Georgia Highlands College Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 12th, at The Forum River Center in downtown Rome at 10AM. GHC will have 894 students receiving 906 diplomas (with a number of those students receiving more than one)*.

The nursing pinning ceremony will be held at 6PM on May 11th at the First Baptist of Cartersville.

The faculty has chosen Renva Harmon Watterson as the 2018 Mace Bearer and Carla Byram Patterson as the recipient of the Wesley C. Walraven Faculty Award.

The Honorable Bobby Lee Cook will give the commencement address, and Student Government Association President David Hill will speak on behalf of the student body.

Regent Sarah-Elizabeth Reed will also bring greetings from the Board of Regents.

The Honorary Faculty Marshal will be Kristie Kemper and Donnie Denson will speak on behalf of GHC alumni.

On the floor of the Arena will be reserved seating for staff and invited guests. Free parking is available at the Third Avenue Parking Deck (adjacent to the Forum) and West 3rd Street parking lot (across the bridge from the Forum). Shuttle service will be available throughout the day from Broad Street, all the parking decks, and West 3rd Street.

For more Commencement Information

Commencement Speaker

The Honorable Bobby Lee Cook

Bobby Lee Cook is a trial lawyer from Summerville, Georgia. He has practiced law since the late 1940s and founded the law firm Cook & Connelly in 1949 with the late A. Cecil Palmour. Cook attended Gordon Military College and the University of Alabama before earning his law degree from Vanderbilt University. He has bar admissions in multiple court systems with the ability to practice law in the U.S. District Courts, the Northern, Middle & Southern Districts of Georgia and Eastern District of Tennessee, the U.S. Court of Appeals, the U.S. Supreme Court, and all Courts in the State of Georgia.

Cook has held office and served in the Georgia House of Representatives and the Georgia Senate, as well as a Georgia State Court Judge. He has been honored with numerous awards, including the American Academy of Achievement Award in Advocacy, an Honorary Juris Doctor Degree from John Marshall School of Law, and four lifetime achievement awards.

Cook is reputed to have been the inspiration for the television series Matlock’s main character, Ben Matlock, which starred Andy Griffith as a Georgia attorney. In Cook’s long career, he holds a record jury acquittal rate of 90 percent, and he has represented clients from a wide spectrum of the famous, the infamous, and the unknown, including Bert Lance in a civil matter, Wayne Williams in post-conviction proceedings, and the Rockefellers and Carnegies in eminent domain cases.

Today, Cook’s law firm focuses on state and federal trials in complex civil and criminal litigation.

Mace Bearer

Dr. Renva Harmon Watterson 

To honor the many years of dedicated service Dr. Renva Harmon Watterson has provided to the college, GHC faculty selected her to carry the mace for 2018. The Georgia Highlands College mace was first used at the 25th graduation ceremony in 1994. The mace was designed by David Mott, associate professor of art, and Dr. David Cook, professor of biology. It was made by GHC alumnus Jeff DeVore, Atlanta sculptor.

Watterson began as a part-time instructor of communication at the College in 2005, then moved to chair of Humanities Division in 2006. She was appointed as interim vice president for academic affairs in 2008, before moving into the position permanently in 2009. The USG Chancellor appointed Watterson as the interim president of Georgia Highlands College in May 2012, and she served in that role until September 2014 before returning to her previous VPAA position. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Education and Theater from Shorter College, Master of Arts in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

The mace, a great and splendid staff, is actually a club and symbolic weapon. Medieval universities would not defend themselves with a sword. It was not considered appropriate for gentle scholars to draw blood, but they could defend themselves using the cudgel. The mace has come to stand as a symbol for two critical matters. First, it stands for the freedom of the academy to seek the truth and to teach it. It also stands for the authority of the academy. The mace makes the statement that the academy must protect the ideals of order, liberty, and freedom to learn.

Wesley C. Walraven Faculty Award

Carla Byram Patterson

GHC faculty members selected Carla Byram Patterson, professor of English, to receive the Wesley C. Walraven Faculty Award to honor her years of service and leadership. The Walraven Award is named in memory of Dr. Wesley C. Walraven, the academic dean at Floyd Junior College (now GHC) from its founding in 1970 until 1993. Walraven’s most memorable assets included an unselfish dedication to students, a quietly focused management style, and keen intelligence.

Given these criteria for this year’s award winner, Patterson is an indisputable choice. Patterson came to GHC (then Floyd College) as a part-time Instructor of Developmental English in 1993. She served as Extended Learning Academic Specialist and as Director of Extended Learning, and in 1999, she assumed a full-time Instructional Technology and English position. She earned tenure track status in 2004, was awarded tenure in 2008, and attained Professor rank in 2016. She holds the Bachelor of Arts in Communication and the Master of Arts in English from Jacksonville State University, with honors distinction accompanying both degrees.

