THE HAWK`S EYE - South Georgia State College

THE HAWK’S EYE
on South Georgia State College
A publication of the Office of External Affairs
March 2015
SGSC partners with tutor.com
Making strides toward the goals of
Complete College Georgia, SGSC’s
Academic Support Center is
undergoing a revamp and launching
a new way to get students the
tutoring help they need.
As a free website to students,
tutor.com gives access to a great
wealth of resources. Students
can upload a paper and receive
editing suggestions the next
day. They can get general help
on a particular topic as well
as help with specific problems
where they may have
questions. By accessing tutor.
com as an external learning tool
through their GeorgiaView
account, students can have
access to help outside of
conventional hours.
During the fall 2014 semester, faculty
members helped test the site to
ensure ease of access and accuracy
from the online tutors. The
information sessions and webinars
were well attended, and many faculty
expressed their excitement at
offering another resource aimed at
helping their students succeed.
Though still in the early stages of
launch, tutor.com has proven
tentatively successful. So far, 279
students have logged time on the site
in order to get homework help. tutor.
com’s tracking system allows for data
collection on how the site is used at
a particular school. At an instructor’s
request, the Director of Academic
Support, Amber Wheeler, can
determine which students have
utilized the site, and that data can be
used to coordinate with the
instructor to further help students
who are in need and track their
progress over the course of the
semester.
“I’m thankful for the support the
faculty has shown the Academic
Support Center and in the planning
and launching of tutor.com. Their
feedback has been essential to
determine the future of the ASC. The
suggestions provided on the survey
last semester are helping decide how
the ASC will help meet the needs of
our students. I’m hoping to continue
that good relationship in order to
help form an even stronger support
system for our students,” said Mrs.
Wheeler.
For students who prefer
face-to-face peer tutoring,
SGSC’s three on-campus
locations and thirteen tutors are
the best option. On the Douglas
Campus, the ASC is located in
Powell 216 and is open Monday
through Thursday from 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m. The STEM Center is
located in Stubbs 125 and is
open Monday through Thursday
from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. On the
Waycross Campus, the ASC is
located in room 148A in the Dye
Building and is open Monday through
Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In
addition to the permanent ASC
locations, tutoring is also offered on
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 p.m.
to 9 p.m. in the Tiger II classroom in
Douglas.
Spring 2015 Commencement
DOUGLAS CAMPUS
Thursday, May 7 • 9:00 a.m.
Peterson Hall Lawn
WAYCROSS CAMPUS
Friday, May 8 • 7:00 p.m.
Gymnasium
Commencement Address:
Chris Clark, President/CEO
Georgia Chamber of Commerce
Commencement Address:
Sen. Tyler Harper
Georgia Senate, District 7
Quiz Team earns record wins at nationals
THE PRESIDENT’S
Note
I am humbled and appreciative when I reflect on
the incredible workload and task lists many of
our employees have embraced over the past two
months. Most of all, I am grateful that all of these
efforts will help our students.
As you’ll read in this issue, the new tutoring
opportunities will help with retention and
Complete College Georgia program goals. Plus,
student involvement activities such as the Quiz
Team and AAMI’s participation in the recent
Okefenokee Occasion in Atlanta provide
enrichment opportunities to help our students
build their potential for future success. While
the Accreditation Commission for Education in
Nursing (ACEN) and the SACSCOC accreditation
reports are required, they, too, help us strengthen
our academic programs and enhance student
learning, which is the core mission of the College.
Hats off to the many folks involved in various
recruiting activities this spring. For example, four
events this semester will give over 400 students
the opporutnity to visit SGSC. This is all to the
good, and I salute each of you!
Lastly, I want to give a shout out to our athletics
teams - in particular swimming and basketball
- that have competed in postseason play this
month. I applaud the coaches and the student
athletes for their dedication to their respective
sports and to their academic work. Go Hawks!!!
Regards,
SGSC’s Quiz Team competed in the
National Competition for Two Year
Schools and finished with a record of five
wins and six losses. The overall record
placed the team twelfth out of the
twenty-four teams invited. Although this
will be the end of the season, a
middle-of-the-pack finish at a tournament
of the top two-year schools in the nation is
an astounding accomplishment.
This year’s nationally-ranked team
includes: Chris Coleman, Jacob Kirkland,
Reed Harper, April Brauda, LaDasha
Minor, and Rose Nguyen. Additional
recognition goes to Chris Coleman for
placing fifth overall in the individual
achievements.
