THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE COLLEGE OF COASTAL GEORGIA FALL 2015 BRIGHTWORK
In this issue
2 ...... Loud and Proud: CCGA Pep Band 4...... Student Profile: Harvest Hale 5...... Overboard Entertainment 6...... Interdisciplinary Studies 8...... Spring Sports Recap 11...... Brandies Goes For Gold 12...... SGA President, Robert Mydell 14...... Mariner Village 16...... Student Profile: Kyle Meyer 18...... Nursing: Above and Beyond 20...... Radiologic Sciences Program 21...... Student Profile: Samantha Womack 22...... Student Profile: Jonathan Parker 23...... Student Profile: Michelle Thompson Smith 24...... Student Profile: Jonathan Erickson 25...... Careerlink: Linking Students With Jobs 26...... Alumnus Profile: Philip Lyons, Jr. 27...... Class Notes 28...... Faculty and Staff News
Brightwork
is produced by the Office of Advancement for the College of Coastal Georgia with the support of Advancementthe College of Coastal Office Georgia Foundation.
Mick Cumbie, Vice President for Advancement John Cornell, Director of Marketing and PR Peggy Golden, Staff Writer/Special Projects Sandy Ault, Assistant to the VP for Advancement ManagingAbby Born, Editor/Layout Graphic Designer and Design
Editor/SeniorJohn Cornell/Abby Writer Born
EditorialPeggy Golden Assistance
Kevin Price, Charlie Felder ‘15, Kim Leggett ‘88, Hannah Carmichael ’16, Elizabeth Tasciotti ’15 PhotographyTaylor Priest ‘16, and Tyler Coen ‘16
Photography by John Cornell and Abby Born Coverunless Photootherwise noted.
Campus Illustration by Saint Simons Island artist ED Hose.
Kristine Alvarez moving into Lakeside Village on move in day. From the QuarterDeck
ow do you measure success? In the academic world, we tend to Hlook at numbers, trying to quantify success in some tangible way. Isn’t that what measurement implies? Students look at test scores, grade point averages, and credit hours towards graduation. College administrators review indicators such as the enrollment numbers, retention and progression statistics, degrees awarded, and program funding. The coaches watch the scoreboards and the win-loss records. As we start the 2015-2016 academic year, we have much to celebrate: • We are still basking in the glow of back-to-back national championships for the Mariner men’s golf team. Additionally, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics has designated four of our athletic teams – women’s basketball, men’s and women’s tennis, and women’s volleyball – as NAIA Scholar-Teams in recognition of their academic performance. This speaks to our College and our Athletic Department’s commitment to graduating successful students who are prepared to be good citizens and good stewards as they move forward in life. • This fall we are launching three new bachelor’s degrees: a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies, designed to help adult learners utilize work experience and military credit to progress to degree completion, and B.A. degrees in French and in Spanish through a new online eMajor system approved by the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents. • Our academic programs are achieving noteworthy success. For instance, 100% of our School of Education and Teacher Preparation graduates passed the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Education. In the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, 100% of the B.S.N. graduates passed the National Council Licensure Examination for the licensing of nurses and the degree program rates #1 across all three ranking categories in the NCLEX report. • The current construction of Mariner Village, the second phase of our on-campus student housing which is being built by Corvius Campus Living, is particularly timely. Our new student enrollment increased by 10%, including more students from Alabama, Florida and South Carolina who are taking advantage of the new Border Resident Waiver. Our Career Services office is compiling the results of the inaugural First Destination Survey of our Class of 2015. That will provide us additional benchmarks for comparison, such as the percentage of graduates employed and their average starting salary, as well as the percentage continuing their education for a higher degree. With over 45% of our student body identifying themselves as first-generation college students – the first in their family who will graduate from college – and the predominantly rural nature of southeastern Georgia, which is finally beginning to recover from the Great Recession, our graduates are looking at a much different future today than we could have prepared them for a decade ago as a two-year commuting college. That’s a success story of accessibility, affordability, and quality. A little harder to quantify, but real nonetheless, as these pages and student stories will illustrate.
Greg LOUD AND PROUD CCGA PEP BAND CONTINUES TO GROW
WRITTEN BY: PEGGY GOLDEN | PHOTO BY: JOHN CORNELL
J ames Furness ’18 played trumpet in the Glynn Academy The band members take credit for starting the “Hail the band throughout his four years of high school. So when he Sail” chant that is now a routine refrain. They say there is one came to Coastal Georgia and discovered there was no band, big reason why they formed the pep band – fun. “We really he got together with some of his classmates to create one. got into basketball,” Furness said. “We were screaming and “Eric Seals, Eli Gentry and I were at Glynn Academy cheering. It was pretty physical.” together. We knew some players from Brunswick High “This is a good way to get students involved and come out School who were going to Coastal as well. So we emailed for the games,” Gentry chimed in. Jaime Parker-Lewis who put us in touch with Dr. Hartman “Even when the team lost, students were there to support and we recruited more friends to make it happen,” he said, them,” Finney added. describing the birth of the Mariners’ pep band. “There were For saxophonist Eric Seals ’18, playing for volleyball 17 of us this past year, mostly freshmen, but we expect to games was equally exciting. “More championships – yes! have 25 by fall semester.” We want to cheer and give our team the best home court Elijah Gentry ’18 wasn’t planning to enroll at his hometown advantage possible.” college until Furness and Seals started talking about a band “We all want to play, but that doesn’t mean we want to club. “The larger we are and the bigger the sound, the more be music majors or anything like that. I’m interested in exciting it is. And we’ll be playing even more music this engineering, so I’m focused on math,” Furness said. “But second year.” music is a great escape – a real stress-buster.” The larger we are and the bigger the sound, Gentry, who plays the trumpet, agreed: “It’s a nice outlet from the everyday grind of classes and studying.” the more exciting it is. And we’ll be playing “It’s very important to me,” stressed clarinet player even more music this second year Geraldine Moore ’18. “Pep band is a social network, a way to meet new people on campus and make friends. This is something we all have in common – we love music.” “We don’t go on road trips with the teams. We can’t take that much time away from our classes. We’d rather have “More? I lose my voice now! We are loud and rowdy for money for instruments than travel,” Furness continued. the Mariners!” laughed Daniel Finney ’18, a trombone At this point, band recruits need to furnish their own player. Finney heard through the campus grapevine about a instruments as well as their contagious enthusiasm, but pep band starting up and promptly volunteered. “Sneakers the band’s budget is expanding with the new academic year squeaking on the floor were about the only sound you heard to buy a bass guitar, a piccolo, and a baritone. Purchased at games before. Now the gym rocks! It’s like a big university instruments are the property of the College, available for 2atmosphere packed in there!” Brightworkfuture band members to play. Left to Right: Eric Seals, James Furness, Geraldine Moore, Daniel Finney, and Elijah Gentry
“We’d like to buy a baritone sax next. Awesome sound,” Furness concluded, “Maybe we’ll eventually be big enough he added. “We’d also like to buy more music. Mickey Wendel to become a concert band. But for starters, there’s nothing with the Golden Isles Community Band has been a big help more fun than a pep band. I think our enthusiasm makes a and both high schools have shared sheet music with us so we good college recruiting tool!” could add to our repertoire.” Jaime Parker-Lewis is Director of Campus Center and In addition to more members, music, and instruments, Student Life. Dr. Sarah Hartman is Assistant Professor of the pep band seeks more opportunities to play. They Education and a Glynn County school system “band mom” provided music for the VALOR spring cookout and Furness who serves as the faculty advisor for the pep band. said they would like to do more events where they can share “The enthusiasm within the pep band is contagious. their enthusiasm. The first time they took center stage in the gym during I’m excited to be part of such a thriving, the opening of basketball season last year to play the National Anthem, welcome the teams onto the floor, vivacious student organization and we wel- and entertain the crowd, they had a hooked audience,” come anyone who would like to participate!” Dr. Hartman said. “Plus the pep band members are excellent students in their academics, work ethic, and extracurricular activities. They are organized and determined, using their involvement in the pep band as opportunities to serve. They’re recruiting other local Gentry and Furness would also like to add jazz. “But high school students to come to CCGA and join them. I’m we’d need to build up our saxophone section first,” excited to be part of such a thriving, vivacious student Furness admitted. organization and we welcome anyone who would like “This could open the door to having a music program at Studentsto participate!” interested in learning more about the pep band Coastal,” Gentry said. should email: [email protected] or [email protected] “Think there might be a Finney Music Room some day?” Finney quipped. College of Coastal Georgia 3 Student Profile: Harvest Hale
WRITTEN BY: PEGGY GOLDEN | PHOTOS BY: STEVE ROYER “Art for me is more about the ‘how’ than the ‘what.’ How something is drawn or designed can speak so much more than the object itself.” Harvest Hale 16 S ’ enior Harvest Hale will remember this past year at Coastal Georgia from the perspectives of an art student, business to a 30-foot rope and some rakes. A with the campus community. Everyone major, Overboard Entertainment chair, quadcopter drone piloted by Steve Royer likes to have fun. Everyone likes to and the 2015 Homecoming Queen. She from St. Marys and the Kings Bay RC do things with their friends. There hopes her College friends and faculty Modelers videotaped the process. is so much more to education than remember her, after she graduates in A St. Simons Island resident, Hale GPA [grade point average] and with May 2016, as someone who doesn’t quit was home-schooled during high school these campus activities, we have the and always gives her best. and was very active in 4-H. “I had some opportunity to stretch to students When she started as a freshman, she great experiences, including studying regardless of their interests.” was initially remembered for her blue dolphins in the Mediterranean. I gave She credits Jaime Parker-Lewis, hair and Mohawk. presentations in California, Texas, Director of Campus Center and “When I was young, I was seen as Maryland and several other states. I Student Life, for getting her involved in being different. I was big into exploring got the chance to volunteer and work Overboard Entertainment. “I guess she the world around me. I was fascinated closely with the Georgia Department saw things in me I had yet to recognize by astronomy, biology, and our natural of Natural Resources, and I achieved in myself,” she laughs. “Jaime saw a environment. So, when the kids were the honor of Master 4-Her.” She capacity for me to develop and she playing games, I wanted to play in the considered studying environmental challenged me to grow. I look at my own earth. I’ve always been a little weird,” sciences. But once she became personal development as a result of her she laughs. “My hair was my form of involved in Overboard Entertainment, faith in me and what I can become. There self-expression. I somewhat liked being the campus student life programming is greatness in every individual, and different at that point. But I’ve learned board, her perspective changed. Overboard Entertainment brought that other ways to self-express in college – “Overboard is about creating the out in me.” through art, my work, what I choose student experience on campus,” she Overboard Entertainment also caused to do. Self-expression doesn’t have to explains. “It’s not based on your major her to re-think her course of studies. be through my outfit or my hair, and or academic studies. The programming “Once I started on the programming as much as I enjoyed the sciences, art board is an amazing venue to connect board, I fell in love with the business has always been a passion for me.” She views art as a deep form of expression that doesn’t require words, noting, “Art for me is more about the ‘how’ than the ‘what.’ How something is drawn or designed can speak so much more than the object itself.” That’s how she found herself on the evening of May 8 at low tide on St. Simons Island’s East Beach, working with Professor Jeff LeMieux and other CCGA Art Club members to create a beach drawing in a “seeds of life” pattern. The drawing in the sand was 120 feet in diameter, according to LeMieux, and 4was completed using two poles attached Brightwork Beach drawing in progress. “The programming board is an amazing venue to connect with the campus community.”