Patterson’s devotion to her students, concern for her colleagues, attention to the craft of teaching and learning, and commitment to academic excellence are remarkable. These make her the perfect choice for this year’s prestigious award.

**894 students receiving 906 diplomas based on number of students who applied for graduation as of May 1st**

Georgia Highlands College’s dental hygiene program is more than classes, textbooks and labs. Students get real world experience in the best way possible: volunteering to provide free oral health care to the community.

“It is important for our students and our community for our students to go outside the classroom to meet people and identify the needs of populations that do not have full access to preventive care, and to bring those populations into our clinic for care when possible,” said Assistant Professor Regina Gupta. “We want every citizen in our community to establish care with a local dental practice. However, when they cannot, we believe our students have a unique opportunity to provide preventive care.”

Recently, dental hygiene students took advantage of a volunteer opportunity to do just this. They organized a visit from residents of Hickory Log House in Cartersville, which is a personal care home for men with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Gupta and Dean of Health Sciences Michelle Boyce worked with Hickory Log House to have 20 residents visit GHC’s dental hygiene students for oral care.

“This was an excellent opportunity to increase access to care for a dentally underserved population and for our students to gain experience in providing oral health care for patients with special needs,” Gupta said.

Under the direction of Kristin Bauman, First Year Clinic Coordinator, students also recently participated in an event called “BLESS Weekend,” volunteering to perform oral cancer screenings for Bartow county residents.

“BLESS Weekend” is a community outreach event that features health screenings, children’s activities, food and resources. The event is organized by The Bless Coalition and was held at the Allatoona Resource Center in Acworth.

Dental hygiene students are also active in rotations at the Harbin Clinic Medical Oncology Center, giving them the opportunity to interact with patients who are receiving treatment, primarily in the chemotherapy area of the clinic.

“We talk to patients about oral health and any problems they are experiencing. We hand out extra-soft toothbrushes, pamphlets, and products for dry mouth,” Gupta said. “Students have the opportunity to learn through this service-learning activity, gaining insight that will help them care for their own patients after graduation.  The patients at Harbin in turn receive support and guidance with their oral health at a time when they are vulnerable to oral health problems related to cancer treatment.”

But not every trip out of the classroom has dental hygiene students polishing their skills. Professors also make time in the semester for students to visit the Capitol to meet with the Georgia Dental Hygienist’s Association, learn about new related legislation, and meet their legislators.

“We are very passionate at GHC about providing preventive oral health care in our communities and about teaching our students to do the same,” Gupta said. “We hope that our students discover a passion for volunteering within their future profession, as well.”

Georgia Highlands College has appointed Julius Fleschner as the new Dean of Libraries and College Testing. Fleschner will oversee all of GHC’s libraries which are open to students and the public in Cartersville, Douglasville, Paulding and Rome.

Between 2015 and 2016, GHC’s libraries had a combined total of over 250,000 visits. And the library faculty taught 239 librarian instruction classes for over 5,500 students.

Fleschner will also be in charge of College Testing.

Fleschner’s hometown is Merrick, New York. He has a master’s in library and information science and a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of South Florida. He previously worked as the Director of Library and Information Services at Briar Cliff University, where he led the Bishop Mueller Library.

Some of his previous work includes creating new mission and vision statements for the library, re-branding the library, launching student-based technology and research mentor programs, creating a “maker space,” promoting library services through a campus-wide celebration of scholarship, as well as reshaping the collections.

He previously served as Chairman of the Iowa Private Academic Libraries Consortium

Fleschner said he is most excited about working with students at GHC.

“I feel incredibly grateful and humbled to join GHC. The librarians here are extremely talented, dedicated and student focused,” he said. “I was a first-generation college student and started my education at a college similar to GHC. A great library, caring faculty and associate degree opened the door for me to be successful. This is a prime opportunity to give back and contribute the next generation of leaders.”

Along with working with students, Flescner said he plans to set a few goals for the library, including adding new and emerging technologies, serve as a bridge between student success initiatives and traditional academic excellence, create compelling programming to excite students about learning and visiting a library, and systematically introduce information literacy across the curriculum.

Learn more about GHC libraries by visiting: http://getlibraryhelp.highlands.edu/home/about

Georgia Highlands College has partnered with the University of West Georgia to jointly offer students in Douglasville the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations.

The new mass communications degree partnership begins fall 2018 and offers students two years with GHC and another two years with UWG.

After completing their Associate of Arts Communication Pathway degree at GHC, students can continue their journey to becoming a public relations professional by transferring to UWG and completing a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations.