The team is currently recruiting members
for next year and continues to practice in
hopes of besting its own record at next
year’s nationals. If you know a student
who would be well-suited for the SGSC
Quiz Team, please contact Dr. Frank
Holiwski at [email protected].
Front row (L-R): Dr. Frank
Holiwski, Rose Nguyen, and
LaDasha Minor. Second
Row (L-R): Chris Coleman
and Reed Harper. Third
Row (L-R): April Brauda and
Jacob Kirkland.
SGSC’s AAMI guests at
Okefenokee Occasion
(L-R): SGSC Career Advisor Stanley
Sinkfield, SGSC President
Dr. Virginia Carson, William Miller,
Quinton Cummings, DeMarcus
Wallace, and Logan Carpenter
Members of SGSC’s African American Male Initiative were guests at
this year’s Okefenokee Occasion, an event in Atlanta hosted by
local governments and business leaders from thirteen South
Georgia counties, including Coffee and Ware. The men of the AAMI
were part of the greeting party to welcome guests to the event,
which allowed them to meet the dignitaries and public officials in
attendance.
The AAMI is a project of the University System of Georgia. The
students comprising the group are a select few who receive
personalized attention and guidance in order to successfully attend
and graduate from college.
“The AAMI is a vital part of campus life at SGSC,” said Dr. Carson,
who was also in attendance at the event. “These young men will
be able to take the experiences they had, as well as what they’ve
learned from their mentors in the program, and become
well-rounded individuals capable of succeeding in whatever they
choose to pursue in the future. We’re proud of what they’ve
accomplished so far and eagerly await when they, in turn, invite the
next generation of AAMI to be their guests at future events.”
The Hawk’s Eye • March 2015 • 2
Nursing faculty receive high honors
Clement
Musgrove
The Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society has selected SGSC’s Associate Professor of Nursing Bobby Jean
Musgrove for membership in the local chapter at the University of Alabama. The Society has also selected
Associate Professors of Nursing Susan Clement and Jaime Carter for membership in the local chapter at the
University of West Georgia.
“This leadership and excellence that DEI seeks out is what makes Bobby Jean Musgrove, Susan Clement, and
Jaime Carter invaluable members of the SGSC family in general and the School of Nursing in particular,” said Dr.
Scott Thigpen, Dean of SGSC’s School of Nursing. “They show their dedication to furthering their education and
those of the students they’ll teach in going above and beyond and being among the elite in academic honors.”
Delta Epsilon Iota was established in order to recognize and encourage academic excellence in all fields of study.
The organization rewards outstanding students through financial scholarships and leadership opportunities for its
members and also promotes the principles of dedication, enthusiasm, and initiative among students participating in
higher education throughout the United States.
Nursing
Carter
Students qualify on the basis of academic achievement. Prospective members must have completed a minimum of
30 semester hours at an accredited college or university while maintaining a 3.30 cumulative grade point average or
a scholastic ranking within the top 15% of their class.
Delta Epsilon Iota’s membership is comprised of outstanding scholars attending many of the finest colleges and
universities in the country.
Hartley, Jacobs receive doctorate degrees
Dr. Dale Hartley (left), chair of SGSC’s Division of Business and Social
Sciences, has received his Ph.D. from Capella University in Industrial and
Organizational Psychology. Dr. Hartley’s dissertation research focused on
problem patrons in public libraries and the training received in Masters in
Library Science programs related to this issue. In addition, Dr.
Hartley submitted a paper to the International Journal of Arts and Sciences
Conference related to his dissertation and was accepted by reviewers in a
double-blind process to present at the conference in May on the campus
of Harvard University.
Dr. Angela Jacobs (right), earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice
from Georgia College, adding prestige to the already excellent caliber
of SGSC’s nursing faculty. Dr. Jacobs graduated on Dec. 13, 2014 and
brings her newly-awarded title to SGSC’s Douglas Campus this spring
semester, teaching classes and instilling her passion for nursing to her
students.
Congratulations, Dr. Hartley and Dr. Jacobs!
The
SGSC hosts 2015 Science Fair
On Friday, Feb. 6, SGSC hosted the annual science fair. Students in grades 4-12 from Appling, Atkinson, Brantley, Charlton, Coffee,
Echols, Pierce, and Ware counties put their scientific endeavors on display to be scrutinized by a panel of local judges. The judges
critiqued the projects anonymously based on factors like presentation and originality in addition to
scientific merit.