side of it: event management, team- leadership, developing people,contracts, budgeting, planning. I also have a personal passion for marketing and graphic design. So I’m planning to get Overboard Entertainment my B.B.A. and go for an M.B.A. after graduation next spring.” & Camden Activity Board She did well in her business law class – one of only two students to receive an A – and interned with the Brunswick The programming board, as a campus organization affiliated with the Office law firm of Gilbert, Harrell, Sumerford & of Student Life, develops, plans and stages innovative and fun events for Martin, PC. But she quickly adds that as the student body and campus communities. Overboard Entertainment is fascinating as law is, it’s not necessarily specific to the Brunswick campus; the Camden Activity Board is the parallel the best use of her skills and interests. entity for the Camden Center of the College in Kingsland. She’s also looking forward to an upcoming internship with Brunswick’s Participation in the organizations offers leadership opportunities as well iHeartRadio and says she’d like an as involvement in campus life. The College is a member of the Association opportunity to do an event-planning for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA) as well as the National internship as well. Association for Campus Activities (NACA). Programming board members Becoming Homecoming Queen was travel to the APCA and NACA conventions annually to review and select an exhilarating quest, she admits. entertainment and activities for the following academic year. Programs range The process includes nomination by from touring professional entertainers and movie nights in the Stembler a campus organization (Overboard Theatre to karaoke nights, “Coastal’s Got Talent,” winter homecoming and Entertainment for her), answering essay spring fling. questions, meeting GPA requirements, committing to community service, The executive board for the 2015-2016 academic year includes Morgan securing a written recommendation, and Piratzky, chair; Ross Tyson, Camden vice-chair; Chris Smith and Rebecca being interviewed in addition to a vote Rapp, Brunswick vice-chairs. Jaime Parker-Lewis, Director of Campus by students. “If it was just a popularity Center and Student Life, is the staff advisor. contest, I’m not sure I would have been interested. And since I tend to be kind of Becoming involved is as simple as liking Overboard Entertainment’s Facebook quiet, I really had to step up my game.” page, https://www.facebook.com/OE.CCGA, emailing overboardent@ccga. She hopes her involvement on campus edu or coming to the weekly meetings on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. will prove impactful. “I not only want to raise the bar for myself, but also for the student experience and our campus culture. I hope that one day many more Highlights for Fall 2015 students will be excited about the activities and opportunities this campus provides. I hope they will come to find September 30 Comedian: Adam Grabowski the interpersonal development that 12:00pm - Camden Campus comes with being active, and just how much fun it can be. There’s more to 8:00pm - Brunswick Campus education than classes and course work; Stembler Theater it’s about letting go of the person you October 30 Halloween Paint Party think you are and becoming the person you want to see in yourself. That, for me, 9:00pm - Student Activity Lawn is the greatest form of self-expression I have come to know and the most valuable lesson CCGA has taught me.” College of Coastal Georgia 5 HELPING STUDENTS
MOVE AHEAD The New Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Program
WRITTEN BY: Hannah Carmichael ’16 and Elizabeth Tasciotti ’15 (fall term), Student Coaches for The Writing Center PHOTOS BY: ABBY BORN [ The target audience for this degree is non- traditional students and also students who have accumulated many credit hours but no degree. Being able to construct a program that fits into future careers and employment goals sets this program apart from more traditional degree programs that may not [have as much adaptability. Pazsley Currie ’15 J oseph Matheney ’15 is a veteran running out of time. He regimented set of classes. On top of that, I may be able to has 18 months left on his GI Bill and wants to finish his use my life experience as a medic in the military as credit. bachelor’s as soon as possible. “I want to go to Physician I am excited to know that now I can graduate a year ahead Assistant (P.A.) school and until this new Interdisciplinary of my original schedule.” program came along, my projected graduation date was For students like Matheney, the flexibility that two years away.” Interdisciplinary Studies provides has many advantages Matheney first enrolled at CCGA in the nursing that make this program attractive to people who may program, switching to the biology degree because that otherwise have given up on their dreams of getting a was the closest program he could find that would get degree. The interdisciplinary program will open the him into a P.A. school. He liked CCGA and wanted to stay doors to college for students who may not have originally here. The school has been very invested in working with considered it an option. veterans and he was quickly enlisted to help with campus The target audience for this degree is non- veterans’ initiatives. traditional students and also students who have At CCGA, Matheney feels that people listen to him and accumulated many credit hours but no degree. Being respect his experience. “Where else could I sit down able to construct a program that fits into future with the president of the school and have an earnest careers and employment goals sets this program conversation about ways to improve college life for apart from more traditional degree programs that veterans?” Matheney’s interest and work helped lead to may not have as much adaptability. the creation of the veterans’ lounge on campus. Allowing students to pick classes that fit their needs is Although very much enjoying his college experience, an empowering and unique aspect of Interdisciplinary Matheney’s only concern has been time. The biology Studies. Dr. Tracy Pellett, Vice President for Academic track he was on included many courses that he would not Affairs, believes “this is a game-changer for a lot of need for his ultimate goal. He heard about the Bachelor of students because of the attractiveness of the flexibility Science in Interdisciplinary Studies through his advisor, of the degree.” It enables students to take control of and after looking into the program Matheney felt hope their college experience and shape their degree to their that he could accomplish his goal of getting his degree in specifications and career goals. the time he needed. Students who have drifted from one major to another “This program allows me to pick the classes that I can combine all their credits and even use previous need for my future goals and not have to be confined to a experience such as military and work experience to earn 6 Brightwork Joseph Matheney ’15
credits. According to the program’s description, more being able to use the credits she has accumulated than 50% of the classes that are part of this program can in different areas to get a degree. Pazsley has been be taken online, allowing students to fit their studies into playing basketball for several colleges throughout her oftentimes busy schedules. career, accumulating many credits that did not fit into a The B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies at CCGA aligns structured degree. itself with a major direction that the University System When she came to CCGA, she chose the biology of Georgia (USG) is headed through its “Go Back, Move degree but was not altogether happy with that choice: Ahead” initiative. USG is committed to facilitating non- “I had so many credits that would not be used towards traditional students in the completion of a degree. CCGA the biology program that I was still looking at another is not the only college in the state system to be offering three years before I graduate.” This led Currie to this degree track; Georgia Tech University, University consider looking for another college even though she of Georgia, Kennesaw State University, Valdosta State has enjoyed her time at CCGA. When her advisor first University and Armstrong State University are as well. heard of the interdisciplinary program, she immediately According to the program’s description, contacted Currie, feeling it might be the answer to this “interdisciplinarity” focuses on giving the student student’s situation. essential skills such as critical thinking and problem- Not only have many of Currie’s credits applied toward solving to be successful in whatever career or workplace her degree, she has also discovered an additional bonus: they choose. The program officially began in August 2015. being able to choose classes that she finds interesting and The interdisciplinary degree program provides not taking classes just because they are part of a specific students a flexible academic pathway that allows for the program. “It is so liberating,” she confesses, “to choose tailoring of an academic program to meet the individual’s classes that are attractive to you. You can get a little needs, skills, and interests. The program is particularly bit of everything. I think this makes me a more well- beneficial for those students who are returning to school rounded person.” and need a pathway to completion. For Dr. Pellett, the What Currie is most happy about, though, is that as an program also benefits the College because it could “single- Interdisciplinary Studies major, she is staying here and handedly increase enrollment, improve graduation is projected to graduate at the end of 2015, moving on to and progression.” P.A. school. For students like Matheney and Currie, this College athlete Pazsley Currie ’15 calls Interdisciplinary degree means the freedom to move ahead toward their Studies a “freedom program.” For her, freedom meant career goals. College of Coastal Georgia 7 SPRING SPORTS RECAP
