College of Coastal Georgia 2020 Spring Commencement
Saturday, the Twenty-Third of May, Two Thousand Twenty Online Ceremony LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Dr. Michelle R. Johnston
Take a bow, graduates! On behalf of the entire College of Coastal Georgia family, I celebrate your hard work, determination, and academic success. This semester has been far from what we expected it to be, but YOU have persevered. The degree that you receive today has not been given to you; it has been earned in every way. You are a very special class, not just because of the circumstances of your graduation but because of who you are and what you have accomplished…despite the challenges.
You are a diverse class. Forty-five percent of you are the first in your family to graduate from College. You represent 17 states and 11 countries. You are earning degrees in 50 different academic areas. The oldest member of your class is 66 years old and the youngest is just 17 years old. Wow!
You are a high-achieving class. Almost twenty percent of you are graduating today with honors. Many of you have been accepted into graduate schools. Many of you have already secured jobs. You are members of championship athletic teams. Thirty-nine percent of you participated in internships or practicums. Wow!
You are a service-minded class. You have given countless hours of service to our community through your participation in Service-Learning courses, Coastal Georgia service projects, and clubs and organizations whose mission it is to help others. Another wow!
Because you invested your time and talents with us, we are a better and stronger college. Thank you for being a Mariner. Please keep us updated as you go forward, and we hope you will stay forever-connected with us as an alumnus. You are our mark on the world!
Enjoy this moment, this milestone, this incredible achievement! YOU ARE AWESOME!
Dr. Michelle R. Johnston, President
Special Thanks to Student Life for providing Graduation Caps and Tassels Fifty-Sixth Spring Commencement of the College of Coastal Georgia Order of Ceremony
Introduction Dr. Johnny L. Evans, Jr. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Opening Remarks Dr. Michelle R. Johnston President
Introduction of Class Speaker Dr. Jason Umfress Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
Charge to the Class Class of 2020
Presentation of Candidates School of Arts & Sciences School of Business & Public Management School of Nursing & Health Sciences Dr. Johnny L. Evans, Jr.
Conferring of Degrees President Johnston and Provost Evans
Announcement of Graduates Dr. Michael Butcher Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Closing Remarks THE HISTORY OF ACADEMIC REGALIA & THE CEREMONIAL MACE
The gown, the cap, and the hood, representing the major components of the academic dress, are a ceremonial inheritance from the medieval universities of the eleventh and twelfth centuries where dress was the outward sign of privilege and responsibility. The academic dress worn by those participating in today’s academic processional symbolizes the level of their academic attainment and the institution they attended.
The gown is usually black, however some universities have authorized colored gowns. The gown for an undergraduate degree has pointed sleeves and is worn closed in front. The gown for the master’s degree is typically black and has longer oblong sleeves, with a large section that hangs below the wrist. The gown for the doctoral degree is distinguished by the loose sleeves with bell-shaped cuffs, three bars of velvet on each sleeve and velvet facing running down the front of the gown.
The most symbolic feature of the academic dress is the hood. The velvet edge of the hood represents the specific degree or discipline with dark blue for Doctorate of Philosophy, light blue for Education, apricot for Nursing, brown for Fine Arts, canary for Library Science, crimson for Communications, drab for Accounting or Business Administration, gold for Science, sage for Health and white for Arts. The satin field and chevrons of the hood represent the colors of the university that granted the degree. Master’s and doctor’s degree holders wear the hood draped over the shoulders and back.
The standard cap, known as the mortarboard, is flat and square with a tassel fastened to the center of the stiff top. Bachelor’s and master’s tassels are black or the color of the gown. Doctor’s tassels are shorter and gold. Once the degree is conferred, the tassel is worn on the left. In recent years, some American universities have adopted soft velvet caps for holders of their doctor’s degrees.
The ceremonial mace, a symbol of presidential authority, is carried at the head of the academic procession by the Grand Marshal, Dr. Don H. Mathews. The College of Coastal Georgia mace is a gift from the Golden Isles community and Dr. Carl Dohn. Dr. Dohn handcrafted the mace out of reclaimed heart pine cut from huge beams collected and donated by the former Sea Island Company Chairman & CEO Bill Jones, III. This same heart pine was used by Dr. Dohn to craft the table used by the ten delegates of the G-8 Summit, held on Sea Island, Georgia in June of 2004. The mace was first used at the inauguration of the former College of Coastal Georgia President, Dr. Valerie A. Hepburn, in 2009.