The big winner for fourth grade was Tanner Murray of Dr. Debbie Gowen’s class at Bethune
Middle School for his project entitled “What Floats Your Boat?” First place for fifth grade (top left
photo with SGSC’s Dr. Dean Thornton) was Landon Carver of Ms. Carla Chesser’s Nahunta
Elementary School class for his project, “Do My Eyes Deceive Me?”
In the Junior Division, first place for Physical Science was awarded to sixth grader Stokes Gowan
from Dr. Debbie Gowan’s Bethune Middle School science class for his project entitled
“Evaporation is Cool!” In Life Science, first place was awarded to eighth grader Caroline Morris
from Karen Swain’s Ware County Middle School class for her project entitled “MEMORY
(Mnemonics Enhance Memory, Organization, Recall, and Yourself).”
In the Senior Division, first place for Physical Science went to seniors Sydney Herrington and Jason Vickers of Ashley Vickers’
Coffee High School science class for their project, “What’s in Eyewash Water at Coffee High School?” First place for Life Science
was awarded to senior Hannah Roberts of Ashley Vickers’ Coffee High School class for her
project, “Storage of Beef Cattle Fecal Samples.”
Second Grand Prize overall in the Junior and Senior divisions went to eighth grader Carsen
Morris of Karen Swain’s Appling County Middle School class for his project, “Diamonds in the
Rough.” First Grand Prize overall (bottom left photo with SGSC’s Dr. Robert Page), which
included a ribbon, trophy, and $1000 scholarship to South Georgia State College courtesy of
the SGSC and Dye Foundations, was awarded to seniors John Barnhill and Kristaps Berzinch
of Amanda Bridges’ Ware County High School class for their team project, “Recycling
Computers for Distributed Protein Folding Simulations.”
For a complete photographic list of all winners from the Science Fair, please visit SGSC’s
Facebook page at www.facebook.com/southgeorgiastatecollege.
Lightfoot presentation well received
Dr. Robert Lightfoot, associate
professor of criminal justice/sociology
at SGSC, recently made a presentation
on colonization at the Tennessee Valley
Interstellar Workshop in Oak Ridge,
Tenn.
“If we go to Mars, Jupiter, or Saturn, we
better make sure we have everything
in order,” said Lightfoot. “This includes
who’s in charge, making sure there are
enough supplies, and other necessary things.”
To support his point, Lightfoot cited historical evidence of
failed colonization attempts dating back to the early 16th
century. He said his presentation was “enthusiastically
received” and generated many questions and much
discussion. Les Johnson, workshop coordinator, confirmed
Lightfoot’s assessment.
“Dr. Lightfoot’s presentation gave workshop participants
something to think about as we contemplated hypothetical
first-contact situations that may arise as we extend our
exploration beyond the solar system and toward the nearby
stars,” he said.
SGSC hosts annual PROBE Fair
Over 450 area high school
students had the
opportunity to meet with
representatives from 39
colleges and universities
when the PROBE Fair
made its annual visit to
South Georgia State
College’s Waycross
Campus. Sponsored by the Georgia Education Articulation
Committee, PROBE Fairs are scheduled each fall throughout
the state of Georgia. The fairs give high school and college
students the chance to obtain information from various
post-secondary institutions. Nikolaos Hutto (left), SGSC’s
lead recruiter, spoke with many students at SGSC’s table
during the event. The high schools that participated in this
year’s fair were from Appling County, Atkinson County,
Brantley County, Coffee County, Long County, Southside
Christian, and Ware County.
The Hawk’s Eye • March 2015 • 4
?
?
?
??
Getting to
KNOW
DANIEL WARREN
? ?
?
??
AMBER WHEELER
Job title: Director of Facilities
(formerly Assistant Director of Facilities)
Job title: Academic Support Director
Years employed at SGSC: 9 years
What do you like most about working at SGSC?
“I feel like I’m home. Everyone is so nice and
welcoming. It’s wonderful to be back in a small town
that boasts real southern hospitality.”
What do you like most about working at SGSC?
“Being able to upgrade our facilities and having a
staff that will assist on any project.”
Years employed at SGSC: 1.5 years
Hometown: “Alma, Georgia. I moved away for 10
years, and I’m happy to be home again.”
Hometown: Americus, Georgia
Family Info: “I am honored to be married to my
husband, Jim, since 2008 and so blessed to have a
beautiful, two-year-old daughter named Azalee.”
Family Info: Tiffany (Wife), Sadie (2-year old daughter),
Max (due March 27)
Any pets? “No, but I hope to rescue a dog when we
install our fence this year!”
