Georgia Highlands College brought home more awards collectively than any other institution in the University System of Georgia at the 2016 Chancellor’s Annual Service Excellence Awards at Georgia College in Milledgeville on Tuesday. GHC earned two Gold Awards, one Silver Award and a Bronze Award.

The Chancellor’s Service Excellence Awards recognize individuals, teams, leaders, ambassadors, process improvement projects, and institutions that have demonstrated outstanding, “above and beyond” service to the students, colleagues and other customers of the USG over the last year.

Among the 29 USG institutions, GHC received the following recognitions:

Library and College Testing won the Gold Award in the Outstanding Process Improvement: Increase Effectiveness and Efficiency award category for the College Testing Initiative.

This award recognizes teams, departments or divisions that designed and implemented process improvements or initiatives over the last year that significantly increased effectiveness and efficiency. Projects were considered on the basis of improved service times, improved quality of service, and the significance of the positive impact on their customers (students, colleagues, community). Interim Dean of Libraries and College Testing Susan Vines accepted the award on behalf of the Library and College Testing.

In its nomination narrative, the Library and College Testing was touted for integrating COMPASS testing and re-testing; offering the SAT on campus for potential students in the Move on When Ready program; implementing an online scheduling system to manage the process for over 20 proctors across six campus locations; and much more.

The GHC Quality Matters Initiative was awarded the Gold Student Improvement Initiative of the Year Award in the Outstanding Process Improvement: Increase Service to Students award category.

This award recognizes teams, departments or divisions that designed and implemented process improvements or initiatives over the last year that significantly improved service to students. Projects were considered on the basis of improved service times, improved quality of service, and the significance of the positive impact on their customers (students, colleagues, community). Quality Matters Initiative Project Leader Katie Bridges accepted the award on behalf of the team.

In its nomination narrative, the Quality Matters Initiative was touted for holding on campus sessions to train faculty members on the Quality Matters Rubric and increasing the number of Quality Matters trained full-time faculty to 76 percent and more.

Vice President for Human Resources Ginni Siler won the Bronze Award for Service Excellence – Outstanding Leader (Administrator level).

This award recognizes administrator-level employees who, through their extraordinary leadership over the last year, demonstrated outstanding service to students, colleagues and other customers of the USG, and promoted a workforce culture that fosters “above and beyond” service experiences.

In the nomination narrative, Siler was touted for organizing a college Wellness Campaign; working as the co-chair for the system-wide HR conference; coordinating the first “Share Your Story” program with GHC students and employees promoting diversity and marketing efforts; and much more.

The college as a whole under President Don Green won the Silver Award for Outstanding Institution of the Year and President.

This award recognizes an institution and president that demonstrated the highest commitment and performance levels in service excellence across the institution over the last year, including “Best Practice” accomplishments and employee activities that foster service excellence. Consideration was based on participation in programs and initiatives that resulted in service excellence improvements; performance measurements (e.g. Key Performance Indicators-KPIs, customer satisfaction survey results, and achievements as reported in their Service Excellence Improvement Plans or other reports. Winners were selected based on seven attributes of service excellence: RESPECTFUL, ACCESSIBLE, INFORMED, SUPPORTIVE, CULTURE OF COLLABORATION OR TEAMWORK, HIGH MORALE OF EMPLOYEES, ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE.

In the nomination narrative, the college and President Green were touted for adding two new four-year programs; having continuous increases in enrollment; holding one of the highest retention rates in the state for colleges in its sector; being listed as the “best value” for a two-year degree in the state by a federal report; and more.

At 18, Jacob Satterfield is already a published illustrator.

The freshman at Georgia Highlands College’s Cartersville campus drew the illustrations for “Be Kind Shouted the Mime” by Otter, a book that was released Monday by Yawn Publishing in Canton.

“This is the very first book I’ve ever illustrated,” Satterfield said, noting seeing his work in print is “exciting.” “I’ve never done something like this before. I do have to admit, I’m a bit nervous about how people are going to respond, but I’m excited to hear their feedback.”

Publisher Nadine Yawn said Satterfield’s illustrations are “very well-done and very effectively compliment the story.”