WRITTEN BY: KEVIN PRICE | PHOTOS BY: JOHN CORNELL & KEVIN PRICE TENNIS
t’s no secret that the College of Coastal perennial power Embry- Georgia has a state-of-the art tennis Riddle which advanced to the facility, and the school also has two national final. nationally-ranked tennis teams that call The Mariners were one of the Marta F. Torrey Tennis Complex home. four teams from the Southern I Once again, the Coastal Georgia men and States Athletic Conference women combined for another successful to reach this year’s national spring season on the hard courts in 2015 tournament. No other league with the Mariner men stringing together in the country had more than perhaps their finest season yet in the three teams make the 24- program’s short time competing at the team national field. four-year level in the NAIA. Prior to nationals, Coastal The Mariners finished the campaign Georgia advanced to the ranked No. 11 in the final Top 25 poll. semifinals of the league The ranking was the highest-ever for tournament a third straight the program. season this spring. The team made its second straight The Mariners were led by appearance at the NAIA national senior Erick Bermudez and championship tournament in May at the sophomore Rhan Burton who spacious Mobile Tennis Center, winning were both selected for the all- its opening-round match 5-4 over Asbury conference team by the SSAC coaches. Also, Coastal Georgia reached the semifinals (Kentucky) before dropping their second- Joel Hunter was named to the league’s All- of the SSAC tournament a third straight round contest to Xavier (Louisiana). The Freshman Team. time this spring before losing to eventual Mariners also won in the first the Meanwhile, the Coastal Georgia women national champion Auburn-Montgomery. round last season before also had a solid season after refilling The Mariners got big seasons from losing their second roster with several new players who first-year players Daniella Caruso and match to were competing at the collegiate level for Freja Rasmussen who both were named the first time. to the all-conference team. The Mariners finished the season ranked National championships don’t come No. 25 in the country but did not get a easily for any athletic program, but bid to nationals after competing sometimes teams are just so good that in the national event the they make winning a championship previous two seasons. look routine. GOLF
t the College of Coastal Georgia, the men’s golf team could be placed in that category. The Mariners sailed to the NAIA national championship A this past spring, punctuating a Left to Right: Head coach Mike Cook, Alastair Tidcombe, Hunter Cornelius, Trevor Smith, Alan Barnhardt, Allen Bradford, assistant coach Dylan Freeman
banner season with a convincing victory senior Alan Barnhardt tied for 58th at 11- league player of the year while Tidcombe at the national tournament which over 299. was voted the newcomer of the year earned the program its second straight The title-clinching triumph was the in the conference. Bradford also was national crown. eighth victory in 10 tournaments for recognized as the Coastal Georgia Men’s Coastal Georgia led from wire-to-wire the Mariners in the 2014-15 season. Student-Athlete of the Year at the annual at this year’s national tournament held in The eight wins are a school record, athletics banquet in April. late May at LPGA International in Daytona surpassing the five the Mariners posted Cornelius was also named a Daktronics- Beach, Florida. The Mariners ended up the previous season while claiming the NAIA Scholar-Athlete after making the winning by 11 shots as they were the only national championship for the first time. conference all-academic team. team to finish under par as a team in the The only two times they didn’t win, Also, Coastal Georgia head coach Mike four-day, 72-hole extravaganza. the Mariners were second at the Dave Cook was named the NAIA Coach of the Last season, Coastal Georgia captured Adamonis Sr. Invitational hosted by Year for a second straight season. its first-ever national title in any sport Johnson & Wales in late October and Meantime, the Coastal Georgia when the golf team came from behind third at the Southern States Athletic women’s team put together another in the final round of the tournament to Conference tournament in April. respectable season though they were in capture the crown. At the league tournament, the a bit of a rebuilding mode this past year. At this year’s championship, the Mariners finished just four shots behind The Mariners received votes for the Mariners placed three players in the top 15 conference champion Dalton State and final national rankings after winning in the individual standings which landed were two back of runner-up Mobile. three tournaments over the fall and all three players on the All-Tournament Following the national tournament, spring schedules. Team. Seniors Alastair Tidcombe and the Mariners were showered with For the women’s team, Sarah Gilliard, Hunter Cornelius tied for fourth overall at awards. For starters, all five players in who is now looking toward her senior 5-under 283 for the championship. the lineup earned All-America status season, won three times individually last Also, senior Allen Bradford finished tied with Tidcombe, Bradford and Cornelius season, giving her seven career wins, for 13th at 2-over 290 for the tournament. getting first-team honors by the NAIA which is the most by any single player in Bradford also made the tournament team and Barnhardt and Smith getting third- program history. last spring when he led the Mariners to team recognition. Gilliard was named to the SSAC all- their first national crown by finishing Those same five players had already conference team a third straight season. fourth in the individual standings. been named to the All-Conference She also made her third appearance Also for the Mariners, junior Trevor Team for the Southern States Athletic at the national tournament as an Smith tied for 46th at 8-over 296 and Conference. Bradford was chosen as the individual qualifier. College of Coastal Georgia 9 Brandies Goes for Gold
WRITTEN BY: PEGGY GOLDEN | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY: ASHLEY BRANDIES & ALYSSA GUNBY Ashley Brandies ’16 has loved horses Federals adult medal final and third For Brandies, it was a busy summer. In since she was a toddler growing up out of 16 in the United Professional addition to traveling to the national and in Jesup. By the time she was eight years Horsemen’s Association national final. international United States Equestrian old, she was taking riding lessons, but In describing the Saddle Seat Federation competitions, she taught at even before then, she was learning the Invitational, Lori Nelson, Assistant a summer equestrian camp and took dirty work of grooming and mucking out Executive Director of National Affiliates classes at the College. A typical summer a stable at summer horse camp. It didn’t for the United States Equestrian weekday for the middle grades education alter her passion. Federation, noted that Brandies would major was teaching from 8 a.m.-noon at Seven years ago, she began riding be competing with limited practice the stables, grabbing lunch on her way with trainer and owner Christy Parker on unfamiliar horses with riders from to campus, spending from 1-4 p.m. in the at Pine Haven Stables in Brunswick. South Africa and Canada. Nelson wrote: classroom, then returning to the stables Now she rides three to four days every “This is a grueling and competitive four where she also helps to train and show week and is in training for the World days of competition where the winners other owners’ horses. Cup. She hopes to be one of the 24 riders are crowned with gold medals much “Teaching is a family selected for try-outs this December in like our Olympic Athletes…it is equal Missouri in the pre-Olympic saddle seat to the importance of the Olympics tradition and my competition. If she makes it, she will in the Saddle Seat discipline. Being experiences teaching travel to Cape Town, South Africa, as a selected as a member of this team is an member of the U.S. team for the 2016 incredible accomplishment.” at the barn cinched it World Cup Saddle Seat competition. Pointing out that the time for me as my career Brandies represented the U.S. commitment required was as much Saddle Seat Young Rider Home Team or more as athletes in collegiate or choice.” in international competition during Olympic level sports, Nelson added: the 2015 U.S. Saddle Seat Invitational “Horseback riding is a sport which “ held at Cascade Stables in New Orleans requires not only physical fitness but during June 25-28, where her five-gaited also other life skills such as: decision I’ve been taking summer classes team was awarded the gold medal. One making, communicating, problem since completing my freshman year week later, she competed in two national solving, goal setting and empathy. to make sure I graduate on time,” she finals at the Lexington Junior League Equestrian athletes take the concept of said, “and I keep up with my studies Horse Show, The Red Mile, Lexington, teamwork to the highest level, as they by laptop when I’m on the road.” The Kentucky. She placed third out of 15 form a partnership with a horse; two Dean’s List student is also a two-year riders in the United States Equestrian independent beings working together recipient of a Hites-Dinos Family Higher and communicating with one another Education Scholarship awarded by the to achieve their goal. We hope that College Foundation, a member of the Ashley’s classmates and community Association of Coastal Educators (ACE), understand the commitment she has served as a sophomore senator for the made to get to this level and the role Student Government Association, and she will play as an ambassador for has worked as a student assistant in this country.” Student Activities. Her own horse, A Riot on 43rd Street, “I love working with children and is an American saddlebred that won seeing that light bulb go off,” she said. 3rd in the nation in the 2013 hunt seat “Teaching is a family tradition and competitions. “I didn’t name him,” she my experiences teaching at the barn laughed. “He’s Riot for short.” The bay cinched it for me as my career choice. I also competes in western seat and love my professors and my cohort – the saddle seat divisions. program is awesome!” for Gold
