where many house space for student affairs, student government and recreation. people can gather at one time. It’s a great asset for the community.” Blount said the idea is to have the building situated in proximity to student housing, athletic fields and other outdoor areas slated for the Student Services Center northwest part of campus in the future. The Georgia Gwinnett College Foundation purchased a commercial Approved student fees as well as public-private partnerships are an- warehouse building near the college entrance on Collins Hill Road to ticipated to support the Student Union initiative, and ideally construc- serve as the new Student Services Center. tion will be completed along with the Library. Initially, 20,000 square feet will be dedicated to student affairs, enroll- ment management, admissions, student accounts and financial aid. The Other Near-Campus Improvements new one-stop-shop opened for business in October. The GGC Foundation also has purchased the 70,000-square-foot Val- “This will be a place at the edge of campus where families, future entine Building located off Collins Hill Road near the Student Services students and other visitors can conveniently learn more about the Center. The current occupant will be allowed to lease the space until College,” Blount says. “It will include a presentation room so visitors the College establishes a campus plant and logistical services area. can learn about GGC’s mission and programs.” Additionally, the state has future design plans to revise the Collins Hill – Highway 316 interchange to remove the current traffic signal. Library and Learning Center A new arrangement would convert Collins Hill Road into an overpass, The future of GGC includes the addition of a new $28.3 million Library and Highway 316 would have an exit near the College’s entrance. and Learning Center, which is likely to open in the summer of 2010. Although it is no small task, Blount and his team are successfully The additional 85,000 to 100,000 square feet will include new collec- keeping Georgia Gwinnett’s future “on track.” tions, open study areas, group study space and student rooms with advanced technology for audio/video presentations. Casual seating areas and a café for refreshments are also contemplated along with classrooms and staff offices.