“Be Kind Shouted the Mime” focuses on Natasha and Yauheni, two strangers who meet on a trip to the laundromat and discover they are more similar than they initially thought. They also encounter various uniquely named people from different walks of life with a wide range of interests and learn they’re not that drastically different from them either.

“The book is about being kind, even when it’s not easy to be kind,” said Satterfield, who graduated from Georgia Connections Academy in May. “Does it cost anything to be kind? No. Do you have to go out of your way to be kind? No. Being kind is showing that you have a respect for this world and the living things that inhabit it.That’s what I think the author is trying to say.”

Illustrating a book wasn’t something the Canton resident sought out, but he did it “because I like taking risks.”

“I like living in the moment and having adventures,” he said.

“When opportunity comes my way, I’m not hesitant to open the door and see what’s behind. Illustrating a book just happened to come my way, and I wasn’t going to let it get away from me.”

Satterfield said Otter “came to me with his idea and wanted me to bring his story to life.”

“We’d been neighbors for a long time, and he knew of my hobby of drawing doodles, but I’d never thought that he’d come to me with this big opportunity,” he said. “When he first asked me if I would illustrate his book, I was skeptical of taking the job, but I’m happy and can’t wait for my next adventure.”

Satterfield, who turns 19 in January, said he had to draw “lots and lots” of illustrations for the book.

“There’s some that didn’t even make it into the book,” he said.

But his favorite drawing is the cover.

“I really wanted something attention-grabbing and puzzling,” he said. “So I took Otter’s title and made a contradicting illustration. A mime shooshing doesn’t really match the title of ‘Be Kind Shouted the Mime.’ Otter and I both agreed it was the best out of the other options I had and were very happy with it.”

The book “turned out great,” Satterfield said.

“I think the words really match the illustrations,” he said. “I was a bit nervous about it being my first time, but I’m truly happy with it. I’m really interested to hear what others are going to say about [it], especially the kids.”

Satterfield said he’s taking his core classes at GHC, where he’s majoring in art since the school doesn’t have a theater major yet.

Once he completes his core classes, he hopes to transfer to a university where he can pursue a degree in performing arts.

“My dream is to act in films or television, but I also might want to design logos for companies or sports teams,” he said.

“Be Kind Shouted the Mime” sells for $10.99 paperback and $21.99 hardcover and is available at Yawn’s Books & More at 2555 Marietta Highway, Suite 103, in Canton or online at www.yawnspublishing.com, www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com. The e-book also is available at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com.

AS SEEN IN THE DAILY TRIBUNE NEWS: http://daily-tribune.com/newsx/item/6481-new-book-illustrated-by-ghc-freshman

It’s a Sunday afternoon at the local Starbucks. GHC students have taken over the place. They’re working on their chemistry homework. And right in the center of it all is Assistant Professor of Chemistry Sarah Tesar helping them.

“I guess I just try to be as involved as I can, as they let me,” she said. “Chemistry is usually one of the most intimidating subjects and classes for college students. I try to be a mentor for students, and provide support and help where I can. I remember being a freshman in college and sometimes feeling like I had no idea what I was doing.”

She admits she can’t help but aid her students when they need it most—even if it’s over the weekend or by text.

It’s reasons like these that Tesar will be honored as a 2016 Cobb County Chamber of Commerce teacher of the year for Georgia Highlands College in October.

Tesar earned her bachelor’s in chemistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2006 and her doctorate in chemistry from Tulane University in 2012. Her doctorate research focused on theoretical physical/quantum chemistry.

“After my first semester as a teaching assistant, I knew that I wanted to teach–but I also knew I wanted to teach at a small school where teaching was the main focus,” she said.

Tesar started at GHC in 2013 and never looked back.

“I love the atmosphere,” she said. “I am constantly challenged by my students each semester.  I embrace the diversity of students at GHC, which provides me the opportunity to grow and develop my skills as an educator.”

Tesar explained she works hard to keep her classes from becoming stereotypical boring PowerPoint lectures. Her goal, she said, is to keep students actively engaged with terms and examples anyone can relate to.