Ashley with her trainer, Christy Parker
Ashley and Riot at the Lexington Junior League Horse Show
Ashley Brandies with her horse “A Riot on 43rd Street” at Pine Haven Stables in Brunswick. PHOTO BY: ALYSSA GUNBY
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Ashley and her team at the Young Riders Competition WRITTEN BY: PEGGY GOLDEN | PHOTO BY: ABBY BORN
student leader recognized as a “compass” whose actions His agenda includes expanding SGA’s visibility and student help to keep the campus “tightly stitched and on the involvement at the College’s Camden Center in Kingsland. right course,” Robert Mydell ’16 is president of the Student As a first step, he is planning to establish weekly SGA office Government Association for the 2015-2016 academic hours there, once he figures out the travel logistics between year. He is also actively involved in the Spanish club and the Brunswick campus and the Center. Athe Urban Gaming club, previously serving as an officer “I want all students to be more in tune with SGA. I want in both, as well as other campus organizations such as them to be able to feel comfortable talking to me or any other “IOverboard want Entertainment.all students to be more in tune SGA representative.” He added, “Teamwork is one of many characteristics with SGA. I want them to be able to of SGA and working alongside dedicated and motivated individuals who have the same drive and urgency to take feel comfortable talking to me or any the College of Coastal Georgia to another level is very other SGA representative.” meaningful. But the main reason I ran is to increase the collaboration between SGA and all the other organizations on campus. Campus organizations set the groundwork for how the College of Coastal Georgia is perceived when it comes to student involvement. There used to be a “A lot of what I do, I owe to SGA - from participating in monthly meeting called the President’s Roundtable, where student government as a senator to serving on various the presidents of all the campus organizations would committees and boards. I can honestly say that I never come together, brainstorm, and put their ideas forward. thought or imagined myself running for executive office in With these types of collaboration, we can strengthen any organization, especially SGA. But serving with student communication and have better student involvement. We government in my junior year did so many positive things just need to pull together.” for me - from simply being active to expanding my leadership A criminal justice major in the public management track, role on campus – I decided to go for it,” he said. he plans to work in law enforcement following graduation 12 Brightwork Robert Mydell 16, SGA President
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in May so he will have first-hand experience to couple with “The Urban Gaming Club really gets me excited,” he laughed. a master’s degree when he realizes his dream of teaching at “We wage week-long Humans vs Zombies games a couple of the collegiate level. times during the academic year as the supreme stress buster He views a career in criminal justice as a family legacy. His between classes and study sessions. All it takes is a sense grandfather, who retired from the Federal Law Enforcement of humor, an official UGC bandana, a Nerf blaster and some Training Center in Glynn County, was with the Secret extra socks.” Service during the Nixon presidency. His father is a former The game rules forbid hazing, all study areas and classrooms “I grew up understanding that service are off limits, and participating players must pre-register and to others is rewarding.” wear a color-specified bandana positioned around the arm or forehead to indicate their human or zombie status. Mydell was born in Savannah and spent his early childhood in Atlanta until his family moved to Brunswick when he was U.S. Marshall and is now back with the Savannah-Chatham ten years old. He graduated from Brunswick High School in Metropolitan Police Department. His uncle was with the 2011 and watched from the College campus as the new high Baltimore Police Department. His mother is completing her school complex was built across the street on Altama Avenue. doctorate in public administration. “In my opinion, my leadership capabilities can only go so For the friendly senior who works part-time at Cracker far. Being SGA president this year is a wonderful opportunity, Barrel as well as on campus as a student assistant in especially when it comes to meeting other SGA presidents Technology Services, his aspirations stem from his love and members around the state to receive advice and insight for helping people, another family legacy. “I grew up on what they do with their organization.” understanding that service to others is rewarding.” For that, He concluded, “You know, the changes I would like to see he was recognized as the Student Employee of the Year for happen are small, but can have a huge and lasting impact. I his efforts in Technology Services at the 4th Annual Student believe that greater student involvement can lead to higher Affairs Leadership Awards ceremony in April 2015. student success, greater retention rates, and an increase in He’s also a Nerf blaster enthusiast. students wanting to be the next student leaders.” College of Coastal Georgia 13 Mariner Village Residence Hall
216 NEW BEDS COMING FALL 2016 MARINER VILLAGE Coming Fall 2016
WRITTEN BY: PEGGY GOLDEN | RENDERING BY: CORVIAS CAMPUS LIVING
14 Brightwork Mariner Village Residence Hall
216 NEW BEDS COMING
FALL 2016 The corner of Mariner Way and Fourth Street is undergoing a metamorphosis as work progresses on Phase II of the newest on-campus student residences: Mariner Village Residence Hall. (Artist Rendering)
he ceremonial groundbreaking was of the building includes best practices Living. The day-to-day operation and held May 4 with the Honorable Buddy to create suites that align with the management of campus housing will Carter, Representative to the United interests of students while creating be retained by the College, Dr. Butcher States Congress for Georgia District 1, common areas that help facilitate explained. “A key component of this as keynote speaker. The community building community. arrangement is that the students will Tjoined College students, faculty and staff; “The Mariner Village residence hall experience a seamless transition.” College Foundation trustees and donors; will provide a critical component of Corvias Campus Living entered into a University System of Georgia Chancellor the College’s strategic plan to greatly public-private partnership with the USG Hank M. Huckaby; State Senator William enhance the student life and the Board of Regents in November 2014 to Ligon; State Representatives Alex Atwood overall success of our students”, Dr. construct and manage student housing and Jeff Jones; Brunswick Mayor Cornell Butcher said. “The addition of 216 at nine campuses, including the College Harvey; Michael Browning, Glynn County additional students in Mariner Village of Coastal Georgia, for the next 65 years. Commission Chair; and Jimmy Scott of will help create an enhanced living and “The new facilities…will provide not Corvias Campus Living for the ceremony. learning environment on campus. This only more on-campus housing options, When completed, Mariner Village residence hall will assist with building but more high-quality housing options, will be a suite-type building similar to the foundation and pathway to timely for the students of the College of Lakeside Village with a bed count for graduation while helping to create Coastal Georgia,” Kurt Ehlers, Managing 216 students, including six residence lifelong connections between students, Director of Corvias Campus Living, said. assistants, and the apartment of the faculty, staff, and the College.” “But the first-rate facilities coming to Mariner Village residence hall director, The building marks a new milestone campus are not limited to this new a professional staff member. According for the College’s growth and for project. This partnership will ensure to Dr. Michael Butcher, Dean of Students the University System of Georgia as that all of CCGA’s housing is uniformly and Director of Residence Life and student housing is transferred to the maintained to the highest standards for Housing, the design and construction management firm of Corvias Campus generations to come.”