5 On the Move continued from page 3.

University. The works include “Human The work of Katherine Wiegand, assistant In November, English professor Jason Mosser Capital Theory as a Motivator for HRD professor of psychology; Douglas Johnson, will deliver his conference paper, “Political National Policies in Emerging Economies,” associate professor of management and Ambiguity in Joan Didion’s Salvador and and “Training and Cross-Cultural Values.” business systems; Bryan Dawson, Georgia Miami,” at the South Central Modern ______Southern University student; and Mathew Language Association Conference in Memphis Rodney Hill, assistant professor of English, Ward, Georgia Southern University student, as well as his work, “Hephaestus in East had his essay, “The New Wave Meets the was accepted for publication in the Equal Hollywood: Archetypes in the Poetry of ‘Tradition of Quality’: Jacques Demy’s Opportunities International Journal. The four Charles Bukowski,” at the University of West The Umbrellas of Cherbourg,” accepted for co-authored the manuscript, “The Effects of Georgia’s Annual Literature Conference in publication in Cinema Journal. Sensitive Symbols on Class Project Selection Carrollton, Georgia. He recently presented ______Decisions.” his paper, “Genre Bending in The Armies of ______Jessica Damián, assistant professor of the Night,” at the Norman Mailer Society English, was invited to join the White House’s Douglas Johnson, associate professor of Conference in Provincetown, Massachusetts. ______Partnership for Hispanic Family Learning management and business systems, had his on behalf of Georgia Gwinnett College. The manuscript, “Atypical Diversity Teaching and Mike Furick, assistant professor of marketing Partnership is designed to serve as a “national Training Conference Yields Unique Blend of and management information systems, network of public and private organizations Offerings,” published in a recent edition of the presented his work on using neural networks that is committed to improving educational Equal Opportunities International Journal. The to develop decision support systems for outcomes for Hispanic children and youths.” publication also accepted his article, “‘Doing landlords at the Palisades Decision Support ______Well by Doing Good’ Garners Broad Appeal Conference in Miami, Florida. ______Jessica Damián, assistant professor of English, for Academy of Management Conference.” had her article on Mary Seacole accepted Additionally, Johnson also had his article, A commentary from Tracy Duvall, assistant for publication in the Journal of West Indian “Assessing the Multi-group Ethnic Identity professor of anthropology, has been selected Literature. Additionally, she has accepted an Measure for Measurement Equivalence across for Anthropology News. Duvall’s work, “Is invitation to serve on the review board for Racial and Ethnic Groups,” accepted by the ‘Class’ a Useful Analytical Measure?” will the peer-reviewed journal, Nineteenth-Century Educational and Psychological Measurement appear in the December issue of the official Gender Studies. Journal. newspaper of the American Anthropological ______Association. ______Margaret Keiley-Listermann, assistant A paper by Douglas Johnson, associate professor of political science, and her family professor of management and business Gene Ruffin, director of Georgia Gwinnett were recognized for their service in the Junior systems, entitled “A Normative Study of College’s Library, will serve as the 2008 vice League of Atlanta’s magazine, Peachtree Papers. the NEO PI-R in Mexico” was accepted for chairman/chairman elect of the Georgia She is a fourth-generation member, and her publication in The Business Journal of Hispanic Library Association’s Academic Library great grandmother co-founded the local Research. In addition to Johnson’s efforts, the Division and the Georgia Chapter of the organization. Listermann has been selected to work was completed over a number of years Association of College & Research Libraries. serve on the Junior League of Atlanta’s board with assistance from Amanda Gettler at the ______of directors next year. University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Pierce Julie Weisberg, associate professor of ______Howard of the Center of Applied Cognitive curriculum and instruction, delivered a Studies in Charlotte and Mia Tran at the Thomas Hancock, assistant professor of presentation on “The Georgia Framework: University of Georgia. New Applications, New Materials, and psychology, was a participant in a presentation ______titled, “The Relationship between Career New Degrees” to attendees of the annual Choice and Personality,” at the Psychology Carol Podeszwa, human resources specialist, Georgia Association of Teacher Educators, Undergraduate Research Conference in attended the Summer Institute on Conflict which was conducted in Savannah, Georgia. Statesboro, Georgia. He also joined in the Resolution in Higher Education presented Her presentation was a collaborative discussion titled, “Possibilities: Inventing by the Consortium on Negotiation and effort with the Georgia Professional Standards Psychology at the Nation’s Newest College,” Conflict Resolution in conjunction with the Commission and the Board of Regents P-16 at the National Institute on the Teaching of Chancellor’s Office of the University System Initiative. Psychology in St. Petersburg, Florida. of Georgia. She is now certified to mediate ______campus disputes within the University System Marilyn Dolven, assistant professor of of Georgia. early childhood education, was an invited Business students of Mary Saunders, ______assistant professor of business administration, panel member in a presentation, “Literacy collectively performed 132 hours of Anatoly Kurkovsky, associate professor and Geography,” which was delivered at community service as they incorporated of information technology, recently the annual meeting of the National Council “corporate social responsibility” into their participated in the International Conference for Geography Education in Oklahoma City, coursework. Students performed such tasks on Environmental Modeling and Simulation Oklahoma. She also chaired the “Women in as assisting with a Red Cross blood drive, (EMS 2007) in Honolulu as well as the Geography” breakfast and annual meeting raising funds for cancer research, working International Conference on Modeling and during the National Council for Geography with elementary school reading programs and Simulation (AsiaMS 2007) in Beijing, China. Education function. ______serving meals at the Atlanta Union Mission. ______Jennifer Wunder, assistant professor of The paper, “Assessing ELL Oral Proficiency: English, is now serving as a contributor Issues and Recommendations,” by Justin to the Dictionary of Nineteenth Century Jernigan, assistant professor of English as Journalism and the Companion to Literary a second language, was published in the Romanticism. Additionally, Wunder’s book, Sunshine State TESOL Journal. The work Keats, Hermeticism, and the Secret Societies, is focuses on testing the speaking proficiency of scheduled for publication in March 2008. ______English Language Learners (ELLs), and it can be accessed at www.sstesoljournal.org. Stella Smith, director of the Center for ______Teaching Excellence, recently delivered a The article, “Predicted versus Actual presentation on “Hybrid Model: A Winning Performance in Undergraduate Organic Combination” at the World Conference on Chemistry and Implications for Student Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Advising,” by David Pursell, associate dean Telecommunications (Ed-Media 2007) in of the school of science and technology, was Vancouver. ______published in the Journal of Chemical Education, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Chemical Society. ______