“Often it is difficult for students to grasp chemistry concepts that are intangible, abstract or impossible to fathom in the macroscopic world,” she said. “So I try to come up with ways to explain chemistry that students can relate to and can visualize.”

Tesar listed a few examples you might see come up in her class on any given lesson: marriage and long distance relationships to explain bonding, tug of war to explain polarity, electronegativity and acid strength, an MLB pitcher to explain the difference between classical and quantum mechanical motion, and a sinking boat to explain chemical kinetics and equilibrium concepts.

“It might be a little unorthodox,” she said, “but students are engaged.”

“I suppose I am very passionate about my students learning, but I don’t believe that my sole purpose is to just teach the chemistry subject matter,” she went on. “I strive to teach my students problem solving, critical thinking and study skills on a broader level. These skills are essential for our students to succeed.”

Georgia Highland College was awarded a $1,000 education grant from the North American Native Fishes Association (NANFA). The Gerald C. Corcoran Education Grant is a highly competitive grant with only two projects awarded in 2016.

The grant money will go toward the Division of Science and Physical Education’s “Wetlands Experience.”

“This grant specifically provides funding to create informational signage around Paris Lake regarding the diversity of North Georgia’s freshwater habitats and the purchase of bathy scopes (used for underwater viewing of specimens) to enhance our Wetlands Experience program,” Associate Professor of Biology Veronica Morin said.

Morin explained GHC’s “Wetlands Experience” aims to provide local public school students the opportunity to explore wetland habitats and learn about wetland ecosystems and conservation.

“The NANFA grant will allow us to enrich our current program by placing informational signs on various aspects of freshwater ecosystems and the threat of invasive species around Paris Lake,” she said. “The reach of this grant extends far beyond the ‘Wetlands Experience,’ and will provide opportunities for everyone in the GHC community to learn interesting facts about freshwater habitats as they enjoy time spent around Paris Lake.”

Instructor of Biology Jason Christian worked with Morin to secure the grant. He stated the informational signage will add a nice touch to GHC’s already beautiful campus.

“The grant will help to enlighten any visitor to GHC’s wetlands on the biodiversity that can be found in their backyard,” he said.

The award was established in memory of past NANFA President Gerald C. Corcoran, who stressed public education regarding the continent’s native fishes. NANFA is an organization made up of home and professional aquarists, university and other professional researchers, conservationists, anglers and naturalists. As its name implies, the group is dedicated to the study and conservation of North America’s native fishes.

CAPTION: Students from Redbud Elementary School take advantage of Georgia Highlands College’s “Wetlands Experience.”

Georgia Highlands College is working with high schools and college and career academies throughout Northwest Georgia to offer students more accessible college courses while they are still in high school.

“Part of our access mission is to make courses available to students in a variety of formats and times to meet their needs,” Vice President for Student Affairs Todd Jones said. “Many of these students do not have the ability to commute to a campus and this format allows them to enroll in college without having any travel expenses.”

Academic Natural Sciences and Physical Education Dean Greg Ford stated having these satellite campus locations offers students who may not have access to one of GHC’s campuses the opportunity to participate in the Move On When Ready (MOWR) program at their local college and career academy.

“We are continually striving to offer a quality education to the residents in Northwest Georgia communities. Without this arrangement, many of these students who are academically prepared for this college experience would be limited by their access to a local college campus or the need to complete a blend of high school courses and MOWR college courses,” Ford said.

He added, “This will also allow students to continue in their extracurricular activities like sports and band, while earning college credits through this program. Also, because the MOWR program pays full tuition and book cost, there is a significant cost savings which benefits families in the region, as well.”

Currently GHC offers Chemistry 1211K and 1212K at the Bartow County College and Career Academy; Biology 2107K and 2108K at the Floyd County College and Career Academy; Spanish 1001 and Spanish 1002 at Trion High School; and seven courses at the Polk County College and Career Academy.

But Ford said this is just the beginning.

“The program has had a very strong start and we are already in talks with the current facilities to expand program offerings,” he said. “Also, through our five campuses, we are working with city and county school districts to expand programs across the region.”

Jones stated that although these classes are taking place in high schools and local college and career academies during regular high school hours, parents and students alike should understand the course load and instructors will be on a college level.