College of Coastal Georgia 15 Fishing for Success Student Profile: Kyle Meyer
WRITTEN BY: PEGGY GOLDEN | PHOTO BY: JOHN CORNELL 16 Brightwork or Kyle Meyer ’18, the Atlantic Ocean and the His lures can be found at St. Simons Bait and Tackle Marshes of Glynn are two of his classrooms and in the village and Kennedy Outfitters on Airport you are as likely to find him at the St. Simons Island Road, St. Simons Island. Interest in his lures is fishing pier in the village as you are on campus. The spreading across the southeast and mid-south. “But avid angler and biology major is also a business 98% of my sales are online, through my website.” Fowner and entrepreneur. He started his company, While his personal interest has shifted more Big Boy Baits, five years ago – when he was in towards saltwater, he’s excited about the thriving middle school. micropterus salmoides bass fishery in the nearby Okefenokee Swamp. He Meyer’s passion for fishing and his quest for the also plans to expand his own skills and experience perfect lure can be traced to as a fishing guide. – the largemouth bass, a freshwater North “I love the Golden Isles. The American gamefish noted for its fight. Making College offers a degree that effective lures to catch fish is both a science and an art. Meyer simply turned his hobby into a business matches my interests in marine as fishing buddies and other anglers began asking biology and coastal ecology and where they could buy lures like his. is close to the ocean as well as The Roswell, Georgia native moved to St. Simons Island two years ago, when his family decided to home. ” make their favorite vacation destination their home. Meyer finished his senior year at Glynn Academy, graduating in 2014. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” he says. “I love One of his projects is tracking sharks for the the Golden Isles. The College offers a degree that National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration matches my interests in marine biology and coastal – one reason he regularly frequents the St. ecology and is close to the ocean as well as home. Simons Island village fishing pier that reaches out Works for me.” towards the ship channel between St. Simons and Meyer makes his colorful, custom plastic lures Jekyll islands. for freshwater and saltwater fishing himself: “We fish with giant reels for eight-to-nine-foot “They are American made - by me! They are hand tiger sharks, bull sharks, and hammerheads. It pored, custom molded and colored, and offer is a tag and release program providing scientific amazing action.” data such as sharks’ migration patterns, size and relative health, and population density,” he explains. He enjoys the ocean-oriented research and conservancy efforts as well as the thrill of the catch – one reason he plans to major in biology with perhaps a minor in business. Another project is the founding of a CCGA Angling Club. “We have 18 students interested so far. We’ll be a different kind of campus Mariner. If you want to catch a fish, come talk to me,” he concludes. “Not justTo about learn lures, more but about the best Big Boyplaces Baits, to go including fishing!” how to purchase lures, visit www.bigboybaitco. com or find them on Instagram, Facebook and Fishing for Success Youtube.
College of Coastal Georgia 17 Dr. Lydia Watkins, Assistant Professor of Nursing and B.S.N. program coordinator, pointed out that graduates were not only passing, but also passing on their first attempt. “Most of our students have job offers before or right after graduation,” she added, “and have participated in service-learning projects within the community.” The superlative results have led to Dean Kraft and Curt Spires, Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of Nursing, being invited to present and share the School’s success story with the Georgia Association of Nursing Deans and Directors and other nursing organizations. ”We really are the program of note across the state for prelicensure programs,” Dean Kraft confirmed. The School’s strategy includes rigorous curriculum review and revisions as necessary and formatting all test questions in “action”“Most model, of stressingour students application, analysishave and job synthesis. offers before or right after graduation”
The success and reputation of the program have been significant factors in recruiting talented nursing students. But Dean Kraft also points to the strong partnership between the College and the Southeast Georgia Health System as well as the Kayleigh Friedly, 1st semester BSN nursing student generosity of donors such as Hugh P. Nunnally, Jr., Susan and William Gussman, the estate of Audrey N. Young, and the late Margaret Davis as being significant as well. “The Southeast Georgia Health System partners with us CCGA NURSING to provide superlative clinical experiences for our students, including opportunities to work in many different areas of specialization. This type of real-world exposure increases Above & Beyond confidence as well as competency,” Dean Kraft explained. “They’ve also provided the financial support that permits us to maintain state-of-the-art simulation facilities. The Nunnally WRITTEN BY: PEGGY GOLDEN | PHOTOS BY: JOHN CORNELL family, through their generosity in establishing the Miriam and he College’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences is Hugh Nunnally Center for Nursing Education as well as the celebrating back-to-back good news. For the second term in Nunnally Building for Nursing and Health Sciences, is assuring a row, May and December 2014, the graduating class of nurses this community of committed nursing graduates and top-quality earning B.S.N. degrees achieved a 100% pass rate on their nursing education. It’s a win-win for the health system, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing NCLEX licensure College, the students, and the patients we serve and assist.” Texam. Furthermore, the high scores of the graduates – 93% of the While the laboratories have benefitted from the interest examination questions were answered correctly as compared of the Davis and the Torras families, the nursing students to 82% nationally and 86% regionally – lifted the CCGA B.S.N. themselves benefit from generous scholarships established by nursing program into the top tier, both regionally and nationally, the Gussman family, Audrey Young in memory of Gerald Zell, of nursing schools achieving such consistently high results. and others. The A.S.N. graduates weren’t far behind, ranking in the top In return, through service-learning projects across the 17% nationally and the top 26% regionally. community, the students and faculty share their expertise and “These results are outstanding,” said Dr. Patricia Kraft, spend hundreds of hours volunteering. Southeast Georgia Health System Distinguished Dean of Nursing Teddy Bear Clinics are one example of volunteerism that has and Health Sciences. “I know the last few years have required our crossed into service learning. nursing faculty and staff to go above and beyond in all aspects of “Teddy Bear Clinic takes children through picking out their their work, but the payoff has been phenomenal for our students.” teddy bear, naming it, and adding an arm band for the bear as 18 Brightwork identification to going through the steps of a pediatric medical exam,” Dr. Watkins explained. “We do an eye exam and give eyeglasses made of pipe cleaners if the child determines they need glasses. Then we imitate vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, height); we listen to their heart and lungs and the kids listen to the stuffed animal as well. We usually ‘hear’ wheezing because asthma is so common now in childhood, followed by a fake breathing treatment with a nebulizer machine or inhaler with spacer. We listen again when they sound better because the medicine worked. We look in eyes, ears, noses, mouths, and usually pretend to find a bead, pea, or piece of corn in the nose or ear, reminding kids to not put things in their own nose or ears. We have bandages for boo-boos and cuts as well as a fake x-ray machine that shows the teddy bear swallowed a key, paper clip, thimble and zipper. We then go to surgery: a table set up with surgical drapes, oxygen mask for Kyle Owens 15 anesthesia, sutures without the needle, and alcohol swabs and pretend to do surgery to remove the key and make the teddy bear ’ well. “We teach while taking the kid through the clinic, and let them “Nursing Care of Children” class, our service-learning projects do everything we do so they can play with the equipment and are centered in developing teaching projects to go into the school become more familiar with it. Medical play has been proven in system to help promote health and wellness as well as prevent research to reduce children’s stress in the primary care provider’s injury. Examples of what the students have taught include: office and the hospital if they have been exposed to the medical hand“In the washing A.S.N. and dental and hygiene B.S.N. in kindergarten mental health and 1st grade; equipment in a playful environment prior to it being used on nursing courses, the students develop them. Toddlers who have used the equipment on their toys feel teaching projects about specific mental as if they have some autonomy and power before someone does it to them, increasing their comfort. “Older school age children health illnesses and teach them in the respond better if they know what you are using, how it works, community.” and why the nurse or doctor is using it. We work with the lead nurse of the school system to coordinate the Teddy Bear Clinics and other health education booths at the local school health fairs exercise, nutrition, and sun safety in all grades; anti-bullying and and PTA nights.” social media safety in junior high; and sex education and STI There are several other service-learning projects integrated prevention in the college dorms.” into the nursing program Dr. Watkins cited. “For the B.S.N. “In the A.S.N. and B.S.N. mental health nursing courses, the students develop teaching projects about specific mental health illnesses and teach them in the community. For our Community Health Nursing course is in the B.S.N. final semester, students develop community-wide projects to promote wellness, such as diabetes management and stroke/hypertension prevention at the Manna House and wellness activities and facility improvements for Safe Harbor.” The School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers two baccalaureate programs: the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) and the R.N.-to-B.S.N., which is tailored to meet the needs of working nurses seeking the higher degree, including online coursework to provide schedule flexibility. The School also offers Career Associate programs in Brandy Chambers, BSN Assistant Professors of Nursing Radiologic Science and the Associate of Science in Nursing (A.S.N.) as well as an Associate of Science for Transfer in dental hygiene. College of Coastal Georgia 19 The Class of 2015 radiologic science graduates (left to right): Brittany Griggs (Brunswick), Hayley Morrison (Brunswick), Caryn Hagglund (Brunswick), Brittany Boatright (Alma), Briana Tresvant (Brunswick), Benjamin Foster (Brunswick), Jessica Boyer (Camden Couhty), Colleen Nunn (2014-2015 Outstanding Student, Radiologic Science) (Brunswick), and Marquita Johnson (Brunswick).Not only did they all pass certification, but also they have positions or are continuing their education. RADIOLOGIC SCIENCES PROGRAM Above & Beyond
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which accepts 16 students annually, has witnessed an 85% job Since their first graduating class of three students in placement rate of graduates over the last five years as well as 1969, the Radiologic Science program has graduated over a 71.4% graduation rate of student who complete the program 345 radiographers, according to John Eichinger, Assistant in 24 months. Of those who have graduated, the national Professor and Radiologic Sciences Program Director. examination first-attempt pass rate currently stands at 98%.” “Many have gone on to advanced careers in computed Eichinger, who serves as president of the Association of tomography, nuclear medicine, mammography, ultrasound, Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences (AEIRS), noted and“The radiation program, therapy.” which accepts 16 students that the Class of 2015 graduates achieved a 100% pass rate for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists national annually, has witnessed an 85% job place- certification exam. ment rate of graduates over the last five In January 2015, the College’s radiologic sciences years as well as a 71.4% graduation rate program received an additional three-year award extension of student who complete the program in of accreditation by JRCERT, bringing total accreditation 24 months.” to the maximum of eight years. “The accreditation extension to 2020 confirms the Coastal Georgia program is in compliance with the Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiography,” Eichinger said. “This The Radiologic Sciences program provides training in the art is great news for the College and the program, which has and science of radiologic technology, Eichinger explained, had a highly successful history.” through courses in patient care, radiographic positioning, JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the U.S. pathology, radiation physics, and radiation protection. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Eichinger cited a long history of national accreditation Accreditation for the accreditation of traditional and distance for the program through the Joint Review Committee on delivery educational programs in radiography, radiation Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). “The program, therapy, magnetic resonance and medical dosimetry. 20 Brightwork WRITTEN BY: PEGGY GOLDEN | PHOTO BY: ABBY BORN
amantha Womack ’16 is a detective nursing program, but during her of sorts. She studies bones. sophomore year she learned more “Bones are fascinating. They can about the radiologic technology tell you a lot about a person’s health program and made the switch. and what is going on in the body,” “I love the program. It’s hard and Sshe explained. “That’s why I chose it requires discipline, but it offers radiologic science as my major and so many options,” said the HOPE healthcare career choice.” scholarship recipient, who maintains The 2012 graduate of Camden a GPA above 3.5. County High School worked as a “There’s always a job in any medical Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) at field and with my husband in the Navy, Magnolia Manor in St. Marys during I wanted a portable profession.” Her her high school years, dispensing husband is currently assigned to the patient care but not medications. “I Kings Bay naval base. was the TLC,” she laughed. “That’s Womack plans to obtain her x-ray “Radiation technology is not just one of the reasons I like working in technologist certification and then about broken bones,” she emphasized. radiology - the patient interaction.” develop her practice specialization. “More time is spent in diagnosis than After graduation, she began Possibilities she listed include nuclear in treatment. Because X-rays can her core college classwork just medicine (radiation therapy and PET reveal what’s going on, the challenges down the street from the high scans, for example), MRI, OB/GYN include positioning and determining school, at the Camden Center. (ultrasound), and even live imagery in how much radiation to use. That’s why Her original objective was the operating rooms for surgeons. I think of it as solving a mystery.”