6 B R I E F S Developing a Spirit of Giving moment we had a foundation.” The Georgia Gwinnett College Foundation is The GGC Foundation was created by vote of off to a tremendous start. From the beginning the initial incorporators to become a charitable of the College, community leaders and organization on May 9, 2006. As a result, college administrators recognized that private the Board of Trustees was formed, officers resources would be vital for GGC to achieve were elected, and Georgia Gwinnett College levels of excellence that are not possible with officially had its own Foundation. At the time, state funding alone. Now, one year later, with no staff but a great deal of expectation, the Office of Advancement has mobilized GGC administrators and Board officers began the GGC Foundation and quickly is moving to lay out a plan for success. forward to address several of the College’s President Kaufman has many times echoed financial needs. the groundbreaking charter year of operation. Many community leaders and members of “In the first few months, we hired an exceptional the GGC family have started to provide the development director, an accounting officer, College with a solid financial foundation. a research analyst, and staff to manage the During the 2006-2007 academic year, the growing database. The corporate policies and procedures were written, the non-profit legal documents were filed with the IRS, committees were formed within the trustee group, and database and accounting systems Richard Tucker, a member of the GGC Foundation Board of were put in place” says Kaufman. “During Trustees, addresses a crowd of community friends at the the same period, the Foundation purchased October 22 opening of the new Student Services Center saying, “... this County deserves nothing but the best and that is what two buildings adjacent to campus and began it will have.” managing the operations of those facilities.” Harrison noted that as the initial operational those with special needs. and systems objectives were met, Board of The new “GGC Gold Standard” program Trustee officers and college administrators lead by Regina Vella, director of the Career shifted focus to the heart of foundation Development and Advisement Center, assists affairs—fundraising. “I believe we have hit the with resume preparation, interviewing ground running. Amazingly, we have already techniques, workplace ethics and “dress for had several six-figure commitments and a success” tips. A web-based inventory program growing annual gift program.” is also available to provide internship and job Kaufman says that the future of the GGC opportunity details. Foundation is exceptionally bright. “We are in Additionally, Jennifer Arrocena has joined an amazing community whose leaders have the team to serve as GGC’s director of worked hard to create the College, and who disability services. Full-service programs will continue to make both the College and the and services will be made available to assist President Daniel J. Kaufman thanks Mr. Gladston Foundation successful.” students in every area of their educational Mealor for his gift of $150,000 to the GGC Foundation. The donation is the first major gift received by the experience, including the use of assistive- Foundation. Students Leading by Example technology testing. GGC Foundation received a total of $785,710 An emerging trend in corporate America is GGC is committed to meeting the needs of in gifts and pledges. Of this amount, more the encouragement to join in community- all students and providing them with support than $570,000 was in outright gifts. Georgia based outreaches. Many leading employers for their academic career and preparation Gwinnett was pleased to announce its are weighing a commitment to good for their professional careers beyond. More first major gift in December 2006 with a citizenship along with an applicant’s information about career and disability donation of $150,000 from the Mealor family education and experience. services is available by contacting Regina of Lawrenceville. Since then, the GGC Georgia Gwinnett College is leading the Vella at 678.407.5881 or [email protected] Foundation has received three additional six- way in fostering a sense of community with and Jennifer Arrocena at 678.407.5883 or figure commitments and has made important its students. One innovative move is the [email protected]. progress in creating an annual giving program. requirement of every freshman to join in local Many types of funds are important to a community service. GGC Reaches Out to the Hispanic college, and GGC is no different in this regard. This fall, new GGC students teamed with the Community Initial support of the Georgia Gwinnett College non-profit Gwinnett Great Days of Service, the Many recent initiatives have extended Fund, the College’s annual fund, has been local branch of the national volunteer effort to GGC’s presence within the surrounding tremendous. One highlight of this summer complete service projects. Hispanic community. Here are a few has been a commitment to create GGC’s first- Ultimately, the College became the largest events that have highlighted Georgia ever endowed scholarship fund. This fund Great Days of Service participant in the Gwinnett College: will soon be established and will be the first county and one of the largest participants in of many endowment funds to help provide the country—with the help of its inaugural • The White House Initiative on assistance to students for years to come. freshman class. Educational Excellence for Hispanic For more information, please contact Lori According to Mary Greiss-Shipley, director Americans invited Georgia Gwinnett Buckheister, director of development, at of student success programs, students are College to become a member. 678.407.5588 or [email protected]. demonstrating their ability to put theory into • Executives with the Latin American practice and connect with their community Association of Atlanta experienced a GGC Foundation Ushers in Second Year through such service activities. one-day, comprehensive campus visit. “It heightens their understanding of the • GGC professors attended the “Feria “One of the most remarkable meetings in differences and commonalities of other people, de la Familia: Salud y Educación” which I have ever participated was the initial and helps them develop a sense of empathy Fair at the Cobb Civic Center meeting of a group of college supporters who for others,” she adds. created and became the GGC Foundation,” where 5,000 visitors attended. says Gordon Harrison, vice president for • Student members and faculty Services Centralize for GGC Students advancement and president of the GGC advisors of the Organization of Foundation. “Generations of students, faculty There is now a one-stop-shop to access key Latin American Students and supporters of the College will look back services that goes beyond academics. Student (OLAS) met to discuss upon that meeting as a truly historic instant affairs professionals have moved into the community outreach. in time—one moment we had a group of Student Services Center to offer centralized interested community leaders, and the next services meeting the needs of job hunters and