The first two years can be completed entirely at GHC’s Douglasville site, including classes on campus or online. For the second two years, UWG will offer select courses at GHC’s Douglasville site and others at the UWG main campus in Carrollton.

The core classes at GHC will offer a broad introduction to college-level learning in history, math, and science, as well as a focus on written and verbal communication. Students will gain practical experience in the foundational ideas and theories necessary to understand the multitude of messages in day-to-day life and build toward a specialization in public relations.

The second half of the mass communication degree with UWG will teach students how to strategically manage communication for businesses and organizations. Through sequenced study and working first-hand with clients, students will learn and practice the theory and art of public relations communication, research, policy-making, problem-solving, and creative and analytical decision-making.

Students will also have an opportunity to develop a portfolio and professional network through UWG’s student-managed public relations firm as well as through various internships.

“Digital natives are accustomed to the modern open relationship between the public and local, regional, and national brands,” said GHC Assistant Professor of Communication Steve Stuglin. “The GHC-UWG partnership program in Public Relations provides a path for students that want to build a hands-on career improving those relationships, while helping businesses perform better or helping non-profit organizations to better advocate for prosocial causes.”

Students may apply for this pathway through GHC and UWG today by visiting: highlands.edu

A breakdown of the program:

Years 1 & 2 – Georgia Highlands College

Complete requirements for Associate of Arts in Communication Pathway, and earn a C or higher in ENGL 1101; ENGL 1102; COMM 1110; COMM 2230; and COMM 2254.

Years 3 & 4 – University of West Georgia

Complete requirements for Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications – Public Relations Concentration.

Transfer Requirements

• 30 transferrable hours or an associate degree
• Cumulative grade point average of 2.00 on all attempted transferrable coursework
• Ability to prove English, math, and reading proficiency

Completion of the Associate of Art Communication Pathway degree at GHC does not guarantee admission to UWG.

For information about admission to GHC and this program, contact Amina Blackmon at 678-872-4225 or amblackm@highlands.edu.

Nearly 80 students from across all Georgia Highlands College’s locations came together on April 13 to compete in the eighth annual GHC Public Speaking Competition at the Cartersville location. It was a record number of student competitors this year with a total of 78.

The event invites GHC students to prepare and deliver a persuasive speech to an audience of fellow students, faculty, family and friends. Many students learn basic public address theory and practice in GHC’s Human Communication courses or Public Speaking courses.

It is an opportunity for students to demonstrate speech preparation, verbal style, physical delivery and to build experience in front of unfamiliar audiences.

“This competition provides students with invaluable experience. The ability to write, practice, and deliver a strong public speech for an unfamiliar audience is crucial to succeeding in most career paths,” said Event Director and Assistant Professor of Communication Steve Stuglin.

“Additionally,” he added, “this process helps students learn the value of research to a well-informed argument, and the importance of meeting an audience on common ground as a prerequisite of persuasion. These skills will serve the students in personal and civic life as well as in the workplace.”

This year’s winner was Joshua Mabry, a 21-year-old communication major from the Floyd campus, who gave a speech about limiting time spent on electronic devices.

Finalists:

Logan Maddox (2^nd)

William Evans (3^rd)

Javier Camacho (4^th)

Riley Rule (5^th).

Semifinalists Shayla Neufeld, Javier Camacho, Jacob Faile, Elijah Glick, and Logan Maddox were chosen by student judges for the “Values Award,” which recognizes speeches and speakers that best represent GHC’s shared values of inclusiveness and freedom of expression.

Thirty semifinalists received GHC t-shirts and sunglasses for making it into the second round of the event.

For more information on the event: https://sites.highlands.edu/division-of-humanities/speech-competition-info/

More pictures: https://www.flickr.com/photos/georgiahighlands/sets/72157667875113878

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw68trX4XFBAmzuM4teUb3qm2qk_YZ5n9

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This event is proudly sponsored by the Rome Area Council for the Arts, as well as Follett Bookstore Management, GHC Brother 2 Brother, GHC Student Life, and GHC CETL.

Georgia Highlands College will be hosting a two-hour event on learning, hip-hop culture and the art of freestyle rap at its Cartersville location on April 18^th from 2PM to 4:15PM in the Student Center.

Starting at 2PM, GHC will host Soul Food Cypher, an Atlanta-based group who aims to provide “cultural events that create a place for positive social interactions, using the arts and shared neighborhood spaces as a cultural bridge through the use of hip-hop and the craft of freestyle lyricism.”

“We are an organization that showcases the positive aspects of rap through our cypher events, membership program, and community outreach,” the group stated. “Our aim is to provide Atlanta’s lyricist (rappers) community with a safe and nurturing environment where their voice and artistry can grow. In addition, we look to solidify the art of freestyling as a genuine aesthetic to the wider artistic community and carry this rich tradition to the next generation.”