College of Coastal Georgia 21 Student Profile: Jonathan Parker
“MyWRITTEN advice BY: PEGGY to any GOLDEN vet is | PHOTOto make BY: ABBY sure BORN you really understand the GI bill limitations,” he stressed. “Don’t get caught in the He worked full time while she studied expense of online coursework for an associate degree, no nursing at Armstrong Atlantic. Now matter how easy it sounds.” they are reversing those roles. He is using student loans to fund his studies and will complete the program in two years. “After researching carefully, J Coastal Georgia was the only school onathan Parker ’16 said studying to learn that his benefits had been I applied to,” he added. “Not only did for his A.S.N. was not like the Army. exhausted with only a two-year degree they have a terrific reputation, but they Sergeant Parker served in Operation to show for it. also have an amazing pass rate for the Iraqi Freedom I and III. licensure exams and a R.N.-to-B.S.N. “In the Army, they show you once and program I can move on to that’s fast- you are expected to pay attention and paced, affordable, and online.” get it right the first time. In the nursing Parker commutes from Richmond Hill program, they guide you through it. to Brunswick, but he said he doesn’t The instructors don’t abandon you, mind the drive because he uses it as but stand right there with you in the study time. “Between classes I study clinical setting.” in the library. I record my class notes That doesn’t make it any easier, on my phone and then play them back however. “You have to be prepared to during the drive.” study – a lot,” he explained. “Nursing has He took this summer off, however. to be your #1 priority. No hanging out. “The past nine months have been study, No TV.” study, study. The next nine months will One of the differences, according to be the same. I need a break, some down Parker, is how the material is presented. time to enjoy my family.” That includes “Questions are presented in scenarios. quality time with his 18-month-old It is how you apply what you’ve learned “My advice to any vet is to make baby daughter, Kendall. that becomes critical. Fast recall is sure you really understand the GI Parker has also found an outlet required – just like in the service – but bill limitations,” he stressed. “Don’t in writing. “I have seen, done, and you are drawing conclusions from get caught in the expense of online experienced things in my life that symptoms. It’s almost like a crime scene. coursework for an associate degree, no putting down on paper helpsSeaswells me deal Like a detective, you look at the evidence, matter how easy it sounds.” with,” he said. all the angles and interactions.” His wife, Courtney, is a nurse at St. His work was published in , Parker has experience with that as Joseph’s/Candler Hospital in Savannah. the College’s award-winning literary well. Based at Fort Stewart, he joined She convinced him to consider a and arts magazine, for both the 2014 the Hinesville police department after career move to nursing, stressing the and 2015 editions. His prose piece, completing his military service. He portability and options the nursing “Baghdad Unicorn,” won second place in used his veteran’s benefits to obtain degree offered. “I like how fast-paced the 2014 Austin/Garner Prose Contest an associate degree in criminal justice and action-oriented nursing is,” he said. and was selected by College President through a highly-advertised, for-profit “I like working with the public, one-on- Aloia to read at the magazine release online university while working as one. Both my service and police training party that spring. “My Journey through a22 police officer. But he was stunned prepared me to make quick decisions.” Death” won third place this year. Student Profile Michelle Thompson Smith
WRITTEN BY: PEGGY GOLDEN | PHOTO BY: JOHN CORNELL The birth of her son, Gaines, three years ago is what propelled her into nursing.
M ichelle Thompson Smith ’16 has a Smith wants to start in pediatric lot to balance in her life as she works nursing, specifically neo-natal intensive towards her B.S.N. Originally from Dacula, care (NICU). Eventually she plans to earn Georgia, and previously stationed at Ft. a Ph.D. Although she loves numbers and Campbell, Kentucky, the Army veteran analysis, as her first degree in finance has been living on St. Simons Island for indicates, she feels driven. “Part of it is three years and taking nursing classes at my work ethic, just as it was when I was the College. She already has a B.A. (2008) in military service. But another part of in finance from North Georgia College it is my love for education. Both come and State University. from my parents, who said that if I can The birth of her son, Gaines, three years do something, then I should.” ago is what propelled her into nursing. Smith stressed the level of Gaines was born with hemolytic Michelle Thompson Smith ’16 commitment required to be successful disease and he wasn’t expected to live. “I love the clinical expe- in the B.S.N. degree program. “It’s not “He was eleven days old before I could enough to want to be a nurse. Don’t even hold him,” she recalled. “The first week riences, where I can see take up a seat in the class if you are not of his life, all I could do was touch his what I am actually going to prepared to give more than 100% to this tiny hand. He was on a ventilator with be doing with my training.” effort, 24/7.” IV tubes attached to him. I started One of the things she values is how researching the disease, knowing I seriously the nursing program prepares wanted to be in a position to help any nursing candidates for post-graduate other family facing this kind of situation.” in the oil fields of the Gulf of Mexico and board certification through the National Gaines will be three years old in June – is gone for days at a time. So she cares Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). now a happy, healthy toddler able to play for the two children, works as a waitress “Targeting doesn’t compromise what with his four-year-old sister, Kenedi. at Crabdaddy’s, and studies. you are learning,” she emphasized, “it Smith chose Coastal Georgia because “Working on a B.S.N. under these just provides a paradigm to structure of location, affordability, and program circumstances is challenging – but not that learning in order to assure quality. Her father had moved to the area impossible,” she said. “And I love the familiarity. It is as important to have a few years earlier and works at Pinova. clinical experiences, where I can see immediate recall when standing Her husband, Brian, is from St. Simons what I am actually going to be doing with crib side in the nursing unit as when Island. An engineer, he works on boats my training.” answering questions on the exam.”