“The instructors that teach the courses are hired through the GHC online job portal and must meet the same qualifications as any instructor at GHC. The exams and work load are going to be significantly different from what they are accustomed to in high school,” he said. “Although these courses may be offered in a secondary school facility, these students know prior to the start of class that they are enrolled in a college course and need to come prepared to study on that level.”

Students wishing to participate in programs like these are encouraged to talk with the Admissions Counselor at their participating school for more information about signing up prior to GHC MOWR application deadlines. The deadline for Spring enrollment is November 1 and April 1 for Fall enrollment.

Jones explained that a GHC MOWR committee has been formed to continue expanding the programs to other schools throughout Northwest Georgia.

Picture taken by the Bartow County School District at the Bartow County College and Career Academy.

Georgia Highlands College recently found itself ranked once again amongst the best in the nation. The men’s basketball team was ranked number two in the NJCAA by the SportingNews preseason JUCO poll.

The 2016 report touted GHC for a powerhouse season last year, noting 33 consecutive wins and a consistent No. 2 ranking in the NJCAA polls.

The team had only two losses last year. One was at the start of the season, and the second happened during the team’s NJCAA national tournament run. The Chargers ended the season in the Elite Eight.

SportingNews said there is a lot to expect from GHC this year with the return of Ty’lik Evans (14.9 ppg, 5.0 apg) and Kyvon Davenport (14.3 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 2.6 bpg), in addition to some impact Division 1 transfers including high-scoring Ty Cockfield (ex-Stetson), D’Andre Bernard (North Florida), Rico Bonds (South Carolina State) and Donovan Ham (Texas Tech).

Davenport was also named one of the JUCO Super Sophs for 2016.

Athletic Director and Head Coach Phil Gaffney says he is looking to answer the hype with solid results.

Gaffney said the Chargers have all the potential they need to three-peat as regional champions and could be a force to be reckoned with at the next NJCAA national tournament.

“We have the most talent and the most depth of any team I have ever coached. If we stay healthy we can make a serious run for a title,” said Gaffney.

For more news on the men’s basketball team and Charger athletics, please visit: http://ghcchargers.com

On November 3, Georgia Highlands College will be holding a Fall Expo at the Douglasville site 4-7 p.m. GHC President Don Green said this is the perfect opportunity for future students, parents, businesses, community members and other potential partners of the college to come see what GHC is all about.

“GHC’s faculty and staff strive to remain actively involved and attentive to the needs of the communities we serve,” said Green. “We never want to become an insular college. GHC succeeds when our students succeed, and that happens when there is a strong partnership with GHC and our communities. It’s this togetherness of college and community that will continue to benefit the students and future workforce of Northwest Georgia beyond anything else.”

Green stated he will enjoy this opportunity to personally meet and greet those in the Douglasville area at the GHC site and to introduce the new Douglasville campus dean, as well as admissions officers, college leadership and more.

The event will also include light refreshments, a chance to win a number of door prizes, and many faculty and staff members on hand to answer questions, help navigate the admissions/financial aid process and provide information about the many opportunities GHC has to offer.

“GHC is full of fun, friendly and familiar faces. Our students love to say how GHC feels like home to them and how the faculty and staff treat them like family,” Green said. “Holding a community reception like this one allows us the opportunity to show those who may not be taking classes everyday that same dedication GHC shows its students on a daily basis.”

Green noted that due to the recent closure of ITT Technical Institute in Douglasville there have been a number of questions surrounding students who have been affected, and he stated that GHC is ready to work with those students to see what options are available, should they wish to attend GHC. The GHC Registrar Sandie Davis will be on hand to answer those questions, as well as serve as the primary point of contact for ITT students who may have further questions moving forward.

“GHC works hard to be the most affordable, high-quality University System of Georgia degree option in Northwest Georgia with an associate degree for less than $8,000,” Green said, “and it will be wonderful to give the Douglasville community a chance to see more of GHC and learn more about what GHC offers its students and communities alike.”

This GHC Fall Expo is free and open to the public. Please, however, RSVP if you wish to attend for GHC’s planning purposes. To RSVP, please visit forms.highlands.edu/douglasville. For more information about the event, please call the Douglasville site at 678.872.4200.