LEGEND REGALIA LEGEND Summa Cum Laude – 3.9 to 4.0 Grade Point Average Academic Honors - Gold Cord Magna Cum Laude – 3.70 to 3.89 Grade Point Average Athletics - Blue & Silver Cord Cum Laude – 3.50 to 3.69 Grade Point Average Golden Key Honour Society - Blue & Gold Cord Honors - Associate Degrees – 3.75 to 4.0 Grade Point Average Resident Assistants - White Stole GKS – Golden Key Honour Society TRiO - Medals Veterans - Navy Stole GRADUATES School of Arts & Sciences Dr. Andrea Wallace, Dean Bachelor of Arts - American Studies Landon Jeremiah Sarazine Andrea Addison Spivey
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences Francisco Javier Alvarado Darrah Shavon Mitchell Brionna Anderson Hannah Jade Moseley, GKS Cameron Chase Atkinson, Cum Laude Steven James Opall Amber Antoinette Banton Jose Esteban Paiz Mazariegos Emily Ruth Brown, Summa Cum Laude Chandani R Patel Breanna Nicole Burgett Mahenk Shailesh Patel, Cum Laude, GKS Tyler Allen Fitzgerald, Cum Laude, GKS Roneka Michelle Prince Benjamin Alexander Fountain Kristel Alexandra Riner, Cum Laude Madeline Grace Garner, Cum Laude Kristin Elaine Ruff, Cum Laude Makayla Cheyenne Holmes Michael James Spinger, Summa Cum Laude Kayla Marie Horne Kaitlin Irene Spivey Patrick Austin Jeter Ashley Steverson, Cum Laude Megan Khan Madison Anissa Tarte Kelsey L. Klahn Callynn Addyson Usher, Magna Cum Laude Madison Erin Lee, Cum Laude Nicholas Wiggins Amber Lindqvist Mariah Dawn-Marie Young, Cum Laude Ernest Edward Mitchell
Bachelor of Science in Education - Early Childhood/Special Education Paige Alt, Magna Cum Laude Spencer Kevn Martin Karisalyn Peoples Artis Mallory Elizabeth McCrary Sara Broyles Britney Deleita-Gail Milton, Magna Cum Laude Alicia Nicole Goniea Fendley Rachael Morris Rebecca Lynn Gillmore Olivia O’Connor Dru M. Gordon Mandy Elizabeth Roberson Tia Oriana Green, Cum Laude Elaina Jeanace Taylor Kristen Nicole Herring Kiara Marjarica Walker Krista Holly Highsmith Ellen K. Wilde Kaitlyn Rose Leopard, Cum Laude Erika R. Woodard Luke H. Love Jacee Cameron Wright Darian R. Love, Cum Laude Britney Jane Wright
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science Cameron Chase Atkinson, Cum Laude Sean Tarpley Bobbie Marie Melden
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies Raven Ablard Terri Katherine Dawson Nicolette C. Brown James Leonard Edgy Patrick Murphy Carmody Jadira Breault Hendley Hope W. Cassada Brittany Taylor Johnson Demetrice Chapman Tinesha Nichol Lee Billinel Burnham Cook Corey Dowling Logue Allen Marcus Copeland
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics Morgan Fowle John Raymond Wilcox, Cum Laude Julia Garner, Summa Cum Laude School of Arts & Sciences (Continued)
Bachelor of Science - Middle Grades Education Briana Patrice Fields William Randolph Spalding Jesi AnnMarie Thomas, Magna Cum Laude, GKS Asia Rain Sumrall Kimily Sue Musgrove, Cum Laude, GKS John Bradley Thomas, Cum Laude Sydnee Elizabeth Miller, Cum Laude Santana Leigh Thompson Karsyn Lee Rowell, Cum Laude Travis P. Troutt
Bachelor of Science - Psychology Elizabeth Grace Adams Victoria Elise Fryer Sarah Rose Alaniz, Cum Laude Kristina Lorraine Guzman Ka-Leah E. Alverson Courtney Daniels Hope, Cum Laude Nicholas Amsbaugh Hannah Melissa Johnston Andrew Chase Belcher Alexandria Elizabeth Morgan, Magna Cum Laude, GKS Kayla Paige Broughton Stefan Shakur Roberson Katelyn A. Bruno Alice Danielle Shull, Cum Laude Madisen Bunge Tina Nichole Stokes Aldrian Neilandre’ Denegile Cardin, Magna Cum Laude, GKS Morgan Coleen Strickland, Magna Cum Laude, GKS Michelle Carter Taylor Renea Thornton, Cum Laude Alyssa Marie Dennis Hailey Monique Thorpe Alley Farmer Emily Elizabeth Vaughn Bachelor of Arts - Spanish Carrissa Dart, Cum Laude
School of Business & Public Management Dr. William S. Mounts, Jr., Dean