College of Coastal Georgia 23 Student Profile Jonathan Erickson
WRITTEN BY: PEGGY GOLDEN | PHOTO BY: ABBY BORN “We have some of the friendliest professors you can ever hope to have. They love to teach, they want to share, and they really want to help you.”
hen Jonathan Erickson ’17 moved freshman year for a R.A. position. “I to campus as a freshman, he went really worked to sell myself. Brian and to work at Jeff’s Pool Service, where he Cheryl helped me with my resume, but discovered that the College President, the person I had to impress was Tiffany Dr. Greg Aloia, would be one of his Curry Davis, our area coordinator. In Wassigned customers. He’s worked for fact, I’m still trying to impress her.” pool companies since he was 15 years Brian Weese is the Coordinator of old, but it wasn’t until he came to college Career Services on campus, which could use campus resources like the that he learned the science behind it from includes hiring students for campus Writing Center, TRiO, ATTIC tutors and Dr. Colleen Knight, Assistant Professor jobs, and Cheryl Van Dyke is the campus supplemental instructors.” of Chemistry. Erickson also worked counselor for Student Affairs. He understands firsthand the perils “When you get here and it’s a little scary and you’re of not being prepared for class. A first- on your own, you can still prove that you are worth generation college student himself, it. As scary as it seems, you are stronger than you Erickson works two jobs to augment a think.” HOPE scholarship and a Pell grant to pay for his college education. He qualified for the HOPE scholarship after graduating from Wayne County High School in as a residence assistant at Lakeside “I was nervous and very serious when I 2013, but lost it after his first semester Village this past year and is assigned to first started out,” he confessed. “When in college when his grade point average Coastal Place Apartments for academic my boat started rocking, I’d vent to slipped to 1.69. year 2015-2016. “I roomed with a Tiffany to get it out of my system; she’s “I enlisted in Pat Morris’ boot camp, resident assistant, Ryan Porter [who like a big sister. I recognized I wasn’t got my kick in the butt, my study skills graduated in 2014], and I saw first-hand connecting, wasn’t loose enough, so on track, and my priorities re-focused. what the job required,” he explained. I started to hang out more in order Now my GPA is over 3.5 and I’ve made “The personal peer experience really to build a sense of community. Pretty the President’s List twice,” he said. opens you up, requiring connectivity, quickly I realized that the #1 issue for Patricia Morris, an advisor in Academic trust, and relationship-building skills. most students was worry about class Services, developed the boot camp in I had some peer leadership experience assignments – late-night homework collaboration with faculty volunteers, from my high school marching and panic. So I’d tell them about an online, providing aggressive intervention symphonic bands and was a note taker all-night tutoring service I discovered for students who initially flounder in in disability services here on campus. to get them through the crisis and the college experience, putting their I decided to apply at the end of my suggested they plan ahead so they financial aid at risk. To be named to 24 Brightwork CAREERLINK: Linking Students With Jobs
WRITTENCareer Services BY: PEGGY has added GOLDEN an upgrade – an app - to Coastal Careerlink, the one-stop shop for all things career related. The app includes job and “I want people to internship listings, an employer database, resume and cover letter writing tips know that they too and reviews, and appointment scheduling. can recover from According to Brian Weese, Coordinator of Career Services for the College, all features can now be accessed through smart phones and tablets. Students a bad freshman can search for “Careers by Symplicity” in the App store to download the app. year.” The assistance alumnus Philip Lyons Jr. 14 (page 26) and student Jonathan Erickson ’17 received from Career Services illustrates what Weese and his staff do every day. ’
“Last year, we performed 1,900 resume and cover-letter reviews,” Weese said. “Over 450 students utilized FOCUS2 to assess their interests, skills, the President’s List requires a full-time values and personality to help them choose a major and career. The student employment program continued to give students the skills they need student to achieve a perfect 4.0 GPA for to perform successfully on the job while also providing the opportunity the term – quite a turn around. to develop new proficiencies through workshops on Photoshop and “I want people to know that they too Illustrator, Excel, money management, intercultural awareness, and Lync can recover from a bad freshman year. telephone training.” When you get here and it’s a little scary and you’re on your own, you can still Career Services and the School of Business and Public Management have prove that you are worth it. As scary an agreement that internships for credit require resumes that have been as it seems, you are stronger than you reviewed and approved by Career Services. “We worked with Phil, not only enabling him to receive college credit for his ESPN internship, but also giving think,” he said. “Plus we have some of the him that competitive edge a good resume can provide when applying for a friendliest professors you can ever hope job, ” Weese explained. to have. They love to teach, they want to share, and they really want to help you.” Career Services is also the coordinating department for student campus Now a biology major in the pre- employment. “Our statistics show that students working on campus maintain professional track, Erickson has set his a better grade point average and are more likely to remain enrolled. For sights on attending graduate school at instance, at the end of the fall 2014 term, the campus-wide GPA was 2.81, but Georgia Regents University in Augusta student workers averaged 2.97. Retention of freshmen from that fall term to the spring term was 83.6% overall, but freshmen working on campus were to earn his Master of Physician Assistant even more persistent - over 85%,” Weese pointed out. (M.P.A.). This fall he plans to intern with the Summit Medical Group, shadowing “Jonathan went through our student employment orientation which is Micah Lancaster, a physician assistant headed by Career and Student Employment Counselor Alysia Johnson. The and graduate of Georgia Regents, in the workshop helps students develop job skills such as timeliness, professionalism, office of Dr. Lawrence Blasik, Summit and customer service. He also used our Interviewstream system to practice Dermatology and Laser Center. his interview skills, using a recorded interview which asks questions and then video records the answers. He was able to watch his interviews and self- “Micah has been instrumental – a assess plus I reviewed his interview and provided feedback on his interview real mentor to me,” he noted. “I hope strengths and weaknesses.” to intern in other practices as well before applying to Georgia Regents. The Weese concluded, “Our purpose is to empower students and alumni to experience is terrific.” achieve their career goals – just another benefit of choosing the College of Equipped with his house plants Coastal Georgia.” (“Something green boosts your mood,” he quipped), his aquarium (home to his For more information about Career Services, visit this webpage: http:// www.ccga.edu/CareerServices/ beta fish), and his bicycle, Erickson is ready to ride into his junior year. 25 COLLEGE OF COASTAL GEORGIA Alumnus Profile: Philip Lyons, Jr.
WRITTEN BY: PEGGY GOLDEN | PHOTO PROVIDED
lumnus Philip Lyons, Jr. he confessed. “I’ve only been out of college one year, but ’14 (B.B.A., Marketing) is sometimes it seems like five, although I stay in touch with vice president of a national faculty, staff and former classmates; they became like foundation and activities family to me. At Coastal Georgia, that family-feeling is a director for the Holiday cultural thing.” AInn resort on Jekyll Island. A project for his Marketing Research and Consumer The two kept him hopping Behavior class piqued his interest in that area. “I was involved this summer. in re-branding the campus programming board, developing “Both are about creating a business model to get more student involvement in what good memories for families,” is now Overboard Entertainment,” he explained. he said. “For the resort, I’m His one-year business internship with ESPN led to a job booking live entertainment with the coastal radio station, coordinating events and and arranging programs promotions using social media. “That really opened my eyes and activities – sometimes in tandem – mornings and to the whole event coordination business,” he said, “and my afternoons for children, teens, adults and the whole family. ultimate goal is to have my own company.” In the summer, there is something fun going on seven days He cites three people as influencers during this formative a week.” period: his mother, his marketing professor, and Brian He also serves as vice president of the Marty Lyons Weese, Coordinator of Career Services. Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization making “If you tell me that something isn’t possible, special wishes and dreams come true for children ages then I’m not only going to make it possible, three to seventeen with a terminal or life-threatening illness. The foundation was established in 1982 by his uncle, I’m going to exceed expectations. The great Marty Lyons, New York Jets defensive tackle and defensive end for 12 years and an All-American college player for the thing about what I’m doing – both at the re- University of Alabama under Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. The Georgia chapter of the foundation will be hosting sort and the foundation – is that I’m making the 3rd Annual High Tide Golf Classic and beach bash it good for someone else.” at Jekyll Island on Saturday, October 3 – a popular foundation fundraiser. Lyons didn’t plan a career in marketing and events management. His family moved to the area after Hurricane Andrew and he graduated from Brantley County High “My attention to detail comes from my mother, who died School. He loves kids and creativity, so he thought he’d end my senior year of college. She always said that the more you up in education, maybe even as a football coach. plan, the better you’ll succeed. She was my motivator,” he To help pay for school, he worked at JCPenny as a stock explained. “Dr. George Dupuy, Professor of Marketing, taught boy, moved up to sales in men’s wear, and discovered he me not to do the same thing twice and, as a college student, had a talent for creating effective mannequin displays I learned to write as well as think. Brian Weese wouldn’t let for product merchandising. After his casual hipster look me give up. He kept telling me that the hard work would pay caught district management’s attention, he became a visual off. When I finally created a resume Brian didn’t tear up, I specialist in marketing and promoting trendy looks and used it to apply for the Holiday Inn position – and he was image for stores’ success. That experience, coupled with his parents’ right. I got the job.” encouragement, tilted him towards a more general He concluded, “If you tell me that something isn’t possible, business degree with a concentration in marketing then I’m not only going to make it possible, I’m going to rather than towards teacher preparation. “I may yet go to exceed expectations. The great thing about what I’m doing – graduate school to get my M.B.A. in events management both at the resort and the foundation – is that I’m making it 26 and special media. It feels strange not to be taking classes,”Brightwork good for someone else.” Class Notes Two alumnae were among the 18 women recognized by the (B.S., Psychology) has joined the staff Golden Isles YMCA during the 17th Tribute to Women Leaders of the College as the part-time Assistant Area Coordinator held at the Jekyll Island Convention Center on June 2, 2015. in Residence Life and Housing, overseeing Coastal Place This year’s class includes (B.S., Public Affairs), Apartments. As an undergraduate, she was a student sponsored by the College of Coastal Georgia Foundation, assistant in the Office of Disability Services, winning the and who received her Associate of College’s 2013-2014 Student Employee of the Year award. Science in Nursing (R.N.) from the College of Coastal Georgia She is completing her master’s degree in Higher Education and formerly served as a clinical instructor for the College’s Administration through Georgia Southern University. R.N. and L.P.N. programs. Tingler was sponsored by Applecare Immediate Care, where she has worked since 2012, first as (B.S., Coastal Ecology) graduated in a physician assistant and currently as the Clinical Director December and is now working at the Joseph W. Jones of Compliance, Risk and Nursing for 14 AppleCare clinics in Ecological Research Center at Ichauway in the research Georgia. The Tribute 2015 program was dedicated to College of division of the plant ecology lab. The Sea Island Garden Group Coastal Georgia Foundation Trustee Emerita Jeanne Kaufmann scholarship recipient is passionate about the conservation of Manning. Dr. Valerie Hepburn, former president of the College, natural plant communities in the southeastern U.S. and he is and current College Foundation Trustee Randal Morris served excited to be in ecological research, conservation, education as honorary co-chairs. and outreach in the heart of Georgia’s historic range of longleaf pine and wiregrass. He received a 2015 Excellence retired as Coordinator of Diversity and in Service-Learning Outstanding Student Award at the third Inclusion and Title IX Coordinator, Office of Student Affairs, in annual service-learning symposium in April. March 2015 after more than 20 years of service to the College under four presidents. Previous positions for the former College (B.S., Middle Grades Education) is basketball player during his career included Coordinator of teaching Georgia history to 8th graders in Jesup. Recruitment.