If you are a student from ITT Technical Institute with questions pertaining to attending GHC and are unable to attend the Fall Expo on November 3, please contact GHC Registrar Sandie Davis at: registrar@highlands.edu

Georgia Highlands College has selected two new members to the Cobb Education Consortium (CEC) 2016-2018 Leadership Academy.

Representing Georgia Highlands College for 2016-2018 are Amy Wise, veterans affairs coordinator, from the Cartersville site and Lynzee Patrick, enrollment management specialist, from the Marietta site.

They join current GHC representatives from the 2015-2017 class, Travice Baldwin Obas, professor of communication (GHC Faculty Representative), and Jillian Petro, advisor, (GHC Staff Representative), both from the Cartersville site.

Participants in the CEC Leadership Academy are chosen at the institutional level, usually through a competitive process. The leadership academy prepares employees at member institutions for greater leadership roles in the community and the institution.

The first academy year provides participants the opportunity to network and experience a variety of seminars and presentations, retreats, school visits, governmental activities, guided readings and interaction with the CEOs. During the second year, members tackle a community based group project under the guidance of a committee of specialists, designed to further their professionalism and expertise.

The CEC consortium is composed of public educational entities in Cobb County, Georgia: Chattahoochee Technical College, Cobb County School District, Georgia Highlands College, Kennesaw State University, and Marietta City Schools. These CEC members enroll over 140,000 students from throughout their service areas.

For nearly 25 years, the CEC has been dedicated to improving the quality of education among its member institutions. The consortium is a unique, solution-based collaborative with the participating schools, colleges and universities working together unselfishly for the benefit of their students.

Cobb Education Consortium website: http://www.cobb-ed-consortium.org/

Brianna Stoddard walks to her door with a parrot on her shoulder. The blue and gold Macaw inches along Brianna’s arm, sidestepping to her hand. Brianna tells BB to say, “Hi.” The parrot’s head cocks from side to side. Its gold chest feathers rise a little and it shakes off with its long blue wings. BB remains quiet, though.

Inside, one of BB’s fellow Papayago Rescue House rehabilitated Macaws isn’t shy. From its cage, it calls, “Hello.” And if you ignore the introduction, but somehow make eye contact, BB’s friend repeats a little louder, “Hello.”

All along Brianna’s house are large cages for birds like BB.

Thirty-two birds. Three sanctuaries. Sized from finches to a hawk. Brianna has been rescuing birds since 2014, when she helped found Papayago Rescue House.

“I’ve had birds since I was a little girl,” she said. “We started with 16. There’s not many rescues for birds in Georgia. We saw the need for us to step in, because birds like BB need our help.”

Brianna explained that BB is a 35-year-old parrot and will go on to live until 70 or 80. Many birds like BB will have a very long life, she went on, and most of the time the bird’s living situation will not be consistent over its lifetime, causing problems with the bird’s behavior.

Brianna said that BB was in that same situation and when BB arrived in their care, the parrot was clearly on a poor diet and was beginning to pluck out all its feathers.

“First we try to see if there is a problem we can help the current owner address, because we want to help educate people about birds,” she said. “A lot of people contact us with problems that can be fixed with training, then if the person still wants to surrender the bird, we then take the bird in, bring it here, and put it through a 30-day quarantine period. Then we begin to rehabilitate the bird.”

One of the best parts of the process, though, Brianna added, is finding the bird a great, new home. Last year, Papayago Rescue House helped 15 birds become adopted. Almost 100 birds have been rescued to date.

It’s probably no surprise that Brianna is planning on becoming a veterinarian with a specialization in avian medicine, but she said she has wanted to be a veterinarian since she was six years old and she’s proud to have made her start at Georgia Highlands College.

“GHC has really given me a chance to make a lot of great connections. I love how one-on-one it is. The school provides so many different opportunities,” she said, “and it has helped give me the education I need to move forward.”

After completing her Associate of Science in Biology, Brianna is looking forward to completing her bachelor’s and then applying to veterinarian school in the next two to three years.

To learn more about Brianna’s rescue program, please visit: http://papayagorescuehouse.org/