Bachelor of Business Administration - General Business Jillian Aldrich Jarrett Dalton Kilgo, Cum Laude Kevin Joel Archbold Dylan T. Lukitsch Paola Beneyto, Cum Laude Aaliyah Mack Carlos Daniel Blanco, Cum Laude Samantha Rhea Marshall John Cole Bobo Dillon Farina Mathie Ouita Suzanne Bryant Kellie Elizabeth Mccaughtry Jonathan Jamaal Canada Jeffery Scott McLain, Jr. Blake Cohen Miles Mendoza Ethan Bradley David Beverly Charlotte Neal Paige K. Delaperriere Abbie Lynn Oliver, Magna Cum Laude Taylor Marie Drew Axa Viral Patel, Cum Laude, GKS Bradley Dunn Makeda N. Payne Reagan Lea Evans Lauren Elizabeth Peters Adrián Fariña Mosquera, Magna Cum Laude Amelia Grace Provine Wayne Lowell Farley, Jr. Doc Wesley Raines Kelly S. Flowers Christopher Kyle Ramsey Margaret Lillie Foutz, Cum Laude Enrique Jaime Sebastiao, Cum Laude Brandon Gilbert Mason Smith Akiem Javon Gordon Mackensey Hope Solomon, Magna Cum Laude Kellsie Miranda Hall, Magna Cum Laude Sharon Kerry Steel Amani Amanda Cecile Hamilton Crystal Gail Stoyanoff, Cum Laude Jennifer Elaine Hardenbrook Austin Ricks Sweeney Hudson Charles Hedgecoth, Cum Laude Jane Helen Townsend Lauren Ashley Herrin, Magna Cum Laude Kalen Jamel Tresvant Olivia Noelle Hiers Neco Deante’ Trimmings Lauren Emily Holman Morgan Cheyenne Watson Bradford Austin Hussey, Cum Laude Dane Williamson Harleigh Montana Hussey Caleb Edward Wilson William Charles Johnson Jennifer Dawn Wood, Cum Laude Priscilla Ashley Jones School of Business & Public Management (Continued)
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Bradley Quentin Barrett, Magna Cum Laude, GKS Samuel Taran King James M. Farrell, Magna Cum Laude Taylor-Symone Miller Austin Alan Gearhart Miranda Cheyenne Wainscott, Cum Laude Catherine Nicole Hann Lynsey Vashaun Washington, Cum Laude Bradyn Desirae Head, Cum Laude
Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics Jahaira Monique Johnson Erika Lynn Ward Aalexis Mack
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality & Tourism Management Trevor Wray Dixon Mercedes Celeste Sowders, Cum Laude Tabitha Day Dotterweich, Magna Cum Laude Megan Grace Thompson Anna Claire Newsham, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Science - Public Management Christopher Morgan Bray Raymond Tyler Parks, Summa Cum Laude Samuel Steven Garner, Summa Cum Laude Myles Scott Sandolph William Chase Miller
Bachelor of Applied Science - Workforce Management and Leadership Marcia A. Bradley, Cum Laude Jeffrey Emanuel Todd Teresa Gail Crihfield,Cum Laude
School of Nursing & Health Sciences Dr. Lydia A. Watkins, Southeast Georgia Health System Distinguished Chair and Dean
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Shelbi Abbott Shelby Melinda Johns Talana LaChell Armstrong Martha Rose Landow Janelle Bancroft Alexandra Maurine Lodmell, GKS Ash-Lee Renee Charlton Brown Isabel Louzingou Amaya Felicia Castro Chelsie J. Magenheimer Chloe Collipp McKenzie Mahlum Kaelyn Ashley Decker Timmia Nefertae McCoy Jordan Denmead Jacob Aaron McKnight Dakota C. Ellis Ali Marie Meadows, Cum Laude Emily Fiveash Alysa Jade Miller Ryan Joseph Gallagher, GKS Bianca Nicole Morales Staci Elizabeth Gardell Mia Micheals Natson Imani Thais Garrick Charles William O’Neal, IV Hannah Gearhart, Magna Cum Laude Emily Elizabeth Page Emily Beth Gilmer Sydney Katherine Parker Jessica Gomez Fuchs Terissa Ramos Ubides Tracee Lorren Grantham Maggie Beth Tuten Makayla Hall Alexa Brooke Weaver, GKS School of Nursing & Health Sciences (Continued)
Bachelor of Science in Health Science Melanie Bibby Ajaysia Star Mcneill-Hagans Kassidy Morgan Dickerson Kimberly Vannier McNerlin Michael Vincent Hall J’Nosha Daimera Miller Windy River Horner Addison McKenzie Pedraza Lynda Jeanne Kirk Danielle D’nae Perry Drake Macauley Diana Joseline Ramirez Chinchilla, Cum Laude, GKS Cameron Tyler Martin Bradley Rickard
School of Arts & Sciences Dr. Andrea Wallace, Dean
Associate of Arts Anna Elizabeth Brown Kelli Elizabeth McPherson Sadie Lorraine Dixon Associate of Science Courtney Amon Austin Mikaela Gabrielle McAlpine Anja Nichelle Bailey David Mosley Issac Jaquan Baldwin Zachary Andruw Norman Antaniece Batiste Brendan O’Briant Katie Renee Campbell Anna Rose Palmieri James C. Carpenter Melissa Helen Johnson Nydia Charnesha Elexi Carter Stanley X. Rush Kenzington Lynn Deal Jordan Leigh Sanes Sylvia Eugenia Dye Jacob Matthew Schumacher Jaleelah R. Giles Vanessa Sosa Anna Elizabeth Gordon Mya Anna Soto Nicholas Michael Heinrich Emerson Trothier Tahkiyah N. Henry Rosalyn Tyler Brandi Denise Jones Asamoni Kwame Ussher Charity Faith Keith Lexus Watkins Veronica Jade Keller Yasmine Jess Wilder Nathaniel Charles Kroll Savannah Nicole Olivia Wilkerson Nichole Paige Krouse Taylor Elizabeth Williams Rebekah K. LaRoche Avery Nicholas Yoak Joseph Chandler Merrier Kenneth C. Young, II
School of Business & Public Management Dr. William S. Mounts, Jr., Dean