Soul Food Cypher will be conducting an interactive performance that uses audience participation to create freestyle raps.

At 3PM, GHC will have speaker Bettina Love, also known as Dr. Love, who is an award-winning author and an associate professor at the University of Georgia.

Love will be talking about how hip-hop culture and academic success go hand-in-hand.

Her research focuses on the ways in which urban youth negotiate hip-hop music and culture to form social, cultural and political identities to create new and sustaining ways of thinking about urban education and social justice. Love is focused on transforming urban classrooms through the use of non-traditional educational curricula and classroom structures.

“This event has applicable learning outcomes across a number of academic areas, including history, education, art, communications, psychology, sociology, political science, business, marketing, public relations, English, journalism, and more,” said event organizer and GHC Associate Professor Sean Callahan. “Events like this are important because they showcase the ways hip-hop can be used to support academic success.  Students can explore the musical, cultural, social, political, psychological, and historical aspects of hip-hop as topics for class assignments. In addition, this particular event supports Complete College Georgia’s Momentum Year initiative, as co-cognitive skills, like grit, will be a primary focus of the lecture.”

This event will be livestreamed to the each GHC instructional sites and is open to students, staff and faculty in the University System of Georgia.

For more information on Soul Food Cypher: http://www.soulfoodcypher.com/about/

For more information on Bettina Love: http://www.bettinalove.com/about/

With an average attendance of over 200 people, GHC continues its annual Military Family Fun Day set for April 21^st starting at 10AM and ending at 1PM on the Floyd Campus. The event is free and open to the public and hosts over 15 vendors and a 20-piece military band.

The event is a partnership between GHC and the Student Veterans of America.

New this year will be representatives from the Wounded Warrior Project. The WWP serves veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound, co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001 and their families.

“Georgia Highlands College wants to make sure we take time to show appreciation to our military students, as well as their families,” said Veterans Affairs Coordinator Amy Wise.

The event—which includes free food, door prizes, Bingo, a bounce house, and much more—is also open to the public, Wise said. Additionally, the Veterans Crisis center, Atlanta VA Medical, and the VA mobile vet center will also be in attendance.

“This is also a wonderful opportunity to invite military families from the community on campus to meet our student veterans and other military families in the community they may not already know,” she said.

For more information, please contact event organizers at: va@highlands.edu

IF YOU GO

WHO: Georgia Highlands College

WHAT: Military Family Fun Day

WHEN: April 21 from 10AM to 1PM

WHERE: GHC Floyd Campus, ROME

Georgia Highlands College’s students now have access to year-round Pell Grant funds starting this summer.

Before the change, students could only receive the Pell financial aid for fall and spring semesters, GHC’s Director of Financial Aid Donna Childres explained. Now, students can attend the summer semester and receive additional Pell funding.

For example, if a student’s “expected family contribution (EFC)” is $0 as determined by filling out the FAFSA, then that student could expect to receive $2,960 for fall and $2,960 for spring while taking 12 or more credit hours each time. If that same student enrolled for at least 6 credit hours in the summer, they could receive another $2,960.

Childres stated this is one of the best forms of financial aid for qualified students.

“Pell is grant money that does not have to be paid back,” she said. “The benefits of having year-round Pell means more students can take summer classes and have part or all of that tuition cost covered and be able to graduate sooner.”

Currently, GHC students can take 15 or more credit hours (in-state) for a total cost of $1,922 (tuition and fees). If a student were to take 6 credit hours (in-state) for the summer, the total cost would be $1,088.02 (tuition and fees).

In order to take summer classes at GHC, students will need to apply at: highlands.edu

The deadline to apply for summer classes is May 15.

To receive the Pell Grant for summer, students will need to additionally have a current FAFSA on file with GHC, which can be completed at FAFSA.ed.gov and then complete the Summer Aid application found at: https://sites.highlands.edu/financial-aid/summer-aid-request/

For a full breakdown of GHC’s tuition and fees, please visit: https://www.highlands.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Tuition-and-Fees-2017-2018.pdf

GHC also hosts a series of free workshops called “First Friday FAFSA.”

The workshops are designed to educate about and promote the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Workshops are free and open to the public.

Attendees will learn more about Federal Student Aid, which is responsible for managing the student financial assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. These programs provide grants, loans and work-study funds to students attending college or career school.

Workshops will take place the first Friday of each month at each GHC location until the end of the year: April 6, May 4, June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 2, December 7.

All events are from 9AM to 11AM.

If you have further questions about what to bring or have more questions about the Pell Grant, you may contact GHC’s financial aid office at: finaid@highlands.edu

To reserve your space in one of the upcoming free FAFSA workshops, please visit: https://sites.highlands.edu/forms/fafsa/fafsa-days/