A member of the College’s Alumni Leadership Group, he continues active involvement with the College’s Minority Outreach Program (The Boys of Summer) as the Program Director and with 14 Black Men of Glynn, Inc.
(B.S., Early Childhood/Special Education) is teaching 4th grade at Altama Elementary, Brunswick. She was featured this summer in the website series, 52 Stories, at (B.B.A.) and the Alumni www.ccga.edu/52stories Association Group chaired by Darby Chancey ’12 (B.B.A.) hosted a CCGA Alumni Association Social (B.B.A.) is putting Hour at Henshaw’s FUSE Frozen Yogurt on St. Simons his degree to work in inventory management at Island in mid-March. Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia. (B.S., Early Childhood/Special He was the recipient of a 2015 Service-Learning Excellence Award and the 2015 Mariner’s Pride Education) and Stephen Purnell were married Award for his record of service and student May 2 at St. Simons United Methodist Church. She is leadership on campus. an EIP teacher at Glyndale Elementary School in Glynn County. College of Coastal Georgia Faculty and Staff News
N ational searches for two of the “Mick brings a creative background to “Dr. Pellett brings a wealth of experi- top administrative positions Coastal Georgia. He is returning to his ence and a successful track record of within the CollegeMichael of “Mick”Coastal Cumbie,Georgia Georgia roots after more than a decade innovative leadership in such diverse Vicewere Presidentsuccessfully for concluded Advancement with the at Western Illinois University and a areas as institutional strategic plan- selectionDr. Tracy of L. Pellett, Vice Presi- successful military career,” College ning, assessment and accreditation, dent for Academic Affairs. , President Greg Aloia said. “He is com- curricular programming, academ- and mitted to community involvement and ic policy, online and multi-modal Mick Cumbie adding him to our leadership team po- learning, academic technology, faculty sitions the College and the Foundation development, academic support had to further develop new initiatives. The services, competency-based un- served as Director 2015-2016 academic year promises to dergraduate degrees, international of Development for be an exciting one for our campus and program development, and first-year the College of Fine the community.” experience and honors programming,” Arts and Commu- College President Greg Aloia said. nications, Western Prior to accept- Dr. “Adding him to our leadership team Illinois University, Tracying the Pellett position at positions the College to fast-track new since 2006. In that position, he served Coastal Georgia, initiatives from the University System on the executive planning committee served of Georgia as well as opportunities of the University’s planned Center for as Associate Provost identified in our comprehensive stra- Performing Arts as well as Executive of Academic and tegic planning process.” Director of the University’s Perform- Student Life for two ing Arts Society. His previous experi- years and Associ- At the Bruns- ence includes five years chairing the ate Vice President for Undergraduate wick-Golden Isles Military Science Department at WIU, Studies for five years at Central Wash- Chamber of Com- a recruiting and training program for ington University in Ellensburg, Wash- merce annual awardsKay Army/ROTC officers. He served three ington. He has 28 years of experience S.dinner Hampton, Tuesday Asso - years as Chief of Counterintelligence as a teacher and professor, including ciate Vice Presidentevening, for AcademicJune 16, in the Supreme Headquarters Allied Professor of Education at CWU and Affairs and Associate Professor of Powers Europe (NATO); one year Minnesota State University-Mankato Nursing, as chief of the Intelligence Analysis and Assistant Professor of Education at Section of the U.S. Forces Command in University of Arkansas-Monticello and was recognized as the 2015 Atlanta following service as the senior Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. United Way of Coastal Georgia Volun- intelligence officer for the Depart- Dr. Pellett earned his doctorate in cur- teer of the Year. Dr. Tracy Pellett, Vice ment of Defense Olympic Task Force; riculum and instruction/sport pedago- President for Academic Affairs, noted and in various security and military gy from Brigham Young University in in congratulating Hampton, “Kay intelligence capacities at Fort Meade Provo, Utah, his master’s in teacher ed- has a lengthy and active history of and abroad between 1983 and 1995. ucation and motor learning from Ball volunteerism with many local organi- Cumbie earned his B.S. in Administra- State University in Muncie, Indiana, zations and is most deserving of this tive Management at Clemson Univer- and his bachelor’s degree in health award.” Hampton retired at the end sity and his Master of Human Rela- and physical education from Carthage of August after almost 25 years with tions at the University of Oklahoma. College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. the College. Dr. Claire E. Hughes, Associate Profes- sor of Education, of Patras in the areas of strategic in- gland and Scotland for three weeks to School of Educa- struction, special education and talent create empowering educational part- tion and Teacher development. This project promises nerships with international colleagues Preparation, to improve the teaching of writing in at various U.K. universities.Dr. Kimberly Mana- Greece, the United States, Georgia, and han, Assistant has here in the Golden Isles,” Dr. Hughes Professor of Psychol- been selected for a said, describing her Fulbright project. ogy, School of Arts 2015-2016 Fulbright U.S. Scholar grant She will be spending spring semester and Sciences for faculty research by the J. William of the upcoming academic year in Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Greece (January 15-June 1, 2016). , will “Both Greece and the United States serve as the Interim have a deep interest in increasing Receiving a Fulbright Director of Service student performance through teacher has become a Hughes- Learning for the 2015-2016 academic feedback and intervention. Through a Lynch family tradi- year. Dr. Mannahan, who joined the shared research agenda with Dr. Ionn- Dr.tion. Jim The Lynch, College’s Direc - faculty in 2011, was a recipient of the ni Dimakos, an international expert in torfirst of Fulbrighter Institutional was 2014 Service-Learning Excellence writing strategies at the University of Effectiveness Award for outstanding performance Patras, I will be looking at how teach- as service-learning faculty. Dr. Kinsey ers can help students plan and persist and Dr. Hughes’ husband. received her Ph.D. in Experimental in difficult writing tasks, particularly He was selected by the U.S.-U.K. Ful- Psychology (Social) from the Univer- among children from varied cultural bright Commission for an International sity of Arkansas, her M.S. in Applied backgrounds and in special education. Education Administrator Award for the Psychology (Clinical/Counseling) from The teaching aspect of the grant will 2013-14 Fulbright Awards competition Augusta State University, and her B.A. be teaching seminars at the University cycle and travelled throughout En- in Psychology from UGA. Welcome New Faculty
Twelve new faculty members have joined the full-time teaching staff of the College of Coastal Georgia for this academic year. Dr. Lauren Boardman Dr. Robert Clark Dr. Wanda DeLeo, , Assistant Professor of Nursing Dr. Jessica Melilli-Hand, Assistant Professor of English James Holt, Professor of Accounting Nevada LeCounte , Assistant Professor of English Lee McKinley Lecturer of Mathematics Dr. Holly Nance, , Assistant Professor of Nursing Dr. J. Brian Pope, Associate Professor of Health Economics Dr. Traesha Robertson, Assistant Professor of Biology MaryAnne Sandburg,, Professor of Psychology and Social Sciences Department Chair Dr. Renren Zhao Assistant Professor of Biology Assistant Professor of Nursing , Associate Professor of Mathematics College of Coastal Georgia 29 Advancement Office One College Drive NON-PROFIT Brunswick, Georgia 31520 U.S. POSTAGE ccga.edu PAID BRUNSWICK, GA PERMIT NO. 245
L to R: Brianne Herrin, Ashley Cane, Corey Mallard