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts Tiana Makayla Leigh Burton Dalvin Nyandebvu Christian Scott Hiott Isaiah Thornton Hailey Elizabeth Krupa Zharia Azadriane Ware Julia Laurea Lemire Genesis GeValia Willoughby Schyler Mallory
Associate of Applied Science - Hospitality Management Kenzie Renee Lloyd School of Nursing & Health Sciences Dr. Lydia A. Watkins, Southeast Georgia Health System Distinguished Chair and Dean
Associate of Science in Nursing Amber Elisa Baca Melissa Faye Joyner Harley Nicole Barnard Taylor Kun Tabatha Bates Paige Whitcomb Leibfried Jeanette Boyle-Wheeler Sabrina Ayn Marx Kaelyn Elaine Brantley Kimberly Mount Victoria Brooke Browning Gabriel Donre Pinckney Cristy Lashone Bryant Janet Alicia Rogers Megan Renee Buckles Kayla Marie Rowe Casey L. Carver Sydney Smith Allen Abel Cote Abby C. Smith April Nicole Davis Angela Dawn Tomlinson Tayven Jeffrey Dilleshaw Hailey Nicole Waldron Lorraine Janine Dixon Jade Chantiera Ward Jordan Alysha Hammonds Griffin Sharon Janyce Ware-McCray Victoria Danielle Hallman Micah Waterlander Marjorie B. Haymans Lauren Ixchel Wenson Melody Marrs Higgins Jonathon R. Widener Kedra C. Jackson Alan Patrice Wiggs Whitney Elise Johnston Meghan M. Williams
Associate of Science in Radiologic Science Cyndel A. Alvarez Melissa Leigh Smith Amanda Craft Tyler Snook Kristen Amber Crosby Mayra Margarita Tovar Chancelor D. Gill Alexa J. Valdez Sassity Celeste NeeSmith Skyler Beatrice Waldrop Nicole Ann Neininger Katherine Nicole Padgett Jasmine Puett FACULTY
Cynthia J. Atwood, Lecturer of Criminal Justice Syvillia Averett, Ph.D., Faculty Senate Chair, Assistant Professor of Mathematics Tyler E. Bagwell, M.F.A., Associate Professor of Speech Communication Ashley H. Barnes, Assistant Professor of Nursing James Benton, Ph.D., J.D., Associate Professor of Accounting Jamie Berrie, Lecturer of Mathematics Mark Bewernitz, Ph.D., Temporary Lecturer of Chemistry Lauren Bibin, Lab Coordinator, Simulation Specialist, Instructor of Nursing Robert R. Bleil, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English Carla Bluhm, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology Amanda Bowles, Assistant Professor of Nursing Emily Boyle, Lecturer of English Jeffrey Butcher, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of English William B. Carlton, Ph.D., Director of Athletics, Professor of Systems Engineering and Operations Research James R. Carpenter, Assistant Professor of Biology Brandy S. Chambers, Assistant Professor of Nursing Joshua Clark, Lecturer of Biology Robert C. Clark, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of English Tanya Cofer, Ph.D., Chair of Mathematics, Associate Professor of Mathematics Stephanie B. Conner, Lecturer of English Richard Lee Cranz, Chef Instructor Marci R. Culley, Ph.D., Chair of Social Sciences, Associate Professor of Psychology Catherine M. Culver, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Philosophy James Deemy, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Environmental Sciences Wanda DeLeo, Ph.D., Professor of Accounting John DeMello, Ed.D., Associate Professor of Exercise Science Ian Easton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Health Informatics Patrice Edwards, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Physics Johnny L. Evans, Jr., Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Heather Farley, Ph.D., Chair of Criminal Justice, Public Policy and Management, Director of Honors Program, Assistant Professor of Public Management Anelise Farris, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of English James R. Fullerton, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Management Leon C. Gardner, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chemistry Bill Garlen, Ed.D., Director of Business Innovation and Development Caroline Geiken, Ed.D., Lecturer of Special Education Craig Gentzle, D.B.A., Assistant Professor of Business Management Dawana G. Gibbs, Associate Professor of Nursing Laura Grantham, Lecturer of Nursing Jennifer Pooler Gray, Ph.D., Coordinator of the Writing Center, Associate Professor of English M. Karen Hambright, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology Jennifer M. Hatchel, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology Karen L. Haven, Public Services Librarian, Assistant Professor of Library Science Thomas Hippchen, Lecturer of Mathematics Carter Tate Holbrook, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology Debra L. Holmes, Dean of Library Services, Assistant Professor of Library Science James Q. Holt, Lecturer of Mathematics Christopher Hooks, M.F.A., Lecturer of English Claire Hughes, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Elementary Education/Special Education Steven L. Ingersoll, Assistant Professor of Culinary Arts Michele Johnson, Public Services Librarian, Assistant Professor of Library Science Michelle R. Johnston, Ph.D., President Lynda L. Kennedy, Public Services Librarian, Assistant Professor of Library Science John L. Kissinger, Public Services Librarian, Assistant Professor of Library Science Carolyn M. Knapp, Public Services Librarian, Assistant Professor of Library Science Colleen Knight, Ph.D., Chair of Natural Sciences, Associate Professor of Chemistry Andrea Kwasny, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of English Nevada LeCounte, Assistant Professor of Nursing Eliot Lee, Director and Instructor of Radiologic Science Jeffrey A. LeMieux, M.F.A., Professor of Art Lisa H. Lesseig, Registrar Joseph Lodmell, Director of Camden Center, Lecturer of Chemistry Rebecca Lopez, D.N.P., Instructor of Radiologic Science FACULTY - Continued
Karen Lucas, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education José L. Lugo Santiago, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mathematics Laura R. Lynch, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for Faculty Affairs, Associate Professor of Mathematics Kimberly Kinsey Mannahan, Ph.D., Director of Service-Learning & Undergraduate Research, Associate Professor of Psychology Nicole R. Masano, Chair of Nursing and Health Sciences, Associate Professor of Nursing Don H. Mathews, Ph.D., Professor of Economics Mary McGinnis, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of English Lee McKinley, Chair of Business Administation and Health Informatics, Associate Professor of Health Informatics Lisa McNeal, Ph.D., Director of eLearning Jessica Melilli-Hand, Ph.D., Student Publication Advisor, Assistant Professor of English Courtenay G. Miller, Ph.D., Director of STEM Initiatives, Assistant Professor of Mathematics Neda Moinolmolki, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology Hector Montford, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History Jessica Morris, Ed.D., Assistant Professor of Teacher Education with Specialization in Reading and Literacy Education Michael P. Morris, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History Matthew Mosely, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management Tara Mosher, Lecturer of Nursing William S. Mounts, Jr., Ph.D., Dean of Business & Public Management, Professor of Economics David Mulry, Ph.D., Professor of English Holly Nance, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology Cailin Noble, Lecturer of Mathematics Lisa M. Noetzel, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Spanish Candice Overholser, Assistant Professor of Nursing Walker Jack Parish, Ed.D., Director of Field Experience, Certification and Outreach Ernest Pascoe, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Chemistry Joseph C. Peeples, Associate Professor of Physical Education Teresa B. Peeples, Associate Professor of Physical Education Aurora Pope, M.F.A., Assistant Professor of Visual Arts J. Brian Pope, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology Aurora Ramos Nunez, Ph.D., IRB Chair, Assistant Professor of Psychology T. David Reese, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Finance and Economics Richard Roberson, Ph.D., Culinary Arts Program Coordinator, Assistant Professor of Hospitality & Tourism Traesha Robertson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology Beverly L. Rowe, Associate Professor of Nursing Isidor Ruderfer, Lecturer of Biology Maryanne Sandberg, Ed.D., Assistant Professor of Nursing Roscoe Scarborough, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Sociology Sharon E. Sellers-Clark, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Communications Rebecca R. Sharpe, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English Amy Sneed, Ph.D., Chair of Education and Teacher Preparation, Assistant Professor of Middle Grades Education Nelbert St. Clair, DS.S., Assistant Professor of Cyber Security and Criminal Justice Patrizia A. Stahle, Ph.D., Professor of History David Stasek, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology Richard Stephens, Ed.D., Temporary Director of Administrative Operations, Instructor of Workforce Development Kimberly Takagi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Environmental Science Oceanography Dantera Tangpisuthipongsa, M.D., Assistant Professor of Biology Tetiana Takhistova, Temporary Lecturer of Mathematics Aaron Taylor, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mathematics Lori Tigani, Chemistry Laboratory Instructor Melissa Trussell, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Economics Jason W. Umfress, Ph.D., Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Lisa Vandenbossche, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of English German A. Vargas, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for Academic Student Engagement, Associate Professor of Mathematics Andrea Wallace, Ph.D., Dean of Arts & Sciences, Professor of Chemistry Tyra Warner, Ph.D., J.D., Chair of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts, Assistant Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Lydia A. Watkins, D.N.P., Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences, Associate Professor of Nursing Ricky Ann Weaver, Associate Professor of English Gerard White, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology James Wiley, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Political Science Christopher J. Wilhelm, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History Scott Williamson, Professor of Practice of Marketing and Communications Elizabeth Wurz, Ph.D., Chair of Arts and Humanities, Associate Professor of English Aaron Yeager, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mathematics Renren Zhao, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mathematics THE HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE OF COASTAL GEORGIA
1964-1966: The College began operations as “Brunswick College” with an initial class of Inaugural 269 students, 11 full-time teaching faculty members, and 25 full-time staff. In Brunswick Class 1966, 28 students were awarded associate degrees at the College’s first graduation. Over the next four decades, the College offered associate degree programs as well as postsecondary technical and adult programs.
1992: The Board of Regents authorized an off-site instructional unit to be located in Camden Camden County to serve students in the region. Classes were offered one year Instruction Began later in the former Kingsland Elementary School until the Camden Center site was opened in 2004.
1996: To better reflect the broader mission of serving the educational needs of the Community surrounding coastal communities, the College was renamed “Coastal Georgia College Status Community College.”
2007: College Degree Access for Coastal Southeast Georgia, a report to the USG State College Chancellor, recommended “senior college” status for the College, noting that the Status campus is in one of the state’s most desirable locations and has one of the largest acreages within the System. The report called for the new “senior college” to offer a wide range of targeted baccalaureate degrees and to become a “destination campus to attract Georgians from other regions.”
2008: The College was renamed “College of Coastal Georgia” and was approved to Baccalaureate offer the inaugural set of baccalaureate degrees in business administration, early Degrees Began childhood/special education, middle grades education, and nursing. The master plan for the College shifted to “1) serve significantly increasing numbers of people from its 12-county region, and 2) be a destination College, attracting students from elsewhere in Georgia and, to a lesser extent, from other states and nations.” Over the last decade, the College has implemented a full array of innovative baccalaureate programs and community engagement strategies.
2012: The College began offering student housing, which has grown today to two on- Student Housing campus student housing complexes as well as off-campus housing. Offered
Today: Today, the College has a fall enrollment of over 3,500 students, employs over 200 full-time faculty and staff, offers 20 baccalaureate degrees as well as associate degrees in core curriculum and three career associate degrees. The College graduates over 550 students each year, with roughly half earning a baccalaureate degree.