7 A ceremonial ribbon-cutting October 22 marked the opening of a new Student Services Center located on the edge of campus. With the new one-stop-shop for student services and student activities, a prospective student will be able to visit, apply, ask questions GGC biology students toured the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s crime lab and ob- about financial aid, register and pay for classes, meet with a counselor for disabilities served an autopsy July 25. L-R: Gerardo Morales, GBI forensic pathologic assistant; Daryl services and find out what social activities are available on campus—all in one place. Knight; Clay Runck, assistant professor of biology; Keo Siharath; Amy Ney; Jel Dennis; L-R: William Johnson, GGC Student Government Association president; Regent Richard Daquirai Chewning; Kelley Holcombe; Ashley Kirkpatrick; and Diane Dorsett, associate Tucker, University System of Georgia (USG); Rob Watts, USG chief operating officer; professor of biology. Daniel J. Kaufman, GGC president; and Gordon Harrison, GGC Foundation president.

Secretary of State Karen Handel met with President Daniel J. Kaufman and other senior administrators August 29 to hear the College’s plans for its first- Perhaps one of the most exciting and meaningful “firsts” at Georgia Gwinnett College was the creation ever freshman class and the years of growth ahead. of the first-ever Student Government Association (SGA). To formally recognize and celebrate the estab- “I am incredibly impressed with the progress that lishment of the SGA, student officers from the organization presented its inaugural constitution to GGC has made since opening its doors to students GGC’s Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Stas Preczewski for signing on September 12. in August of 2006,” said Secretary Handel. “GGC is L-R: Chad Miller, SGA vice president; Rico Torres, SGA treasurer; Cliff Speagle, senate secretary; David not only a tremendous addition to Georgia’s higher Horton, senate chairman; William Johnson, SGA president and Stas Preczewski, GGC’s vice president education network, it is the model for the future for academic and student affairs. - with its strong emphasis on technology, accessibil- ity, and serving the needs of the region.”

LeadingEDGE

Fall 2007::Vol.1 No.2

1000 University Center Lane Lawrenceville, GA 30043 678.407.5000 www.ggc.usg.edu Email: [email protected]

Vice President of Advancement: Gordon Harrison Director of Public Affairs: Jennifer Stephens Assistant Director of Public Affairs: Demetrios Lambros Director of Development: Lori Buckheister

We Value Your Input Send your ideas and comments on Leading Edge, GGC’s official newsletter, to [email protected] or call Jennifer Stephens at 678.407.5549.

If you would like to be removed from this mailing list, please email your request to [email protected] or call 678.407.5549.

Georgia native and Academy Award-winning director Ray McKinnon (HBO’s Deadwood) If you would like to know more about how to contribute to Georgia Gwinnett College, and wife Lisa Blount (Golden Globe Nominee) visited Georgia Gwinnett September 20 contact Lori Buckheister at [email protected] or call 678.407.5588. for a Q&A session with students immediately following an exclusive preview screening of his new film, RANDY & THE MOB. In a September 23 blog entry on the movie’s website, Editors: Jennifer Stephens, Tammy Wyatt McKinnon describes his visit. “One of the highlights for me was going to Georgia Gwin- Contributing Writers: Jeff Corbin, Gordon Harrison, Creston Mapes nett College … We were blown away … Everybody at this brand new school was so Photography: Demetrios Lambros, Anthony Stalcup proud to be a part of its beginning. You could feel the excitement and the idealism-from Graphic Designer: Mark Baran the school president to the students to the faculty-even the security guards. I’m serious. It was a privilege to be invited and to be privy to something so unique.” Editorial and creative services provided by the Georgia Gwinnett College Office of Public Affairs.

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