Any pets? American Bulldog named “Champ” (after
Champ Bailey)
Favorite restaurant/food: “I have to recommend
Elements in Lyons, Georgia as well as Tangerine
Asian Fusion in Savannah. Otherwise, I love my
mom’s oven-roasted summer vegetables and
homemade Rice Krispy Treats.”
Favorite restaurant/food: Five Guys and hot wings
Ideal or dream vacation: Deep sea fishing off the coast
of Cabo San Lucas
Favorite singer/group: “The singer would be Dave
Mathews. The group would be Journey.”
Favorite TV show: Duck Dynasty
If you could have one occupation other than your current
job, what would it be? Fishing or hunting guide
Hidden talent: Hoot like a barn owl
Ideal or dream vacation: “I went to Washington, DC in
sixth grade; I would like to return now that I have a
different perspective and deep appreciation for this
country.”
Favorite singer/group: “I enjoyed playing piano and
other instruments growing up, so I have a wide range
of music I enjoy. I always appreciate raw talent, but I
most consistently listen to the Rat Pack.”
Favorite TV show: Downton Abbey
If you could have one occupation other than your
current job, what would it be? “I think it would be fun to
be a food critic. I loved being the arts &
entertainment editor for my college newspaper, and
critiquing local food was the best part!”
Hidden talent: “I grew up helping my grandparents in
the garden; I still enjoy gardening today.”
The Hawk’s Eye • March 2015 • 5
WELCOME
TO SGSC!
(27-6)
(16-6, 5-0)
Mar 13
Mar 14
Mar 17
Mar 19
Mar 21
Mar 24
Mar 26
Mar 28
Mar 31
Apr 2
The men’s basketball team clinched its
first-ever GCAA regular season
championship Feb. 21 on the road
against Georgia Highlands. The
Hawks also clinched the top seed in
the GCAA Tournament, giving them
home court advantage. SGSC
defeated Central Georgia Tech in the
quarter finals and Atlanta Metro in
the semifinals. The championship
game was a back-and-forth affair with
Georgia Highlands pulling away in the
second half to defeat SGSC, 81-70.
Upcoming Schedule:
@ West Ga. Tech 6:00 pm
@ West Ga. Tech 1:00 pm
@ Darton State
6:00 pm
Darton State
6:00 pm
Darton State
1:00 pm
@ Andrew College 3:00 pm
Andrew College
7:00 pm
@ Andrew College 1:00 pm
@ ABAC
6:00 pm
ABAC
6:00 pm
Baseball
ARE YOU
READY
TO FLY?
SCHOOL OF NURSING
Linda Freeman
Lauren Thornton
(7-14)
DIVISION OF
BUSINESS &
SOCIAL SCIENCES
Maggie Jones-May
Upcoming Schedule:
Mar 13 @ West Ga. Tech 4 & 6 pm
Mar 14 @ Ga. Highlands 1 & 3 pm
Mar 17 Thomas Univ. (JV) 2 & 4 pm
Mar 19 @ Andrew College 2 & 4 pm
Mar 26 East Ga. State
2 & 4 pm
Mar 28 Gordon State
1 & 3 pm
12 & 2 pm
Apr 4 @ Darton State
Apr 9 Ga. Military College 2 & 4 pm
Apr 11 Georgia Perimeter 1 & 3 pm
Apr 16 @ ABAC
3 & 5 pm
Apr 23-26 GCAA Tournament
Softball
Basketball
The women’s swim team captured first
place at the GCAA Regional Meet,
while the men’s team finished second
in its category. The teams competed
in the NJCAA Swimming and Diving
Championship in Buffalo, N.Y. The
women’s team held on to fourth place
overall with 923.5 points, only 63.5
points behind the third place team.
The men’s team finished in fifth place
with 798 points overall, only 62 points
behind the fourth place team.
Swimming
Campus Events!
COMING SOON!
March 16-20
Spring Break
Preview Day
March 24 • 7:00 p.m.
Joe Chapman Concert
McGouirk Auditorium
April 3
Professional Development Day
April 7
Advisement Day for Summer/Fall
(No Classes)
Preview Day
April 7-8
Advance Registration for Summer/Fall
April 10
Elementary Science Olympiad
Waycross Campus
Waycross Campus Math Tournament
April 13
Honors Night
Douglas Campus
April 20
Honors Night
Waycross Campus
May 7 • 9:00 a.m.
Spring Commencement
Douglas Campus
Valentine’s Photo Booth
Valentine’s Photo Booth
May 8 • 7:00 p.m.
Spring Commencement
Waycross Campus
The Hawk’s Eye • March 2015 • 7